These days, Auckland is home to an exciting dining scene with seriously impressive restaurants – the kind of places where world-class chefs are doing incredible things with New Zealand’s best produce, unassuming neighbourhood spots hit you with a surprise, and where you can eat your way around the world without ever leaving the city limits.
From intimate fine dining experiences tucked down quiet lanes to buzzing waterfront eateries, Auckland’s got options for every occasion and every craving. Here are the top tier restaurants to book when in the city of sails.
Top Restaurants to Book Now in Auckland, New Zealand
Venues are listed in no particular order.
1. Onslow
If you’re after a dining experience that feels equal parts relaxed and refined, Onslow is where it’s at. Tucked in the city’s landmark address, this modern bistro in a historic building nails that sweet spot between casual neighbourhood hangout and somewhere you’d take someone you’re trying to impress.
The menu led by Chef Josh Emett changes with the seasons, but expect seriously good produce cooked with care – think fresh seafood, perfectly charred vegetables, and flavours that make you want to order everything twice. Settle in for a long lunch with natty wines on offer or book a table for a special occasion — you won’t go wrong here.
Location: 9 Princes Street, Auckland Central
Hours: Monday to Tuesday 5 – 9pm;
Wednesday to Saturday 12 – 9pm, Sunday 12 – 5pm
2. Ada Restaurant
Hidden away at The Convent Hotel in Grey Lynn, Ada is one of those rare finds that makes you feel like you’re in on Auckland’s best-kept secret. This intimate neighbourhood spot focuses on classical cookery, and fresh, seasonal ingredients with a leaning towards flavours from France and England, but isn’t afraid to mix things up.
From house-made pasta to wood-fired anything, every dish is a winner. Whether you’re popping in for a midweek dinner or celebrating something special, Ada proves that sometimes the best meals happen in the smallest spaces.
Location: The Convent Hotel, 454 Great North Road, Grey Lynn
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 5pm till late;
Thursday & Friday 12 – 3pm, Sunday 11:30am – 4pm
3. Bossi
Located in the Pacifica building, Bossi is where you head when you want big Italian energy and even bigger flavours. This place does classic Italian fare with serious flair – think wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, and a lively atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a celebration. The edgy vintage decor doesn’t hurt either, especially if you snag one of the cosy suede booth seats.
Kicking off the weekend with a long lunch or rolling in with a crew for a feast, count on Bossi to feed a crowd and keep the good times (and dough) rolling. Just make sure you save room for dessert – a limoncello tiramisu comes highly recommended.
Location: 10 Commerce Street, Auckland Central
Hours: Monday to Thursday 12 – 10pm;
Friday & Saturday 12 – 10:30pm
4. Forest
Open only 4 days a week, a booking at Forest is a hot ticket item. In here, it is all about celebrating New Zealand’s natural bounty. The restaurant’s focus on local, seasonal plant-based ingredients means the menu is constantly evolving, with the touch of Chef Plabita Florence’s creative hand. The colourful dining room and open kitchen add to the theatre, and every dish is plated like a work of art.
If you’re looking to treat yourself or someone special to a fine dine experience without the stuffiness, Forest hits the mark. It’s thoughtful, delicious, and comes stocked with a bar that treats cocktails with serious care.
Location: 243 Dominion Road, Mount Eden
Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 5 – 10pm
5. Gemmayze St
Bring your appetite, a sense of adventure and an entourage ready to eat to K’ Road’s Gemmayze St, because this Lebanese restaurant doesn’t do anything by halves. The menu is designed for sharing, with mezze plates, grilled meats, and bold Middle Eastern flavours that’ll have you ordering round after round. The eclectic fit-out is gorgeous too – festive hanging lights, timber tables, and that buzz of a restaurant that’s constantly packed.
Whether you’re diving into a spread of silky hummus and bread or working your way through the charcoal grill menu, Gemmayze St delivers the heart and soul of Beirut-inspired cuisine in a setting that’s perfect for groups or casual date nights alike.
