10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Auckland

1. Sails Restaurant

Enjoy award-winning food alongside (what should be) award-winning views of an array of fabulous yachts from Westhaven Marina.

Sails Restaurant offers an exquisite fine dining experience focussing on fresh seafood. Situated in the largest marina in the southern hemisphere, the restaurant’s two levels of seating ensure every table overlooks hundreds of yachts, with the Auckland Harbour Bridge, North Head and Rangitoto Island creating a stunning backdrop.

Over the last three decades, the Littlejohn family has cultivated Sails’ reputation as one of New Zealand’s finest restaurants through unwavering commitment to quality.

The menu showcases fresh local produce, including crayfish, prawns, lamb, market fish and forest mushroom risotto. Match your selection with New Zealand wines for the complete experience.

Location: Westhaven Drive, St Marys Bay.

© Sails Restaurant

2. Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill

Another excellent restaurant for seafood is Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill. This premier waterfront dining destination celebrates New Zealand’s finest ocean offerings, from fresh oysters and green-lipped mussels to prawns and sustainably sourced fish.

Beyond seafood, the menu features premium cuts of beef, lamb and duck, all prepared with seasonal produce.

Take in the harbour views from the all-weather covered deck while enjoying creative dishes with local ingredients.

For something truly special, Harbourside also offers elegant private dining and bespoke event packages, making it ideal for both intimate gatherings and large-scale celebrations.

Location: Ferry Building, Quay Street.

© Harbourside

3. One Tree Grill

Reward a climb up and down the volcanic cone One Tree Hill with fine dining at One Tree Grill. This fine-dining restaurant in Epsom offers impeccably-presented plates that you’ll spend way too much time photographing before eating.

The restaurant specialises in modern European and New Zealand cuisine, characterised by uncomplicated flavours and fresh ingredients.

From what we’ve experienced, signature dishes worth trying include the “Leelands Southland Lamb” with smoked eggplant and date chutney, the “Seared Duck Breast” with saffron pear and roasted chestnuts, and the “Long Line Market Fish” with black tiger prawn and kumara gnocchi.

Wine is also a big deal here with the restaurant boasting an extensive cellar of both international and local wines, carefully selected to pair perfectly with each dish.

Location: 9 Pah Road, Epsom.

© One Tree Grill

4. Cibo

An attractive restaurant well worth saving for a special occasion, Cibo in Parnell offers irresistible degustation dinners and a la carte menus of creative cuisine.

Situated away in an old chocolate factory, this Auckland gem features dishes like long-line fish with pumpkin puree and almond jus, confit duck leg with five-spice cured duck breast, wild Fiordland venison with balsamic glazed baby beets, and dry-aged eye fillet with smoked cauliflower puree.

What’s more, this restaurant is a top choice for vegetarians and vegans thanks to their indulgent “Plant & Garden” menu. During the balmy summer months, you can enjoy alfresco dining in the private courtyard.

Get more “vege” tips in our Vegetarian Travel Guide to New Zealand.

Location: 91 Saint Georges Bay Road, Parnell.

© Cibo

5. Orbit 360

More than just a restaurant, this revolving dining room at the top of Sky Tower is an experience you won’t forget.

Perched 220 m (722 ft) above Auckland, the restaurant rotates once every hour, treating you to spectacular 360-degree views of the city, the Hauraki Gulf and beyond.

Orbit offers a modern set-menu dining experience showcasing the best of seasonal, local produce in a Kiwi-inspired menu. The relaxed, open atmosphere makes it perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying a memorable meal with those epic panoramas.

Open for lunch on weekends and dinner daily, the restaurant also caters to families with a kids menu available.

What’s more, combine your dining experience with the adrenaline-fuelled SkyWalk. Find out more in our 10 Luxury Activities in Auckland.

Location: Sky Tower Level 52, 72-78 Victoria Street West.

