Best Areas to Eat in Auckland
Explore the best areas to eat in Auckland, from Ponsonby and Parnell to Newmarket and K’ Road.
If you’re staying in Auckland CBD, you don’t need to go far to eat well.
A short trip in almost any direction takes you into neighbourhoods with completely different food scenes, each with its own pace, style, and atmosphere.
Ponsonby, Parnell, Newmarket, and Karangahape Road (K’ Road) are some of the easiest places to start.
Ponsonby
Ponsonby: Easy, Social, and Always Busy
Ponsonby is one of the easiest places to go when you don’t want to overthink it.
You can walk Ponsonby Road and find somewhere good without a booking, but the more popular places are busy for a reason.
Prego is one of the longest running restaurants in the area, known for classic Italian done properly. The menu focuses on thin crust pizzas, house made pasta, and a dining room that’s always full.
The Blue Breeze Inn has a menu built around modern Chinese flavours using Pacific ingredients. Expect dishes like dumplings, bao, spicy chicken and share plates. It is also well known for its cocktails and rum selection.
Beau is a modern restaurant and wine bar with a menu of European style dishes and an extensive wine list. Expect seafood, meats, and seasonal vegetables to enjoy with friends over a long social dinner.
Parnell Village
Parnell: Cafés, Brunch and Lunches
Parnell works great during the day.
It’s quieter, and better suited to a slower start with brunch, a walk, then lunch without needing to rush.
Winona Forever is one of the more popular brunch spots in Auckland. The menu leans toward larger, more substantial plates, like fried chicken waffles, big breakfast options, and great coffee.
Non Solo Pizza is a long standing Italian restaurant with a menu focused on pizza, pasta, seafood, and classic mains.
Gerome is a Greek restaurant that serves a mediterranean style menu of grilled meats, seafood, and share plates. Expect dishes like lamb, fish, dips and vegetables.
The Rooftop - Newmarket
Newmarket: Where to Eat while out Shopping
Newmarket is practical, but that’s part of its appeal. If you’re already there shopping, it’s easy to find something good without needing to leave the area.
• White and Wong’s menu consists of dumplings, noodles, rice dishes and share plates. Great for a group dining option.
• Zeta Greek Kitchen serves Greek-style wraps, grilled meats, salads, and other Mediterranean inspired dishes.
• Inside Westfield Newmarket, you’ll find a mix of casual dining options, which makes it easy to take a break from shopping without planning ahead.
Nuffield street is known for cafes and restaurants spanning Vietnamese, Korean, European style dining and brunch options, so well worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Karangahape Road (K’ Road): Local Dining Spots
K’ Road has a different feel to the other areas. It’s more independent, and with a mix of older venues and newer restaurants.
• Bestie Cafe has a delicious cabinet selection of sandwiches, baking and seasonal options. Their menu offer familiar breakfast and lunch dishes, fried chilli egg, plus vegetarian and gluten free options.
• Gemmayze Street is one of the standouts in the area, known for its Middle Eastern/Lebanese inspired menu filled with bold flavours, seasonal dishes, and consistently strong reviews.
• Apero Food & Wine is smaller and more relaxed, with simple French-style food and a focus on wine. The menu includes charcuterie and seasonal dishes with a strong wine selection.
Where to Stay in Auckland to Explore
From Parkside Hotel & Apartments, all of these areas are easy to reach and make it easier to experience different parts of Auckland’s food scene while staying at a central location. Have a look at our special offers and deals and book your stay with us!
