Restaurants with a view in Auckland

Literally on the side of the harbour lies Harbourside Ocean Bar & Grill. Sit outside by the sea on a glorious day while eating all the delights of the sea. They have a raw bar and tapas menu where you can try some of the best quality line caught NZ fish for their sashimi and seafood platters. Sample freshly shucked oysters, hand rolled sushi, and nigiri. All the fish. Once you’ve had a delightfully fishy meal, take a picture on the terrace for the gram. Just do it.

Our new fave place to go out of town is Hinge & Co. since it’s got great vibes, amazing food, and is one of the best restaurants with a view in Auckland. It’s a countryside restaurant with a whole load of heart, in the great location of Clevedon. They opened in 2018 and head chef Daniel Muller has brought something a little bit refined to the countryside. The dinner menu is eclectic and allows everyone at the table to enjoy their favourite dish, as if they were dining at a friends. Get the duo of Te Mana Lamb, with a herb crust, sweet bread, quinoa, charred sweetcorn, spring onion, broad beans, and curried cauliflower puree. Delicious.

This vineyard restaurant is luxurious and elegant, just what you want when you go to an actual island for dinner. With countless awards under its belt, Cable Bay is the perfect place if you’re looking for a restaurant with a view, although you have to travel to Waiheke Island, it’s totally worth it. The produce is fresher than fresh, having grown in their organic kitchen gardens, and on their orchard. The chefs take inspiration from Waiheke itself in their dishes to create dishes that are unique and you’ll remember forever. An unforgettable experience.

There’s a been a few changes over the years at The Hunting Lodge, having hosted many a celebration, whatever that may be. Re-opening in 2016 after a brief hiatus, with Des Harris at the helm. Now Asher Abramowitz is in charge there’s an emphasis on fresher than fresh ingredients. Get yourself a hot smoked leigh snapper, or Dianne’s Kaipara lamb served with pickled onion, roasted carrots, and ratte potatoes.

Another harbourside restaurant, Marvel Grill is the perfect place to end up after a stroll down North Wharf. Take a seat and enjoy the view. Since you’re by the sea, you might want to try some freshly shucked oysters, or any number of their fish dishes, including cloudy bay clams, salt and pepper calamari, and their freshly caught fish of the day. However, there’s loads of meat and veggie dishes too if you’re not a big fish fan, but you rather like the view.