The Best Seafood Restaurants in Auckland
When you live in a city that hugs the water, seafood isn’t just dinner, it’s a way of life. Auckland, with its sparkling harbour and thriving food culture, is home to some of the finest seafood restaurants in New Zealand (and let’s not forget that view!). Whether you’re craving oysters harvested that day and shucked to order, delicate sashimi, or a whole snapper baked to perfection, this city delivers the goods fresh from the ocean.
The best seafood restaurants in Auckland don’t just plate up the catch of the day; they make it an experience. Imagine long lunches by the water with chilled Sauvignon Blanc, or candlelit dinners where crayfish and pāua share the spotlight. Many chefs lean into the city’s coastal abundance, pairing world-class Kiwi produce with international influences including Japanese precision, Mediterranean flair, or Pacific Island soul.
And it’s not all high-end indulgence. From bustling fish markets serving up hot chips with battered hoki, to neighbourhood gems dishing out steaming bowls of seafood chowder, Auckland proves that seafood can be both refined and relaxed.
Where to Get the Best Seafood in Auckland?
We’ve rounded up the 10 best seafood restaurants in Auckland where freshness, flavour and a touch of salt air are always on the menu.
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Read moreWhite linen, chandeliers and staff who clearly know what they're doing set the tone at Sails, perched right on the water at Westhaven Marina with views stretching to Rangitoto Island and the Harbour Bridge. It's old-school special-occasion dining done properly: roasted crayfish and Te Kouma Bay oysters lead a menu of premium New Zealand seafood, alongside lamb and beef for anyone not chasing the ocean. Snapper ceviche and fresh crayfish round out the kitchen, backed by an extensive wine list. Watch the yachts roll in and it's easy to see why the sailing crowd never left.
Photography: Courtesy of Sails Restaurant
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Read moreLocated in the heart of Auckland’s city centre, Tony’s Wellesley Street has over 60 years of steakhouse heritage paired with amazing seafood. Sink into their legendary “Seafood Platter” loaded with hot and cold delicacies such as scallops, prawns and mussels, or try the famed Carpet Bag steak, an eye-fillet stuffed with juicy oysters. With a polished atmosphere and old-school hospitality, Tony’s is a meal worth dressing up for.
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Read moreAmano is more than just a restaurant and bakery; it's a celebration of food and community. With a focus on seasonal, sustainable, and local produce, Amano delivers rustic, Italian-inspired cuisine with humble service. Located opposite Auckland's Waitemata Harbour, within Britomart's historic Altrans and Quay buildings, it offers a space where guests can feel relaxed and connected to their food's origin. Whether indulging in freshly baked goods from the bakery or savouring dishes in the restaurant, Amano invites guests to share in its passion for food and the rich history of its beautiful site.
Photography: Courtesy of Amano
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Read moreTucked on Viaduct Harbour, Hello Beasty serves modern-fusion cuisine with standout seafood and grill picks that are both elevated and playful. On the menu, expect wild-caught prawns with kombu butter and soft-shell crab that will have you back for more. Finish off your meal alongside vibrant cocktails under a neon glow. It’s not your average seafood spot in Auckland; it’s seafood with soul.
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Read moreChef Michael Meredith named this MICHELIN-recognised restaurant after his mother, whose cooking first set him on the path to becoming a chef, and it shows in every corner of the room — all ocean-toned colours and island textures wrapped around an open kitchen that keeps the energy up. Start with panikeke, a Samoan fried doughnut, before moving into wood-fired standouts like snapper or duck breast. Order the crispy pork hock with sapasui and bring backup, because it's not a dish built for one. Metita is Chef Meredith's love letter to his Samoan heritage, plated with real technique.
Photography: Courtesy of Metita
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Read moreNestled on the stunning Princess Wharf, 300 meters out to sea, FISH Restaurant boasts unparalleled views of the Waitemata Harbour. Committed to sustainability, FISH showcases New Zealand's finest, ethically sourced seafood, partnering with local fishermen and oyster farms to procure the freshest catch. Led by the culinary expertise of Des Harris, FISH's menu celebrates the natural flavours of the sea, artfully prepared and served with warmth and authenticity. With a focus on seasonal produce, FISH offers a sharing-style dining experience, complemented by the tranquil waterside ambiance.
Photography: Courtesy of FISH
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Read moreHello Sailor anchors itself at Half Moon Bay Marina, where sunset views and bobbing yachts set the scene for a menu built around the freshest catch. Freshly shucked oysters, a buttery lobster roll and a towering seafood tier platter headline the raw and rocks sections, while John Dory and beer-battered daily catch round out the mains. By day it's beachy and laid back, by night DJs and live music take over, with tropical cocktails flowing well past sundown.