Tāmaki Makaurau’s Viaduct Harbour is simply put, a happening spot. It's got stellar ties to the America’s Cup, glittering Waitematā views, and some of the city's best dance floors. Ranking equally as highly is the kai.
From waterside-cellar doors to plenty of seafood, and more cocktails than you can shake a golf club at (and, in actual fact, you can do that too) consider this your guide to wining, dining and—of course, people watching—on Auckland Viaduct.
Here are the best restaurants and bars that Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour has to offer.
Somm Wine Bar & Bistro
Shed 22 Princes Wharf, Auckland Central, Auckland
Image Credit: Somm | Instagram
A wine bar served with a view of Auckland’s waterfront (and sometimes, the great ships of the city) there’s a lot to love about urban cellar door Somm. Firstly, there are over a hundred wines—most of them local—to try by the glass.
Or, settle in for bottle after bottle in this sleek space while you enjoy a food menu that goes far beyond the ‘light bites’ of a bar. We’re talking about a full restaurant offering of gourmet pizzas, cheese and charcuterie platters, and some of the best pate you’ll ever have. We also rate Somm for having one of the smoothest private dining nooks in Auckland—red velvet curtain and all.
Hello Beasty
95-97 Customs Street West, Auckland Central
Image Credit: Hello Beasty | Supplied: Website
One of the most instantly-recognisable (you’ve 100% seen that waving neon cat) restaurants in the Viaduct is none other than Hello Beasty, with their Japanese, Korean and Chinese fusion.
The flavours here will slap you across the face, from chili-oil drenched dumplings to cold cuts (which includes a chinese-style burrata,) kimchi confit duck leg and their signature KFC, Korean-Fried Cauliflower. Sound overwhelming in the best way possible? Don’t worry, they’ve got a couple of nifty “feed me” chef’s selection menus to dig into. Oh, and vegetarians and gluten-free friends will love the fact they have two huge menus to cater to them.
Bar Mea
7/204 Quay St, The Viaduct, Auckland
Image credit: Bar Mea | Instagram
With a total of 14 seats, it’s a quality over quantity here at Bar Mea. The same can be said about the food: burgers (gourmet, of course,) oysters, and nibbles galore are at the heart of their story.
It’s Parasol & Swing’s little sister (literally, they’re tucked just beneath the hotspot) so expect lip-smacking cocktails with a tropical spin, alongside a rotation of craft brews. You’ll be sitting right against the viaduct walkway, so expect top-tier people, pooch and yacht watching.
Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co
204 Quay St level 2 Auckland, Auckland 1010
Image credit | Dr Rudi’s | Facebook
It’s the place with the bowling alley. And the industrial bar vats behind the bar. And that sweeping, open-air terrace three floors up. Yep, it’s Dr Rudi’s: Auckland Viaduct's trusty sidekick for your after-work, late-night or sports-watching plans. Absolutely everyone is catered to here, from beers galore on tap and bottled, classic cocktails, every kind of pub-grub and even a kids menu. It’s also one of the best places for large group bookings that aren’t exactly a private function.
Esther
4 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Esther | Facebook
While you won’t get a smack-bang view of the water, you’ll absolutely get the best of the land and sea on Esther’s menu. Plus, you’ll be perfectly placed for a romantic post-dinner waterfront stroll. Mediterranean dishes are the main focus here—as is grabbing a snap of their iconic Puff bread for Instagram. It’s hard to pinpoint a must-try dish, because everything—from their taramasalata to roast lamb, baked honeyed cheese to basque cheescake—commands the hearts and tastebuds of Aucklanders.
Bivacco
115 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Bivacco | Supplied
Treat yourself to a lavish Italian spread with a stunning view to match at Bivacco. In true dolce vita style, you’ll feel right at home in this breezy restaurant, whether you’re in your casual ‘fit or fully glammed up.
Sundays are sacred here: where they offer one of the best buffets in Auckland, the ‘Sunday Feast.’ It’s sprawling with pasta, fresh seafood (you are waterfront, remember) and sweet plates. Come a-la-carte-dining, you can expect bright, colourful plates bursting with produce and more spritz colours than you can shake a linen napkin at.
