Surrounded by the ocean, supported by a vast local agricultural industry, and influenced by food trends from all over the world, Auckland is a veritable foodie’s paradise.
There’s no shortage of fresh produce, world-class ingredients, or passionate chefs in the City of Sails, so come hungry, and pick up your car rental at Auckland Airport as soon as you arrive so you can visit as many wonderful restaurants as possible.
Here are just some of the good places to eat in Auckland.
Image: Ed Kruger (Own work), CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Restaurants in the Auckland Viaduct
The Auckland Viaduct is a major hotspot in the city. There’s always something going on, and there are countless bars and restaurants lining this area along the waterfront. Here are some of the Viaduct’s best eateries:
- Oyster and Chop: If there are two things New Zealand does particularly well, it’s seafood and meat. Oyster and Chop highlights both these strengths, with fresh, tasty oysters pulled from the waters around the country, and only ethically raised, hormone-free, grass or grain-fed steaks.
- Industry Zen: Industry Zen is a Japanese restaurant that focuses on making simple food, but making it well. It’s a laid-back spot where you’ll feel right at home as you dine on exceptional dishes and taste Japanese whiskeys, beers, and other drinks.
- Portofino: The Viaduct is a trendy, reasonably upmarket place, but if you want to take in the waterfront atmosphere without the pomp, Portofino is a great choice. It’s affordable, casual, and the meals are incredibly tasty and filling. It’s also great for the kids if you’re bringing a crowd!
The best fine dining in Auckland
Get ready to spoil yourself with a fine dining meal in Auckland. There are many to choose from, so which one will you pick?
- The Sugar Club: Dine in style 53 floors up at The Sugar Club in the Sky Tower. Internationally renowned chef Peter Gordon is the man behind the dishes, and is also known as the ‘godfather of fusion cuisine’, so you can expect a contemporary meal with one of the best dining views in the city.
- The French Cafe: Officially named Sid at the French Cafe, this restaurant is a family-run, award-winning eatery known throughout New Zealand for its adventurous flavours and upscale dining.
- Sails Restaurant:Tucked away by the waterfront almost under the Auckland Harbour Bridge itself, Sails Restaurant looks out over thousands of yachts, and serves modern, fresh food. This is easily one of the top 20 Auckland restaurants, spearheaded by a Michelin-trained chef who focuses on sustainability and real food.
Keep in mind that you’ll find even more fine dining restaurants on nearby Waiheke Island, which is known for its restaurants, wine, and beaches.
Buffet restaurants in Auckland
When you want to try a little of everything and test the limits of your waistband while you’re at it, a buffet restaurant is the place to be. Here are some of the best (you’ll need your Auckland rental car to get to a couple of these):
- Wellington’s Restaurant and Bar: One of the best restaurants in south Auckland, Wellington’s is part of the Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre. There are plenty of meal options to choose from, but be sure to leave room for the dessert buffet, which is just as varied and even more delicious.
- Eight at Cordis: A centrally located buffet, Eight at Cordis is named for how many different kitchens there are on site! From sushi to authentic Indian curries and modern Kiwi cuisine, there’s a little bit of everything on the table
- Valentines: Valentines is practically a New Zealand institution, with many a Kiwi kid visiting this franchise for special occasions growing up. It’s affordable, with meals to please everyone, and a relaxed family atmosphere suitable for big groups.
Once you have picked up a cheap deal for your Auckland airport car rental, the city is your oyster - or at least, your Oyster and Chop if that’s what you’re craving.
