6 hidden gems worth the trip across New Zealand, editor-ranked by TableJourney. All New Zealand guides.
Forest ★ 4.8 · Auckland
mount-eden · 243 Dominion Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024
Forest is Plabita Florence's 30-seat vegetarian tasting room on Dominion Road, Auckland. Metro Restaurant of the Year 2024 and one Cuisine hat.
Tip: Book two weeks ahead through the website. The restaurant takes only 30 covers a night across Wednesday to Saturday.
Bar Magda ★ 4.7 · Auckland
karangahape-road · 25B Cross Street, Newton, Auckland 1010
Bar Magda is a basement Filipino wine bar off Cross Street, Auckland; Cuisine-hat-listed three years running, 30 seats. Carlo Buenaventura's kitchen leads.
Tip: Book the front pair of high-tops if you can; the kitchen window is right there and the wine pours land first.
Caretaker ★ 4.6 · Auckland
britomart · Downstairs, 40 Customs Street East, Britomart, Auckland CBD 1010
Caretaker on Customs Street East is Auckland's most-loved basement cocktail room. Off-menu drinks, low light, the room you go for the city's best bartenders.
Tip: Walk-in or text for a seat; tell the bartender your three favourite spirits and let them work.
Cazador ★ 4.5 · Auckland
mount-eden · 854 Dominion Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1041
Cazador on Dominion Road in Mount Eden, Auckland is the Wright family's game-led restaurant with a connected deli. Wild venison, native ingredient pairings.
Tip: Order the charcuterie board even if you've already chosen a main; the cure is the same family's work next door.
Sly ★ 4.4 · Auckland
karangahape-road · 354A Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD 1010
Sly is a genuine K Road speakeasy in Auckland behind an unmarked door at 354A Karangahape Road. Cocktails, hot dogs and a 20-seat room you book ahead.
Tip: Look for the half-illuminated sign next to a tattoo shop; the door is unmarked and the room small.
Bestie ★ 4.3 · Auckland
karangahape-road · Shop 13, St Kevins Arcade, 183 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD 1010
Bestie sits inside St Kevins Arcade off Karangahape Road in Auckland. Brunch plates, seasonal cakes, filter coffee and a neighbourhood corner-room feel.
Tip: Take the late-Sunday window; the queues clear after 14:00 and the cake counter still has stock.