Auckland foodie destinations
Discover quaint pubs, rustic cottages or impressive heritage buildings in Auckland, NZ now housing an array of foodie establishments. Eat and drink in a rural setting tucked away down a gravel road or sample craft beer in one of New Zealand’s oldest micro breweries. Enjoy pastries in a 1860’s former hotel or surround yourself with extraordinary New Zealand origin art works.
Check our list of good places to eat in Auckland.
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The Shakespeare Hotel
History reaching back to 1898 with a microbrewery on site. The brewery is New Zealand’s oldest, pumping out 1200 litres of brew annually. The pub specialises in traditional pub fare with enormous burgers, crisps, fries and steak as menu mainstays. Check out The Shakespeare menu options for a great pub meal.
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Elliot Stables
Elliott Stables is epicurean joy with tremendous food variety packed into the historic premises. Located just off Queen Street in the heart of Auckland, is a potpourri of specialty stores and boutique eateries. The buildings were originally warehousing built in 1901 for the first Auckland Mayor, Archibald Clark. A must-go eating location for city centre visitors and locals alike.
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Victoria Park markets
An ancient Potutakawa tree survives in the market courtyard. The venerable tree originally was overhanging the cliffs overlooking the beach. Today reclamation has seen the Freeman’s Bay foreshore recede several kilometres from the collection of stores, workspaces, studios, eateries, bars and restaurants. The brick warehouses were constructed in the 1900’s. The street directly behind and above Victoria Park Market runs along the top of the ancient seacliff. For art and craft buffs this is a definite must-go destination with cafes adjacent to studios and workshops.
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The Birdcage
The Birdcage Tavern is an historic 19th century pub with a classic pub menu of pizzas, pies, burgers and fish n chips. The traditional fare is created in house with crafted pickles, sauces and jams produced onsite. The BIRDCAGE is in the vicinity of Victoria Park and has a great family friendly atmosphere. For sports fans there are enormous screens ensuring no action is missed. The pub is an easy walk from the Sky Tower, Wynyard Quarter and Ponsonby Road.
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Pah Homestead
Homestead cafe is a local favourite with Aucklanders for its well thought out menu and simply glorious art collection decorating the walls. The Homestead is licensed. The cafe is located within the Pah Homestead (1870’s) and the largest house in the Auckland province at the time. Today the homestead is known as TSB Wallace Art Centre.
Terry Stringer sculpture, Pah Homestead, Auckland, NZ
Pah Homestead wide ornate timber stairway, Auckland, NZ
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Tuitui Museum bistro & bar
The well regarded Auckland Art Gallery, housed in both a heritage building and a contemporary glass wrap around has a cafe onsite meaning a leisurely brunch followed by a wander through the galleries is heaven for art lovers. The Tuitui Bistro and bar offers visitors a quick bite, go to coffee or a quiet relaxed lunch venue. The cafe is positioned to capture views of Albert Park, and glimpses of the gallery on the other side.
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Britomart
The Britomart is historic warehousing, the impressive facade of the former Chief Post Office Building melded with contemporary architecture. Walk around the block and enjoy the 1880’s historic buildings and their repurposed functions as a shopping and eating mecca. And the eats, from budget bursting with flavour street food to specialist bread creators, coffee carts and sit down fine dining you have plenty of choice where and when to eat and drink. Check out Britomart. It is a vibrant nine-block precinct at the centre of waterfront Auckland.
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Shamrock cafe
Parking on the busy main road could put you off. It is undeniably difficult, especially on a busy weekend. However it is worth it with a superb interpretation of modern kiwi brunch / lunch fare. What a delightful place for a special high tea with friends and family. The building started its life as a wet canteen in 1847 for the recently recruited Fencible Corps. The former hotel, private home and now The tearooms at Shamrock Cottage. The building enjoys the protection of being listed as a Category II building by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and is the second oldest building in Manukau superseded only by All Saints Church.
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Hawthorne Dene cafe
Rustic, orchard trees surrounded by roughly cut grass, a children’s play area and plenty of outdoor seating, this is a treasure in the suburban landscape of Howick. The gravel driveway and expansive grounds are a quiet surprise off a busy main road. The food is classic brunch / lunch options with an array of counter eats to tempt visitors with a sweet tooth. In winter or cool autumn days the 19th century interior is kept warm with fires encouraging visitors to linger over freshly brewed coffee or tea.
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The Riverhead
A great destination for budget conscious visitors who wish to combine a Waitemata harbour cruise with brunch in a picturesque location imbued with history. The Riverhead in Auckland is a secret local favourite with drinks by the river and an innovative pub menu. A historic waterway with a picturesque tavern is a great place to laze away the day. Catch the ferry from Auckland on the Riverhead Cruiser from Auckland City and enjoy a leisurely cruise to the Riverhead Tavern. Inlets, busy marine traffic, fluttering sails and the gorgeous Waitemata Harbour makes for a scenic ferry ride.
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