Auckland Restaurants

My absolute fave hot pot spot (lol) in the city! They do a proper spicy broth if that's your thing, but you can also split the hot pot bowl into two flavours if you and your friends can't agree.

Unique setting and a super creative fusion menu with great cocktails.

Great Filipino food! We had the platter, and it was gigantic and every single thing on the plate was amazing.

Perfect brunch spot on a sunny day!

High-quality sushi in a trendy area of the already trendy Ponsonby

Fast, affordable, delish. They have another location on the North Shore in Takapuna.

Family-style Chinese dishes - go with a group of friends! BYO wine and beer.

Delish ramen in a nice atmosphere but still not crazy expensive.

Pretty authentic Mexican food with a cute atmosphere.

Top notch ramen!

The lychee pork???? To die for.

Even my Vietnamese nail technician has approved this as authentic!

Get the lahksa — but note it's pretty spicy! This is one of my fave cheap eats.

$11.99 thali combos with 2 curries, rice, naan, and pickles. $14.99 if you want to go for the big thali with 3 curries. All the curries are veggie but it's always amazing. They also have some great sweet treats so make sure you get a box to take home after your meal!

Very low-key burger spot without much seating but whether you dine in or takeaway the burgers are always amazing. If you go with 3 friends, they have a great combo deal with 4 burgers, fries, sides, and drinks for like $75.

An Auckland classic!

They do all you can eat dumplings (and other stuff) for $28 after 9pm.

These guys have a $9.99 menu with tons of different options so it's easy to come and stay under budget.

Loaded Philly cheesesteak sandwiches that are to die for.

One of the best restaurants in Auckland! Go for the set menu and try to book the Chef's Table if you're lucky enough!

Semi-secret underground, dimly lit, romantic, and high-ish-end Japanese restaurant.

Semi-secret underground speakeasy jazz bar. No menu, they'll ask about your preferences and bring you a bespoke cocktail!

Same owners and concept as Caretaker - they don't have a menu, they'll just ask you some questions and create a unique cocktail for you. Semi-hidden but on the main stretch of Ponsonby Road.

Epic views of the waterfront and great cocktails.

The secret cocktail bar is upstairs!

Lively and open late, tucked away but in the heart of K Road.

Semi-hidden bar near Britomart train station, behind/below Cafe Hanoi

You need to know someone to get the password, or apply to become a member! They have some *weird* themes and it changes every month. Definitely an experience.

Cozy craft beer bar in the CBD.

Small craft beer bar with outdoor seating and you can BYO food.

There are a few different locations, but the one in Morningside is the one.

Great place to bring your laptop! Next to Morningside train station.

They have two other locations in the CBD: one on Wellesley Street (City Works Depot) and one by Britomart train station in Commercial Bay.

Great Mediterranean/Middle Eastern brunch spot - but also open late for dinner.

Epic sweet treats and delicious hot chocolates.