7 Auckland Restaurants for Spring Outdoor Dining
Spring is right around the corner, and Auckland will soon be dotted with vibrant hues as flowers bloom. With the shining sun, warmer evenings, and an uptick in lively energy across the city, spring is a wonderful time of year to catch up with friends, enjoy a romantic date night, or simply spend quality time with family. And what better way than to spend an evening dining outside? Auckland boasts a wide variety of alfresco dining, perfect for a spring evening beneath the setting sun. Here are our top picks to outdoor dining in Auckland.
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It's perfect for elevated pub fare in a relaxed local spot. Great for weeknights, long lunches or sunny Sunday beers.You need to try the sticky pork ribs or pulled-pork nachos, then split a wood-fired pizza if you're feeling bold.Look out for the sun-soaked deck, rotating craft taps and comfort food done with care.Read moreThe Malt offers guests an elevated pub experience with its homely patio dining area. The picnic-like tables and wooden floorboards craft a relaxed atmosphere for a warm spring dinner or lunch. String lights and lanterns splash the patio with warm pools of light, but not before the sun soaks the patio in gold. Located in Greenhite, The Malt fosters a humble yet chic family-friendly restaurant with a menu of pub favourites and signature dishes alike, such as the sticky pork ribs or pulled pork nachos.
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It's perfect for waterfront cocktails and watching the sun go down.You need to try fish tacos and a spicy margarita.Look out for rooftop views and an atmosphere that turns into a party fast.Read morePerched over Auckland’s sparkling Viaduct Harbour, Parasol & Swing is the perfect outdoor waterfront spot for your next sophisticated spring evening out. Watch the sun dip below the horizon as you sip on craft cocktails, boutique wines, champagnes, and craft beers, and sample their iconic fish tacos. The rooftop unravels a rich atmosphere with live music that will pull you onto the dance floor just in time for the stars to sprinkle the sky. For an evening of music and high energy, choose the Parasol & Swing!
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It's perfect for date nights where art and dinner are equally compelling.You need to try the tasting menu paired with Matakana vineyard wines. Expect intricate flavours and thoughtful plating.Look out for the sculpture trail post-dinner—wandering under big skies adds a touch of magic.Read moreRothko at Sculptureum is a truly magical outdoor dining spot in spring. Located in the northern fringes of Auckland, Rothko at Sculptureum harmoniously blends culinary artistry with a peaceful country charm. The menu is crafted with delicious seasonal flavours and ingredients, and guests dine amongst the Sculpureum’s lush gardens, which come to bloom during this time of year. Be sure to sample some of Matakana’s vineyard wines and wander the gardens after your dinner.
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It's perfect for flirty date nights or long chats over too much wine in fancy surrounds.You need to try the seafood trio or lamb shank, then act like you weren’t always going to get the crème brûlée.Look out for candlelit corners, a slick patio and staff who make you feel a little bit famous.Read moreTucked into the vibrant heart of Parnell, this is the perfect outdoor dinner spot. Dine amidst the candle lights and the patio that spills from the bar towards the street for an experience akin to a French street-side restaurant. Parnell 149 has a flirty wine menu and an array of signature dishes to try, including the seafood trio, lamb shank, and crème brûlée. Oozing modern elegance and flecked with European charm, Parnell 149 is a wonderful alfresco dining choice in Auckland.
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Read morePerched atop a ridge on Auckland’s Waiheke Island, the Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant exudes a luxurious and elegant essence. Overlooking the Hauraki Gulf, this iconic vineyard captures the spirit of Italy’s Tuscan region with its outdoor patio dining, which is soaked in sunshine and enveloped by sprawling greenery. The menus offer an elevated glimpse into New Zealand’s cuisine, kissed with influences from around the world. With cottages dotted around the property and plenty of wine to sample, Mudbrick is truly one of Auckland’s best outdoor dining restaurants for spring.
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Read moreSpend an evening whisked away to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Bivacco exudes a similar vibe, nestled along Auckland’s waterfront and is a great outdoor dining option. Sip on a tart aperol spritz as you lounge amidst the outdoor seating, soaking in the sunshine, and breathing in the salt on the breeze. The menu takes you on a journey through Italy, using locally sourced ingredients. Bivacco effortlessly blends Italian hospitality right in downtown Auckland, delivering traditional dishes made to share, such as pasta and seafood, and a range of spritzers and cocktails to enjoy on a warm spring evening.
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Read moreNestled into the heart of Auckland’s Kumeu Wine Country, The Bistro at Soljans is an unforgettable location for a spring dining experience. The restaurant sits within an enchanting vineyard and exudes a Mediterranean charm from the exterior to the interior decor and aesthetic. Even the menu continues this theme with dishes inspired by the Mediterranean region—with a Kiwi twist. Enjoy an evening surrounded by the countryside, sampling their extensive wine menu, and lounging in the relaxed outdoor seating.