Whether it's deep fried, fresh or served with lemon and vinegar, there are plenty of places in the city centre to satisfy all of your oyster cravings. Check out some of our top picks below.
Ahi | Commercial Bay, 7/21 Queen Street
With a strong focus on the best cuisine Aotearoa has on offer, it’s no surprise Ahi features on our list. The oyster option at Ahi is fresh Te Makutu oysters served alongside apple marigold ice and yuzu sake. These delectable morsels would go absolutely swimmingly with a Aperitivo Spritz or a glass of Bollinger.
Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar | 86 Federal Street
Known as a city centre go-to destination for oysters and other seafood, Depot consistently serves fresh oysters at their Raw Bar. With varietals from Te Matuku, Te Kouma, Orongo Bay and more, head to Depot to enjoy these delicacies and learn more about their unique differences.
kingi | 29 Galway Street
Located in the stunning Hotel Britomart laneway, kingi (known colloquially for kingfish) is a unique dining experience brought to you by the founders of Orphans Kitchen, Tom Hishon and Josh Helm, who care deeply about celebrating seafood. Unsurprisingly the Raw Bar at kingi is comprehensive but refined, featuring a variety of raw delicacies including the Te Makutu oysters from Waiheke.
Oyster & Chop | Market Place, Viaduct Harbour
Acting as both an oyster bar and a steakhouse, Oyster & Chop offers an unmissable happy hour deal, where you can order natural oysters for only $2 each from 3-6pm daily. Grab a group of friends on a sunny afternoon and head over to Oyster & Chop, where you can enjoy one of nature’s most delicious delights alongside a glass of champagne or crisp white wine. If you want an extensive array of oysters then this is the place for you. You'll just need to decide - natural, beer battered or garlic butter poached?
The Lodge Bar & Dining | Commercial Bay, 7/21 Queen Street
Situated on Quay Street next to the Little Queen Street laneway of Commercial Bay, The Lodge Bar and Dining features an impressive array of New Zealand wines, not to mention delicious local oysters. On offer are Pacific rock oysters with the likes of nasturtium vinegar, lemon or a dill emulsion. Why not order with some other yummy morsels like charcoal grilled prawns or a charcuterie board too?!
Pōni | Commercial Bay, 7/21 Queen Street
Pōni is an all-day, Asian-inspired restaurant with some of the best food and views Commercial Bay has to offer. Enjoy their freshly shucked market oysters served alongside kaffir lime sorbet, and ask the wait staff for their recommendation on the best wine to pair it with.
The Shucker Brothers | Ferry Building, 99 Quay Street
It's in the name! The Shucker Brothers is first and foremost an oyster bar, located conveniently in the picturesque Ferry Building. This seaside bar and eatery has a fresh daily selection of oysters, as well as grilled oysters with bacon, bourbon, and chipotle butter, or even tempura oysters served with wasabi mayo. Whether you are an oyster aficionado or a tentative beginner, you will feel right at home at The Shuckers Brother, a great destination over the sunny summer season.
The Grill | 90 Federal Street
You can be rest assured that the oysters at The Grill will knock your socks off, as this restaurant was voted the 2020 TripAdvisors Travellers Choice Winner, making the list of the top 10% of restaurants in the world. In terms of oysters, at The Grill the daily selection means there will always be a variety of new oysters coming to your table.