© Orbit 360

6. Eight Restaurant at Cordis

Set inside one of the most prestigious hotels in Auckland, Eight at Cordis is a no-brainer for fine diners.

The restaurant certainly adds glamour to your hotel buffet with eight distinct kitchens preparing gourmet meals right before your eyes. Choose your style: American grill, sushi bar, seafood restaurant, Indian curry house, salad bar and more!

Expect everything from fresh seafood and expertly grilled meats to vibrant Asian flavours, handcrafted salads and decadent desserts. The rotisserie delivers succulent roasted dishes, while the Asian oven and wood-fired grill add extra flair to the dinner service.

Top off the experience with a dizzying array of exquisite desserts.

Find out more about Cordis in 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Auckland.

Location: 83 Symonds Street, Grafton.

© Pixabay

7. Kazuya

Auckland might have a lot of amazing Japanese restaurants but not many match the splendour of Kazuya. This Japanese fine dining destination in Eden Terrace creates works of art on your plate which you can’t help but feel guilty for spoiling when you divulge into the tasting.

The restaurant offers three seasonally changing menus featuring fresh ingredients, so be sure to ask for the latest offerings.

Choose between a five-course menu or go all out with the seven-course option. If you’re after something extra special, the premium seven-course menu showcases Japanese Wagyu beef and New Zealand abalone, with seasonal highlights like New Zealand truffles when available.

From duck with chestnut purée and soy caramel to tuna tartar with cucumber and caper, and the signature ‘Texture” dish featuring 30 textured seasonal vegetables with prosciutto, each course is a culinary masterpiece we personally love experiencing.

Location: 193 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace

© Kazuya

8. Cable Bay

A restaurant well worth taking a ferry to Waiheke Island for is the dining room at Cable Bay. The Verandah combines contemporary elegance with stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City through its floor-to-ceiling windows.

While sampling wine from Cable Bay’s own vineyards, enjoy seasonal modern New Zealand cuisine featuring locally sourced produce, including ingredients from the vineyard’s organic gardens.

As for the food, dishes reflect New Zealand cuisine, from merino lamb racks to wild venison.

Find out how to fill more of your time on Waiheke Island in our 10 Glorious Things to Do on Waiheke Island and visit more of the 20 Vineyards & Wineries on Waiheke Island.

Location: 12 Nick Johnstone Drive, Oneroa.

© Cable Bay

9. Sid at The French Cafe

Inside this pared-back dining room with Scandinavian-inspired décor, just eight tables set the stage for a truly inventive culinary adventure.

Every Tuesday, join Chef Sid Sahrawat at the “Gaggenau Tuesday Test Kitchen” for an exclusive eight-course experience that celebrates seasonal produce and ever-evolving inspiration.

Midweek brings confit duck legs perfect for sharing, while Fridays showcase steak frites with unlimited truffle fries featuring “Greenstone Creek Beef”.

On Saturdays at lunch and Sundays at dinner, tuck into three courses from the à la carte menu in a setting that’s refined yet wonderfully relaxed.

The team delivers smooth, professional service, with a knowledgeable sommelier on hand to suggest perfect wine pairings. BYO wine is also available with corkage.

Location: 210 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace.

© The French Cafe

10. Paris Butter

Paris Butter masterfully combines refined elegance with a playful, innovative atmosphere, creating a modern dining experience that firmly places them on Auckland’s fine dining map.

Their evolution menu showcases seasonal produce through beautifully presented courses, with dishes ranging from snapper paired with celeriac and scampi to duck and beef preparations featuring creative accompaniments.

The wine list is equally impressive, featuring internationally renowned selections alongside seasonal house cocktails, each specifically curated to complement and elevate the dishes.

With the menu changing regularly based on seasonal availability, you’re guaranteed fresh, high-quality ingredients take centre stage every time you visit.

Choose between six and eight-course evolution menus, with optional local or international wine pairings available.

Location: 166 Jervois Road, Herne Bay.

© Paris Butter