10 must-try foods in Auckland, New Zealand

Fish and chips blackpool. Photo by Matthias Meckel . Cropped from original. License: CC BY-SA 4.0

A shared heritage between New Zealand and the United Kingdom, fish and chips hold a cherished place in local culture. Brought ashore by British settlers in the 19th century, the dish swiftly claimed the official title of the nation's most beloved takeaway. It usually tags along with a leisurely stroll down to the sandy shores – a quintessential experience here. Just picture yourself relishing a succulent catch – tarakihi, hoki, blue warehou, or elephant fish – cocooned in a crisp, golden embrace, alongside a mountain of piping hot chips beckoning with tantalizing aromas, all while the salty breeze dances through your hair. Yes, it is as good as it sounds.

Typically accompanied by tomato sauce, it's a canvas for personal preferences – some opt for a drizzle of lemon juice or malt vinegar over their fish, while others drown their chips in tartar sauce. Of course, we recommend savoring them all. Anyway, whether it's at a local stall or a fancy restaurant, the essence remains unchanged: this staple is a tribute to good old-fashioned comfort food.

Nana's Fish House, nestled in the Mount Roskill area, is a local legend. While the place may seem modest from the outside, the fish speaks for itself – delicately battered and generously portioned, it's a true hit. This small joint isn't designed for hanging around, so grabbing your meal to go is a great choice. Simply swing by the window and order some fish & chips featuring hoki enveloped in just the right batter that’s never soggy, along with crispy French fries or kumara that could add a more authentic twist to your plate.

Rest assured, Nana's Fish House doesn’t use frozen seafood, guaranteeing that everything is freshly prepared just for you. It serves a delightful array of deep-fried treats, including squid rings, prawns, spring rolls, nuggets, and donuts. Amidst this variety, don’t overlook fan-favorite chicken sausages on a stick. Anyway, you'll find fixed-price menus that make it easy to enjoy the best without breaking the bank.

Bacon & egg pie. Photo by Ottomachin. Cropped from original. License: CC0

Bacon and egg pie might not win any awards for uniqueness, but it reigns as a comforting staple in New Zealand, like nowhere else. Also, let's not forget, pies can be as diverse as they come. The iconic Edmonds Sure to Rise Cookery Book, the country’s culinary Bible, unveiled the recipe back in 1955, boasting a lineup of core ingredients that you’d naturally expect from the name of this dish: bacon, whole eggs, onions, and flaky pastry on top and bottom.

However, it’s fair to mention that according to food historians, it has been a beloved national treat for well over a century. Apparently, there's no shortage of delicious variations to explore, influenced by fond memories of family gatherings. Tantalizing twists often showcase cheese and different veggies. And of course, no slice is complete without a drizzle of ketchup or tomato sauce for that perfect finishing touch. This versatile pie shines whether served warm or chilled, making it an ideal grab-and-go option and a must-have for picnics. Moreover, it's an unbeatable morning dish as – we all agree on that – bacon and egg are the ultimate breakfast power couple.

Mairangi Bay Bakery is a family-run shop with a passion for baking excellence, which earns them awards almost every year. One of the top lunch destinations of the North Shore, it offers an array of piping hot pies packed to the brim with irresistible fillings that'll have you coming back for more. Here, you're in for a delectable bacon and egg treat, boasting light and flaky pastry. We highly recommend venturing into other sumptuous combinations like braised pork belly with spiced apple; chunky steak, bacon and Camembert; or chicken, cream cheese and mushroom. Vegetarians can opt for a mouthwatering creation featuring spinach, sweetcorn, pumpkin, mushroom, and feta. Keep in mind, it's primarily a takeaway spot with just a couple of outdoor seats, so take your goodies to go and enjoy them beachside at Mairangi Bay.

Classic Kiwi burger. Photo from Burger Burger website: https://burgerburger.co.nz/

If you're on the hunt for a new take on classic burgers in Auckland, get ready to sink your teeth into the one-of-a-kind Kiwi variation, straight from the heart of New Zealand's culinary scene. At first glance, it appears to be your typical cheeseburger, boasting all the usual suspects – beef patty, cheese, lettuce, grilled onions, mustard, and ketchup – nestled between a perfectly toasted bun. However, upon closer inspection, you'll discover the sneaky addition of a fried egg and a slice of beetroot, elevating the flavor profile to new heights that, honestly, might just catch some foodies off guard.

Interestingly enough, this combination has managed to capture the hearts of many, to the point where even McDonald's added it to the menu in 1991. By the way, it still makes occasional appearances as a limited edition item. Nevertheless, we highly recommend savoring the authentic taste at local joints that showcase the finest farmer-sourced ingredients.

