With an outstanding range of hospitality venues, we know we’re pretty darn spoilt here on the North Shore. Taste of Takapuna month is here and it’s one of the biggest events on the Auckland food calendar. What better excuse to get your friends and whānau together and explore more of what’s on offer?
We have a smashing list of where you can get the yummiest grub in Takapuna. We know you’ll love it and while you’re at it, keep tabs on your favs so you can vote in the People’s Choice Awards this October 2024. Enjoy the culinary odyssey, foodie friends.
Where to go for… badass burgers
We recently spilled the beans on many of our top burger joints in Takapuna and we know you love the suggestions. When you’re on a mission to wrap your chops around a burger, let us help you narrow down your options to find the holy grail that will satisfy that burger craving.
If you’re after something a little bit fancy, head to Regatta Bar & Eatery for a genuine Wagyu beef burger. Or, for a boujee lobster number, Catch 21 is your destination.
For those who prefer to eat plants, we’d recommend a red-hot look at Rosie’s Red Hot Cantina, where you’ll find a hemp and chipotle burger in a vegan brioche. Burger Burger has an extensive menu of meat and vegetarian options, and non-burger options for those watching their carbs.
A deep dive into the burger world isn’t complete without heading to Blazin Burger in Shore City.
Open from 9 am, Blazin’ Burger is serving everything including breakfast burgers, loaded fries and shakes.
Where to go for… the finest of first dates
So, you’ve chatted on the apps and decided it’s time to meet for real life. You want to go somewhere you can choose to stay for a little longer if the vibe is right, or make a quick getaway if you’re not feeling it.
If you’re seeking something casual, down-to-earth and relaxed, meet at The Elephant Wrestler. They have a great outdoor courtyard, and bonus points if your date is on a Saturday because if you stay till 8 pm, it’s d-floor time with DJs live on the decks.
With the days getting longer, pack a blanket, pick up some Korean-inspired takeaways from My Fried Chicken and head down to the beach. Don’t forget to stop at Duck Island Ice-Cream for something sweet.
Where to go for… a quick bite
Serving up delicious whole foods created from scratch that nourishes your cravings without a long wait, visit Street Organics. Pop by Buns and Rolls for, well, exactly that: Bao buns, burgers, Vietnamese summer rolls and more. The whole menu exudes the freshness Vietnamese food is known for. We hear that their banh mi and pho are the best in Auckland.
Where to go for… killer coffee
Kiwis know a good coffee and Takapuna is home to tippity-top flat whites and long blacks.
If you want a fair-trade organic coffee, head to Jam Organic Cafe. They also have non-caffeinated hot options and alternative mylks.
Also serving up organic coffee is Café Bottanix on Hurstmere Road. If you’re out walking with your doggo, they have a covered outdoor area where both you and your pooch can refuel.
Take advantage of the free wi-fi at Centro Cafe. It’s the perfect spot to get caffeinated, relax, catch up on emails, or dive into that book you’ve been meaning to read.
Coffee Cabin is a cozy retreat for all things caffeinated and tasty. They are also pet-friendly so defo pop them on your dog walking rotation.
When only an exquisite espresso will do, indulge in a little Italian coffee craftsmanship at Moak. You’ll be warmly welcomed by coffee enthusiasts who approach their brew with passion and care. Take the experience home with you and enjoy your favourite brews anytime with their range of whole beans, ground beans and pods
How about a Fairtrade organic coffee that leaves you feeling super good from Coffix. You’ll find two locations in Takapuna; Lake and Hurstmere Roads.
Flourish Cafe is a pretty special place, where young people with an intellectual or learning disability operate every area of the cafe. This enables valuable learning experiences and a stepping-stone to employment. Be sure to visit this training cafe and support their excellent work. PS They also offer free wifi.
For a coffee with good vibes and a side of quirk, visit Holy Shot. The baristas are super friendly and locals assure us, that a visit will get your day off to a brilliant start.
When doing a spot of retail shopping at Shore City and find yourself in need of a mid-morning pick-up, you’ll find Kota Cafe on level 2.
While the coffee culture in the land of the flat white is strong, Majestic Tea Bar is breathing life into an old favourite: tea. When you’re after a less-caffeinated hot beverage, Majestic serves up 35 different fragrant teas and proper Belgium hot chocolate.
Seven Hills roasts its own coffee beans on-site and in small batches, resulting in a highly aromatic house blend. You can enjoy a cup at the cafe, or order beans online for delivery straight to your door. Beans also available in store.
Another option for a cozy corner to indulge in a classic espresso or enjoy a seasonal drink is Starbucks. The inviting atmosphere is perfect for catching up with friends, working on your laptop, or simply enjoying a moment to yourself.
Stroll Coffee is a chic coffee roastery on the Shore, and the word on the street is that they take coffee seriously. Your cup will be extracted to perfection and the latte art is on point.
For the mornings you want a perfect flaky pastry to go with that killer coffee, pop by Glory Patisserie on Hurstmere.
Where to go for… the best ambience in Auckland
Since sunny days are the usual here in Takapuna, you may be wondering where to go when you want to soak up the old vitamin D.
Voted by Restaurant Guru 2424 as having the best outdoor seating in Auckland, you can’t look past Jam Organic Cafe.
We’re also quite partial to the décor at Honey Cafe, where the service is friendly, the menu is bangin’ and there is a lovely hum of happy customers.
Where to go for… sea views
While sitting on Takapuna beach is, let’s be honest, always a wonderful option for sea views, we recommend heading to Regatta Bar and Eatery for the waited-on dining experience.
