Best Waterfront Restaurants in Auckland

Dinner with a View: Auckland’s Top 16 Waterfront Restaurants

As a guy who grew up chasing fish and chips down at the wharf, I’ve had my fair share of waterfront dining experiences. From fish and chips that redefine “greasy spoon” to Michelin-starred degustations with million-dollar panoramas… Trust me, I’ve seen (and tasted) it all.

But with so many options, choosing the right spot can feel like navigating a Waitemata squall. Fear not, though, because I’ll steer you towards the tastiest waterfront restaurants Auckland has to offer.

1. Onemata

Onemata

Address: Park Hyatt Auckland 99 Halsey Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM
  • Saturday – 12 PM to 9:30 PM
  • Sunday – 7 AM to 11 AM

Phone: +6493662500

If you’re searching for a dining experience that’ll tantalise your tastebuds and leave you breathless (without breaking the bank), then head to Onemata. They have breakfast, lunch, and dinner available on their menu.

For breakfast, ditch the boring toast and get their open-faced omelette. It’s got juicy summer tomatoes with creamy buffalo cheese, all dressed up with a vibrant herb salad. 

For lunch, if you’re feeling fancy, opt for their two- or three-course menu. The pan-fried snapper with asparagus and a zesty lemon kick is a must-try, as is the melt-in-your-mouth beef carpaccio starter drizzled with Parmesan. 

And for dinner, impress your special someone (or just treat yourself—you deserve it) with their wok-fried crayfish bathed in a black pepper sauce. It’s seafood perfection.

Pro Tip: Got a crew in tow? Onemata offers a private dining experience for up to 10 people. 

2. Soul Bar & Bistro

Soul Bar & Bistro

Address: Corner of Lower Hobson Street, Customs Street West, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Hours: 

  • Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 11 PM
  • Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 1 AM

Phone: +6493567249

Perched on the edge of the Viaduct Harbour, Soul offers a front-row seat to Auckland’s dazzling cityscape. And their food speaks to your soul and stomach. We’re talking creamy, dreamy macaroni cheese spiked with truffle and parmesan.

Or get their Hawke’s Bay lamb rack with melt-in-your-mouth potato dumplings and a peanut chilli crisp that’ll have you begging for more. Plus, there are options for all dietary needs, so no one gets left out of the fun.

Pro Tip: Soul’s bar game is strong. Handcrafted cocktails that are works of art (and taste even better), an extensive wine list, and craft beers on tap. Feeling fancy? Ask about their cocktail functions—the perfect way to impress your colleagues or celebrate a special occasion.

3. Bivacco

Bivacco

Address: 115 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Hours: 

  • Sunday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 11 PM
  • Thursday – 11 AM to 12 AM 
  • Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 1 AM

Phone: +6498016505

Bivacco is the place to go for a meal with a view. You’ll be perched right on the Viaduct Harbour, sunshine dappling your table, the gentle hum of conversation blending with the clinking of glasses.

But Bivacco isn’t your average pasta-and-pizza joint (though they make a mean mortadella pizza that’ll have you swooning). 

If you want pasta, get their goats cheese ravioli dancing with endive, burnt honey, and pistachio. Or, try their BBQ wagyu tongue tangoing with oyster mushroom skewers and mustard.

Pro Tip: Planning a gathering with your squad? Bivacco’s got you covered with their amazing 110 set menu for groups of 14 or more.

4. The Shucker Bros

The Shucker Bros

Address: Ferry Building, West Side, 99 Quay St, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Hours: 

  • Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM 
  • Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM

Phone: +64223585092o

The guys here are the shucking champions, sourcing the finest bivalves from local waters and shucking ’em to order. Go for the fresh daily selection, which is a slurp-happy tour of the different oyster varieties available.

But their oysters are just the tip of the iceberg (pun intended). Try the crab and prawn and the octopus kissed with smoky nduja panko.

Feeling like having a burger instead? That’s fine: get the Shucker’s Fish Burger. It’s got this secret-weapon tartare sauce that’ll have you begging for more.

Pro Tip: They cater! So whether you’re planning a beach wedding, a birthday bash, or just a fancy backyard shindig, The Shucker Brothers can bring the seafood feast to you.

5. Oyster and Chop

Oyster and Chop

Address: Market Place, Viaduct, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM

Phone: +6493770125

Oyster & Chop takes fresh New Zealand seafood to gourmet heights, all while offering some of the most stunning waterfront views in Auckland. 

Forget boring raw oysters: theirs are wonderfully smoky, flavourful options you have to try. And their New Zealand Crayfish is not one to be trifled with.

But if you want something different, try their parmesan gnocchi—it’ll make you forget the plastic-tasting pasta from your childhood. This gnocchi is pillowy-soft and bathed in a creamy parmesan sauce.

