The Best Restaurants for New Year's in Auckland

If you wish to spend the evening in Auckland’s vibrant Ponsonby, book your dinner at Gaja. This Korean spot delivers an energetic atmosphere and authentic Korean dishes such as their dumplings, gochujang ribs, or kimchi fried rice. With their range of chopstick cocktails, sake, and soju, it is the perfect New Year’s experience. There’s plenty of charming decor, including a neon tiger mural and paper lanterns draping from above.

Abuzz with music, wine, and familial hospitality, Carmen Jones is an electric dinner spot for your New Year’s Eve celebrations. Tucked within Auckland’s iconic Karangahape Road, at the top of Queen Street, you will be right in the heart of the city’s celebrations. Built on a philosophy of “bringing cultures together through food and hospitality,” Carmen Jones delivers bold flavours of Spanish and Middle Eastern influence. Be sure to try their lamb kofta and harissa-spiced cauliflower.

The Parasol & Swing is the perfect choice if you are keen for a dining experience that turns into a dance party! This rooftop restaurant and bar overlooks the Auckland waterfront and is a popular spot for sunset dinner and drinks. Serving up fish tacos, burgers, spicy margaritas, and a curated cocktail menu, you can enjoy a relaxed meal while tapping your foot to the music, before migrating to the dance floor to boogie the night away!

If your plans take you across Auckland’s Harbour Bridge, Nanam is a great place to dine! Located in Takapuna, Nanam Eatery offers Filipino-Spanish cuisine, where traditional flavours are blended and infused with a contemporary flair. Nanam has a philosophy of storytelling through food, taking guests on a journey with their beloved dishes, such as the Wagyu longganisa tacos, crispy lechon, and kare-kare short ribs. Sip on local wines, indulge in yummy food within a warm and inviting ambience, and celebrate your New Year’s right!

For one of the best seafood restaurants in Auckland, where the primary focus is their decadent oysters, this restaurant on the waterfront will have you ready to ring in the New Year. Famous for their combo steakhouse and fresh seafood, Oyster & Chop offers variety, sparkling water views, and personable service, right in the heart of the city. If you are looking to catch the Skytower fireworks at midnight, this is a great spot to start the evening!

If you are jumping across the harbour to spend New Year's on Waiheke Island, The Oyster Inn is a humble and inviting spot for a celebration. Overlooking the sparkling Oneroa Bay and village, The Oyster Inn specialises in locally sourced seafood and fresh, daily delivered oysters. With its white walls, brown chairs, and blue accents, the restaurant exudes a relaxing and charming ambience perfect for a picturesque and tasty dinner on the island.