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 moreSwashbucklers Restaurant & Bar, an iconic Kiwi seafood destination on Auckland’s waterfront, offers a family-friendly dining experience with a focus on fresh seafood and fine steaks. With maritime decor and stunning views of Westhaven Marina, it's the perfect spot for lunch or dinner. Enjoy NZ wine selections alongside international options, complemented by a relaxed atmosphere. Whether dining in the main restaurant, enjoying bar snacks in the Boatshed Bar, or soaking up the sun on the deck, Swashbucklers invites guests to savour the best of local cuisine amidst a picturesque setting.
Photography: Courtesy of Swashbucklers
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Read morePerfectly located overlooking the Southern Hemisphere’s largest marina, award winning and family owned Sails Restaurant also has enviable views to the Auckland city skyline. The menu is about seafood with a Kiwi touch (the roasted crayfish is a standout choice), plus options for non seafood eaters. The Sommelier will guide your through an extensive wine list of local and international drops, to match your meal, making this restaurant an excellent choice for a special lunch or evening meal.
Open for lunch Thursday-Sunday and dinner Wednesday-SundayPhotography: 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 moreMetita, led by renowned Aotearoa Chef Michael Meredith, innovates Pacific cuisine at SkyCity's vibrant dining precinct. Celebrating traditional flavours with a contemporary twist, each dish is meticulously crafted to surprise and satisfy. Embracing the past and present, Metita offers a unique dining experience that harmonises heritage with culinary innovation, promising to delight and nourish every palate.
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