Auckland Attractions

Auckland Attractions

Auckland Restaurants – South Auckland

Beautiful South Auckland is a region full of bustling activities, beautiful gardens and parks, stunning black-sand beaches, amazing attractions and fantastic chill out places. Popular spots include the Auckland Botanic Gardens, Auckland Regional Park, Karioitahi Beach, Mangere, Manukau and Pekekohe.

Auckland Restaurants

South Auckland is not only known for its natural beauty, but it also happens to have some of the best restaurants and cafes in Auckland.

When you take a vacation to any place, the one thing that you will always look forward to is the scenery, fun activities and of course, great food. South Auckland does not disappoint when it comes to great dining.

South Auckland’s dining scene is vibrant and caters to all palates. There are numerous restaurants all over the region serving internationally and locally inspired cuisines. Whether it’s European, Kiwi or Asian cuisine, there is something for everyone.

Popular Eating Spots

Bazza’s Steak House on Corner Tobin and Seddon Lanes, Pukekohe

Bazza’s serves European style dishes and it is particularly liked for its mouthwatering steaks. The steaks are flame-grilled and basted, and served with a sauce of your choice. If you are not up to a steak, try out their house specials served with delicious side dishes. The Roasted Pork Belly, Bazza’s Beef Pot Pie and the Golden Chicken Schnitzel are well liked. Other popular eating spots in Pukekohe include Alfonso’s Restaurant and Paasha Turkish Café.

Bronco’s Steak House on Great South Road, Manukau

Like Bazza’s, Bronco’s serves excellent steaks with tasty side dishes. The difference is Bronco serves American style dishes. Enjoy a traditional American breakfast or delicious lunch or dinner. Aside from steaks, the restaurant also serves excellent seafood, pasta, chicken, lamb and pork dishes.

Try It Out Vietnamese Restaurant on Atkinson Avenue, Otahuhu

Try it Out is one of the cheapest places to eat in South Auckland. The restaurant serves authentic Vietnamese dishes including some well-loved traditional Vietnamese dishes such as, Chicken Rice Noodle Soup, Lemongrass Chicken Rice, Crispy Chicken Rice and more. You may also want to try out Samwoo Vietnamese Café on Princes Street. They serve delicious food, snacks and beverages at very affordable prices.

Szimpla Gastro Bar and Restaurant on Leonard Issit Drive, Auckland Airport, Mangere

Conveniently located a few minutes from Auckland Airport and attractions, such as the Otuataua Stonefield and Mangere Mountain, Szimplar Gastro is a beautiful restaurant that serves Mediterranean and European cuisines. They also have a wide selection of wines and beers.

No matter where you are in Auckland, you will always find a great place to eat. South Auckland restaurants pride themselves in offering great ambience, fantastic food, spectacular views and fantabulous service.

Cheap Eats

No matter where you are in Auckland city, you will find plenty of restaurants and cafes serving great food, from gourmet burgers, spicy curries to fish and chips. If you are looking for budget-friendly meals that will not dent your pocket, then you will find plenty of affordable options to choose from in Auckland.

Photo Britomart; Imperial Lane, courtesy of andamare.com

For tasty burgers, check out Burger Burger and Better Burger restaurants. Burger Burger on York Street Newmarket, is one of the most popular burger joints in town known for its delicious burgers & fries and a variety of other meals. Newmarket is a suburb located a few minutes away from the central business district, and it is considered the best retailing area in the country. Better Burger on Vulcan Lane also offers gourmet burgers with tasty sides at very affordable prices.

One of the best and most wallet-friendly places in Auckland CBD where you can enjoy a delicious pizza is the Toto restaurant on Nelson Street. The urban trattoria is one of the few places in the city that serves authentic Italian cuisine. It offers a classy ambience serving excellent brick-oven fired pizzas and mouthwatering Italian dishes.

Indulge in authentic Asian cuisine at some of the most affordable Auckland restaurants in town. The Bombay Chinese restaurant on Queen Street serves a fusion of Indian Chinese dishes as well as a variety American style dishes. Some of the most popular dishes include the American chop suey, chili chicken, butter chicken, fried rice and chicken lollipops.

These are just some of the many Auckland restaurants that continue to wow visitors with their great food, ambience and friendly service. Even the less known restaurants that cater to those with a tight budget also provide a great dining experience. There are almost 300 restaurants in Auckland where you can buy a meal for just $20.

Ponsonby, considered one of the most hippest places in Auckland, surprisingly has many eateries where the meals are quite affordable. The Street Food Collective is a converted space that has turned into a trendy food joint. Day and night different food vendors use the space to serve their signature dishes.

Enjoy tasty sandwiches at Forte Greene or delicious spicy chicken at The Roaming Dive food truck. Try Judge Bao’s delicious salads and steamed buns or Tiger Burger’s kimchi burger and spicy pork. The Street Food Collective is the perfect place to enjoy great food as well as meet different people from other parts of the world.

