Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s vibrant dining scene celebrates the city’s cultural diversity and exceptional local ingredients.
Auckland’s dining scene showcases the rich flavours of the Pacific through two standout destinations. At Tala(opens in new window), Chef Henry Onesemo celebrates Samoan cuisine with an immersive fine-dining experience that weaves cultural storytelling into every dish. Signature elements like cooking over an umu (traditional Samoan earth oven) and ceremonial touches create a journey through Samoa’s heritage, elevated with contemporary technique. Meanwhile, Metita(opens in new window), led by acclaimed chef Michael Meredith, offers a modern take on Pacific flavours – think fine dining versions of traditional dishes like sapasui and pani popo.
Auckland’s cultural gems are scattered throughout the city, with each district reflecting the unique character of the local community.
Across the harbour on Auckland’s North Shore, The Engine Room(opens in new window) delivers bistro-style dining with European flair, featuring classics like twice-baked goat’s cheese soufflé and a curated wine list in a warm, heritage space.
For a relaxed island vibe, Three Seven Two(opens in new window) on Waiheke Island (a ferry ride from Auckland city) offers award-winning dishes – think whole flounder with herb butter – served in a beachfront setting that perfectly captures the spirit of laid-back luxury.
At Te Arai(opens in new window), 75 minutes’ drive from downtown Auckland, Ocean Restaurant pairs breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean with a menu celebrating seasonal, locally sourced produce.
For a refined dining experience away from the bustle of downtown, check out One Tree Grill(opens in new window). Start with Te Matuku Oysters with chardonnay vinegar, then move on to eggplant dumplings with edamame, daikon, shiitake, pinenuts, and pea shoots.
Let’s not sugarcoat it, Auckland’s got a serious sweet tooth. Visit La Petite Fourchette(opens in new window) in the Wynyard Quarter for a delicious range of cakes, pastries, and desserts. For handcrafted treats, visit Scratch Bakers HQ(opens in new window). The salted caramel banana cake comes highly recommended.
For authentic artisan bread, visit Amano Bakery(opens in new window). They even mill their own flour. Or head to Wild Wheat(opens in new window). With chains across the city, it is one of Auckland’s leading producers of specialty breads, ranging from sourdough to European-style breads of all shapes and sizes.
From elusive to everywhere, matcha is now available at most Auckland cafes. Expect to pay between $4 and $16, depending on the type of matcha and café.
Kompass Coffee(opens in new window) is highly recommended. Their earl grey matcha, strawberry matcha, yuzu matcha, and einspänner, served a hot or cold matcha base topped with house-made sweet cream, taste as good as they look.
Inspired by Japanese tea culture, Slow Koi’s(opens in new window) sleek back interior provides a nice contrast to their electric-green, house-blend matcha brews. Take it with oat milk or regular milk, then sit back and reflect on the beauty of your surroundings and the inner workings of your soul.