Pro Tip: Oyster & Chop boasts an impressive wine list, perfect for pairing with your meal. And their cocktail menu is no slouch either, featuring creative concoctions that’ll transport you to a tropical island (without the pesky sunburn).

6. Kaminari Shokudo & Bar

Kaminari Shokudo & Bar

Address: New Zealand, Auckland, Auckland CBD, Jellicoe St

Hours: Wednesday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM

Phone: +6493071758

Kaminari Shokudo & Bar is an experience that tantalises your taste buds and transports you to the heart of Tokyo. Sip on a frosty Asahi beer while watching the sunset paint the harbour gold, all while indulging in delicious Japanese bites.

From melt-in-your-mouth sashimi and steaming bowls of ramen to sizzling teppanyaki and yakitori skewers, there’s something to satisfy every craving here. They also boast an extensive sake list featuring both classic and contemporary options. 

Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on their signature dishes like the black cod misoyaki or the wagyu beef tataki.

7. Sails Restaurant

Sails Restaurant

Address: 103-113 Westhaven Drive, St Marys Bay, Auckland 1144, New Zealand

Hours: 

  • Wednesday – 6:30 PM to 10 PM 
  • Thursday, Friday & Sunday – 12 PM to 2 PM & 6:30 PM to 10 PM 
  • Saturday – 6 PM to 10 PM

Phone: +6493789890

Sit at a table with panoramic vistas of bobbing yachts, the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge framing the horizon, and Rangitoto Island adding a touch of volcanic drama. Sounds good? It’s a quintessential Auckland experience for sure.

But Sails is more than just a pretty view. The restaurant’s menu has some delicious eats too.

For the seafood lover, start with the hot smoked king salmon, then, dive into the roasted crayfish tail. And those with a sweet tooth shouldn’t leave without indulging in the whipped baked cheesecake. It’s light, creamy, and the perfect way to end your meal.

Pro Tip: Check out their wine list. They have an extensive selection of New Zealand wines, many of them from award-winning wineries.

8. Wynard Pavilion

Wynard Pavilion

Address: 17 Jellicoe Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Hours: 

  • Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
  • Monday – 11:30 AM to 4 PM 
  • Tuesday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM 
  • Friday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
  • Saturday – 9 AM to 11 PM

Phone: +6493031002

Whether you’re craving a caffeine kick with a waterfront view, a leisurely lunch break, or a vibrant dinner under the stars, Wynyard Pavilion has you covered. They’re open all day, morphing from a casual daytime cafe to a buzzy bar with live music in the evenings.

And the menu is a delicious dance between fresh seafood (gotta love those fresh market oysters!), comfort classics like the legendary chicken parmigiana,and some seriously creative surprises like their battered fish burger (think fish and chips on steroids, in the best way possible).

But the real MVP? Their zucchini pizza. Trust me, even the most hardcore carnivores will be raving about this veggie delight.

Pro Tip: Reserve their garden bar if you’re having an event. This versatile, all-weather space has its own private bar, so your guests won’t ever go thirsty. Party until late with your own band or DJ & have an espresso martini or three.

9. Beach Club Oysters & Kitchen

Beach Club Oysters & Kitchen

Address: 236 Orakei Road, Remuera, Auckland 1050, New Zealand

Hours: 

  • Wednesday to Friday – 11 AM to 10 PM
  • Saturday & Sunday – 9 AM to 10 PM 

Phone: +64221363996

Craving fresh seafood, delicious cocktails, and stunning views of the Orakei Basin? Look no further than Beach Club Oysters & Kitchen.

The best part about this place is probably the expansive outdoor deck. Whether you’re lounging on a deck chair with a cocktail in hand or enjoying a meal with friends and family, the atmosphere is pure bliss.

The menu at Beach Club is also pretty darn delicious. Start with their freshly shucked oysters, available natural, grilled, or battered. They’re plump, juicy, and bursting with ocean flavor.

For something more substantial, try the gochujang chicken, a Korean-inspired dish that’s both sweet and spicy. The chicken waffle tower is another winner. And if you’re a burger lover, the char-grilled stacker burger is a must-order.

Pro Tip: Their handmade macarons are legendary and available in a variety of tempting flavours. They’re the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet and satisfying note.

10. Good George North Wharf

Good George North Wharf

Address: 1 Jellicoe Street, North Wharf, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Hours: 

  • Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
  • Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9:30 PM
  • Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM

Phone: +6499404955

If you’re searching for a restaurant that ticks all the boxes—waterfront views, drool-worthy dishes,and craft brews that’ll knock your socks off—then look no further than Good George North Wharf!

