By Sara Harawira
Auckland’s food scene keeps growing—new spots open, street vendors switch up their menus, and old favourites are still doing the work. Here’s a guide to what to try now, whether you’re out for a casual bite, a special dinner, or something portable to enjoy while chasing vans around town.
New Restaurant Openings Worth the Visit
33 South, Auckland CBD
Located in the lobby of Radisson RED on Lorne Street, 33 South opens its doors as a vibrant everyday spot. Think locally-sourced produce, menus that shift with the seasons, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for breakfast, working lunches, or after-work gatherings. A great addition to midtown’s evolving dining map and a place that feels at home in Tāmaki Makaurau’s food culture.
Aarth, Parnell
Helmed by chef Vicky Shah (Cassia, Sidart), Aarth takes modern Indian dining deeper—with flavour, tradition and emotion in every dish. From playful snacks like whitebait bhaji with lime leaf chaat masala to more iconic dishes such as Butter Chicken reimagined, it’s forging a fresh identity for Indian cuisine in this city.
Matchbox & La Buvette by Bare Wine, Grey Lynn / Ponsonby Central
Two concepts bringing something new: Matchbox offers boundary-pushing tacos and creative cocktails in a striking space on Ponsonby Road, while La Buvette by Bare transforms Richmond Road into a café-by-day, wine-bar-by-night destination with pared-back menus that promise to grow. Both lean into style, community and flavour.
Beloved Food Trucks & Where to Find Them
Auckland’s mobile kitchens continue to shine. Here are key street food vendors everyone is talking about:
- Jo Bro’s Burgers: Smash burgers, tacos, and plant-based options. Runs multiple food truck brands and a restaurant in Titirangi. You’ll spot them at markets, weddings, festivals.
- The Lucky Taco: Soft-shell tacos, meats and vegan fills, inspired by Mexico City flavours; now mostly private bookings.
- Catch’ya Cookout Seafood: Seafood lovers unite—fish tacos, ceviche and beer-battered fish and chips made with locally sourced fish.
- Phat Uncle’s: Family-run, creative burger options (beef, Korean chicken, squid, chickpea), great sides, posted weekly where the truck is parked.
- The Viet Sandwich, Food Truck Garage, and many more listed on LoveFoodTrucks.nz to browse what’s near you.
Local Favourites to Return To
- One Tree Grill, Epsom: If you want a refined dinner with excellent wine in serious company—this place is built for evenings where the wine list matters.
- The Blue Breeze Inn, Ponsonby: Modern Chinese fare in a stylish setting. Good decor, good cocktails, good mood. Weekends bring the wait—worth it.
- Sunday Painters, Ponsonby: A French-leaning menu, strong seafood, charming service. Past patrons note its consistency, especially for fish dishes.
- Tala, Parnell Road: Traditional Samoan cooking done with flair. Dinner set-menu options are memorable, and the open-fire “umu” cooking adds atmosphere.
Tips for Exploring Auckland’s Food Scene
If you’re diving into new places or food trucks, here’s how to get the best out of the journey:
- Check opening times before you go—new restaurants may have limited hours or shift service as they settle in.
- Follow your favourite food trucks on social media; their locations often change day by day. Live-map tools like HungryTrucks help.
- Reserve ahead when possible, especially for dinner in busy neighbourhoods like Ponsonby, Parnell, or the CBD.
- Be adventurous—try ethnic cuisines, small plates, street food. Auckland’s character shows up best in places pushing flavour blends.
From bold new openings to the dependable spots you always tell friends about, Auckland is feeding us well right now. Keep an eye out, taste widely, and share what you discover—you never know which street cart or hidden gem will become your next favourite.