A very happening metropolis, Auckland is home to almost two million people. For a population this big, the city has some of the finest and most diverse food to offer. Finding a delicious meal is not a task in Auckland; the tough job is to decide where one should eat. The cuisine here is a melting pot of cultures and flavors. While a typical meal for the kiwis is meat and veg, dining out is always more fun and adventurous. Below we are jotting down the top eateries in Auckland, which, once you have visited, will make you keep thinking about them for days.
1. Hello Beasty
Hello Beasty is not your typical Asian eatery. It is a funky waterfront Asian restaurant ideal for group dining. The eatery was founded by an award-winning chef Stuart Rogan, and you will find that the dishes served here have been inspired by Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cuisine. The restaurant itself is very vibrant and full of colors. There is a large open kitchen covering the length of the restaurant, where the diners can sit and see the magic unfold. There are also booths and an open-air courtyard with the market square looming in the background. Hello Beasty has extremely delicious spicy margaritas, Korean fried cauliflower, slow-cooked lamb shoulder in Sichuan sauce, and sashimi. The service is fast-paced, and the overall ambiance is very lively.
2. Federal Delicatessen
This restaurant is an amalgamation of New York City Jewish Deli and Canadian Deli with a twist. Federal Delicatessen is a perfect choice to enjoy your lunch or dinner with large and delicious portions. The menu is classic, with soups, milkshakes, sandwiches, and desserts being their specialty. Their halloumi salad is a must-have for a Sunday brunch. For anyone who has dietary restrictions, the restaurant will provide you with a special menu highlighting the items which are gluten-free and coeliac-safe. The restaurant is the only place in Auckland CBD famous for its coffee refills.
3. Cotto
One of the most loved Italian restaurants here in Auckland CBD is Cotto. The layout of the restaurant is very minimal but very warm and welcoming. There are wooden tables, a small cozy looking booth, an open kitchen, and a tiny deck from where you can watch the sun go down. The restaurant serves handmade pasta, which is always a step above any pasta you will eat in Auckland. Cotto is also famous for their Italian-inspired sharing plates, goat cheese dumplings, and lamb ribs with honey balsamic. The menu and sauces are subject to change depending on the season. The bar has very limited but amazing options of wines, half of them being Italian and half of them being local. The service is breezy, and the food is very comforting and a joy to eat.
4. Cassia
This award-winning underground hidey-hole eatery is being operated by Sid Sahrawat. Cassia is a highly chic yet intimate type of restaurant. The restaurant provides you with private dining rooms too if you are very keen on privacy. The interior is warmly lit, and you can enjoy the food being prepared in the kitchen through the window. Cassia follows the concept of Indian cuisine and promotes its bold and delicious flavors in Auckland. Their roasted carrots and dry korma with cashews and garlic naan are worth the taste. The recommendations from their kitchen team will take you on an exciting trip to try delicious curries, snacks, and sides. The food is very wholesome and will literally leave you stuffed yet wanting for more.
5. Pici
If you are looking for a very intimate and cozy space to enjoy delicious food with your partner or a friend, then Pici is the best place for you. The eatery’s ambiance is on the lines of small bars in Europe. Since the area is small, it can only seat up to 42 diners at a time, so it is better to make a reservation beforehand on the safer side. Pici’s menu is very limited and changes with the seasons, but everything is full of flavors. Their top menu picks are cacio e pepe and fettuccine with nduja and mascarpone. For the dessert, their olive oil cheesecake is highly recommended. Diners seated near the kitchen window have the privilege of watching the pasta being rolled and tossed in front of them. Pici is the ultimate place for comfort eating.
6. Cocoro
Cocoro is a sushi-trained, popular Japanese eatery in Auckland. The name literally translates into heart and soul in the Japanese language. The restaurant is located aside from the busy and trendy Ponsonby Road in a quiet space. The ambiance of the restaurant is unique and intimate if put in words. Cocoro allows only 40 diners at a time, and there is a large communal table in the middle of the restaurant, and the seating is spread along the wall. The seafood served here is extremely fresh and worth every single penny. It is quite evident from the ambiance and the food that the owners were planning to deliver to the diners, a taste of Japanese culture in Auckland.
7. Depot
Intimate dining is not everyone’s cup of tea, and this is where Depot comes into the picture. The place is very welcoming, lively, and raw. The restaurant gives off the vibe that you are having dinner in the comfort of your best friend’s house. The menu here can be easily navigated because of the limited yet flavorsome dishes. Whatever you are going to order here is going to be a safe pick because the quality of the food is top-notch. Their bone marrow and skirt steak, snapper sliders, oysters, and cookie skillet are made to be devoured and appreciated.
8. Origine
This newly opened restaurant will give you the most delightful taste of French cuisine here in Auckland. At Origine, you will see the ferries rolling into the harbor from the window as you tuck into rhubarb soufflé. It does not matter if you are into French desserts or locally fresh produce; this eating spot is a must-visit spot, especially during summers in Auckland. The restaurant also offers a multi course dine in experience paired with French cocktails and wines. The diners here are encouraged to relax and enjoy themselves like they are sitting in some French bistro.
9. ADA
Ever wanted to visit Tuscany, Italy but never got the chance? Ada is here to make all of your Italian dreams come true. The restaurant probably has one of the best interiors in Auckland, with glass windows, high ceilings, and an overall relaxing vibe. This mansion-style restaurant gives its diners the most delicious modern Italian dishes, including pizza fritta, lamb ribs, tagliatelle, and cannoli. During the lunch service, you can see the pasta being made along one of the dining tables. To experience Ada to the fullest, make an advance booking for a Sunday lunch service. You will be entertained with a five-course banquet and a glass of Prosecco. You can also visit the patio afterward to enjoy warm beverages.
10. Mexico
This eatery is for all of those who are big fans of authentic, fresh flavors and creative meals. As the name of the restaurant indicates, Mexico is famous for the Mexican food it serves. The ambiance of the restaurant is very vivid, with impressive street art and décor. The menu of the restaurant changes after every three months, and they try to incorporate seasonal produce as much as they can into their dishes. Mexico also has gluten-free and vegan options on its menu. The restaurant is a fun place to share finger foods and drinks with your buddies.
