Auckland’s Most Stylish Spots for Sharing Small Plates
One of the great joys in life is dining with loved ones in a stylish venue and passing around small sharing plates. It’s a great way to slow down, catch up, and sample a range of dishes from a restaurant’s menu, without having to pick just one meal for yourself.
Auckland offers an abundance of diverse restaurants with sharing plate options, where each dish bursts with unique flavours and every guest leaves with a warm, full belly. Whether you seek rooftop luxury in the heart of the city or a cosy ambience and a menu inspired by distinct cultures, there is something for everyone across this vast and colourful region.
We have gathered some of Auckland’s most stylish spots for sharing small plates, perfect for your next night out!
-
It's perfect for serious foodies who like their meals to double as theatre.You need to try the chef’s carte blanche experience, it’s luxury dining without pretense. Add a matching wine flight for extra sparkle.Look out for the sleek open kitchen and how the light plays across minimalist table settings.Read moreAtelier is one of Auckland’s best restaurants for sharing plates. Tucked into the cultural boom that is Karangahape Road, Atelier is the perfect spot for food lovers. Pass around elegant, mouth-watering dishes that celebrate French cuisine while embracing local New Zealand produce. The dining suite itself offers a cosy ambience, with warm, hanging lanterns, shelves of wine bottles, and a rustic colourpalette. For a group outing, perfect for sharing, try Atelier!
-
It's perfect for refined Filipino and Spanish flavours with a side of city buzz.You need to try the taco pao or sizzling pork belly.Look out for colourful plates, local wines and serious hospitality.Read moreOffering a unique Filipino-Spanish affair, Nanam Eatery in the heart of Takapuna is one of Auckland’s beloved spots for sharing plates. The restaurant itself is founded on the philosophy of nourishment and storytelling through flavourful cuisine, and a warm dining experience. Nanam has a menu full of small plates, perfect for sharing with a group, or even just for a romantic dinner for two. Colourfulplates, local wine, and traditional flavours make for a memorable night out!
-
It's perfect for cocktails and catch-ups with friendsYou need to try coming for a burger but staying for the vibesLook out for $3 oysters and $10 bubbles on FridaysRead moreThe ultimate seaside escape, Milford Motel unlocks a dreamy dining experience and plenty of small sharing plates. With plenty of alfresco dining, a diverse cocktail menu, and yummy plates perfect for sharing, it is a great place to catch up with friends while the sunsets. They often have a live DJ and even $10 bubbles on Fridays. For lively vibes, modern comfort dishes, and warm hospitality, try Milford Motel.
-
It's perfect for art, nature, wine and flavours from the land all in one settingYou need to try the Bruschetta with cured salmon, spiced Brick Bay lamb and baked eggplantLook out for the 2km sculpture trail walkRead moreOnly an hour away from the city, The Glass House Kitchen at Brick Bay is a great spot for shared plates. Nestled into Matakana, a coastal wine region, the restaurant is an elegant and relaxed all-day dining affair. Surrounded by lush gardens, dine alfresco with serene lake views as you pass around bruschetta with cured salmon, and sip on crisp local wine. After dining, explore the Sculpture Trail.
-
Read moreClimb a hidden stairwell off Federal Street to a serene escape from the bustling city streets. Resembling a garden glasshouse, Glass Goose offers a laid-back ambience, with a menu ideal for sharing. Great for lunch or dinner, this rooftop bar has a diverse menu of small plates perfect for enjoying with loved ones, such as the pork scratchings, duck fat potato skins, and buttermilk fried chicken, to name a few. Try this stylish city oasis for your next catch-up!
-
Read moreHI-SO Rooftop Bar strikes the balance between luxury and playfulness. Perch above the city streets, overlooking the views of the skyline and the sprawling Auckland Harbour, while you sip on a carefully crafted cocktail and pass around a plate. Its stylish alfresco dining suite includes crimson lounge chairs and dark brown bar stools. The snacks menu is curated for sharing and includes house hummus and pita bread, tempura-fried eggplant, lemon-pepper squid, and Angus beef skewers with Chimichurri. Yum!
-
Read moreSaint Alice sits on Auckland’s vibrant waterfront, offering a spacious and sun-soaked eatery perfect for a slow evening with friends. Bright cocktails, live entertainment, and a menu of seasonal dishes and fresh seafood come together to craft a memorable dining experience in the heart of Auckland. This stylish restaurant includes plenty of greenery, warm lanterns, and picnic-style tables, ideal for its range of sharing plates. Give Saint Alice a try!