The 10 Best Outdoor Dining Places in Auckland
David Harris
| Last Updated: October 2023 If your idea of a perfect dining experience involves battling seagulls for your fish and chips, then Auckland’s got you covered! But seriously, having dined al fresco in numerous cities around the globe, I can confidently say there’s something uniquely charming about outdoor dining in Auckland.
The combination of fresh sea air, stunning views, and delicious food is simply unbeatable. So, put on your sunnies, slap on some sunscreen, and let’s dive into the top spots for outdoor dining in Auckland, where the only thing fresher than your plate is the sea air.
1. Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar
Location: 86 Federal St., Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 11 AM to 9:30 PM
Phone: +64 021 954 132
Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar is a must-visit for food connoisseurs. The ambience sets the stage for an unforgettable outdoor dining experience, with its open kitchen and a menu full of fresh and rustic food.
But the real showstopper is their oyster bar, offering a variety of locally sourced oysters that will leave you spoilt for choice.
Pro Tip: Don’t leave without trying the skillet-fried sugar pie pumpkin squid. It’s a local favourite!
2. Soul Bar & Bistro
Location: Corner of Lower Hobson Street and, Customs Street West, Auckland City, Auckland 1143, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Phone: +64 9-356 7249
Situated on the edge of Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, Soul Bar & Bistro is the epitome of chic outdoor dining in Auckland.
The spectacular waterfront view provides the perfect backdrop for their menu, which features a variety of impeccably presented dishes. Definitely try out their pan-roasted salmon—it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Pro Tip: Book a table around sunset. The view of the harbour lit up under the setting sun is a sight to behold!
3. Ortolana
Location: 33 Tyler Street, Britomart, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand.
Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 7 AM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 3 PM
Phone: +64 9-368 9487
Nestled in the hip Britomart precinct, Ortolana is a gem among the city’s outdoor dining spots. The name, which translates to ‘Market Gardener’, truly reflects their farm-to-table concept, with dishes that are seasonal, fresh, and bursting with flavours.
Their menu is a delightful mix of European and local cuisines. The grilled octopus, served with a tantalising dressing of capers, olives, and lemon, is a standout. For dessert, their signature Chocolate Hazelnut Torta is a must-try—a smooth, rich chocolatey goodness that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Pro Tip: Request a table on their charming covered outdoor patio—amidst fairy lights and greenery, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a magical urban garden!
4. Elliott Stables
Location: 39-41 Elliott Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday to Friday – 12 PM to 2 PM & 5 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 2 PM & 5 PM to 10 PM
Phone: +64211044386
Stepping into Elliott Stables feels like entering a different era. This epicurean village is an enchanting labyrinth of world-class eateries, with its cobblestone floors and vintage charm.
Head to The Big Little Grill, where meat lovers will rejoice at their BBQ ribs, cooked to perfection and slathered with a tangy, smoky sauce. Pair that with a glass of local Pinot Noir, and you’ve got yourself a meal to remember.
Vegetarian? No problem—the Spanish tapas bar El Faro offers a savoury chickpea and spinach stew, which is both comforting and packed with flavour.
Pro Tip: Arrive early, grab a seat in their charming courtyard, and soak up the lively atmosphere while enjoying your meal al fresco. And if you’re lucky enough to catch one of their live performances, it’s truly an experience not to be missed!
5. Takapuna Beach Café
Location: 22 The Promenade, Takapuna, Auckland 0622, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 6 PM
Phone: +64 9-484 0002
Overlooking the pristine Takapuna Beach, the Takapuna Beach Café is a must-visit for those who love a scenic dining experience. The café‘s contemporary architecture and stunning beachfront views make it a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike.
For breakfast, their mouth-watering eggs benedict with house-cured salmon is a crowd-pleaser. For lunch, you can’t go wrong with their fish and chips, and their coffee is a standout too!
Pro Tip: For an unforgettable experience, visit at sunset. The panoramic views of the sun dipping into the ocean while savouring their famous Hokey Pokey Ice Cream.
6. Dr. Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co.
Location: Level 2/204 Quay St., Auckland, 1010, New Zealand.
