Dining to Check Out: Auckland, New Zealand

Known for its beautiful views and abundant food resources, New Zealand offers a fresh and diverse dining scene. During my visit to Auckland, I discovered restaurants that showcased local ingredients and incredible flavours. Here are my top dining recommendations.

Bossi

I recommend Bossi to anyone who appreciates authentic Italian cuisine. The attention to detail in both presentation and flavour combinations ensured every dish was absolutely delicious.

We started with oysters, Caprese alla Bossi Insalata, Polpette di Brasato, and Gamberi All’Aglio. For me, the standout was the Gamberi All’Aglio. The prawns were juicy, and the sauce had the perfect balance of sweet and creamy, ideal for soaking the garlic bread in.

For mains, we indulged in Fettuccine alla Ruota with a side of truffle mashed potatoes and grilled garlic broccolini. The pasta was incredibly fresh and house-made, and the Fettuccine alla Ruota is rolled in a giant parmesan cheese wheel, -delicious. The lovely waiter selected multiple wines to compliment each dish, which we absolutely loved.

For dessert, I chose the Espresso Semifreddo. I adore semifreddos, and when they’re done well with perfect flavour pairings -like this one with dark chocolate, espresso, pistachio praline, and mint -I am over the moon.

Kingi

Known for its focus on sustainable seafood, Kingi offers a menu that is both innovative and carefully sourced from New Zealand’s coasts. The dishes are fresh, simple yet refined, and executed with precision, such as the Yellow Belly Flounder with Café de Paris butter and chives, and the Squid Ink Tagliatelle with shellfish, arrow squid, and chili. The space itself is stunning, featuring soft backlighting and high-quality interior design.

Amano

Amano is one of my absolute favorites, combining a sophisticated dining area with a high-end European-style bakery. Starting with the bakery, I couldn’t resist returning multiple times to try different pastries paired with my morning coffee. From the tiramisu slice and Basque cheesecake (my favorite) to the orange poppy seed friand, every baked good was incredibly fresh and delicious, reminding me of my times in Europe.

On the dining side, Amano features a spacious area with an open kitchen, creating an immersive experience where you can see and smell the incredible dishes being prepared. The menu highlights fresh, local ingredients with an Italian influence, offering thoughtful and flavorful dishes. I tried the pan-roasted gemfish with asparagus, goddess sauce, and chili, and it did not disappoint. The fish was perfectly cooked, the asparagus buttery and garlicky, and the sauce had just the right balance of richness and heat.

To compliment my meal, I paired it with the Raspberry, Tequila, Acqua di Cedro, Chambord, Lemon & Orange cocktail, and the flavour pairing was immaculate. For dessert, I opted for my go-to semifreddo and was impressed by the subtlety of the saffron. This saffron cream cheese semifreddo, paired with strawberry purée and pistachio crumb, struck the perfect balance of tartness and nuttiness.

Gilt

Gilt was an elegant restaurant with a contemporary french interior. It somewhat reminded me of a few Melbourne favorites, such as Gimlet, with its refined appearance. We started with the oysters, which were plump and paired perfectly with a flavorful cabernet sauvignon mignonette. For entrées, we enjoyed the Wagyu beef tongue with salsa verde and oregano, confit potato squares with saffron aioli, a seafood cocktail with octopus, mussels, and spiced Marie Rose, and grilled tiger prawns with ’nduja chili butter and parsley. The prawns were my favorite, as I absolutely love chili butter, and they were grilled to perfection.

For mains, I opted for the King crab pappardelle ricce, served in a brandy bisque with crème fraîche and Italian parsley. The dish was absolutely delicious, with the sauce tying the flavors together beautifully. Dessert was a passion fruit crème brûlée accompanied by a scoop of house-made vanilla ice cream. The brûlée was incredibly creamy, and the tangy passion fruit paired wonderfully with the smooth, rich ice cream—a great dining experience.

St Heliers Bay Bistro

St Heliers Bay Bistro is the perfect spot if you’re after a relaxed yet refined dining experience with beautiful ocean views. Just a short drive from the city center, the bistro offers a seasonal menu that focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with every dish bursting with flavour and perfectly fitting the coastal surroundings. I ended up here multiple times during my trip and was impressed by both the breakfast and lunch menus—so I can only imagine dinner would be just as nice.

The atmosphere and scenery at St Heliers Bay make it the ideal spot to sip a mimosa while enjoying dishes like fresh mango crudo or vongole linguine with chili, Cloudy Bay clams, white wine, and garlic. If you’re looking for somewhere by the ocean to unwind and enjoy incredible food, St Heliers Bay Bistro is a must-visit.

Queens Bar

Queens Bar in Auckland is a must-visit if you’re looking for a vibrant spot to enjoy incredible food and drinks in the city. The vibe, interior and views are incredible here.

The menu offers a variety of elevated dishes that showcase fresh, local ingredients with bold flavors. Small plates like crispy calamari with lemon aioli, burrata with heirloom tomatoes, or perfectly grilled prawns, or heavier options like steak frites or a truffle mushroom risotto, - the menu is lovely.

The cocktail selection is equally impressive, with classics done exceptionally well and signature drinks that add a creative twist. The attention to detail in both the food and drinks ensures dish is high quality. For a vibrant dining experience in the city, Queens Bar is definitely worth a visit.

Auckland’s dining scene places a strong emphasis on fresh produce and locally sourced ingredients, which is something I truly appreciate. The quality of a dish always comes down to its ingredients, and Auckland absolutely delivers on this front. If you’re ever visiting, I highly recommend adding these spots to your itinerary for an elevated dining experience.