Location: Shop 16, St Kevin’s Arcade, 183 Karangahape Road
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 6 – 9:30pm;
Friday & Saturday 5:30 – 10pm
6. Atelier
Another K Rd entry, Atelier is where French tapas meets a solid selection of wines, cocktails and local beer. The wild pork croquettes with raclette cheese has a reputation, and there’s plenty more where it came from — think purple kumara crisps in hazelnut hummus to a creamy duck liver opera.
Take a seat up front along the street for people watching or grab a more intimate spot in the back — understated and perfectly suited to a night when you just want to eat really, really well. If you’re serious about no fuss French fare, Atelier should work its way on your return list.
Location: 292 Karangahape Road, Auckland Central
Hours: Wednesday 4 – 10pm; Thursday 12 – 10pm,
Friday 12 – 11pm, Saturday 5 – 11pm & Sunday 5 – 10pm
7. Mr Morris
Situated in Britomart precinct’s Excelsior building, Michael Meredith’s Mr Morris brings to the city an unwavering devotion to Pacific and New Zealand flavours. The sleek, stylish restaurant features produce-first dishes with a flavourful flair – think steamed oysters with a touch of seaweed, roasted carrot tartare with cashew cream, and Blue Cod with yeast butter. The oak and brick lined fit-out is relaxed and welcoming, and surprisingly approachable with your choice of booth seats, laidback sofas and tables surrounded by greenery.
Whether you’re diving into a beautifully cooked steak or working your way through the Kitchen Experience Menu (4 chef curated courses with a selection of snacks), Mr Morris delivers a polished dining experience that lives up to its accolades.
Location: Britomart, Corner of Galway & Commerce Street, Auckland Central
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday 5:30 – 9:30pm;
Thursday & Friday 12 – 2:30pm, 5:30 – 9:30pm
8. Darling on Drake
This newish Victoria Park Market spot has quickly gained its place as the city’s favourite rooftop, and with good reason. With an indoor dining room and a sprawling open terrace, Darling on Drake is helmed by Chef Ryan Moore who promises elevated bistro fare that punches above its weight. But don’t look past their tightly curated desserts menu and from the bar, some of the best cocktails in town.
Pop in for a quick bite in the sleek space with a view of Victoria Park, or linger to soak up the atmosphere on the sun-kissed deck with drinks and live music. The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious – exactly what you want from a local spot you can visit again and again.
Location: 27 Drake Street, Auckland Central
Hours: Tuesday 3 – 10pm; Wednesday 3pm – 12am,
Thursday 12pm – 12am, Friday & Saturday 12pm – 1am
9. Apero
If aperitif culture had an Auckland headquarters, it’d be Apero. This chic wine bar and eatery takes its name from the well loved French tradition and is all about that sip and graze experience – great drinks, moreish bites, and a vibe that makes you want to linger just a little bit longer.
Bistro classics are the focus here, with a mix of small plates for grazing in true French fashion, and the handpicked wine list is serious without being intimidating. If you’re not sure how to kick this meal off, the signature Apero charcuterie board is a great place to start and make sure to leave room for the seasonal souffle.
Location: 280 Karangahape Road, Auckland
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 5 – 11pm;
Thursday & Friday 12 – 11pm
10. Tempero
This isn’t your typical K’ Road haunt – chef Fabio Bernardini has created something special here, bringing authentic Latin flavours to Auckland with a menu that’s equal parts traditional and inventive. The sharing plates are where Tempero really shines – think perfectly charred chicken hearts, lamb tacos and excellent mole negro with tortillas that’ll have you ordering a second round before you’ve finished the first. The wine list leans heavily South American (as it should), and the clean cut interior strikes that sweet spot for a nice but understated meal out.
Whether you’re diving into a long weekend lunch or claiming a corner table for dinner, Tempero is yet another reason to love K’ Road’s dining chops.
Location: 352 Karangahape Road, Auckland Central
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 5 – 10pm;
Friday & Saturday 5 – 11pm
11. The French Cafe
While the popular Anise remains temporarily closed, its predecessor The French Cafe is ever present for a taste of restaurateurs Sid and Chand Sahrawat’s ingenuity. A true Auckland institution, this elegant bistro on Symonds Street has been setting the standard for fine dining for years.