With its floor-to-ceiling glass walls, stunning menu and views out to Rangitoto, you’ll find many Insta-worthy backdrops to practise the perfect pose alongside a delish meal.
Fancy a little modern Japanese dining moment? There is no sign of fusion cuisine at Tokyo Bay.
Good honest and authentic Japanese food serving up a side of incredible views. If you’re dining with a party of eight, be sure to contact the restaurant to pick one of their amazing group set menus.
For the ultimate seaside cafe, look no further than the Takapuna Beach Cafe. Honestly, you’ll think you’re on the set of Home and Away.
They have a gorgeous menu to choose from. And to finish, check out their impressive range of gelato.
How about a little beachside moment reminiscent of the effortlessly cool Californian vibe at Rosies Red Hot Cantina. Open from 11.30am till late.
Where to go for… cocktails with the girls
When you’re having a few cheeky cocktails with the girls, check out Taylors on Hurstmere. The Lewisham awards recently awarded them with Outstanding Local Establishment North for 2024.
They also have an extensive craft beer and wine list, if you’re planning to make a night of it.
Regatta Bar and Eatery has the view, the cocktails and the menu. Need we say more?
Before calling an Uber home, pop by Hops & Claret for a cosy intimate experience. Their extensive cocktail menu is absolutely phenomenal.
You’ll love the warm, comfortable surroundings, perfect for catching up.
Where to go for… a meal out with the fam
Broaden the family’s food horizons and enjoy a modern interpretation of Filipino traditional cuisine at Nanam. Not only is the food flavourful and well presented, but you’ll be treated to the famous Philippines hospitality.
When the kids are wanting woodfired pizza or pasta, make a booking at Italian restaurant Al Forno. Portions are generous and the hospitality is friendly. You’ll also find a few Italian beers on the menu that you may not find elsewhere.
After a little European flair with a touch of Kiwi sensibility? Aubergine comes highly recommended for families, with friendly staff and beautifully presented food. This place gets busy, so if you’re thinking to head in, please make sure you book a table.
For an authentic Korean barbeque meal with the whānau, Gangnam Style offers an extensive buffet with a minimum of 14 different fresh meats available. This place is all you can eat, 365 days a year.
They say the secret to long-life is by eating a Mediterranean diet. Why not try it out at Sam’s. Sam firmly believes that good food is made with love, and has the power to nourish your body, mind and soul. With inspiration from Italy, Turkey, and Greece, there are options for the whole family.
Imagine an evening filled with sizzling sounds, vibrant flavours, and a culinary performance that’s as entertaining as it is delicious. Teppanyaki isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience and it’s always a good time with the fam. Why not treat them to an evening at Daikoku. Under five’s are catered for, and children under 13 have a special teppan menu to choose from.
Where to go for… brekkie or brunch
With sunrise views and a seaside vibe, Takapuna is the absolute best place in Auckland for brunch. We’ve got morning meal options for all, making for a guaranteed great morning out. Head to Mimosa Cafe in Lake Road. They have an outstanding range of vegan and gluten-free food and serve up the excellent Kokako Aotea coffee.
Leaf and Loaf is a bustling wee café perfect for a weekend brunch with friends. Depending on what the weather is doing, you can dine indoors or out.
When you want to escape the hustle and bustle, Plumm Cafe is a little local sanctuary complete with a secret garden out the back. After refuelling with food and drink, you’ll feel revitalised to get back amongst it again.
When you want a little taste of Paris, Frenchy’s Crêpes has you covered. Sweet or savoury, the options are plentiful and the crêpes are soft. One trip will have you wanting to go back and eat your way through the menu. Now… which one was I up to again?
Feel like brunch in the afternoon? Sage and Brew offer an all-day brunch menu seven days a week. If you want to go beyond cheese and ham, pop by on Monday to Friday and order from their speciality toasty menu.
Where to go for… bubble tea and smoothies
Yoghurt drinks are refreshing and packed with probiotics. Hey I Am Yogost uses fresh and interesting ingredients like mochi and mango. If you’re looking for something different to bubble tea, give this a go.
Indulge in a cup of creamy rich bubble tea at Gong Cha. Perfect when out with friends or as a solo treat, bubble tea is perfect at any time of the day.
When you need a little wifi with your bubble tea, WuCha is the pick. The environment is peaceful, so you can catch up on a little study or reading, while refuelling.
For all things smoothie and juice, Tank in Shore City or on Hurstmere are the places to go. We are talking about drinks made with fresh, real ingredients, whizzed to drinking perfection. Kids are also catered for with a special menu featuring giggle juice and a funky monkey smoothie.
Where to go for… frozen treats
Now that we’re in daylight savings mode, there are more hours for frozen yumminess. Takapuna has all bases covered, starting with Takapuna Beach Cafe. Located right on the beach, it has a stunning range of gelato, ready for scooping. If you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan or unable to eat eggs, Duck Island prides itself on having an extensive menu that caters for everyone. Plus they have handmade waffle cones to boot. For a luxurious lick, Mövenpick scoops from 10 am till 10 pm every day of the week. If yoghurt is more your thing, KiwiYo has an impressive range of flavours and toppings, plus, it’s easy to grab on the go, making healthy eating simple and convenient. While you’re at Shore City and feeling like a frozen treat, you’ll love all the ice cream flavours and toppings as well as delicious sundaes and iced bubble teas from Phat Phillip.
Where to go for… the best of Takapuna eating and drinking
Taste of Takapuna 2024 is here! This month-long North Shore foodie event is your chance to explore all that Takapuna’s hospitality scene has to offer.
We’re also running the People’s Choice competition where you get to vote on your favourite eating and drinking spots, and go in the draw to win Takapuna hospitality vouchers.
