With the weather rapidly, finally warming, and a weekend on the horizon, ease yourself into spring by booking an indulgent long lunch al fresco or ‘en terrasse’ style at one of Auckland’s best outdoor dining venues. To guide you in your decision-making, we’ve rounded up a number of the city’s best dining spots for fresh, balmy air and a delicious meal to match.
Andiamo
Settle in on one of Andiamo’s sun-soaked outdoor tables and enjoy the delectable, Italian-inspired fare of Herne Bay’s favourite neighbourhood eatery. Tables fill up fast, so get there early and indulge in a refreshing spritz to kick off what is sure to be a long and convivial afternoon.
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Soul Bar & Bistro
Holding prime position, with tables overlooking the sparkling Viaduct Harbour and festooned with florals from above, there is no better place to celebrate the good life than at Soul. Order a round of satiating cocktails, and a plate or two of delicious food, and settle in for a memorable experience at this stunning stalwart.
Bivacco
Another incredibly popular Viaduct Harbour spot for soaking in the sun while enjoying some stellar hospitality is Bivacco. With a large interior deck that is always bathed in light, as well as wrap-around outdoor tables, the setting here is second to none and the vibes always lively. Sit back with a crisp cocktail in hand and take in Bivacco’s epic vantage point of the Harbour — this is sure to be one of the most sought-after seats this season.
Palmer Bar
Offering a decidedly elevated ambience in the heart of the city, Palmer‘s outdoor area is the perfect place to spend a sun-soaked afternoon. Park up here after finishing the workday for a tasty tipple and a bite from Palmer’s utterly delicious menu.
San Ray
Recently opened in the space that previously housed Orphan’s Kitchen, San Ray is an elevated all-day eatery that caters to all, with myraid options for drinking, dining, stopping by, staying all day, and anything (and everything) in between. Out the back, the covered patio is the perfect spot for convivial drinks and snacks, coming alive in the afternoon and amping up as the sun goes down.
Beau
Nestled in Ponsonby’s Three Lamps, wine bar Beau enlivens the area with its tasty bites, great drinks and hidden, sunny courtyard. The menu is perfect for grazing, the wine list is ever-changing and always exciting, and the courtyard tables are some of the most coveted in town. If you miss out, there are also a few tables out front to perch and watch the world go by.
Parade
Parade’s epic burgers are the perfect compliment to its take on outdoor dining. With beer-garden vibes and a menu of cocktail jugs designed to be shared, we’re all for finding any excuse to tuck into one of its burgers in the sun.
Hotel Ponsonby
One of Ponsonby’s most popular gastropubs, Hotel Ponsonby, with its light-filled courtyard, is a great location for laid-back sundowners, followed by convivial socialising when the temperature drops. There, enjoy the venue’s satiating plates and thirst-quenching cocktails with a group of friends.
The Grill
Beloved SkyCity eatery (and Auckland institution) The Grill has returned, now set within Horizon by SkyCity — complete with a sprawling courtyard. Here, you’ll find a refined take on New Zealand’s finest steak and seafood, approached through a contemporary lens, alongside great drinks, and a perfect outdoor dining area to settle in for a springtime meal with friends.
Odettes Eatery
For those workdays that call for a long, out-of-office lunch, Odettes’ glorious courtyard provides the perfect experience. Open, cosy and plant-laden, with a delicious menu to boot, it feels like a refreshing breath of air amid the busyness of City Works Depot.
Somm
Nestled in a prime position within Princes Wharf, Somm Cellar Door not only affords its guests incredible, waterfront views — both from inside the eatery and the coveted harbourside tables, but is also home to what is perhaps the city’s most impressive collection of wine. Couple this with consistently tasty food and a laid-back vibe, and you’ve got a more than perfect place to spend a relaxed few hours at any time of day.
Williams Eatery
Home to one of the most delicious brunches in the city, Williams Eatery’s outdoor tables provide a perfect al fresco setting. The north-facing outlook capitalises on its sunny position, and we think lunches here are always best served with a chilled glass of pét nat.
Azabu Mission Bay
One of the best spots in the Eastern Beaches, Azabu Mission Bay and its Gin Garden offer the ideal setting in which to savour a long lunch or dinner. There you can enjoy the restaurant’s renowned, Japanese-Peruvian cuisine while looking out to the waters of Mission Bay, and luxuriating in the season’s long, languid afternoons.
