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Restaurants in Auckland

Many of Auckland's restaurants operate as cafes, bars, music venues and nightclubs, as well as serving food. They do not generally have a pre-book service, although when they do, they rarely book far in advance.

GST (Goods and Services Tax) will be mentioned on the menu, indicating whether it is included in the price or not. In the vast majority of cases, it will be included as a percentage of the total bill, currently 15%. Global influence has led to a more 'American' attitude towards tipping and it is now advisable for diners to tip 10 to 15% - but only if the service is good.

The prices quoted below are for a three-course meal and for a bottle of house wine or the equivalent.
Expensive (over $60)
Moderate ($35 to $60)
Cheap (up to $35)

Expensive

Antoine's Restaurant

Cuisine: New Zealand/French

Despite – or perhaps because of - its conservative tone and décor, this sophisticated restaurant is a favourite among Auckland's gastronomes. Opened in 1972, Antoine's is widely held to be one of the best French restaurants in the country. Situated just 10 minutes from the city centre, the restaurant offers some splendid dishes cooked with Gallic flair. The most popular are grouped together in the small but classic Nostalgia menu. All mains are accompanied with fresh seasonal New Zealand vegetables.

Address: Parnell, 333 Parnell Road, Auckland,
Telephone: +64 9 379 8756.
Website: http://www.antoinesrestaurant.co.nz

Cibo

Cuisine:

Situated in a converted chocolate factory and led by its award-winning chef, Kate Fay, Cibo is one of Auckland's top restaurants. The menu is eclectic and offers fish and chips alongside confit of duck or fillet steak, there is a splendid selection of cheeses available and the wine list is well chosen. Service is exemplary and the setting superb - try to secure a table in the courtyard during the summer for the best seats.

Address: Parnell, Axis Building, 91 St George's Bay Road, Auckland,
Telephone: +64 9 303 9660.
Website: http://www.cibo.co.nz

The French Cafe

Cuisine:

Consistently rated as one of the finest restaurants in the world, the French Café specializes in – you guessed it – French cuisine. Head chef Gideon Landman chooses the best local ingredients, including lamb, venison, crayfish and other seafood, to create modern dishes with delectable flair. Diners love seeing their meals being cooked in the open-plan kitchen; there's also a cosy courtyard, heated in winter.

Address: Eden Terrace, 210 Symonds St, Auckland,
Telephone: +64 9 377 1911.
Website: http://www.thefrenchcafe.co.nz

Moderate

Depot Eatery and Oyster Bar

Cuisine: Seafood

Owned by Al Brown, a celebrity New Zealand chef, this place stays true to its philosophy: only seasonal best ingredients, beautifully cooked and enjoyed with friends. Most of the cooking is over charcoal or hard wood to get the beautiful smoked aroma and succulent flavours.

Address: , 86 Federal Street, Auckland,
Telephone: +64 9 363 7048
Website: http://www.eatatdepot.co.nz/

Jack Tar

Cuisine: International

This hugely popular gastropub sits in a refurbished old goods shed on the waterfront in upcoming Wynyard Quarter. Fresh seafood is a speciality, as well as pizza, pasta and burgers, with some global twists: Moroccan lamb pizzas, Greek salads and Mexican fish tacos are some of the menu choices. Its open courtyard packs out on warm summer nights, so it's worth booking ahead.

Address: Wynyard Quarter, 34-47 Jellicoe St, Auckland,
Telephone: +64 9 303 1002.
Website: http://www.jacktar.co.nz

SPQR

Cuisine: Italian

Thin-crust pizzas and Italian-influenced mains, such as fish stew and risotto, dominate the menu at this trendy Ponsonby Road hotspot. A packed house on most nights means there's a steady hum from the constant chatter of diners, who sit amid a chic-industrial design. From stylish to intimate, be warned, the lights are very low - leave the newspaper at home.

Address: , 150 Ponsonby Road, Auckland,
Telephone: +64 9 360 1710.
Website: http://www.spqrnz.co.nz

Toto Pizza

Cuisine:

For 21 years, Toto’s was arguably Auckland’s finest Italian eatery. Now, it has moved upstairs at the same address, but loosened its collar a tad to offer more casual dining. Still with a grand setting, in a long dining room with a floor-to-ceiling window, Toto Pizza offers huge, freshly-baked pizzas by the metre if you’re eating out with a hungry group of friends.

