There's so much to do in Auckland, whether it's climbing the majestic Sky Tower or seeing the picturesque Waitemata Harbour on a jet boat. However, when all is said and done, most people just want to kick back, relax and enjoy a good meal -- and Auckland has scrumptious restaurants in abundance. In this article, we'll take a look at 10 of the best food spots in Auckland, from the late-night drunken oasis that is White Lady to the classy and elegant Toto.
1. White Lady
Commerce Street, CBD
A somewhat iconic late-night food spot that has been owned and operated by Auckland's Washer family for over 60 years. It's a mobile burger bus that provides monstrous, greasy burgers to late night boozers beneath the neon glow of the city.
2. Agnes Curran
181 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
A small retro cafe located on Auckland's hippest strip, Ponsonby Road. It's an inconspicuous spot with a relaxing atmosphere and delectable soups, baguettes, muesli and lamingtons, as well as the usual coffee, tea and cakes. The lamingtons are probably their most famous dish, with lashings of jam and thick cream.
3. SPQR
150 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
Here's something a little different: this is a restaurant that was once a mechanics’ garage. These days, it's better known for its exceptional Italian cuisine. SPQR stands for Senatus Populusque Romanus, which translates to the Senate and People of Rome.
4. Canton Cafe
477 New North Road, Kingsland
The multi-award winning Canton Cafe often has queues stretching well outside the door to try its outstanding Chinese dishes. It's not a place for a long meal -- generally, you'll be in and out the door within the space of 30 minutes. After all, with this many people wanting a taste, they've got to keep that queue moving!
5. Rocco
23 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
Situated in a classic Auckland villa-style house, Rocco is a Spanish-influenced restaurant with a wide range of tapas available. With attentive service and a clientele who will swear by the place, it's one of the most popular restaurants on the ever-trendy Ponsonby Road.
6. Satya
271 Karangahape Road, CBD
One of the first South Indian restaurants in New Zealand, Satya's cuisine is based on age old Ayurvedic principles, which favour sweet, sour and spicy contrasts. A family-owned restaurant, if you go there you simply must try their famous 'Dahi Puri' dish.
7. Mekong Neua
483 New North Road, Kingsland
Just seven minutes away from the Auckland CBD, Mekong Nua offers the cuisine of north-east Thailand and Laos. The wine list is inspired, the service is warm and familiar and the restaurant is regularly referred to by clientele as the best Thai food in Auckland.
8. Soul Bar & Bistro
Viaduct Harbour Avenue, CBD
After a long day on an NZ jet boat on Auckland's harbour, there's no better location for dinner than the Viaduct Basin, and Soul Bar & Bistro is situated right in the heart of this happening place. With scrumptious seafood and super-quick service, you can't go wrong. Try the whitebait fritters and enjoy the menu of beautiful local wine.
9. Wildfire
132-138 Quay Street, CBD
Anyone who knows the way of churrascaria restaurants knows that they're going to be very, very full by the end of the night. Wildfire is Auckland's finest Brazilian churrascaria, with an onslaught of massive meat skewers coming at you like, as the name would suggest, wildfire.
10. Toto
53 Nelson Street, CBD
With white plastered walls, iron framed window panes and stylish black candelabra, Toto is both elegant and ambient. The restaurant specialises in Italian cuisine, with live opera taking place in the restaurant every Thursday and Saturday nights.
