North Shore Auckland: 14 Restaurants That’ll Make You Ditch Auckland CBD
David Sims
| Last Updated: March 2024 Auckland’s North Shore wasn’t exactly on my radar. Sure, I knew it harbored beaches that stretched for miles, but when it came to restaurants I didn’t know much.
So after venturing around the North Shore and eating at more places than I can count—from curry to sushi—I’ve found the best restaurants on the shore. And I won’t gatekeep them either. Check ‘em out below!
1. Paper Moon
Address: 437 Beach Road, Mairangi Bay, Auckland 0630, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 10PM
Phone: +64 9 479 8872
One place you simply can’t miss if you love meat is Paper Moon. Paper Moon’s menu is crafted with a range of mouth-watering dishes guaranteed to satisfy every palate. From their herb-crusted lamb rack to the slow-cooked pork belly, the flavours are simply exquisite!
For the steak lovers out there, you’re in for a real treat! Their 21-day-old eye-fillet steak is a standout. Served with potato gratin, chargrilled broccolini, baby carrots, and a parsnip puree, it’s a meal that hits all the right notes!
Pro Tip: Paper Moon’s chocolate bomb is a game-changer! It’s a decadent delight that’s sure to impress even the most discerning dessert aficionados.
2. Tok Tok
Address: 129 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland 0622, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 12 PM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 8:30 PM
Phone: +64 9 489 3988
Tok Tok is one of the hottest restaurants on the North Shore. Forget bland bites and boring brunches—Tok Tok’s where it’s at for an epic Asian fusion feast.
We’re talking about shaking beef that’s not shy about the heat. Its fiery tango with red pepper and ginger leaves you begging for more (and maybe a glass of milk).
Then there’s the wagyu beef pad seuw, where melt-in-your-mouth wagyu gets all cosy with black beans and broccoli, creating a flavorful cuddle puddle you won’t want to leave.
But Tok Tok ain’t just about the landlubbers. Their crispy hapuka dry red curry is like the ocean, and your spice rack has a lovechild—it’s glorious.
Pro Tip: Skip the sad scoop of ice cream and embrace pandan-tastic goodness with their pandan tapioca.
3. Moxie
Address: 82 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead, Auckland 0626, New Zealand
Hours:
- Wednesday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 5 PM to 11 PM
Phone: +64 9 419 9082
Moxie is a foodie’s paradise that boasts a menu brimming with dishes that are as delightful to the palate as they are to the eyes.
For starters, their lamb backstrap will have you swooning with its perfect blend of smoked eggplant, courgette ribbons, and sauce niçoise.
If you’re a seafood lover, you can’t go wrong with their market fish, presented with green lip mussels and Parisienne gnocchi.
Pro Tip: Give Moxie’s classic beef Wellington a try. Just remember to pre-order this dish when booking because it’s so popular it often sells out!
4. Al Forno
Address: 34 Anzac Street, Takapuna, Auckland 0622, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday & Wednesday – 5 PM to 9:30 PM
- Thursday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 5 PM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday – 5 PM to 9 PM
Phone: +64 9 488 0179
When it comes to finding authentic Italian cuisine, look no further than Al Forno. With the charm of a rustic Italian trattoria and a menu that will make your mouth water, this gem of a restaurant transports you straight to Italy.
When dining at Al Forno, it’s a crime not to try their pizzas. Be it the calzone or the diavola, a spicy delight with Nduja, mushrooms, and chilli oil, their pizzas are a slice of heaven.
Check out the pollo pizza with chicken, sundried tomato, capsicum, and spinach. Pair it with a glass of wine from their extensive list featuring award-winning wines, and you’re in for an unforgettable meal.
Pro Tip: If you want to start off with an appetiser, get the antipasto della casa. This platter offers a medley of salami, ham, prosciutto, smoked salmon, bocconcini, provolone cheese, crackers, and so much more. It’s perfect for sharing, but you might find yourself wanting to keep it all to yourself!
5. 21 Days Bar & Brasserie
Address: 37 Clyde Road, Browns Bay, Auckland 0630, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday & Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 8 PM
- Thursday & Sunday – 8 AM to 8 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 8 AM to 9 PM
Phone: +64 800 213 297
21 Days Bar & Brasserie has carved a niche for itself with its unique menu and an ambience that’s as inviting as their dishes.
If you’re a fan of seafood, you can’t pass up their tiger fish and chips. The tiger beer-battered fish, paired with steakhouse fries and tartare sauce, is sure to hit the spot.