Address: , 53 Nelson Street, Auckland,
Telephone: 0800 868 674
Website: http://www.totopizza.co.nz

Cheap

Satya

Cuisine: Indian

If you fancy a change from lamb and seafood, how about a curry? This little restaurant tucked away in a residential neighbourhood serves up delicious South Indian cuisine, including vegan options. Try the spicy mirch bajjis, and other specialities from Andhra Pradesh. Satya's is a no-frills place to eat, but regulars flock here from across the city for its excellent value and tasty food. There are three other branches of Satya across the city.

Address: Sandringham, 515 Sandringham Road, Auckland,
Telephone: +64 9 845 8451.
Website: http://satya.co.nz/#_=_

Tanuki’s Cave

Cuisine: Japanese

This Japanese sake bar makes a great pit stop, especially if you're planning to hit the city nightlife on lively Queen Street later on. It's underneath a more formal restaurant and offers grilled skewers - yakitori, kushiage (deep-fried meat and vegetables) and other inexpensive Japanese snacks. Prop yourself at the bar in this stylish, loud and lively place, grab a bite and wash it down with some sake.

Address: , 319 Queen Street, Auckland,
Telephone: +64 9 379 5151 (Bookings only available for large 'Cage' table).
Website: http://www.sakebars.co.nz/cave/

Zarbo

Cuisine: New Zealand & International

Zarbo, a deli-cafe, is renowned for delicious breakfasts and lunches using a fabulous range of ingredients from New Zealand and all over the world. The décor in this busy 120-seat eatery is simple but stylish. The food takes pride of place in a long glass-covered deli counter, stuffed to overflowing with fresh cheeses, meats, dips, spreads and breads, from which diners will be hard pushed to make a quick selection.

Address: Newmarket, 24 Morrow Street, Auckland,
Telephone: +64 9 520 2721.
Website: http://www.zarbo.co.nz
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The Langham

Oozing classic style, the Langham is one of Auckland's top hotels and offers all the creature comforts that go with the luxury tag, including a spa and fine dining options. Rooms are elegantly furnished and spacious, and service is meticulously attentive. Ideally situated in the city centre, the hotel also provides a complimentary shuttle bus to and from Custom Street, near the waterfront.

ibis Budget Auckland Airport

Located just metres away from the airport, ibis Budget offers 198 rooms designed for both families and individual travellers. Rooms come with the bare necessities: beds, television and an en-suite bathroom; Wi-Fi is extra. The hotel is within walking distance to nearby shops, cafes and restaurants.

Peace & Plenty Inn

Without exaggeration this is one of the finest B&Bs in the entire country with sumptuous restored kauri-timber floors that feel like silk beneath bare feet leading to exquisite en-suite rooms filled with fresh flowers antique furniture and sherry or port decanters. There is a delightful verandah for breakfast (weather permitting) and the meal itself is an event of major proportions with large healthy and hearty portions.

Kiwi International Hotel

This modest but decent hotel is located in the middle of the city and is only a 25-minute drive from the airport. Rooms are functional and offer en suite facilities; some budget rooms with shared bathrooms are available. Amenities include a bar, a restaurant and laundry services, as well as 24-hour reception and off-street parking. It's a little shabby and age-worn in places, but is overall a good-value place with a friendly reputation, and in a handy location.

Jucy Snooze Hotel

This oddly-named but friendly budget hotel features bright, simple rooms with flat-screen TVs and en-suite bathrooms; there are also cheaper, more basic, hostel-style rooms. As well as an on-site coffee shop, the hotel offers a lounge and shared kitchen facilities. The hotel is a short walk from the waterfront, with its vibrant nightlife and restaurants.

City Lodge

It won't win any design awards, but City Lodge offers central accommodation that is secure, comfortable and great value. Small, simple rooms come with tiny en-suite bathrooms, minifridges, TVs and biggish windows. There's also Wi-Fi (additional charge), a shared kitchen and quiet reading room. A great backpackers' option in Auckland's overcrowded budget market.