Article by Anne Murigi

Auckland Attractions - Video Dailymotion

Auckland Attractions - Video Dailymotion

Vineyard Restaurants in North Auckland

New Zealand is famous for its fine wine and gorgeous vineyards. If you are visiting the North Island, take a wine tour and enjoy some of the best wines in the world. Of the Auckland restaurants available, the vineyard and winery restaurants offer something special.

Auckland Restaurants

Visit the Mudbrick Winery and Restaurant situated on Waiheke Island. This incredibly beautiful vineyard is only 35 minutes away from Auckland City. Famous for its breathtaking views of sea and landscape, Mudbrick Vineyard makes some of the most famous wines in the world, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Rose.

The Mudbrick Restaurant is incredibly charming. The outside seating area provides spectacular views of the vineyard making it the perfect place for a romantic dinner. The restaurant prides itself on serving its customers incredibly mouthwatering dishes and fine wine.

Poderi Crisci Restaurant at Poderi Crisci Vineyard, which is located on Waiheke Island, is another great vineyard restaurant. With 5-star ratings, Poderi Crisci serves authentic Italian cuisine. Enjoy herb smoked beef or Octopus Carpaccio, which are some of the main dishes served with fresh herbs and vegetables. The restaurant also serves great cocktails and wine.

Te Whau Vineyard situated on Waiheke Island has a picturesque restaurant with some of the most breathtaking views in the region. The restaurant serves the best of New Zealand cuisine and wines. Te Whau Restaurant is open every day of the week, except Tuesdays.

The Tasting Room at the Omaha Bay Vineyard, serves a variety of tasty bites to go with your wine. This family owned Vineyard is situated in the heart of the Matakana wine country overlooking the Little Barrier Island and Omaha Bay.

Another great vineyard restaurant is the Goldie Room Vineyard Café set on the grounds of the beautiful Goldie Vineyard. It is renowned for its fine cuisine and hospitable staff. The restaurant menu features a selection of sandwiches, soups, salads and meats. They also serve excellent seafood and mouthwatering desserts.

Thomas’s Bach restaurant at Batch Winery is one of the few talked of restaurants in the region. It is quite popular with locals. The restaurant serves authentic Kiwi Cuisine and deli's. It also has a great selection of wine and other beverages.

The Cable Bay Dining Room at Cable Bay Vineyard has received many good reviews in the past, with most customers praising it for its exquisite dishes. The restaurant has a kitchen garden, which supplies the chefs with fresh vegetables and herbs. So, always expect great food made only with the freshest ingredients.

Article by Anne Murigi

Restaurants in Central Auckland

Central Auckland has a diverse selection of dining options, from internationally acclaimed restaurants to charming little food carts. The region is dotted with numerous restaurants serving international and Kiwi cuisine and is the hub of Auckland Restaurants. To enjoy mouthwatering Kiwi cuisine, make your way to the popular Tyler Street Garage on Quay Street, Auckland Central. Located in the center of Britomart Precinct, the picturesque restaurant has a diverse menu selection, a rooftop bar with incredible views of the harbor and a posh bar.

Another equally popular restaurant serving Kiwi cuisine is Ironique on Mount Eden Road. The restaurant is quite small, but it has a huge courtyard where you can just lounge as you enjoy your food and beverage. The restaurant serves a variety of foods including vegetarian, organic and gluten free foods.

For a taste of authentic Italian cuisine, try the very popular Prego restaurant on Ponsonby Road. It is one of the best restaurants in Central Auckland. Prego serves authentic Italian food made only with the best and freshest ingredients. The restaurant’s menu features some of Italy’s most beloved dishes.

Another great Italian restaurant, quite popular with visitors and locals is Gina’s Italian Kitchen. Located on Symonds Street, Gina’s is a very lively Italian restaurant, so if you are looking for quiet, you might want to try another restaurant.

For the best of Mexican cuisine, visit the popular Mexico Auckland Central restaurant on Britomart Place. The bold bright colors and energetic atmosphere of the restaurant, complimented by friendly staff offers an unforgettable Mexican dining experience.

The Mexican Café on Victoria Street West is also a favorite. Its colorful décor, tasty Mexican food, great atmosphere and entertainment makes you feel like you are in Mexico.

If you are a seafood lover, head straight to SPQR restaurant on Ponsoby Road or Soul Bar & Bistro on Viaduct Harbour. Both restaurants offer excellent seafood, delicious drinks and great entertainment. SQPR also serves New Zealand dishes. You may also want to check out Squid Row on Symonds Street.

Fast food restaurants are also in plenty. Al Volo Pizzeria on Mount Eden Road and Sal’s Pizza on Commerce Street have a wide selection of Pizzas and serves some of the best pizzas in the city. Grab a tasty burger at Big J’s Takeaways on Melton Road. Big J’s is known for its delicious burgers, spicy chicken and fresh salads. You could also try Burger Burger on Ponsonby Road and enjoy their tasty burgers and fries accompanied by a delicious shake or a nice cold beer.

Article by Anne Murigi