Onemata
99 Halsey St, Auckland CBD
Image Credit: Onemata | Facebook
Oh she’s a sleek one. Park Hyatt’s sophisticated spot, Onemata. You’ll find a veritable taste of New Zealand kai right here, plated with finesse. You’ll even be graced by the presence of a Sommelier—a welcome rarity, in our town—to guide you through umpteen matches and bottles. Next door, Park Hyatt’s The Lounge also offers one of the best High Teas in town—complete with smack-bang views out to the harbour and looking back towards the city.
The Parasol & Swing Company
7/204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: The Parasol & Swing Company | Facebook
We don’t reeeeaally need to introduce the gem that is Parasol & Swing, but here we go: A huge rooftop, smack-bang waterfront basin views, mind-blowing cocktails and tastefully tropical interiors.
If you’re mulling over the cocktail—of which options are endless and divided into levels of strength—let us recommend the trusty Clover Club. It’s a foamy, earl-grey, raspberry and gin crowdpleaser that’s covered in tangy fruit powder. Otherwise, you’ll find plenty of wines and beers, all well-curated. Food is just as much of a feat here: You’ll find fresh Cali-style food, like elevated tacos, guac, salads, oysters, burgers galore. Come hungry.
Soul Bar And Bistro
16-18 Corner of Lower Hobson Street & Custom Street West Auckland
Image credit: SOUL | Facebook
Reigning as one of the Viaduct Harbour’s best restaurants for many years now, dine here to set your tastebuds all a-flutter—but not before pausing for a snap on their steps.
The pornstar martini is legendary at Soul Bar and Bistro, and leads the pack of an every-evolving and fun cocktail list. Speaking of fun, you’ll want to keep an eye open for SOUL PUNCH events, which theme an entire menu and electric ambience to something happening in pop culture.
Classic bistrot fare is at the heart of SOUL’s offering, which lends itself from everything to power-lunches to after-work drinks, hot dates and family affairs. Think local meats, creamy risottos, and oh-so-silky pasta.
Saint Alice
Level 1/204 Quay Street, Auckland Central, Auckland
Image credit: Saint Alice | Facebook
She’s the girl to visit when you want to feel luxe. Order a round of Saint Alice’s oysters, a side of parmesan truffle fries, a bottle of bubbles and you’ll see what we mean. It’s one of the best examples of Harbourside surf-and-turf: There’s hearty yet chic mains featuring steaks, market fish, plus pizza galore. Snacking is also serious business here, from fried chicken to terrine, bruschetta and salmon ceviche. This, a signature cocktail, perching at one of their plentiful window seats—you just can’t get more Auckland.
Grape & Olive
21 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland CBD
Image Credit: Grape & Olive | Supplied: website
Named after life’s greatest pairing, Sofitel’s Grape & Olive makes for effortless grazing—and the odd daydream of a Mediterranean escape. After all, you’re right around the corner from megayachts and the mural looks as if it was lifted straight of a Dolce & Gabbana dress.
Naturally, wine and champagne options are a’plenty and their cocktails are given a French spin. Large plates are simple—a chic charcuterie board or a burger—while French and Italian small plates and hor d’oeurves make it an easy dinner destination.
Boracay Garden Restaurant
124 Customs Street West, The Viaduct, Auckland
Image credit: Boracay Garden Restaurant | Website
It’s an IYKYK spot among the Filipino community and those who love darn. good. food. We’re not exaggerating by saying that Boracay Garden Restaurant is a true feast for the senses, after all, the chances of seeing a Boodle Fight (AKA, a traditional Filipino feast served on meters and meters of banana leaf) here is pretty high. Give them a call at least two days before hand, and it’s all yours. They also do an all day Filipino style breakfast dessert, catering plates and well, anything you want for a first-class-food-coma.
Holey Moley
204 Quay Street, Auckland Central, Auckland
Image credit: Holey Moley | Facebook
In the mood for a round (or thirteen) of sticky-in-a-good-way debauched mini golf? Holey Moley is just the place. Go straight to the bar, order a Sugar Caddy, and thank us later. You’ll be treated to an iconic sweet yet tart cocktail that’s garnished with a dainty little lolly kebab. Perfect for keeping your sugars up if you’re going to put through *that* game of thrones themed hole. Should you need something a little more substantial, the burgers here will do the trick.
More in the mood for High Tea? We've got you.
Hero Image credit: Dr Rudis Rooftop Brewing Co.