Hours:
- Monday & Tuesday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Wednesday & Thursday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 3 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +6499424666
This rooftop restaurant offers stunning panoramic views of the harbour, perfect for a scenic lunch or dinner. Known for its home-brewed beers, each with its own unique kick, it’s a haven for beer lovers.
The menu reflects a delectable seaside inspiration, with seafood dishes being the star. The ‘Drunken Prawns’, marinated in their house brew, are a crowd favourite.
Pro Tip: Visit Dr. Rudi’s during happy hour from 4 to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, for discounted drinks and a lively atmosphere. With live music and the perfect view of the sunset over the harbour, it’s a must-visit spot in Auckland.
7. Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill
Location: Ferry Building, 99 Quay St., Auckland, 1010, New Zealand.
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Phone: +64 9-307 0556
Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill offers a remarkable combination of world-class seafood, an unbeatable view of the Auckland Harbour, and an outdoor dining experience like no other.
The restaurant prides itself on its menu, which sings praises of the ocean’s bounty. One of the standout dishes at Harbourside is the ‘Snapper Fillet,’ a fresh catch of the day served atop a bed of warm Mediterranean salad.
If you fancy shellfish, their ‘Mud Crab Spaghettini’ is a must-try, and don’t pass up the opportunity to indulge in the ‘Grilled Bluff Oysters’ when they’re in season. For dessert, the ‘Valrhona Chocolate Fondant’ is an absolute delight.
Pro Tip: Book a table for their popular Sunday seafood brunch. Pair your meal with one of their house-made cocktails. And if you can, snare a seat on the rooftop terrace—the panoramic harbour views are wonderful.
8. The Sugar Club Auckland
Location: Sky Tower, Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 5 PM to 9 PM
Phone: +6493636365
Perched on the 53rd floor of the iconic Sky Tower, The Sugar Club Auckland is a gem for al fresco dining enthusiasts, offering a breathtaking panorama of the city.
Give their innovative dishes a try like their ‘Venison Tataki,’ or their ‘Butter Poached Lobster,’ and lastly, the ‘Passionfruit Soufflé’ is the pièce de résistance—a light, airy dessert that leaves an unforgettable impression.
Pro Tip: Make sure to arrive early at The Sugar Club Auckland for a pre-dinner cocktail at their elegant bar, aptly named the ‘Sky Lounge.’ And for the ultimate romantic experience, book a table during sunset and be awed by the stunning views of Auckland’s skyline.
9. Cibo Parnell
Location: 91 St Georges Bay Rd., Parnell, Auckland 1052, New Zealand.
Hours:
- Lunch – Tuesday to Friday – From 11:30 AM
- Dinner – Tuesday to Saturday – From 5:30 PM
Phone: +64 9-303 9660
Cibo Parnell is an oasis for al fresco dining lovers. With its charming courtyard and lush surroundings, it’s an idyllic setting for a delicious meal under the stars.
One of their must-try dishes is the ‘Parnell Prawn Pasta,’ a delectable medley of succulent prawns, perfectly cooked pasta, and a spicy kick of chilli.
For the carnivores, we highly recommend their ‘Braised Lamb Shoulder’—tender, flavorful, and served with a side of velvety potato puree—it’s comfort food elevated to a gourmet level.
Pro Tip: Every Wednesday, they offer a curated selection of wines at discounted prices. It’s the perfect chance to savour some of the finest New Zealand and international wines without breaking the bank.
10. The Riverhead
Website
Location: 33 York Terrace, Riverhead, Auckland 0820, New Zealand.
Hours: Monday-Sunday 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Phone: +64 9-412 8902
The Riverhead is a gem tucked away on the banks of the upper Waitemata Harbour. As New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern and a mecca for outdoor dining enthusiasts, it offers a unique blend of history, stunning views, and mouth-watering food.
Grab a table on their expansive deck and soak in the harmonious symphony of native bird calls, rustling leaves, and the gentle flow of the river. It’s a sensory feast that complements your gastronomic journey.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss their signature ‘Riverhead Platter’, featuring an array of delicious small bites designed for sharing. And if you’re a seafood lover, the ‘Crayfish Tails’ are a must-try—succulent and flavorful with every bite.
