If you have plans to attend one of the All Blacks games at Eden Park across the upcoming season, why not make an afternoon of it with a pre-game bite and beverage nearby? Not only will you avoid the traffic and any parking debacles by arriving well ahead of kick-off, but you’ll also have the chance to enjoy one of the many tasty eateries, low-key gastro pubs, and convivial bars in the area.
Kingsland boasts a slew of epic spots perfectly suited to a casual afternoon drink. Here, we round up the top bars and eateries in the neighbourhood for a satisfying pre-game bite and beer (and perhaps, celebratory beverage post-win).
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Burgernaut by Urbanaut Brewery
The Urbanaut Brewery and Taproom in Kingsland is known for its colourful craft brews, and the brewery’s eatery — an epic Smashburger kitchen dubbed Burgernaut, is loved city-wide for its simple yet sensational burgers. With all of the classics on offer, as well as an ever-evolving specials offering, and extensive vegetarian and vegan menu, there really is something for everyone, and, when paired with Urbanaut’s icy cold full-pour beers from the twelve rotating taps on offer, there are no shortage of feel-good ordering configurations that will keep you coming back.
Garage Project Taproom & Cellar Door
Occupying an ex-factory in the heart of Kingsland, Garage Project’s Taproom & Cellar Door is a vibey spot for a bite and tipple any day of the week, but Saturdays and Sundays are when this lively location really comes into its own. Pared-back, sleek, and contemporary, the sprawling space houses a number of the much-loved brewery’s beers on tap, rotating frequently, with a focus on tasting flights, served alongside a concise, tasty small menu of share plates.
Umu
At Umu, specially fermented sourdough bases are dressed with delicious toppings — wood-fired in the eatery’s epic hallmark pizza oven. Umu’s pizzas hit the spot every time — petite enough to eat a whole one to yourself (although, they’re definitely not stingy), with exceptional dough and beautifully fresh ingredients that help to ensure you don’t feel weighed down afterwards.
Petra Shwarma
For a taste of Jordanian cuisine, look no further than Kingsland’s Petra Shwarma. Take your pick from dishes such as Jordanian mandi (spiced rice with grilled meat, raisins and cashew nuts), a cheesy Jordanian-style fajita and Jordanian shawarma with pickles. With a dedicated vegetarian menu, there’s plenty of vege-friendly options to choose from. Try the mixed platter with salad, haloumi stuffed pita pockets, falafel and hummus.
Saint Leonard’s Brewing
From hazy IPAs to epic sours, and everything (and anything) in between, Saint Leonard’s Brewing is a lively, weekend-only spot with a large on-site brewery and sprawling beer garden. Here, you’ll find the brewery’s own, ever-changing drops available alongside a conscience but considered menu of epic tacos and tasty Mexican sides.
Taiko
Located in the heart of Kingsland, right beside the train station, Taiko is a laid-back Japanese eatery known for its authentic sushi and Izakaya (a Japanese take on tapas). The experienced skilled chefs serve a range of authentic Japanese dishes accompanied by Japanese beer, fine wine and sake.
Sake Bar Icco
This unpretentious sake bar and eatery serves both traditional and contemporary Japanese fare crafted with expert precision, specialising in incredibly fresh sashimi, and a number of familiar favourites — from Agedashi Shiki Tofu to Icco Special Karaage, alongside experimental takes, such as the eatery’s infamous, must-order White Fish Tempura with curried sweet & sour sauce. There are also, of course, a host of satiating sakes on the menu — a more than perfect pairing for the umami dishes on offer.
Citizen Park
An always lively spot serving epic food and even better drinks, Citizen Park is one of the Kingsland stalwarts we turn to time and time again for consistently good vibes. On the food front, the influence is Modern American, and as such you’ll find a number of tasty delights on offer — from Sticky BBQ Pork Belly Bites to Crispy Chicken Wings, tasty Poke Bowls, Burgers, Ribs and more, while, when it comes to drinks, there are plenty of tap beers, wines, and ciders alongside an extensive list of convivial cocktails. With a sprawling outdoor area with plenty of shared tables, it’s a perfect place to park up pre (or post) game.
Canton Cafe
You can’t call yourself an Aucklander if you haven’t been to a BYO at Kingsland’s Canton Cafe. The ambience is fun and lively and most importantly, the food is on point. Showcasing a huge variety of meat, seafood, vegetables, rice and noodles, there’s something for everyone at Canton, but make sure to order the iconic black chilli prawns.
Nanny’s Eatery
Serving the best in Caribbean cuisine, Nanny’s Eatery is a laid-back eatery with a laissez-faire vibe, turning out hearty, belly-warming dishes with bountiful flavour, best shared with family and friends. Here, you’ll find the likes of satiating jerk chicken served alongside BBQ wings, mac ‘n’ cheese, burgers, and a slew of tasty rice dishes packed full of flavour — best washed down with an ice-cold beer or a refreshing rum from the vibrant eatery’s extensive list.
The Portland Public House
The Portland Public House is a cheap and cheerful local go-to serving western-style bites and refreshing libations, with live music come the weekend. From indulgent poutine to buttermilk chicken wings, fish & chips, steak, burgers, pizza and more, this low-key spot delivers on all fronts, with an extensive gin list, bespoke spritzes, and a bottomless brunch on Saturday to get the party started.
The Beer Spot
With 40 taps of rotating beer, The Beer Spot’s Kingsland locale is a beer aficionado’s dream, and one of the best spots in the city for a pre-game beverage. Enjoy a tasting paddle or pint on-site, or grab your favourite brew to go to enjoy pre- or post-event. You’ll also find ciders, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic options, and an ever-changing rota of food trucks serving up tasty fare.
605 Morningside Drinkery
With an intimate courtyard, a huge range of local craft beer, live music and good food, this local spot is a more than perfect place to park up for pre-gaming. An always lively vibe, 605 is a casual yet convivial spot where you can grab a drink or two and a bowl of the Drinkery’s famous fries en route to your destination, or turn to later in the peice for an evening of revelry.