Nestled in the heart of Auckland's Commercial Bay shopping center, Burger Burger offers more than a typical fast food joint. With a backdrop of the Waitematā Harbor, diners can enjoy mouthwatering burgers and old-style milkshakes crafted from top-notch products while soaking in the wonderful views. In fact, this establishment boasts a chain of 8 locations scattered across New Zealand. Since its inception in 2014, the owners have remained faithful to their core concept: delivering delicious, honest food made with ethical, local, and nutritious ingredients. Despite being situated within a mall, this branch provides a trendy and distinctive atmosphere, with seating options around the bar or on the balcony.

Their menu presents a mix of classics and twists, including Kiwi burger with grass-fed beef, an irresistible smoky one, a flavorful beer-battered fish variation, and more. Vegans can delight in a range of plant-based alternatives. The carb-conscious can even go “bunless” with lettuce wraps. Beyond that, there are hearty couscous bowls and fresh salads. To quench your thirst, explore a selection of craft beers from the Samwill independent brewery.

Polished paua shells. Photo by Doka54. Cropped from original. Public domain.

For gourmets seeking exquisite delicacies, pāua is an absolute must-try. Known as abalone elsewhere, it’s actually the Māori name for a large edible sea snail. Boasting a distinctive texture and flavor, it offers a blend of salty richness and subtle sweetness that will undoubtedly leave your taste buds tingling with delight. Moreover, it is a nutritional powerhouse, full of protein, vitamins, and minerals. With a low-calorie profile, this treat stands as the perfect choice for health-conscious individuals.

But that’s not all – pāua is also a stunning visual masterpiece. Its mesmerizing pearlescent shell, coveted for jewelry making, shimmers and shines, revealing a kaleidoscope of colors as you turn it in your hand. While indulging in pāua in its raw, unaltered state is an option, the more customary method involves finely mincing it and crafting it into mouthwatering dark green patties or crispy fritters. Importantly, you can enjoy this oceanic treasure with peace of mind, as there are strict harvesting regulations and limits in place to protect their populations. 

Situated just in front of the picturesque Onetangi beach, Three Seven Two embodies the laid-back charm of Waiheke Island living. This cheerful spot with seaside-inspired decor offers both a cozy indoor dining room and a spacious outdoor area featuring long tables adorned with white tablecloths. As the sun sets, the ambiance transforms into one of romance, with fairy lights and a crackling fireplace adding to the allure. Recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious 1 Hat Cuisine Food Award in 2024, it showcases a menu celebrating exclusively fresh, seasonal produce. 

Discover the subtle flavor of creamy pāua served as an enticing entrée, beautifully complemented by bacon, frybread, and wakame. Also, indulge in their highlights like Te Matuku Bay oysters, whole flounder, and chargrilled flank steak. Vegetarians can explore intriguing dishes like beetroot with fig jam and yogurt dressing, as well as green beans accompanied by pomegranate and walnuts. Let the knowledgeable staff guide you through perfect local wine pairings to these treats. Finally, relish lemon and blackcurrant meringue pie that’s sure to dazzle gourmet palates with its contrasting tastes.

Mussels. Photo from The Shucker Brothers restaurant, FB: https://www.facebook.com/shuckerbrothers/

Another unmissable delight for seafood aficionados in Auckland is green-lipped mussels. Although Marlborough boasts 80 percent of the country’s mussel production, these beauties are found on menus all across New Zealand. Considered a prized delicacy around the globe, they are plentiful and quite budget-friendly here. With distinct shells highlighted by a vibrant green rim, they stand out as one of the largest species worldwide. Compared to their black-shelled counterparts, green-lipped mussels are renowned for their notably milder flavor and slightly more chewy texture. Moreover, they're hailed for their potential health perks, with recent studies hinting at their ability to combat inflammation, particularly in conditions like arthritis. Paired with garlic bread, a refreshing salad, and a glass of chilled white wine, these shellfish deliver a truly exquisite dining experience. 

Nestled in the heart of the iconic Vulcan Lane, The Occidental is housed within the walls of one of the city's oldest structures, a historic gem dating back to 1870. Once a high-end hotel and restaurant, complete with a billiard room and reading nook, this establishment has a story to tell. The woody interior, adorned with vintage decor and musical relics, exudes old European pub charm straight out of the early 20th century. It's the kind of place where you half expect to bump into Hemingway nursing a pint at the bar. 

The Occidental is the ultimate destination for savoring massive green-lipped mussels, steamed or grilled, served with crispy French fries, homemade mayonnaise, and your choice of sauce – from creamy white wine to adventurous coconut cream and lemongrass curry. Otherwise, treat yourself to seafood chowder, Flemish stew, or grilled oysters – you won’t be disappointed! In any case, make sure to select a brew from their rotating lineup of Belgian and Kiwi craft specialties. By the way, for the fans of satisfying morning meals, before 12PM the pub offers European breakfast spreads featuring eggs, bacon, sausages, hash browns, and more. 

