Cocoro. Photo credit: Babiche Martens.
From street eats to silver service, Auckland’s diners have spoken — and the city’s hospitality scene is basking in the spotlight.
Food lovers across Tāmaki Makaurau have helped shape one of the most anticipated culinary lists in the hospitality calendar: the Iconic Auckland Eats 2025 Top 100. Now in its fifth year and backed by a record-breaking 3109 public nominations, this list doesn’t just showcase great food — it’s a crowd-sourced celebration of the city’s eateries, chefs, culture, and communities.
Run by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited on behalf of Auckland Council, the initiative is driven by locals and visitors sharing stories about their favourite dishes — from tamarind-laced tacos in Ponsonby to perfectly crisped roti in East Auckland. Every dish tells a story, and every plate is a love letter to the people who made it.
“Iconic Auckland Eats is a love letter from food lovers to the cooks, chefs and their whānau who deliver joy on every plate,” says judge and hospitality expert Connie Clarkson.
This year’s edition breaks new ground with 77 brand-new dishes and 39 debut eateries joining the Top 100 — proof of Auckland’s ever-evolving food story. From halal hot honey pizzas and handmade dumplings to signature crayfish eclairs, Auckland’s hospitality scene continues to blend local identity with global flair.
And the reach goes beyond the borders of the city. With the backing of Restaurant Hub and a boost in international visibility, Iconic Auckland Eats is becoming a culinary calling card — influencing travel itineraries, digital foodies, and international media alike.
“The list has grown into a valuable platform for showcasing Auckland’s hospitality talent,” says Annie Dundas, Director Destination at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. “The increase in nominations shows just how connected people are to their favourite food spots.”
$38.3 Million Market
Hospitality businesses also benefit directly. Each featured dish becomes part of a curated trail of excellence — drawing locals, domestic travellers and international visitors alike. And with $38.3 million spent by visitors on food and beverage services in Auckland annually, it’s no surprise that eateries are leaning in and encouraging their loyal diners to nominate.
The judging panel, which also included chef and Restaurant Hub co-owner Mark Gregory, looked for dishes that are well-loved, culturally representative, timeless, or just downright delicious. Among the five standout nomination stories that clinched top honours are:
- A charcoal steak from Bar Magda so divine it “deserves to be bathed in”.
- Eden Noodles’ handmade dumplings, crafted with such care that one diner likens it to watching art in motion.
- The spare ribs rice noodle soup at Vietnam Café, a 30-year favourite still worth a cross-city drive.
With each dish carrying a piece of personal nostalgia, community pride or culinary surprise, the Iconic Auckland Eats list isn’t just a roll call of good food — it’s an evolving portrait of Auckland’s flavour identity.
Iconic Auckland Eats 2025 – Featured Restaurants & Dishes
- Bari’s Pizza – Deluxe Pepperoni Pizza (with halal pepperoni and hot honey)
- Bar Magda – Noel’s Charcoal Steak with Soy Butter and Scallion
- Eden Noodles – Dumplings in Spicy Sauce
- Prego – Risotto All’Anatra
- Vietnam Café – Spare Ribs Rice Noodles Soup
- Depot – Fish Sliders*
- Giapo – World Famous Hokey Pokey Ice Cream
- MASU by Nic Watt – Wagyu Kimchi Gyoza
- Onslow – Chatham Islands Crayfish Éclair
- Hello Beasty – Prawn + Crab Toast*
- Casita Miro – Churros Con Chocolate
- Fatima’s – Lamb Chawarma
- Forest – Smoked Purple Kumara with Marmite Cream
- GOAT by Sid Chopra – GOAT Champaran
- Tacoteca – Ora King Salmon Aguachile
- Burnt Butter Diner – Chilli Fried Eggs
- Amano – Chitarra with Scampi, Tomato & Chilli*
- Peach’s Hot Chicken – Peanut Butter Mousse Pie
- Ragtag – Duck Carnitas Tacos*
- Mairangi Bay Bakery – Braised Beef Short Rib Pie
( The above is a selection from the full Top 100 — for the complete list visit aucklandnz.com/iconic-eats)
(*Asterisk denotes dishes previously featured on the Iconic Auckland Eats list)
Foot Traffic
Iconic Auckland Eats is now a proven economic and marketing tool. It builds visibility, drives foot traffic, attracts talent, and elevates community engagement.
With over 150,000 people employed in food and beverage across Auckland — and a growing emphasis on cultural diversity and culinary tourism — this initiative is more than just a list. It’s a celebration of an industry at the heart of the region’s vibrancy.
So if you’re a restaurateur, chef, marketer or supplier — tap into the momentum. Encourage customers to share their stories. Use the Iconic Eats badge with pride. And most of all — keep making dishes worth talking about!
