Auckland’s best international cuisine
The ultimate round-the-world restaurant tour of Auckland...
Recently, Auckland is understandably staking a claim to the hundreds of thousands of tourists that flock to the country each year. Garnering some serious food cred from a new wave of restaurants and sophisticated dining options, a wonderful, eclectic melting pot of cultures, the city gives way to a number of internationally celebrated chefs laying down their restauranter roots here. So, if you’re looking for the finest international dishes Auckland has to offer, here are a few restaurants worth booking a table at…
A slice of Italy at Prego
Prego has witnessed over three decades of food fashion and stood its ground. It remains, as it always has been, a beautiful classically-minded Italian establishment. Culinary standards are reliably high, with dishes as simple as the ‘Bianco’ pizza which sees the pairing of portobello mushrooms and ham capturing the hearts of insurmountable diners.
Delivering the comforting joy of something simple, done well, it’s all part of Pregos’ undeniable charm, and why locals return time and again to their beloved stalwart. Three decades past, and showing promise of three decades hence, being here is being at the heart of Auckland dining, and the city can’t get enough.
226 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
A taste of Lebanon at Gemmazye Street
Occupying the far end of Auckland’s iconic St Kevin’s arcade, eating at Gemmayze Street is an experience from the minute you set eyes on the fit-out. Hijacking typical Lebanese flavours and ingredients, and adding their own personal spin create sharing plates as complex and richly detailed as the space.
There’s harmony from start to finish; lofty ceilings and cool concrete hues of the arcade, staff that appear and disappear at all the right times, and a menu geared toward exploration of some of the freshest and most versatile incarnations of Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s an unforgettable experience to dine here; polished, unpretentious, and fun. It also has the best hummus in town.
Shop 16, St Kevin's Arcade, 183 Karangahape Road
Immaculate French fare at Paris Butter
All the very best restaurants create a reality of their own, and Paris Butter does it better than most. The party starts with a bang, and likely due to an extravagant mouthful of prawn, crackling and split charred cream. The French-ish menu nods at tradition made new with clever twists, the kumara sourdough and truffle butter, however, needs no twist.
Straightforward and superb, every mouthful is as decadent, and delicious, as the last. And just when you think the party has peaked, out come the rich and delightful desserts, which may encourage another look at the wine list, and you’ll see the party has just begun.
166 Jervois Road, Herne Bay
Turkish at Deco Eatery Cafe
Deco has tradition woven into its fabric and is therefore fitting that it is located in Titirangi’s most iconic historic building, Lopdell House. Aptly named after the art culture that the building is famed for, Deco is cleverly and tastefully laid out, so not to take away from its stunning architectural surroundings. Minimalism is clearly the name of the game here, and the open airy space fosters serenity. The staff’s warm and self-assured demeanour is reflective of justifiable pride, of traditional Turkish cuisine cooked to perfection.
Owned by Alex Isik and Nigar Ivgen, their Turkish heritage is heroed through NZ’s fresh seasonal produce, a cuisine that is heavily under-represented in Auckland, well not of this calibre anyway.
0604/418 Titirangi Rd, Titirangi
Modern Asian-fusion at White + Wong’s
Since opening their flagship eatery in Auckland’s Viaduct in 2016, White & Wong’s have been committed to exploring Asian cuisine through a contemporary lens. The menu is steeped with a joyful, playful mix of Southeast Asian flavours and traditions, striking the perfect balance between classic technique and modern flare, equating to untranslatable brilliance.
If you’re a traditionalist, you’ll find one of the cities finest Pad Thai’s here, if you prefer to mix things up, the Bang Bang Chicken is a dish for the ages. It’s a neighbourhood favourite for a reason, and it’s worth crossing town for.
149 Quay Street Cnr Lower Hobson & Quay Street
Contemporary Indian at 1947 Eatery
1947 Eatery dares to reinvent the wheel, dishing up traditional Indian fare with modern ingredients. This is a far car from your Monday night curry deal establishment, everything about this eatery is polished and refined. The slow-cooked lamb-shank is their signature dish, it’s simmered for five hours and arrives on the bone, ready to fall apart at the diners demand. The rest of the menu reads like this too, and progresses from ‘the streets, to the palaces’, all governed by classical cooking techniques. The fit-out is a cut above, the food is intriguingly authentic, service charming and the drinks list excellent.
60 Federal Street, Auckland CBD