Who’s traveling to Auckland? If you are, then you are going to need to eat. This post provides suggestions for dining in Auckland based on our personal experiences.
Tip: Most casual restaurants in New Zealand are seat yourself or order at the counter. At the end of the meal, payment will typically be at the counter or bar. We also found it is customary to ask for the bill, unlike the States where you are typically offered the bill.
Dining in Auckland
The Spotted Pig – Closed :(
I just found this out when I typed up this post. I know I recommended this spot recently to a few people, so now you know it’s closed.
The rest is a moot point because they closed their doors in December 2016.
This was my favorite in Auckland, RIP Spotted Pig.
Galbraith’s Alehouse
We stopped here after our city hike in Auckland. We just grabbed a beer, and then headed over to the Spotted Pig (RIP). Galbraith’s is and old school style pub with new school style craft beers.
The food smelled great. If you are looking for some classic pub food, this could be your spot. If any readers have eaten here, please feel free to let readers know your thoughts as well.
Recommendation: Rurik -Russian Imperial Stout
More details are available in our Afternoon in Auckland post.
Elliot Stables
I can only describe it as amazing. This food complex with several different restaurants is located in a historic building in the heart of Auckland.
You order and then find a seat, the restaurant will bring your food to you. This means everyone in your group can order from different restaurants. Yum!! With all the selections, you could eat here several times.
We had tapas from El Faro. I love mussels, but we went with the clams, Albondigas, and Patatas Bravas. Delicious.
Nandos
Ok – this isn’t really unique or special, but I love Nando’s. Nando’s one of my favorite work lunch spots in DC (first Nando’s in the US). I love seeing the chain across the word. I typically make Mr. J go to one whenever I see it.
We had a quick lunch before our ferry to Waiheke. Great as always Nandos’s.
Other Suggestions
Unfortunately due to our limited time in Auckland, we only tried a couple. However, I wanted to share a few others that are on our list for next time:
- Depot – This the same chef as the Federal Delicatessen (below). If you love oysters, then we heard this is the place to go in the city. They also put on a good breakfast. We should have tried for breakfast, but our breakfast was included with our room. We were a bit budget conscious coming from French Polynesia.
- Meredith’s – Chef Michael Meredith offers unique tasting menu from Wednesday to Sunday. Lunch is offered on Friday by reservation only. The timing did not work for us, and the whole not in our budget right now. Reservations are strongly recommended.
- Federal Delicatessen – Take on an old school NY Jewish delicatessen. It looks amazing. We chose to try Elliot Stables instead. Note: Their website was broken, so the link may not work.
- Cafe Hanoi – Vietnamese. This place is also close to the ferry, but I was craving Nando’s (for shame!)
If you have any other recommendations, then please share in the comments!! We would love to hear your thoughts.