Whitebait Fritter. Photo by Inanga. Cropped from original. Public Domain.

A renowned local delicacy, whitebait fritters feature tiny narrow fish caught in their immature stage, mixed with eggs, seasoned, and pan-fried until achieving a golden crispy exterior, resulting in a texture akin to an omelet. Occasionally, you might spot a bit of flour sneaking into the batter, but for flavor purists, such an addition is absolutely forbidden. To ensure its delicate taste isn't overshadowed, the tender whitebait meat is cooked whole, preserving its essence intact. This Kiwi classic is usually served with a zesty splash of lemon juice and thick slices of white bread lavishly spread with butter.

It's important to note that whitebait refers to five galaxiid species that are now endangered, prompting the government to enforce regulations and elevate it to the status of the country's most expensive fish. So, if you're keen to give this precious treat a try, we'd suggest opting for specimens sourced from sustainable farms. 

SOUL Bar & Bistro is a place where the name says it all. With over two decades of operation, it has become synonymous with unforgettable experiences, ensuring every visit is a rejuvenating retreat for your soul. Perched overlooking the Viaduct Harbor, the restaurant boasts stunning sunset views, fabulous DJs setting the mood, innovative cuisine along with stylish cocktails. From afar, SOUL catches the eye with lush greenery adorning its exterior, while the interior welcomes guests with modern elegance, featuring futuristic lamps, crisp white tablecloths, and mirrored surfaces. 

But the real journey begins with the food. Start your culinary adventure with sumptuous West Coast whitebait fritters, or indulge in black tiger prawns with harissa butter and citrus. For mains, savor succulent lamb rack served with eggplant and potato dumplings, or opt for market fish with red pepper sauce and zucchini. Pasta lovers can't go wrong with scampi spaghetti alla chitarra in tomato sauce. The restaurant gives special attention to sweet treats, so don't miss out on their signature Snickers sundae or mandarin & apricot ice cream cake.

Putting down a hāngī. Cropped from original. Photo by Einalem. License: CC BY-SA 2.0

Hāngī is a time-honored culinary tradition that promises to transport you into the heart of New Zealand's indigenous culture. Actually, it’s an authentic Māori cooking method that tantalizes taste buds with underground ovens powered by hot stones. In the traditional process, the rocks are evenly laid out in a hole, covered with a wet cloth to generate steam, and then food, wrapped in leaves, is positioned on top. Gently buried under a cozy heap of earth, the ingredients leisurely simmer for hours, absorbing the unique smoky, earthy flavors that define hāngī.

Typically, it features chicken, pork, lamb, shellfish, along with kumara (sweet potato), pumpkin, cabbage, and carrots. For over 2000 years, the method has been a cornerstone of Māori gastronomic heritage, rooted in the belief that the land is a sacred provider of nourishment. These days, hāngī is mostly reserved for special celebrations, with modern adaptations favoring aluminum foil and wire baskets instead of leaves.

Set within the historic building of a former convent in the charming neighborhood of Grey Lynn, Ada provides a one-of-a-kind dining experience, blending contemporary perspectives with classic Māori cuisine. With its rough white walls, high ceilings, and elegant chandeliers, the restaurant transports diners to another era, while touches of greenery, modern black tables, and leather chairs adorn the space, creating an ambiance that is both refined and inviting.

The standout dishes of Ada’s menu include hāngī pork belly with potato mousse, crispy onions, and cured egg yolk, as well as roasted cauliflower with hung yogurt and harakeke. An extra nod goes to the traditional rēwena bread, which arrives adorned with mouthwatering combinations like smoked tarakihi, local oyster mushroom, or braised bacon hock. For those looking to indulge further, the restaurant offers a 4-course lunch menu on regular days and a special 5-course shared banquet on Sundays, complete with a glass of Prosecco to start.

Pavlova. Photo by Sandra Filipe from Pexels.

While New Zealand may not boast a traditional national dish in the conventional sense, there's one sweet treat that unites Kiwis from Cape Reinga to Bluff. We’re talking about pavlova – the undisputed dessert diva. Named after the legendary Russian prima ballerina, Anna Pavlova, this delicacy pirouetted its way into the hearts of foodies, forever entwining its legacy with this enchanting country. Indeed, this cloud-like confection of whipped meringue crowned with billows of cream and a riot of fresh, jewel-toned fruits, embodies the essence of celebrations and family gatherings here.