They have views that would make Poseidon jealous. Gaze out at the sparkling Waitemata Harbour and gobble their amazing George cheeseburger. Don’t skip the sides either—the kumara fries are legendary!

Good George is also known for their award-winning craft beers, and North Wharf is their prime showcase. From crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs, there’s a brew for every taste.

Pro Tip: We all love a good deal, and Good George’s happy hour is epic. From 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM on weekdays, score discounts on drinks and nibbles—perfect for a post-work unwind or a casual catch-up with friends.

11. St Heliers Bay Bistro

St Heliers Bay Bistro

Address: 387 Tamaki Drive, St Heliers, Auckland 1071, New Zealand

Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 9 PM

Phone: +6495750606

Sun, sand, surf…and seriously good food? Yep, that’s the winning combo you’ll find at St Heliers Bay Bistro, a beachfront beauty that should be on your list.

Sit on their sun-drenched patio, with panoramic views of Waitemata Harbour stretching out before you. And the grub? Let’s just say the chefs here know how to make magic happen on a plate.

The chicken cotoletta, with its buttery mash, tangy lemon, and peppery watercress, is pure heaven. Feeling like a fish fiend? Dive into the beer-battered fish with a sky-high iceberg wedge, slathered in their legendary green goddess dressing (seriously, it’s life-changing). 

Got a carnivore in your crew? The steak with its crispy crushed perlas, fragrant parsley, and decadent maitre d’ butter will have them singing its praises.

Pro Tip: Feeling fancy (or just thrifty)? Snag their epic $3 oyster deal with a glass of bubbly between 3 PM and 6 PM. Talk about happy hour goals!

12. Copia Restaurant

Copia Restaurant

Address: 236 Orakei Road, Orakei, Auckland 1050, New Zealand

Hours: 

  • Tuesday to Thursday & Saturday – 5:30 PM to 10 PM
  • Friday – 12 PM to 3 PM & 5:30 PM to 10 PM

Phone: +6495202234

Copia Restaurant is a haven for foodies who want breathtaking views of Hobson Bay and the Auckland city skyline. While the waterfront panorama is enough to steal your breath away, Copia’s true magic lies in its delectable dishes.

Their buttered white asparagus is drizzled with a luxurious butter sauce, paired with pea puree, baby peas, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. It’s a textural and flavour playground for your taste buds!

Or try their scrumptious classic tomato dish.  Fresh, semi-dried, and soused heirloom tomatoes mingle with creamy buttermilk espuma, a surprising bloody mary sorbet, and a touch of celery leaf. It’s a burst of sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours that will leave you wanting more.

Pro Tip: Want to experience the best of Copia without breaking the bank? Gather your foodie friends and order the set menu for four.

13. Azabu Mission Bay

Azabu Mission Bay

Address: 44 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, Auckland 1071, New Zealand

Hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 12 PM to late
  • Saturday & Sunday – 11 AM to late

Phone: +6499307360

At Azabu Mission Bay, ocean views stretch forever, the cool sea breeze whispers through your hair, and you’ll be tempted not to eat that plate of Black Tiger prawn dumplings in front of you within seconds.

On their menu you’ll find anything from fresh sashimi platters, sizzling grilled octopus, to lamb chops. But you’ve got to try their omakase sashimi! This is the chef’s selection of the freshest sashimi you can imagine.

And of course their black tiger prawn dumplings are the perfect choice too. These juicy dumplings are plump with flavor and come with a dipping sauce that’ll make you want to lick the plate (don’t worry, we won’t judge).

Pro Tip: If you want something sweet, don’t miss out on the Pina Colada custard.

14. Saint Alice

Saint Alice

Address: Level 1/204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Hours: 

  • Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
  • Monday & Tuesday – 11 AM to 11 PM
  • Wednesday – 11 AM to 12 AM 
  • Thursday – 11 AM to 1 AM 
  • Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 3 AM

Phone: +6499723562

Want to eat at a waterfront restaurant that’s got it all: killer views, drool-worthy eats, and a vibe that’s both chill and electrifying? Look no further than Saint Alice.

Out on their deck, Auckland’s sparkling harbour stretches out before you, boats bob, and if you time your dinner plans right, the sky puts on a sunset show you won’t forget.

But besides the waterfront views many come here for the legendary Saint Alice venison burger. If you want something different, you can’t go wrong with the Masala spiced fried chicken or their ponzu ceviche.

Pro Tip: Saint Alice keeps things lively with epic tunes from their house DJs, especially on those glorious sunny Sundays. So, don’t miss their Sunny Sundays! Grab a spot on the deck, sip on a spritz, nibble on delicious snacks, and groove along with the DJ.