5 Best Restaurants in Auckland, New Zealand

The sustainable, rustic, Italian-inspired food at this restaurant and bakery has won the approval of Aucklanders, who keep the wood-beamed, open space bustling from breakfast through lunch and dinner. It's in the heart of the city's commerce zone, so breakfast and lunch are packed with the suited set who are not too concerned about price, and dinner hours stay busy with a menu that offers chargrilled fish, slow-roasted lamb, and an array of salads and vegetables. The lengthy wine list has prices from moderate to expensive, but for a special occasion, who's counting?

This well-known vineyard produces a small portfolio of whites and reds, many of which never make it off the island, and the restaurant's menu emphasizes seasonal, sophisticated, high-quality food with global influences on two- or three-course fixed-price menus. The front terrace is the best spot to take in the harbor views. Many people like to arrive by helicopter. It's a popular spot for weddings, so it pays to reserve a table before heading there. Overnight accommodations are available both at the winery and nearby.

At this slightly renamed place that's not really a café and not strictly French, the new owners offer only an elegant five-course tasting menu that includes a vegetarian version. But don't be concerned: Sid and Chand Saharawat bring international flair to create superb dishes using the best seasonal produce. Bookings are essential as it is only open Thursday to Saturday for dinner and on Saturday for lunch. For the adventurous foodie, select Tuesdays are open for a "test kitchen" experience in partnership with an appliance company, though it's not cheap at $190 and extra for matched wine.

One of the best places on Ponsonby Road for people-watching is the outdoor tables at this former motorcycle shop with a minimalist concrete interior. The excellent food is largely Italian, and it's known for its thin-crust pizzas. With the eclectic clientele, the people-watching is just as good inside. The bar cranks up as the sun goes down. On weekend mornings, aspiring celebrities and the "love your work" set can be seen having a late breakfast in public.

This attractive, airy establishment with exposed brick walls, modern art, a beamed ceiling, and an open kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Its Mediterranean-influenced menu covers breakfast basics like eggs and granola as well as salads, and the relatively short but interesting dinner menu includes skewers and flatbreads. A fixed-price dinner option is available. Cocktails and a comprehensive wine list round out the offerings.