However, there’s a storm of culinary controversy, both New Zealand and Australia claiming ownership of this crowd-pleaser. Throw in some whispers from Germany and the UK, and you've got yourself a global dessert debate! But let's be real, regardless of its origin story, one thing's for certain: pavlova is a decadent delight that's always a hit, no matter where it hails from! When in Auckland, you should definitely indulge in that crisp, sugared shell yielding to a tender, marshmallowy interior.

Hidden within the walls of an old chocolate factory, Cibo has been a local favorite for refined dining and grand occasions for more than 20 years. Its private courtyard envelops you in an ambiance of pure pleasure and relaxation, while indoors, the sophisticated interior adorned with floral details sets the stage for a high-end gastronomic experience.

The innovative menu showcases seasonal New Zealand fare with captivating combinations that spark the imagination. Picture fish with smoked kumara and prawn butter; duck with braised red cabbage, plums, and almond; or lamb with pistachio and sweet potato. For those with a penchant for garden delights, braised leek terrine with pineapple caviar, kumara chips, and fermented coconut is a must-try. However, the pièce de résistance at Cibo is their legendary pavlova, available in three variations: salted caramel & peanut, pineapple & Valrhona chocolate, along with apple cider gel & rhubarb. To complement your fancy meal, the restaurant offers an impressive selection of wines and bubbles, featuring both world-famous labels like Veuve Clicquot and local discoveries.

Honeycomb ice cream and hot toffee sauce. Photo by Ben Sutherland. License: CC BY 2.0

Hokey pokey stands tall as New Zealand's iconic ice cream flavor, ranking second only to vanilla in nationwide sales. In fact, the whimsical moniker originally referred to honeycomb toffee. However, it became associated with luscious ice cream adorned with crunchy toffee morsels back in 1953 when Brian Simon concocted this delightful fusion at his father's Newjoy factory in Dunedin. It turned out to be a staple of Kiwi culture and an absolute must-have treat for the summer months. Moreover, its popularity has spread to other countries as well. Whether you're strolling along the beach or exploring the streets of Auckland, a scoop or two of hokey pokey is the perfect way to beat the heat and indulge in a true taste of New Zealand.

Giapo is a creative parlor where ice cream transcends mere dessert and becomes a masterpiece of flavor and artistry. With a motto that declares “normal ice cream is boring”, it dares to defy tradition, infusing each frozen confection with ingenuity and imagination, all while using locally sourced, organic ingredients. Picture this: gelato shaped like a squid, cones smashed on the spot for you, edible selfie frames, and freshly fried donuts stuck on a scoop. Why not jazz up your hokey pokey experience with a dash of quirkiness? Among other flavors you will find hazelnut and praline, cookies, apricot and peach, pistachio, and more. By the way, as a dedicated gluten-free establishment also offering vegan options, they ensure that everyone can indulge here without any concern. If you're up for delectable experiments, join the queue, grab your dessert to go and savor it by the shore.

Lolly cakes. Photo by Prosperosity. Cropped from original. License: CC BY 4.0.

Lolly cake, also known as lolly log, is a beloved classic party treat in New Zealand. While its origins remain a mystery, since the 1940s, it has been an indispensable delight at kids' birthday celebrations, and it's not hard to see why. The dessert represents a sweet, no-bake cake that's reminiscent of slightly chewy cookie dough, bursting with vibrant colors from the fruity puffs called lollies nestled within. Made from crushed malt biscuits, sweetened condensed milk, and melted butter, this confection is then rolled into a log, coated in shredded coconut, and chilled to perfection. When sliced, it reveals a kaleidoscope of colors, adding a pop of fun to any occasion or even your morning cup of coffee. Yes, this creation is sure to charm your inner child, so don't miss out on it when you're in Auckland. 

Situated in the heart of the North Shore suburb of Glenfield, Loafer's Bakery is a cozy, old-school gem that has been delighting families with their irresistible baked goods since 2007. You can bet it's the spot to hit up when you're hankering for a heartwarming lolly cake. Here, you'll be greeted with warm smiles from friendly staff within a simple interior. The highlight? A charming display of vitrines filled with donuts, sweet and savory pies, brownies, cupcakes, biscuits, and more. Their sandwiches, wraps, and quiches are perfect for a satisfying lunch on the go. Dig into their signature steak and mushroom pie, boasting a perfectly flaky crust and heavenly gravy that's sure to leave you craving more. We would also recommend opting for chicken & cranberry, pepper & cheese, or spinach & feta combinations. Otherwise, head on over and select your favorite one!

With Kiwi's vibrant gastronomic culture, there's always something new and exciting to discover around every corner. To enhance your adventure even further, we invite you to find out more info about the best attractions and restaurants in Auckland. Have you had the pleasure of indulging in any local specialties yet? Please, share your impressions and favorite finds in the comment section below.