This is where Aucklanders go when they want to mark a milestone or simply indulge in some of the city’s best food. The refined French menu comes with modern touches, and every dish is executed with precision and artistry. At The French Cafe, service is impeccable, the wine list extensive, and the whole experience feels special from start to finish.
Location: 210 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland
Hours: Tuesday to Friday 5:30 – 11pm;
Saturday 12 – 11pm, Sunday 5:30 – 11pm
12. Rothko
Multicultural flavours, wood fire, fermentation, and Filipino soul — Matakana’s Rothko champions seasonal New Zealand produce with a menu that’s creative, colourful, and constantly evolving. The abstract expressionist painter namesake is a nod to the eclectic venue where art and cuisine converge within the ground of Sculptureum.
From Freddie’s fried chicken to a massive beef schnitzel with fried egg, the hearty dishes are designed to share (though you might not want to). Whether you’re in for a relaxed meal with friends or looking to sate your hunger after a trawl in the area, Rothko delivers an experience that’s as artful as it is delicious.
Location: 40 Omaha Flats Road, Matakana
Hour: Thursday to Sunday 11am – 3pm; 5:30 – 10pm
13. The Wine Room
If you’re serious about wining and dining, here’s a venue that needs to be on your Auckland radar. The brainchild of sommelier David Nash, The Wine Room is exactly what happens when someone who lives and breathes wine decides to create their dream dining experience. The focus here is simple: exceptional wine paired with ‘by the glass’ dishes that’s designed to make those bottles sing.
The menu changes regularly based on what’s in season, but expect elevated small plates that let the wine take centre stage without ever playing second fiddle. The space that sports a sun-drenched deck and luxurious dining room in the heart of Freemans Bay makes this a spot for every wine enthusiast ready to treat themselves. And with one of Auckland’s most impressive drinks lists at your fingertips, you’re in very good hands.
Location: 2/43 College Hill, Freemans Bay, Auckland
Hour: Monday & Tuesday 11am – 5pm;
Wednesday to Saturday 11am – 12am
14. Advieh
If you’re ready to shake up your Auckland dining routine, Advieh on Queen Street is where Persian flavours meet contemporary flair in the best possible way. This isn’t your average city restaurant – partner Chef Gareth Stewart brings the rich, aromatic cuisine of Iran to Auckland’s doorstep with dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. The space is warm and inviting, with Middle Eastern touches that transport you somewhere far more captivating than the CBD.
The menu is designed for sharing (as all good Persian meals should be), with fragrant rice dishes, slow-cooked stews, and charcoal-grilled meats. Don’t sleep on the saffron ice cream for dessert – it’s the perfect way to end a meal that’s all about traditional spices and even innovative recipes.
Location: 1 Queen Street, Commercial Bay, Auckland
Hour: Monday to Friday 6:30am – 10pm;
Saturday & Sunday 7am – 10pm
Top 6 Steak Spots to Book in Auckland
1. Milenta — For South American inspired grills
2. Cazador — For local, wild and organic game steaks
3. Gilt Brasserie — For European style steak and frites
4. Oyster & Chop — For great steak (and seafood) along the harbour
5. New York Grill — For a butcher’s block to share on the rooftop
6. The Cut Restaurant & Bar — For no nonsense, seriously good steak in the city
FAQs About Dining Out in Auckland
What is the most popular restaurant in Auckland right now?
Auckland has many wonderful venues to offer, from Now Book It’s top restaurants in Auckland includes time-honoured bistro The French Cafe, Michael Meredith’s accolade worthy Mr Morris, multicultural Rothko Restaurant, and many more.
Are there any award winning restaurants in Auckland?
Yes, Auckland is home to many hatted and award winning restaurants and bars including Forest, Cazador, Tempero, and The Wine Room.
What is the best way to book a restaurant in Auckland?
Top Auckland restaurants trust Now Book It to take reservations, whether it’s online on their website and social media, or via phone calls with Sadie the 24/7 AI Receptionist. The best way to book a restaurant in Queenstown is through their website—there are no additional fees and you will receive timely reminders about your bookings.
If you’re a venue looking to fill your tables with fresh reservations, book a demo today with Now Book It to learn how.
