Amano ★ 4.7
Amano runs Italian-leaning seasonal cooking from a heritage brick warehouse on Tyler Street in Britomart, with a connected bakery next door in Auckland.
Signature: House-made pasta, Wood-fired sourdough, Whole fish
The restaurants worth the trip in Auckland. bistros, neo-classics, neighbourhood favourites, and the rooms locals book first.
Our picks in Auckland
Ahi ★ 4.8
Ahi is the fire-cooked modern New Zealand room on Level 2 of Commercial Bay overlooking the Waitemata harbour, Auckland. Cuisine three-hat tier.
Signature: Fire-cooked tasting menu, Snapper carpaccio, Lamb on coals
Metita ★ 4.7
Metita is Michael Meredith's Pasifika room at The Grand by SkyCity, Federal Street, Auckland. One Cuisine hat; Hotel Restaurant of the Year 2025.
Signature: Whole reef fish, Coconut cream Pacific dishes, Pasifika sharing plates
Depot Eatery ★ 4.5
Depot is Al Brown's no-reservations Federal Street eatery under the Sky Tower in Auckland CBD. Charcoal grill, raw bar, communal high-top seating.
Signature: Snapper sliders, Tuatua fritters, Oysters from the bar
Ortolana ★ 4.5
Ortolana sits on the corner of Tyler Street in the Britomart pavilions in Auckland. Italian bistro by day and dinner; the name means market gardener.
Signature: Pappardelle with lamb ragu, Market fish, Chicken cotoletta
Azabu Ponsonby ★ 4.5
Azabu runs Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) cooking from a corner at 26 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland. Sashimi tostadas and pisco cocktails on the daily.
Signature: Tuna sashimi tostadas, Pisco-glazed beef, Nikkei tiradito
Ebisu ★ 4.3
Ebisu pours sake at 116 Quay Street in Britomart, Auckland under a heritage facade. Classic Japanese and European technique across sushi and grilled plates.
Signature: New-style sushi, Sashimi, Wagyu yakiniku
Alma ★ 4.4
Alma cooks Spanish small plates over fire on the Gore and Tyler corner in Britomart, Auckland. Andalusian tiles, Spanish wines, a deep sherry list.
Signature: Fire-cooked pulpo, Andalusian-style prawns, Suckling pig
Cazador ★ 4.6
Cazador is the Lolaiy-Smidt family's game-led dining room at 854 Dominion Road in Mount Eden, Auckland. Wild meat, native pairings, a connected deli.
Signature: Game charcuterie board, Wild venison, Whole roasted duck
Hugo's Bistro ★ 4.5
Hugo's Bistro on Shortland Street in Auckland CBD runs all-day European cooking from a charcoal kitchen. One Cuisine Good Food hat 2024 to 2025; Metro Top 50.
Signature: Charcoal-grilled fish, Burrata with seasonal fruit, Bistro steak
Culprit ★ 4.2
Culprit runs upstairs from Wyndham Street in Auckland's CBD. Seasonal set menus celebrating New Zealand produce with playful twists on Kiwi classics.
Signature: Seasonal set menu, Native ingredient plates, Smoked fish
Hello Beasty ★ 4.3
Hello Beasty mixes Japanese, Korean and Chinese influences on Customs Street West in Auckland CBD. The city's most-booked Asian fusion room.
Signature: Beef tartare with kimchi, Pork bao, Crispy duck
Bar Magda ★ 4.6
Bar Magda runs Carlo Buenaventura's modern Filipino kitchen from a basement room on Cross Street off Karangahape Road in Auckland. Cuisine-hat listed.
Signature: Adobo, Kinilaw, Halo-halo