EAT

Restaurants - CBD

cafes - central

Eden Noodles Café – Bold Flavours on a Budget


A go-to for authentic Sichuan cuisine, Eden Noodles Café is perfect for a quick, tasty, and affordable meal. Don’t miss the pork and chive dumplings in spicy sauce, wide noodles with dan dan, and the refreshing cucumber salad on the side. Simple, spicy, and seriously satisfying. 


Best for: Quick, affordable lunches with bold flavour 

Insider tip: Order a side of cucumber salad to cool the heat 




Fitzroy Deli – Fresh Sandwiches & Coffee


This cosy Shortland Street café serves up freshly baked breads and made-to-order sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. Don’t miss the mortadella with basil pesto and pistachios or the warm beef brisket with vintage cheddar and pickled zucchini. Perfect for dine-in or takeaway, plus great coffee to start your day! 


What to try: Mortadella, pesto & pistachio sandwich 

Insider tip: Go early for the best cabinet selection. 



Patch Café – Classics & Treats Anytime


Serving all-day favourites from a hearty ‘Full Patch’ breakfast to seafood rice bowls and deep-fried ice cream, Patch Café is perfect for any appetite. Don’t miss their light cakes and delicate macarons, paired with expertly brewed coffee. Relax inside the cosy café or soak up the sun in Khartoum Place’s leafy square. 


Best for: Relaxed meals near the art gallery. 

Insider tip: Request a seat outside on a sunny day 



Honey Cafe – A Cosy Library Retreat


Located inside the Central City Library, Honey Cafe is a charming spot to relax with great coffee, tasty food, and friendly vibes. The walls feature stunning artwork by Erin Forsyth, celebrating native bees and pollinators inspired by the rooftop garden. Perfect for a study break, lunch, or catch-up away from the city buzz. 


Good to know: A calm escape in the middle of the CBD 

Pair it with: A browse through the library’s top floors 



Scarecrow – Urban Oasis on Victoria Street


Scarecrow is a bright, spacious spot blending European bistro vibes with local farmers market charm. Enjoy fresh food, organic Kokako coffee, artisan groceries, and unique gifts in a warm, cosy space designed by award-winning architect Peter Were. A perfect place to relax and discover something special. 


Best for: Brunch, gifting and casual meetings 

Insider tip: Take home something from the gourmet store



Remedy Coffee – Chill Vibes on Wellesley St


A laid-back coffee spot with vintage couches, bookshelves and window stools for people-watching. Ideal for morning coffees, quiet work sessions or simple grab-and-go orders. 


Good to know: Vintage couches + relaxed setting 

Insider tip: A great place to reset before exploring the city 



Rude Boy Deli & Eatery – Bright Brunch Spot on Sale Street


Auckland brunch regular? Don’t miss Rude Boy’s light-filled space, perfect for relaxed breakfasts, long lunches, or weekend catch-ups. Enjoy classic dishes with a modern twist, tempting treats from the cabinet, and great coffee in this inner-city favourite. 


Best for: Brunch before shopping or events 

Pair it with: Explore Ponsonby Road 



Cargo Coffee – Kiwi Ingenuity in a Shipping Container


This sunny spot serves Coffee Supreme brews and tasty Guerilla Grill toasties from a bright, 10ft shipping container in an old loading dock. Known for quality coffee and sustainable choices, Cargo Coffee is a must-visit for a quick, flavour-packed caffeine fix in a quirky, colourful setting. 



Good to know: Perfect when you want a fast, tasty coffee without crowds 

Insider tip: Enjoy your coffee in the sunny courtyard


Elliott Stables – Auckland’s Epicurean Village


Nestled in the historic Archibald Clarke & Sons warehouse on Elliott Street, Elliott Stables is a vibrant dining hub that blends Auckland heritage with global flavours. Since July, this bustling high-end street food and drinking hall has become a city centre hotspot, evoking the lively energy of Asian and European street scenes. Relax in the charming European-style café section or dive into the bustling Asian-inspired district, with flavours from Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. With 12 diverse eateries under one roof — from pasta at Deniro Ristorante to crepes at Le Paris French Eatery and bao buns at Bao Baby Bao — it’s perfect for groups, casual meetups, or pre-show dinners near The Civic and Auckland Town Hall. 


Good to know: 12 eateries under one roof in a heritage building 

Best for: Mixed-group dining with plenty of choice 



Bossi - Authentic Italian in the Heart of Auckland 


Located in The Pacifica building downtown, Bossi brings a fresh take on traditional Italian dining. With dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, a premium wine list, and sleek Italian-inspired design, it’s a must-visit for lovers of authentic, modern Italian cuisine. 


Pair it with: A waterfront stroll on Quay Street

Insider tip: Book ahead for peak evenings 



Gochu – Modern Korean with a Kiwi Twist


A modern Korean restaurant with bold flavours, punchy sauces and fresh takes on classic dishes. The menu is built for sharing, and the drinks list includes Korean spirits and creative cocktails that match the food well. 


