Dining Guides

Stepping out for the old eat ‘n’ meet, or treating a valued client? Takapuna boasts the North Shore’s finest lunchtime culinary gems. This month is Taste of Takapuna 2023 – the perfect excuse to take your meetings to the street and try something new. Here’s a lineup of must-visit spots for hashing out those last details. Takapuna Beach Cafe Takapuna Beach Cafe is a fantastic spot for a networking lunch. Dreamy beachfront location, laid-back atmosphere, and a diverse menu of fresh, light food that covers off even the pickiest eater in the office. Enjoy your meal on the sun-soaked deck with a view that’ll make your food taste even better. Or, and bear with us for a second here, we wholly endorse the concept of

Do you follow a gluten-free diet? No worries! Takapuna boasts a feast of fantastic cafes and restaurants catering to various dietary preferences. Here are just five of our favourite places with amazing gluten-free options, picked for Taste of Takapuna October 2023. Jam Organic Cafe Jam Organic Cafe isn’t just about serving delicious food; it’s also a hub of good vibes, friendly faces and super healthy brekky or lunch. With heaps of gluten-free options, we recommend the range of delicious omelettes, the good ol’ Sweetcorn Fritters, or the Chicken Breast Salad, complete with mango, grilled halloumi, avocado, wild rocket, toasted almond, aioli, and kumara crisps. And don’t forget to cap off your meal with a round of their irresistible gluten-free Peanut Brownie Bliss Balls. Street Organics

Nothing quite tickles the taste buds like a good piece of kimchi. Korean cuisine is bursting with bold flavours, incredible textures, and a dash of adventure. It’s the cuisine of the moment, with some brand new Korean spots joining the established restaurants around town. Here’s your passport to some of the coolest Korean spots in Takapuna. Bando Bando is the new kid on the block, and it’s making waves with its funky bar vibes, live music, and mouthwatering Korean cuisine. Bando is your new go-to spot if you’re a Korean fried chicken fan. Choose from four traditional and tasty preparations – crispy, sweet and spicy, soy fried, or with a generous sprinkle of spring onions. Where: 7/1 The Strand, Takapuna Box’d If you’re in the

There’s no excuse for hunkering at home this winter! Nothing beats settling into a warm and cosy café or pub on a winter’s day, indulging in tasty kai, delicious beverages, and fantastic company. With some of Auckland’s best bars and eateries, here’s our guide to inviting Takapuna hangouts to visit this winter. Joe’s Eatery The first stop is Joe’s Eatery – a snug haven in the heart of Takapuna, with rustic décor and a relaxed vibe that instantly makes you feel at home. Along with scrumptious food, Joe’s provides entertainment too. Get in on fun, informal events like gin night, when the tantalising taste of botanicals takes centre stage; and wine night, when you’ll discover new favourite vino varieties. Order a signature shared platter, relax

As the temperature drops in Auckland, it’s time to say goodbye to summer salads and hello to some seriously delicious comfort food. We’ve scoured the best restaurants on the North Shore and come up with five hearty meals that will leave you feeling more than suitably satiated. Lobster Open Burger – Catch 21 Known for its relaxed atmosphere and groovy nautical-themed vibe, Catch 21 Eatery is the place for seafood aficionados to tuck into a good hearty lunch. Their new menu is out now, and we can highly recommend their signature dish – the open Lobster Burger, featuring a decadent garlic butter lobster tail, bread & butter pickles, tomato, lettuce, tartare sauce, onion rings, parmesan steak fries and spiced truffle hollandaise. This is the perfect

Out and about and feeling a bit peckish? Want a yummy work lunch at a great price? Luckily you won’t have to go far as we have many fine eateries right here at Takapuna offering hearty meals at a steal. Poké bowls @ Poké Poké Fresh, healthy and tasty, our choice for a delicious vegan lunch is the tofu and mushroom poké bowl from Poké Poké. Load it up with your choice of rice or salad and up to six toppings, with dressing and garnish. Price: $14.90Location: Shop 6/40 Hurstmere RoadBrowse the Poké Poké menu here Burgers @ Blazin Burger For a juicy burger lunch, Blazin Burger is the place to go. Options include beef burgers, chicken, pulled pork and a tasty vegan burger. We

Regatta Bar & Eatery is a seaside destination that doubles in size in the sunny seasons as the bifold doors open up and connect the establishment with its environment. Raised on a hill overlooking the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island, it’s got what we think is the best seaside dining view in Auckland. It’s the kind of place you can feel comfortable walking in off the beach in your jandals for a burger and a beer, then at dinner time you can get dressed up and have a proper dining experience.  In celebration of this month’s Taste of Takapuna awards, we caught up with Regatta owner Andy Ruzich to talk about local food and happenings. We’re here to talk food, so can you tell us

Bon appetit! If you’re looking to eat your way around the world in style, you’ve come to the right place. Takapuna is home to a wicked range of excellent quality international restaurants. In celebration of Taste of Takapuna this month, let’s take a quick world tour right here on the Shore! Japan Get ready for the freshest of fresh fish and premium sake – welcome to Tokyo! Well, Tokyo Bay in Takapuna. The restaurant’s Chef Chikara Sato is one of the most skilled sushi chefs ever to have worked in New Zealand, and has the rare honour of being licensed to prepare the potentially deadly fugu blowfish. So it goes without saying the sushi and sashimi here are mind-blowingly good, but don’t miss out on

It’s extra special when restaurants and eateries go the extra mile to accommodate your dietary needs. It makes you want to go up to your faves and hug the very building they’re in, right before you go and tell absolutely everybody you know about how great they are. So, check out how great these local Takapuna businesses are at looking after those of us with allergies and intolerances! Street Organics This little gem never met a food preference it didn’t like, so if you have one, you’re about to find a new true love. Street Organics caters for gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, paleo, keto, and even sufferers of IBS. The café specialises in fab brekkie and brunch, and the wine list is also totally organic