How Auckland eats out and what we love to order

Sunday, 10 May 2026

Auckland’s dining scene moves quickly. New restaurants open, menus change with the seasons, and food trends arrive from all over the world.

But ask people what they actually eat — and keep eating — and a different pattern emerges.

They come back to the same dishes.

The Iconic Auckland Eats 2026 Top 100, shaped by more than 2400 public nominations, reflects that pattern. Compiled annually by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, in partnership with online booking platform Restaurant Hub, the list focuses on dishes rather than restaurants — less about what’s new, more about what people go back for.

Some of those choices have remained remarkably consistent.

Depot’s fish sliders and Sugar at Chelsea Bay’s raspberry lamingtons are the only dishes to appear every year since the list began six years ago. In an industry where menus change with the seasons, that kind of staying power stands out.

The list, however, isn’t static, 79 dishes are new this year, and 31 of those come from restaurants that have featured before. It points to something more nuanced: diners are willing to try something new, particularly when it feels familiar rather than showy.

“There’s a lot of confidence in simplicity on this list,” judge and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited head of tourism Karen Thompson‑Smith said.

“People are responding to food that’s done well and with intent.”

That shows up in dishes like the crunchy Sichuan cucumber salad at The Heke on Waiheke Island, one of this year’s newer entries. It’s a simple plate — cucumber, seasoning, balance — but one people remember.

Chef Andrei Rotar says the influence comes from Auckland itself.

“Working here, you’re surrounded by amazing everyday food,” he said.

“Around places like Dominion Road, there’s so much bold flavour. It’s all about being fresh and craveable.”

The approach at The Heke is deliberately restrained. “It’s about taking something simple and making it memorable. Something people come back for,” Rotar said.

Elsewhere on the list, the pattern repeats. Carmel’s falafel pita and Bar Magda’s soy brown butter steak return after featuring consistently from 2022 to 2026. Romani Café’s pizza remains a staple. Uncle Man’s nasi goreng, now served across multiple locations, continues to draw a following as an affordable go‑to.

This year’s submissions carried another recurring note. Judges saw a steady stream of nominations from people who had moved to Auckland and found versions of the dishes they grew up with here — food that helped them feel settled, connected and at home.

Price is part of the picture. Around two‑thirds of the Top 100 dishes sit in the low to mid‑price range, suggesting that what people value most is often part of their regular routine. Bakeries, noodle houses and neighbourhood spots feature alongside higher‑end dining.

The range of cuisines is just as visible. Nanam’s pork belly “lechon”, inspired by the rich flavours of the Philippines, continues its run on the list, known for its balance of richness and sharpness. East’s water chestnut wontons show how simple dishes can build loyal followings. Lot Nineteen’s sweet baked rolls have become a familiar fixture at meetings, milestones and small celebrations across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Taken together, the 2026 list suggests Aucklanders aren’t chasing constant reinvention. They’re looking for food that’s reliable, well made and worth returning to – while still leaving room for something new.

The full Iconic Auckland Eats 2026 Top 100 is available online at aucklandnz.com/iconic-eats.