Bodega
Bodgea only opened it’s doors a few months ago, but has already solidified itself as a laid-back go-to for city-siders, so sought-after (and delicious) is their New York-style deli fare. With only a small number of tables out front, you’ve got to get in quick to nab an outdoor spot, but the juice is worth the squeeze — affording diners a front row seat to the hustle and bustle of Ponsonby Road.
Prego
Fancy a fun-filled lunch or dinner with family and friends? Pop into Prego and request one of its outdoor tables for a superior dining experience. Enjoy this stalwart’s tried and true Italian dishes with an expertly-made martini or a glass of wine and relax in the restaurant’s always-busy, vibrant vibe.
Darling on Drake
Boasting a sprawling, sun-soaked terrace (the largest in Central Auckland, in fact), rotating DJs, a stunning fit-out, and a meticulously crafted food and drink menu (no wonder too, with hospitality maestro Fraser Kirby at the helm), Darling on Drake is the place to be for post-work sundowners.
Non Solo Pizza
Nestled on Parnell’s main strip, Non Solo Pizza is one of our favourite go-to spots for its mouthwatering menu and exceptional atmosphere. There, park up at one of the tables in NSP’s verdant courtyard and be transported to Italy for a long lunch or dinner.
First Mates, Last Laugh
Taking up one of the city’s most coveted positions, First Mates, Last Laugh is a delightful place to drink and dine, with a number of outdoor seating options, a tasty menu — with both grazing options and hearty meals on offer, and great drinks. Nab one of the cosy booths under shade tents, or, if you want to soak up the day’s rays, settle in on the front deck overlooking Westhaven Marina.
The Heke
Known for being one of the best places to go with kids on Waiheke Island, The Heke in Onetangi is a must-visit springtime destination. Pull up to one of the many outdoor tables (there are under-cover and open-air options), and tuck into something from the wood-fired grill while the little ones amuse themselves on the vast front lawn.
Man O’ War
Should you find yourself on Waiheke Island, seeking something substantial to eat after a long day sailing the seas, pull up a perch on Man O’ War’s beloved lawn. With a simple food offering of sharing plates and pizzas, alongside the famous oyster food truck, this is the epitome of springtime dining.
Queens Rooftop
With 270-degree views of the Waitematā Harbour, Queens Rooftop is the pinnacle of al fresco dining, affording diners views east to the Coromandel, to the north, and the west to the Waitakere Ranges. Grab a table as the sun goes down, order a selection of tasty bites and a satiating cocktail, and see where the night takes you.
Auckland Fish Market
Another great option for delicious food with kids in tow, Auckland Fish Market boasts a range of flavourful eateries that offer something for everyone — from Lobster & Tap to Oji Sushi and more — all of the food here can be enjoyed onsite, at one of the Fish Market’s many outdoor tables.
Knead on Benson
On a coveted corner of Remuera, Knead on Benson turns out epic brunch and lunch fare, with a number of outdoor tables lining the street — adding to the neighbourhood eatery’s vibrant ambience. Here, you’re greeted like an old friend, by staff and diners alike, and can count on always-perfect coffee, and food sure to satisfy even the most discerning of diners.
Milenta
Nestled in Victoria Park is a hidden gem serving delicious Argentinian-inspired, wood-fired food. On a sunny day, Milenta’s retractable roof will be pulled right back to offer diners a full, al fresco experience, where the sun will spill through the tree-lined surroundings, for a beautiful, memorable experience.
Anise
Sid and Chand Sahrawat’s Anise sits pride of place in the space which once housed The French Café, bringing an artful, inventive take on Asian-inspired fare to the stunning location. Here, you’ll find myraid dining rooms, all of which envelop a central courtyard reminiscent of an old French quarter; complete with a roaring fireplace, fragrant herb gardens, and plenty of space for al fresco dining.
Akarana Eatery
With a relaxed vibe and delightful menu, Akarana Eatery is the perfect place to take in the views across the picturesque Okahu Bay. Opt for a table on the eatery’s sunny deck and watch the world go by while enjoying a spot of exceptionally tasty fare. The kids will love it here, too.
Saint Alice
With views across Viaduct Harbour, Saint Alice’s elevated position is the ideal spot to watch the world go by with a drink in hand and some tasty food on the table. This is the perfect place for some late afternoon and evening revelry thanks to its sensational setting, seafood-centric menu and great music.
Swashbucklers
For a classic feed and some drinks by the water, nowhere does casual, laid-back vibes and tasty, easy food like Swashbucklers. Gather some friends, bring the kids, park up at an outside table and tuck into one of Swashies’ famous seafood platters. The perfect way to while away a sunny afternoon.
