Laneway dining in the city centre

The city centre is home to many unique laneways that are perfect for open-air dining. From brunch spots to authentic Asian cuisine and an intimate mezcal bar, there is plenty to experience and something suited for any occasion!

Snickel Lane | La Fuente & Mad Samurai

Snickel Lane is the perfect, cozy place to share an eating and drinking experience with friends. Be sure to check out La Fuente, offering a unique mix of wines and artisan mezcal alongside delicious, Mexican inspired dishes. Next door is Mad Samurai, serving up much-loved Japanese classics with a contemporary twist.

Federal Street | Federal Delicatessen & Depot Eatery

Federal Street is an inner-city hotspot for food lovers - grab an outdoor seat and you'll be dining right beneath the Sky Tower. Drop into Federal Delicatessen to sample deli life at its most authentic, or try Depot Eatery, serving not overly pretentious, fun, fresh food. 

Durham Lane | Renkon & My Bar 

Durham Lane, which connects Queen Street and High Street, is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy some of the freshest Japanese Cuisine in Auckland at Renkon. Or, visit My Bar, where the outdoor seating, intimate bar space and 'hidden' location gives an experience like the laneways of Melbourne, Amsterdam and Prague. 

Fort Lane | Imperial Lane Cafe & Everybody's

Imperial Lane Cafe is a coffee house and street bar that is a welcome escape from the bustling city, and perfect for expertly made coffee during the day, or a drink in the evening. Opening out onto Fort Lane, this spot engages with the big city in a little way like nowhere else does, an urbanites heaven! Or head up to Everybody's off Fort Lane and sit in their open-air courtyard, they have a great happy hour Monday-Saturday from 4-7pm!

Fort Street | Vivace & Indochine Kitchen

Along Fort Street, you'll find Vivace & Idochine Kitchen who also offer outdoor seating. Vivace's menu features a range of incredible Mediterranean meals with one of their dishes, the golden kumara gnocchi nominated as one of Auckland's top 100 Iconic Eats. If you're a fan of Vietnamese, Indochine Kitchen will be right up your alley. Their banh mi here is considered one of the best in town, one bite of the freshly baked baquette filled with succulent roast pork, chicken pate and a kick of chili and you’ll know why!

Vulcan Lane | The Occidental & Vultures' Lane 

Characterised by casual drinks and dining, the iconic Vulcan Lane is an unbeatable destination where relaxed establishments await. The Occidental has a lively pub atmosphere, Belgian beer and authentic Belgian cuisine. Or, try Vultures' Lane, serving unpretentious craft beer. With 22 rotating taps and 75 bottles, everyone in your party will be sure to find a beer they'll enjoy. 

Galway Street | Cafe Hanoi 

Cafe Hanoi offers Asian-French inspired cuisine and atmosphere that its regulars have loved for years. Their conservatory overlooks the plant-filled, pedestrian friendly, Galway Street. 

Tuawhiti Lane | kingi

The newest laneway addition to the city centre is Tuawhiti Lane in Britomart. ‘Tua’ translates to ‘the other side’ and ‘Whiti’ means ‘to cross over’; it is also a word used to describe succulent, good quality food, a nod towards the food served at kingi, the restaurant in the lane. At kingi, you will experience the full spectrum of eating and drinking, from coffee, aperitif, antipasti, breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Tiramarama Way | Williams Eatery 

Williams Eatery is located on Tiramarama Way, which provides a slice of magic in the heart of Auckland. You can grab an outdoor seat at Williams Eatery, who constantly find themselves on some of dining's ''Best Of'' lists. 

Britomart Pavilions | Ortolana & The Store

Located in the laneway that connects Commerce Street and Takutai Square is Ortolana. Its elegant, sun-filled conservatory is an urban oasis and the perfect spot for a long lunch on a sunny day. The Store is located just opposite with courtyard seating, an ever-changing menu of ‘gourmet convenience’ food and a wine bar. 

O'Connell Street | Proper Pizza & Sumthin Dumplin

Just around the corner from Freyberg Square, Proper Pizza sits on O'Connell Street and brings together unique flavours inspired by the rich history, cuisine and delicious ingredients of Europe. Their seating outside the restaurant is perfect for a casual get together with friends and they even have extra large 60cm pizzas that will feed your whole crew! Just a little further down O'Connell Street, Sumthin Dumplin is another great casual eatery, grab a box of your favourite dumplings and enjoy them on the Freyberg steps.