EAT
Restaurants - south
cafes - south
Melba: Great Coffee, Fresh Meals, Warm Welcome
With locations in Hillsborough, Karaka, LynnMall, Manukau, and beyond, Melba Cafés are your go-to destinations for wholesome breakfasts, satisfying lunches, and expertly crafted coffee. Whether you’re meeting friends, holding a lunch meeting, or enjoying a quiet break, each Melba offers a relaxed, welcoming space to suit every moment. Our menus are built on high-quality ingredients, and our baristas are passionate about delivering the perfect cup every time. Wherever you visit us, expect the same warm hospitality and consistently delicious food and drink. Come for the coffee, stay for the vibe.
Best for: Reliable brunches across the south and west.
Urban Soul: More Than Just a Café
With thriving locations in Manukau and Karaka, Urban Soul has built a loyal following based on quality food, excellent coffee, and genuine hospitality. At Urban Soul Manukau, owners David & Tracey Bartlett have proudly created a welcoming hub in the heart of South Auckland for over 12 years. Loved by business professionals, students, and locals, this modern, light-filled space is more than just a café – it’s a community cornerstone that actively supports local charities and organisations. Meanwhile, Urban Soul Karaka is a local favourite that’s earned its spot among Auckland’s best cafés. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, homemade baking, and Fair Trade coffee by Ozone, it’s the perfect spot for everything from weekday brunches to evening dinners. Wherever you visit us, we look forward to welcoming you with warm smiles, delicious meals, and coffee worth coming back for.
Insider tip: Weekday mid-morning is the calmest time to linger.
No. 117 Café: Where Flavour Takes Flight
Discover a creative and diverse menu at No. 117 Café, where we serve everything from classic Western favourites to vibrant Asian-inspired dishes – all made from the freshest ingredients. We proudly brew Business Class organic coffee beans – without the premium price tag. Whether you're after a hearty meal or a quick bite, our homemade dishes are crafted with care to satisfy every palate. Great food, great coffee, and great value – it's all waiting for you at No. 117.
Best for: Pre- or post-airport meals; generous portions.
Cornwall Park Café: A Local Gem in the Heart of Nature
Tucked away in the lush surrounds of Cornwall Park, this café is the perfect spot to relax and refuel, whether you're out for a stroll, meeting friends, or treating the family. The menu celebrates seasonal, local produce with a rustic and homely touch—everything made with care and from scratch. Expect freshly brewed coffee, hearty breakfasts, seasonal lunch options, and a cabinet bursting with sweet treats, pastries, and savouries. In a hurry? Grab something to-go from the takeaway menu, featuring warming winter bites, fresh smoothies, and rich hot chocolates to cosy up with. There’s even a special menu for the little ones. Warm, welcoming and always delicious—Cornwall Park Café is your go-to for great food in a beautiful setting.
Insider tip: Pair with a stroll to Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill summit.
Red Shed Palazzo: A Garden Oasis
Just minutes off the Drury off-ramp, Red Shed Palazzo is a relaxed rural café nestled in beautiful garden surroundings. Open 7 days a week (7:30am–4pm), it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful breakfast, lunch, or coffee. Enjoy innovative cuisine, Roma coffee, and Mount Riley wines in a family- and dog-friendly setting. With a playground, Sunday Market, and picturesque function space, it’s ideal for birthdays or a tranquil day out.
Best for: Family brunches and lazy garden afternoons.
Calendula Cottage: Countryside Café & Garden
Nestled just outside Pukekohe, Calendula Cottage is a charming country café set in lush, garden grounds with indoor and outdoor seating housed in quaint gazebos. Beloved for its hearty breakfasts and brunches - think “The Stack,” eggs Benedict, creamy mushrooms—and indulgent cabinet treats like banoffee pie and scones, this cosy spot delivers classic Kiwi café favourites made with care. Family- and pet-friendly, it's ideal for a relaxed weekend outing. Open Wed–Sun, 10 am–4 pm.
Insider tip: Book the gazebo tables on sunny days.
Volare Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria: Authentic Italian Dining
Proudly serving The Gardens and wider Manukau area since 2002, Volare is an intimate, family-friendly restaurant offering genuine Italian charm and exceptional food in a relaxed suburban setting. From much-loved Italian classics to weekly specials crafted by our Italian chef, each dish reflects a passion for fresh ingredients, irresistible flavours, and comforting simplicity. Think house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and perfectly balanced sauces that make every bite memorable. Whether you're on a casual dinner date or enjoying a meal with family and friends, Volare offers a truly warm, flavourful dining experience that keeps locals coming back.
Good to know: Book weekends; share a pizza and pasta to leave room for dessert.
Lone Star Manukau: Classic American-Style BBQ
Located on Great South Road with views over the Vodafone Events Centre, Lone Star Manukau delivers hearty, all-American fare in a warm and welcoming setting. Famous for their legendary steaks, burgers, and fall-off-the-bone ribs, Lone Star offers something for every appetite. With friendly service, free WiFi, live sports screenings, and a family-friendly menu, it's the perfect spot for a casual dinner, game night, or group catch-up. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the big flavours and big hospitality Lone Star is known for.
Best for: Post–Rainbow’s End refuels, big-group dinners.
