With a plethora of delicious food destinations in the heart of the city, knowing the signature dishes that are an experience in themselves is important when dining out. Check out these menu delights which contribute to each of these restaurant's popularity.
Photo credit Finn Cochran
The Oysters from Depot | 86 Federal St
The well-renowned Depot Eatery features a Raw Bar, offering a careful selection of New Zealand oysters. People flock from all over to share these oysters with friends and they're usually enjoyed alongside a glass of Bollinger. On offer is the Mahurangi Oysters from the North of Auckland, creamy, salty and with a clean finish. Or try the Bluff Oysters, with a mildly briny taste and a steely finish, all the way from Foveaux Strait.
The Meatballs from Baduzzi | 10-26 Jellicoe St
Out of all the Italian restaurants in Auckland, Baduzzi is known for its impeccable service and high-quality cuisine. Another thing that sets them apart is their hand-crafted meatballs. From whatever your tastebuds desire, choose from wild deer, slow-cooked lamb, Karitane crayfish, or even the vegetarian counterpart, with ricotta and summer vegetables.
Photo credit Candice Noyer
The Toasted Reuben from Federal Delicatessen | 86 Federal St
Federal Delicatessen is a unique destination on the Auckland food scene, as it takes inspiration from old school Jewish deli food and decor. Featuring the likes of matzo ball soup, Montreal poutine, and salmon latkes, go to Fed Deli when you are craving delicious and different comfort food. Their toasted reuben is considered to be a staple dish. Pastrami on rye with swiss, sauerkraut, mustard, and Russian dressing, the toasted reuben packs a punch and will go perfectly with the bottomless cold brew coffee.
The meter long pizzas from Toto Pizza | 5 Hardinge St
Toto is known for their impressive metre long pizzas that are topped with flavourful and traditional Italian ingredients. Having been around for over 25 years, care is put into every aspect of the pizza making process, from the bottom up. If you want to stay true to classic and simple Italian traditions, try the Margarita. The metre long pizza has basil, tomato, parmesan, mozzarella and extra virgin olive oil, perfect for sharing for 6 people.
The fajitas from The Mexican Cafe | 67 Victoria St W
Whether you go there for after work margaritas or a lively night of salsa dancing, The Mexican Cafe is an Auckland hotspot that has mouth-watering while still affordable Mexican dishes. One of their signature dishes is their fajitas. The prawn fajitas come out on a sizzling hotplate and are marinated in a blend of spics and served with sides of guacamole, sour cream, grated cheese, and a salad.
The Chicken Sando from LowBrow. | 125 Queen St
LowBrow does simple comfort food exceptionally well. Prioritising fresh and seasonal ingredients, as well as free-range and hand-sourced produce, LowBrow is the spot to go with your group of friends for some of the best local dishes with an American twist. Their Chicken Sando is filled with succulent chicken thigh, American cheese, iceberg lettuce, McClure’s pickles, and mac sauce on a toasted sesame bun. Enjoy with a glass of Garage Project beer or choose from their impressive selection of natural wine.
The Mac n Cheese from Soul Bar & Bistro | Corner of Lower Hobson St and Customs St W
Mac n Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, with its gooey and cheesy deliciousness perfectly coating pasta shells. Soul Bar & Bistro presents macaroni and cheese with a crispy parmesan crust, adding another layer of texture to an already soul-satisfying dish. On those nights where you are craving rich and carb-filled goodness, Soul Bar & Bistro is the answer.