Good to know: Menu designed for sharing 

Best for: Groups who enjoy strong, clean flavours 



Culprit. – Modern Korean with a Kiwi Twist


Tucked upstairs at 12 Wyndham Street, Culprit. is a spacious loft-style restaurant serving bold, modern New Zealand cuisine with global flair. Chef Kyle Street crafts playful, flavour-packed dishes using top local ingredients, inspired by his unique Kiwi upbringing. 


What to try: The chef’s tasting menu 

Insider tip: Sit near the open kitchen for the full experience 



East – Vegan Yum Cha with a Twist


Auckland’s first vegan Yum Cha is here to stay at East. Enjoy plant-powered takes on traditional Dim Sum—think sticky jackfruit Char Siu Bao, mushroom-filled dumplings, and crowd favourites like Spring Onion Pancakes and Xiao Long Bao. Finish with sweet treats like Deep Fried Sesame Balls or Mango Tapioca Pudding. 100% flavour, fully vegan. 


Best for: Plant-based eaters, brunch dates, curious foodies

Insider tip: Go midweek for easier walk-ins 



White + Wong’s – Asian Fusion by the Water 


Serving bold, vibrant flavours from across Asia, White + Wong’s blends street food classics from China, Vietnam, Thailand, and more into one eclectic menu. With stunning harbour views, modern décor, and top-notch service, it’s a standout spot for relaxed, flavour-filled dining by the water. 


Good to know: Book outdoor tables on fine days 

Pair it with: Sunset walk & drinks at Wynyard Quarter 



Depot – Al Brown’s Laid-Back Eatery


Just the spot to refuel, Depot is all about fresh, seasonal food cooked over charcoal and hardwood for big, bold flavour. Grab a few small plates to share (don’t miss the oysters!) and enjoy a well-curated wine list featuring Al Brown’s favourites. Relaxed, social, and delicious. 


Insider tip: Start with oysters and choose a few plates to share. 

Best for: Casual dining, food lovers, quick stop-ins 



BODA – Modern Asian with a Kiwi Twist


Perched atop the Mövenpick Hotel, BODA pairs stunning city and harbour views with vibrant Asian flavours and the best of Aotearoa produce. Signature dishes like the reimagined fish pie, Tteok Galbi skewers, and crispy beef short ribs shine alongside expertly paired cocktails and NZ wines. A stylish spot for any occasion. 


Good to know: Located on the top floor of Mövenpick 

Best for: Special occasions or relaxed sunset dinners. 



1947 Eatery – Indian Tradition, Reimagined


Multi-award-winning 1947 Eatery serves up bold, contemporary Indian cuisine with deep cultural roots. From Bombay street snacks to royal Dum biriyanis, every dish blends tradition with innovation. Located in central Auckland and open from lunch till late, this is Indian food—but not as you know it. 


Pair it with: Dessert crawl around High Street 

Insider tip: Great for groups who enjoy strong spices. 



Sue Hsiao Liu – Refined Chinese Flavours in the City


Tucked away on Lorne Street, Sue Hsiao Liu offers a standout Chinese dining experience—serving everything from classic bao and dan dan noodles to unique regional specialties. Crafted with fresh ingredients and authentic flair, every dish is a flavour-packed tribute to Chinese culinary tradition in a warm, welcoming setting. 


Best for: Reliable, flavourful Chinese dining 

Insider tip: Lunchtime is quieter and faster 



Cassia – Modern Indian Elegance at SkyCity


Now at SkyCity, Cassia by Sid and Chand Sahrawat continues to impress with bold, refined Indian flavours in a luxe setting. Enjoy favourites like roasted carrot vindaloo and tandoori chicken tacos, alongside inventive new dishes and a curated drinks list. A must-visit for modern Indian dining in the heart of the city. 


Good to know: Suits special dinners 

What to try: Roasted carrot vindaloo 



Hello Beasty – Bold Flavours by the Waterfront


A waterfront favourite with bright, contemporary dishes inspired by Japan, Korea and China. Auckland’s waterfront favourite, Hello Beasty serves up vibrant dishes inspired by Japan, Korea, and China. Share plates like fresh wasabi oysters, spicy buns, Sichuan lamb, and Korean Fried Cauliflower bring bold, clean flavours with a kick. With a lively open kitchen and cool pop art vibes, it’s a must-visit on Viaduct’s Market Square. 


Best for: Energetic dinners, group dining 

Insider tip: The Korean fried cauliflower is a must-try 



Baduzzi – New York Italian Meatballs in Auckland


Named after the Sicilian word for meatballs, Baduzzi brings soulful Southern Italian flavours inspired by owner Michael Dearth’s heritage. Casual yet sophisticated, the menu features classic and creative meatball dishes plus other Italian favourites, all paired with an extensive wine list. Open for lunch and dinner—perfect for a relaxed, tasty meal. 



Best for: Comfort Italian with great service 

Insider tip: Book for early evening before peak buzz