Goode Brothers: Kiwitalian Flavour in a Warm, Welcoming Setting
Goode Brothers is your local Kiwitalian spot, where Italian flavours meet laid-back Kiwi hospitality. It’s all about Goode food and Goode times, whether you’re dropping in for a casual bite or celebrating something special. With a menu full of fresh pasta, woodfired pizzas, hearty mains, and cheeky cocktails, Goode Brothers brings people together over great food and even better vibes. There’s always room at the table – so come as you are and make yourself at home.
Insider tip: Split pizza + pasta for the table; ask about weeknight specials.
Baci Eatery: Contemporary Italian Dining
Baci is making waves on the Auckland food scene with its fresh, flavourful European cucina and elegant, inviting atmosphere. From antipasto platters and stone-baked pizzas to classic pasta favourites like Spaghetti Puttanesca and Linguine alle Vongole, every dish is a celebration of authentic Italian flavour and quality ingredients. Stroll into Sylvia Park’s newest dining destination and explore an all-day Italian menu, best enjoyed with one of their signature cocktails. With a spacious indoor dining area and a lush outdoor setting perfect for long lunches or special celebrations, Baci is the ideal spot to relax, indulge, and soak up the good times.
Good to know: Easy parking at Sylvia Park; book for weekends.
Casablanca: Mediterranean & Middle Eastern Flavours
Set within Sylvia Park’s sun-drenched Dining Lane, Casablanca brings the vibrant tastes of the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa to life in a stylish, welcoming setting. With a generous al fresco patio and relaxed indoor vibe, it’s the perfect spot to take a break from the bustle of the mall. From Moroccan Tagine to Bedouin Lamb, each dish is crafted with authentic flavours and contemporary flair. Sip on a rich Turkish coffee and let the aromas transport you to the markets of Marrakesh and Istanbul – no passport required.
Best for: Shared plates and sunny long lunches.
Garrison: Big Flavours & Kiwi Hospitality
A long-time favourite in Sylvia Park’s dining scene, Garrison is known for its hearty portions, fast service, and buzzing atmosphere. Step inside and enjoy a relaxed, spacious setting where the chefs work their magic in full view. Whether you're stopping by for lunch, dinner or something in between, the menu is packed with crowd-pleasers – from gourmet burgers and woodfired pizzas to creative platters and fresh salads. Got a sweet tooth? Indulge in one of the decadent desserts or chat to the team about buffet, canapé, and set menu options for your next group get-together.
Insider tip: Pre-book for large groups; ask about game-day screens.
Szimpla Gastro Bar: Kiwi Flavours Near Auckland Airport
Just minutes from Auckland Airport, Szimpla is a cosy, vibrant hangout where travellers and locals come together over great food and warm hospitality. With its rustic Kiwi charm and welcoming vibe, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a flight or catch up with friends. The menu offers a taste of New Zealand with a global twist, alongside an impressive range of brews and drinks. Whether you're grabbing a bite or settling in for the evening, Szimpla delivers on flavour, comfort and atmosphere.
Best for: Day-of-flight meals; meetups with arriving friends.
Bracu Restaurant: Mediterranean Elegance in the Bombay Hills
Escape to Bracu, an award-winning restaurant nestled in New Zealand’s largest olive grove, just a short drive south of Auckland. Located in the picturesque Bombay Hills, Bracu blends Mediterranean charm with relaxed fine dining. Set in a beautifully restyled historic Kauri villa, enjoy a seasonal menu crafted with estate-grown and locally sourced ingredients. Dine on the all-weather verandah, beside the fire, or under the olive trees – wherever you sit, you’ll be surrounded by serenity, flavour, and warm hospitality. Perfect for a romantic lunch, a memorable celebration, or simply escaping the everyday, Bracu offers a refined yet down-to-earth culinary experience.
Insider tip: Book well ahead for weekends and special occasions.
One Tree Grill: Refined Dining, Remarkably Down to Earth
Consistently ranked among Auckland’s Top 10 Restaurants, One Tree Grill offers an exceptional yet unpretentious dining experience in the heart of Epsom. Specialising in modern European and New Zealand cuisine, each dish celebrates premium, seasonal ingredients, plated with precision and creativity. Think pasture-fed beef eye fillet, free-range pork belly, or sautéed ricotta gnocchi followed by a vanilla crème caramel or indulgent dark chocolate mousse. It’s fine dining without the fuss. Enjoy browsing the menu with one of New Zealand’s first iPad dining experiences, and let the team guide you through a thoughtful wine list and inspired food pairings. Please note: due to customer requests, One Tree Grill welcomes diners aged 5 and above only. Plenty of free on-street parking available.
Good to know: Dress smart-casual; allow time for a relaxed multi-course dinner.
Blue Ox Babe BBQ – Pukekohe’s Home of Low ’n’ Slow
Tucked away in Pukekohe’s industrial precinct, Blue Ox Babe serves up a bold mix of authentic Low ’n’ Slow BBQ and creative Asian Fusion. Their signature meats are smoked to perfection in “Eleanor,” a Texas-built off-set pit, using New Zealand pōhutukawa wood for up to two days—delivering deep, rich flavours you won’t forget. Alongside the classics, the menu draws on flavours discovered across Asia, reimagined with a unique twist that keeps things fresh and exciting. Whether you’re craving smoky brisket, sticky ribs, or inventive fusion bites, Blue Ox Babe is all about good food, good flavour, and a warm welcome.
Good to know: Their Texas pit smoker “Eleanor” runs daily—when the meat sells out, it’s gone! So come early or pre-order to avoid missing out.
