Where to eat and drink at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour (and beyond)

With the return of Moana Auckland (27 Jan – 9 March), an ocean-themed festival celebrating Auckland’s maritime connection, there’s no better time to dive into the Viaduct’s vibrant hospitality scene.

To help you navigate the best spots, we’ve created this guide to eateries and bars around the Viaduct Harbour, with a few standout recommendations from neighbouring Wynyard Quarter.

Brunch by the waterfront

Start your day with a happy heart and a satisfied palate by exploring the Viaduct’s top brunch spots. Here are some of the best places to sip coffee and savour breakfast by the water:

Koel Café

Situated within the New Zealand Maritime Museum, with a prime position at the heart of the harbour, Koel Café is a relaxed and convenient spot to start your day. Pair your morning coffee with one of their freshly baked treats from the cabinet while watching the harbour come to life in the morning.

Wharfside Café & Event Centre

As the name might suggest, this scenic café showcases some of the city’s best waterfront views. To get you fueled up for your day, Wharfside Café offers fresh brews and a varied menu with all the brunch classics you love, like eggs benedict, omelettes and waffles.

Lawn Café

This chic spot combines a breezy waterfront vibe with exceptional coffee and fresh, wholesome dishes. Choose treats from the cabinet, or enjoy a sit-down brunch alfresco on the outdoor tables overlooking the harbour.

French Press Café

With Parisian influences, French Press Café serves up coffee, delectable pastries and a simple, elegant menu. This chic café is located within the beautiful waterfront hotel, Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour. Their buttery croissants and perfectly brewed espresso are worth the trip alone, but the serene harbour setting makes it très unforgettable.

Enjoy dinner harbourside

When evening falls, Viaduct Harbour transforms into a culinary hotspot with diverse dining options to suit every taste.

Esther

Experience flavours of the Med right here in Auckland. Located within QT Auckland, Esther showcases Mediterranean dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Picture indulgent saganaki, slow-cooked lamb shoulder, and freshly baked puff bread. Dine indoors à la carte, or catch the last of the evening light within Esther Courtyard, with tapas and sharing plates offering a true taste of la dolce vita.

Soul Bar & Bistro

Soul Bar & Bistro is a beacon in the harbour for seafood lovers. With its stunning waterfront location and a menu that celebrates the freshest catches, it’s a dining experience that’s equal parts indulgent and delightful. Start with their famous oysters before diving into dishes like crayfish crumpet, whitebait fritters or fresh whole fish, perfectly paired with a glass of bubbles.

Oyster and Chop

As the name suggests, their plump, freshly shucked oysters are a must-try, but the perfectly grilled steaks and seafood options hold their own. With its relaxed yet refined ambiance and harbour-front views, it’s a great spot for a celebratory dinner or an intimate meal before enjoying the Viaduct’s late night social scene.

Bivacco

At Bivacco, bold Italian flavours reign supreme. The menu boasts delicious pizzas, indulgent antipasti and pasta dishes, and perfectly grilled meats. Embodying the Italian eat-well-drink-well-live-well philosophy, Bivacco’s lively atmosphere and generous portions will set the mood for a fun evening out.

Hello Beasty

Playful, bold, and utterly delicious, Hello Beasty is a fusion of Japanese, Korean, and Chinese influences served with a contemporary Kiwi twist. Expect dishes like raw kingfish, crispy soft-shell crab, Korean fried cauliflower and chilli sichuan noodles that pack a punch. It’s perfect for adventurous eaters.

FISH

The name might give it away, but seafood lovers will be happy as a clam at FISH, situated within the Hilton Auckland hotel. With a front-row seat of the harbour, you’ll enjoy seasonal seafood dishes, including sharing-style set menus which let you taste a range of ocean-inspired dishes.

White + Wong’s

White + Wong’s brings big and fresh Asian flavours to the Viaduct. The menu features street food favourites from China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand. With views over the water, however, a few oysters, tuna crudo or kingfish sashimi feel like more appropriate picks for your spread. Enjoy your meal alongside one of White + Wong’s infamous woktails; our pick is the Laughing Buddha to kick off a happy night out.