For the steak lovers out there, the handpicked Scotch fillet is a must-try. This 300-gramme Angus beef wet-aged for no less than 55 days, and is incredibly flavorful and tender. It’s sure to impress even the most discerning steak aficionados.
Another standout dish from their menu is the pork belly and prawns. It’s paired with orange kumara purée, green apple jelly, pickled onion, and citrous chilli jam—a superb blend of flavours that will have you reaching for more.
Pro Tip: Their affogato with liqueur is the ultimate boozy dessert. The perfect blend of espresso, vanilla bean ice cream, and your choice of liqueur.
6. Regatta Bar & Eatery
Address: The Strand, Takapuna, Auckland 0622, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Phone: +64 9 488 0040
Regatta Bar & Eatery is one of those places that is chilled out yet buzzing with energy—the kind of place to just kick back with some great food and drinks.
Speaking of food, if you like chicken burgers, get their buttermilk-fried chicken burger. It’s got that perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and a little heat that’s sure to get your taste buds dancing.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit lighter, try the miso-roasted eggplant. It’s a medley of zucchini, shiitake mushrooms, candied walnuts, and coconut tahini yoghurt. This dish surprises and delights with every bite.
And seafood lovers, you’re in for a treat with the Szechuan pepper squid salad. It’s a fresh, vibrant dish that pairs perfectly with a glass of crisp white wine.
Pro Tip: Their le fromage du jour is an absolute must-try. Fresh organic honeycomb, fruit chutney, and house-baked sourdough—it’s a symphony of sweet, savoury, and tart flavours that will leave you wanting more.
7. Botticelli Restaurant
Address: 8 Anzac Street, Takapuna, Auckland 0622, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday – 5 PM till late
- Tuesday to Sunday 4 PM till late
Phone: +64 21 910 999
This little slice of Italian heaven is a must-visit for anyone who loves Italian food. From the moment you step into Botticelli, you’re welcomed by the live music, which adds an extra sparkle to your dining experience.
Indulge in their penne con verdure alla griglia, a blend of penne pasta and grilled vegetables tossed with fresh basil, olive oil, chilli, and garlic pesto, garnished with fresh parmigiano—it’s pasta perfection!
Seafood lovers will drool upon setting eyes on the linguini ai scoglio. It’s a true taste of the sea that will have you coming back for more.
For meat lovers, the lasagne is a must-try. Traditional beef ragù and béchamel sauce, topped with mozzarella, and baked in the oven—it’s comfort food at its finest.
Pro Tip: Got a sweet tooth? The passionfruit cheesecake is an absolute winner.
8. El Humero
Address: 3/40 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland 0622, New Zealand
Hours:
- Wednesday & Thursday & Saturday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Friday & Sunday – 12 PM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
Phone: +64 9 489 9973
El Humero is a Colombian restaurant that screams fun and relaxed dining. Add to that the tantalising aroma of traditional Colombian barbeque wafting through the air, and you’ve got yourself a rumbling, hungry belly.
Start your meal with their beef empanadas—deep-fried and stuffed with pulled beef and potatoes. Then, move onto their pinchos—skewers of grilled beef or chicken with onions and capsicum.
But the real star of the show is their costillas. These 400-gramme beef ribs are marinated with their special recipe, slow-cooked, and smoked on manuka wood for over 24 hours. The result? These ribs are so tender and juicy, they melt in your mouth!
Pro Tip: Dare to try the El Humero Experience, a feast of entrees and mains that serves 3–4 people. It’s a great way to sample a variety of what El Humero has to offer, and trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
9. French Rendez-vous
Address: 2a Manurere Avenue, Takapuna, Auckland 0622, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 10 AM to 3 PM & 5:30 PM to 8 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM & 5:30 PM to 8 PM
Phone: +64 9 487 0009
French Rendez-vous is where you go when you have a hankering for authentic French cuisine. It’s impossible not to feel a little bit of that joie de vivre the French are famous for here.
But it’s their menu that steals the hearts of many—specifically their homemade mushroom ravioli. Stuffed with truffle, mascarpone, and parmesan and served with a rich tomato sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to have you saying, ‘ooh la la’!
You also can’t go wrong with the beef bourguignon. One bite, and you’ll see why this hearty dish is a staple in French kitchens.
Pro Tip: If you’re feeling really bougie, get the coin-coin chef. It’s a duck extravaganza with duck breast, a duck spring roll, and a decadent duck mousse, all served with homemade mushroom ravioli and a rich red wine sauce.
10. El Greco Greek Italian Eatery
Address: 1 1The Esplanade, Campbells Bay, Auckland 0630, New Zealand
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Phone: +64 9 475 5772
El Greco Greek Italian Eatery is the X that marks the spot when it comes to Mediterranean cuisine.
