Auckland’s Most Romantic Restaurants

Surpassing its 25-year landmark in Auckland, Cibo has withstood the test of time. Any special occasion spent at Cibo’s will feel truly celebrated with their perfect ambience of elegance and fun. Sit out in the courtyard oasis or tuck inside with a candle-lit booth, if a romantic evening is what you’re looking for, you’ll find it in here. With a blend of Asian and Kiwi flavours, choosing what to order will be a hearty task. If a five-course degustation and a glass of Tattinger sounds up your alley, book in advance for a table (Cibo is popular!) and dig into a selection of seafood, duck pancakes, and lamb, all finished off with a red velvet and cream cheese sweet treat for dessert.

Feeling fancy? Dine in the clouds with one of the best views of Auckland City. Level 53 of the Sky Tower takes you away to the 1930’s glam that is The Sugar Club. Bring out your best attire and sip on your chosen poison as you enjoy the elegant ambience with your other half. The classic cocktails cover your usual favourites as well as their weekly favourites, while their native cocktail menu is collaboratively curated by the team to reflect stories and experiences of New Zealand. “Kamote” is just one of the unique concoctions complete with coconut rum, kumara coulis, Peychaud bitters, and pineapple juice.

Bar Celeste never ceases to amaze; the neo-bistro is always a hive of activity, and securing a table is a feat in itself; seriously, book in advance to guarantee a night of insane dishes and fine wine. The wholesome cuisine is sure to win you some brownie points. Share a dozen oysters, freshly shucked with mignonette and lemon, or dig into the Jamon and manchego croquettes with chilli. Each dish has been lovingly prepared, the flavours seamlessly work together to complement one another. To make the most of your time at Bar Celeste, allow the resident sommelier to advise you on wine pairings – you are sure to find a new favourite vino that you can buy online to enjoy at home.

For a mood-lit and intimate dining experience, Xuxu Dumpling Bar should be on your bucket list. Expect hand-crafted dumplings served to your table in baskets of six. Easy to share and equally delicious, Xuxu has created delicious flavour combinations for an impressive date night. For a little something different, we recommend the pan-fried roast duck and leek dumplings, complete with a hoisin dipping sauce – This flavour combination really hits the spot. In your excitement of ordering – don’t forget the boutique wines or seasonal cocktails to complement your meal. And what’s a date without dessert? We strongly urge you to save some room for their molten chocolate steamed buns or banoffee dumplings filled with salted caramel and banana goodness. You’ll never look at a dumpling the same again.

Making romantic memories at Ortolana is a walk in the park, wine and dine your date with ease. The twinkling fairy lights are a beautiful backdrop to a romantic day out. The intimate and cosy bistro serves up delicious European cuisine; using the best seasonal, local produce from local growers. Ortolana is open for breakfast, lunch, and a cheeky spot of dessert – this is a great little spot for a daytime date. Dig into a generous dish like the market fish with fennel remoulade, pickled onion and tomato salsa. Or, opt for a breakfast beauty with the smashed egg with chive and prosciutto piadina. Peruse the extensive wine list and kick the day off with a glass of bubbles or pinot grigio.

With a view out over the Waitemata Harbour, Akarana Eatery is the special spot for that special someone. With platters to share, pizza, and Cloudy Bay Clams straight from the wood-fired oven, Nic Watt has outdone himself once again with a menu focusing on fresh seafood and sustainable ingredients. Perfect for both the summer days and long into the evening, we recommend swapping out the usual dining formalities and ordering the picnic hamper. Soak-up a picture-perfect view of Rangitoto as you sit out on the lawn and enjoy a selection of prosciutto, Puhoi cheeses, smoked salmon, and delectable chocolate donuts to name a few.

Surprise your significant other with a night amongst the stars; Orbit offers sensational views like none other, sitting above the Auckland skyline. The dining room rotates 360 degrees, providing diners with an unforgettable experience and a unique panoramic view of the city and the Hauraki Gulf. Enjoy a night of luxury; the a la carte menu boasts a delicious kiwi-inspired theme with the finest local and seasonal produce. Begin with an entrée of pan-seared scallops or yellowfish tuna tataki; then for the main course, we recommend the rich and indulgent wild forest mushroom and black truffle raviolini. Continue the extravagance with a bottle of champagne or an expertly crafted cocktail.

If the way to your partner’s heart is through their stomach, then Paris Butter is the restaurant for you. The French-inspired, New Zealand grown restaurant has created an innovative and exciting menu that explores the sophistication of modern European fare. Each dish is a masterpiece in appearance and taste; delight in options like the scampi with smoked ricotta, smoked tomato sorbet and pickled tomatoes. Have your dinner paired with a delectable beverage; Paris Butter’s cocktail list is swoon-worthy; a handful of notable ingredients in the cocktails include the likes of smoked gin, bramble and bay leaves.

Is there anything quite as romantic as a vineyard? Mudbrick instantly transports us to a sun-soaked winery on an Italian shore. Love is in the air; we have a glass of bubbles in hand and a hearty dish before us – *sigh* we are in heaven. Treat your significant other to a trip to Waiheke, escape to the most romantic place on Earth with breathtaking views of the Hauraki Gulf. Indulge in a tasting menu (5, 7 or 10 courses) that tantalises the tastebuds or dine a la carte at the Archive Bistro; the menu offers seasonally inspired island dishes. The fresh and flavourful menu showcases an abundance of delectable seafood (oysters are a must-have for romantic dinners) and beautiful cuts of meat; the Kombu aged silver fern beef fillet melts in your mouth.