Onemata

The menu at Onemata, part of the luxurious Park Hyatt Auckland, is a love letter to New Zealand produce. Changing seasonally, it showcases the best of local ingredients, from tender lamb to fresh seafood, in inventive and delicious ways. The sleek interiors and harbourside spot make it an unforgettable dining experience.

While the Viaduct Harbour has plenty to tempt you, Wynyard Quarter’s eateries deserve an honourable mention and are worth the short scenic stroll.

Auckland Fish Market

Seafood lovers will find their happy place, surrounded by fresh catches and delicious ocean-inspired fare. With fresh fishmongers and a range of eateries, including Sanford and Sons, Lobster and Tap, and Market Galley, you are spoilt for choice.

Baduzzi

Every city needs a restaurant famous for its meatballs, and Baduzzi’s handcrafted meatballs really put it on the map. With deliciously rustic primi and secondi dishes to back it up, Baduzzi delivers Italian comfort food with a signature touch of European sophistication.

The Conservatory

Offering a varied menu and a relaxed vibe, The Conservatory is the place to unwind. Their dishes range from fresh salads to hearty mains and tasty pizzas, all served with a side of beautiful waterfront views. It’s an ideal spot for a laid-back meal after exploring Wynyard Quarter.

Sip and savour drinks by the sea

Round off your waterfront adventure with a drink at one of these lively Viaduct Harbour spots serving delicious drinks:

Saint Alice

Saint Alice is a spacious bar and eatery, serving up the perfect blend of sea views, craft beers and innovative cocktails. Its elevated position offers a great spot to watch the comings and goings of the bustling Viaduct. Whether you’re in the mood for a crisp lager or a signature cocktail, this spot is shore to impress.

Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co.

With its laid-back vibe and rooftop views, Dr Rudi’s buzzing balcony crowd is a giveaway that this spot is a favourite for locals and visitors alike. Pair their house-brewed beers with their famous tacos or a plate of wood-fired pizza, and you’ve got the recipe for a happy evening watching the sun go down.

Rooftop at QT

Stylish and sophisticated, this rooftop bar offers expertly crafted cocktails with panoramic views of the Viaduct. Sip on a refreshing spritz or indulge in a classic martini as you take in the glittering lights of the harbour.

The Lula Inn

The Lula Inn is a tropical escape in the heart of Auckland. Known for its vibrant cocktails and live music, it’s the kind of place where you can let loose and enjoy the rhythm and flavours of the Pacific.

Parasol and Swing

This bespoke cocktail bar in the heart of the Viaduct is where you’ll find skilled bartenders whipping up fresh and flavourful creative drinks. Savour your beverage while enjoying tunes from a live DJ and some of the best views in the city.

Holey Moley

This mini-golf bar serves up playful cocktails alongside its quirky courses and uplifting tunes; it’s the perfect place to kick-start a happy night out with friends. While there’s a full-service bar, players of any age can putt their stuff around the course until 7pm (when the venue turns R18). Finish up your round belting out your favourite ballad in the private karaoke room.

And if you’re venturing across the Viaduct to Wynyard Quarter, here are a few standout spots to grab a refreshing drink to add to your evening’s agenda:

The Good Luck Coconut

Get spirits buoyant at this welcoming tiki-style bar, known for its tropical cocktails and fun interiors that make it easy to slow down to island time.

Good George North Wharf

Good George North Wharf is a haven for craft beer enthusiasts. With an extensive range of brews and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to raise a glass to the good times.

Wynyard Pavilion

This inviting spot captures the essence of waterfront dining with its laid-back ambiance, refreshing drinks and a focus on fresh, local seafood. Whether you’re savouring a chilled glass of wine or indulging in fresh oysters or crispy pork belly, Wynyard Pavilion’s bar, eatery and event space is perfectly positioned for enjoying harbour views and warming up for an evening enjoying Auckland’s social scene.