Kick off your meal with the brizola, a 300-gramme Scotch fillet grilled to perfection and served with crispy fries and a fresh salad. This dish is a favourite of Kostas, one of the owners, and one bite is all it takes to understand why!
For the lamb lovers out there, you can’t miss the paithakia. These succulent lamb cutlets, grilled to perfection and served with fries, salad, and a tangy tzatziki, are a favourite of Sarah, the other owner.
If you’re in the mood for seafood, the pesce del giorno is your catch of the day. And let’s not forget about the gustoza pizza. Topped with chorizo, salami, mushroom, capsicum, feta, and lime chilli, it’s a pizza that’s as bold and delicious as it sounds!
Pro Tip: El Greco offers catering services, meaning you can bring the magic of their kitchen to your next party or event!
11. Tokyo Bay Japanese
Address: 20 The Strand, Takapuna, Auckland 0622, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12 PM to 3:30 PM & 5:30 to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Phone: +64 9 390 7188
There’s no need to hop on a jet and fly straight to the heart of Tokyo because Tokyo Bay Japanese Restaurant brings the heart of Tokyo right to Auckland’s North Shore.
The atmosphere is lively, yet it maintains a certain tranquility that’s so characteristic of Japanese culture. It’s the kind of place where you can gather with friends, share a romantic dinner, or just unwind.
Their signature dish menu is an absolute must-try. For a minimum of six people, this share-style feast takes you on a culinary tour of Japan.
From edamame beans and miso, beef tataki, eggplant miso-yaki, and Tokyo Teppan grill lamb and beef, you’ll be spoilt for choice. And their sushi, sashimi, and nigiri starter platters are a sight to behold.
Pro Tip: For the meat-lovers out there, the wagyu beef yakiniku is a must-try.
12. The Engine Room
Address: 115 Queen Street, Northcote Point, Auckland 0627, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5:30 PM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Phone: +64 9 480 9502
If you’re cruising around Auckland’s North Shore with a rumbling stomach and a desire for a dining experience that’s a cut above the rest, steer straight towards The Engine Room.
Their steak frites with grass-fed Hereford Scotch are among their finest dishes. Enjoy melt-in-your-mouth steak nestled on a bed of golden fries, all drizzled with that magical Maitre d’hôtel butter. Food coma incoming, in the best way possible.
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, the pork schnitzel with potato rosti and caper butter is the way to go.
And if you’re feeling like royalty, Get their duck confit! Paired with a creamy kumara purée, pickled cherries, and jus, it’s a dish that will have you swooning in delight.
Pro Tip: Don’t leave without snagging one (or ten) of Natalia’s handmade valrhona truffles. These little bites of pure chocolate heaven are seriously addictive. Your inner chocoholic will thank you.
13. Joe’s Eatery
Address: 99 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland 0622, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 2 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 2 PM
Phone: +64 9 486 1989
Joe’s eatery is known for its all day breakfast. Who doesn’t love breakfast at any time of the day, right?
One of the best things to get for breakfast here is the Paratha (Joe’s favorite too). It’s a Calcutta street food consisting of eggs, bacon, mushrooms, chutney, and flaky fresh bread.
If pancakes are more your thing, theirs come with mascarpone, berries and caramelised bananas. However, if you’re in the mood a little bit more heftier, the gourmet beef burger is your go-to.
Joe’s Eatery even has you covered with made to order toasties, wraps, and pasta dishes.
Pro Tip: They offer a breakfast buffet for those who like a grand start to their day. But you have to book an advance to enjoy this lavish spread.
14. La Spiaggia
Address: 1/470 Beach Road, Murrays Bay, Auckland 0630, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday, Tuesday & Wednesday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Phone: +64 9 475 5643
La Spiaggia is a charming little Italian eatery that leaves you with a very satisfied tummy. The food here takes you straight to Italy as the chefs here only use the finest and freshest ingredients.
A crowd favourite on the menu here is the Pollo Involtini— free range, chicken breast, rolled and stuffed with prosciutto and provolone cheese. The liquor cream sauce that tops it is divine.
But if you want seafood, get their scaloppine marsala, veal scallopini medallions with mushrooms and a marsala wine cream sauce. And for the pizza fanatics, try their pear prosciutto pizza.
Pro Tip: You can’t leave without trying the La Spiaggia cake. It’s a homemade torte with roasted hazelnuts, Nutella vanilla and chocolate mousse. And it topped with Italian whip cream and gelato— pure deliciousness.
