Drinks and Dining

Auckland’s dining and drinking scene can rival any of the world’s culinary capitals. The constantly evolving array of eateries and bars will keep you on your toes, and there’s always a new hit spot to sample. Head to the Viaduct, by the water, for casual pubs and bistros by day and a lively atmosphere by night. Britomart offers more excellent choices, with authentic Japanese cocktail and dumpling bars, exquisite seafood restaurants, and trendy bars along Roukai Lane. Federal Street offers yet more options, with a New York deli, Korean barbecue, steakhouses, and fine dining to enjoy. For a real special experience — and spectacular views — head up the Sky Tower.

High Street and Lorne Street are also excellent dining destinations, and the top of Queen Street boasts an array of cheap and cheerful options. Karangahape Road is known for its Indian street food, authentic Lebanese joints, and hip underground clubs and bars. If you need more options, explore the surrounding neighborhoods — Ponsonby Road has plenty of hip and delicious hotspots — while the suburbs, such as Parnell, Uptown, Grey Lynn, Mount Eden, Kingsland, and Newmarket, each have their own fun dining scenes.

For Asian cuisine, Balmoral and Dominion Road can’t be beat. Here you’ll find a wealth of Chinese cuisines, as well as authentic Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese eateries serving everything from dumplings to bao to hand-pulled noodles to ramen. For Indian, Sri Lankan, and other South Asian specialties, head to Sandringham.

Auckland has many excellent food tours, where an expert will take you to hidden gems and help you make sense of it all. You can even take a ferry to Waiheke for a day of wine sampling and gorgeous views, while Auckland’s main wine district lies to the west.

Coffee-lovers will be especially happy here, and brunch aficionados will be equally pleased. Britomart, High Street, and Lorne Street are known for their cafes, while Ponsonsby, Grey Lynn, and Kingsland aren’t far behind.

For recommendations, simply let our concierge team know what you’re looking for, and they’ll take care of the rest.