The 32 best spots for ramen in Auckland Central

We had Ramen for lunch. When we arrived we were greeted by staff and they were absolutely lovely and very accommodating and polite throughout the whole time we were there. We ordered a creamy based ramen and a chicken base ramen. Both of these were yummy, not the best we’ve had but still a very delicious lunch dish. The noodles were very delicious and so was the pork although we found some slices of the pork were a little dry and chewy. We also ordered some dumplings which were average, the filling was quite mushy but it did have flavour and the dumpling pastry and the way it was cooked was on point.

The ramen here were competent but I have definitely had better broths elsewhere. The portions are generous though and service was friendly.

A friend recommended this place as she had been before, so i decided to check it out, and I’m glad we did! The ramen that i had was rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious. The food was super filling and a god portion size. The service was quick, the staff were friendly, plus the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. I’ll definitely be back!

I was so happy to find delicious ramen in Auckland made by a Japanese owner. As someone from Japan who loves authentic Japanese ramen, I was really excited to enjoy such great ramen here in New Zealand. The staff are also Japanese and kindly spoke to us in Japanese, which made me feel even more at home. I went with my vegetarian friend this time, and I was impressed that they even had vegetarian ramen and a wide variety of menu options. I’ll definitely stop by again next time I go to the CBD🍜🩵

Service was fast and friendly. Ramen was incredible! The chef greeted every customer with a lot of enthusiasm haha. Would recommend 10/10!

The veggie ramen ( +a little spicy) were fabulos and one of the best I ever had (may be because I didn't have any for quite some time 🥲) my partner had the sesame shoyu ramen and the gyoza and she was also really happy (especially baout the housemade gyoza)!! The team was also really kind 10/10 would recommend :)

I've been here multiple times and have never been disappointed. It's a humble establishment that focuses on one thing: making great ramen! For the price, it's absolutely worth it. The broth is sublime, and the portions are generous. They’re also very generous with the toppings. Definitely a solid choice for dinner if you're in the area! It's also a safe bet if you're dining with picky eaters—there's something comforting and satisfying about a well-made bowl of ramen. The staff are great, and service is quick. Wait times aren’t too bad—worth it anyway!

If you’re after a cheap eat in central Ponsonby that is satisfying, nutritious and delicious, as well as good value then look no further. About $25/ meal and it was massive. They also cater for celiac using rice noodles.

Staff are amazing very friendly and accommodating. The food was delicious and well prepared. Not the best Raman ive have in Auckland but I would definitely still come back to dine again as the space ans team.are so nice. Atmosphere is great. Just the tables are so close together it kinda takes away from it a little and the two women next to us decided to air there drama and have a little domestic while my pregnant wife and I tried to enjoy a nice meal together. But I totally get why the tables are like that because its a small popular place and I would do thr same if I was the owner. Thanks team ar Takara you should all be proud of your efforts.

Good ramen with rich flavour and perfectly cooked noodles. Simple, satisfying, and hits the spot every time. Friendly service and a cosy atmosphere make it a great spot for a comforting meal.

incredible vegan Ramen, and that’s coming from someone that lives in Okinawa. Great vibes, great service all around. I would highly recommend this little spot. I had the spicy black tan tan ramen (veganized) and it was so good!

It is decently cheap for a bowl of ramen. It is on the less salty side, perfect for a Japanese palate, otherwise you can always adjust it by adding more soy sauce. It is decent enough for a quick yummy Tonkotsu Ramen, tho I think the Karaage is a bit overpriced.

Great food and super friendly staff! I highly recommend the Salmon Avo Salad, Pork Gyoza, Fried Rice and Tonkotsu Ramen. If you’re looking for a delicious meal, that’s the right place

If ramen is what you’re craving this one hits the spot. The seasonal tomato ramen filled my winter singed heart with joy. I’ve been here a bunch and can attest to most of the menu and say - I’d have that again. Depending on the night you either get table service or a QR code - personally I’m not a fan of the QR ordering as I quite like the experience of conversing and asking questions when needed but overall it’s still a really nice atmosphere. Bomb food, ace sake, the cocktails looked on form.

Very fair price, ramen was excellent, self order machine allows you not need to talk to staff members. Quiet and peaceful place to enjoy great ramen, with very good portion. Small place so if you have 3 or more people you may need to book in advance, as they only have 2 big tables. Highly recommend to try.

Spicy Miso Ramen — 4.5/5 The thick miso-based pork broth has a hint of spiciness. The noodles are slightly chewy and well-cooked. The minced meat, bean sprouts, and smashed sesame seeds add a refreshing touch to the broth. The BBQ pork has a slight smoky flavor, which I really like, while the pork belly is not too soft but rather chewy. What surprised me the most was the marinated egg—the yolk is runny, and the seasoning has a soy sauce and sweet taste. It was so delicious that I ordered an extra egg. Vegetable Gyoza (Veggie Dumplings) — 3/5 Averagely good vegetable dumplings.

I came here with my friend today for lunch and the portions were huge and delicious I absolutely loved the spicy miso ramen and finished as much as I could 😋 so good

Best ramen I've had for a while. Generous servings and the broth is really good. No surcharge during Easter was also a huge bonus.

This is our only GO TO place for ramen. Portion is quite big and tasty. Yummy!

Lovely people, but the ramen is just average. Even though, it looked great. The place was so cold, we had to sit in coats the entire time we were there.

Cozy atmosphere and a great place to get a hot bowl of Ramen and some Gyoza. So yummy and customer service was friendly and fast. Great prices too.

It was so amazing having the chefs bring your food directly to you after watching them cook it too. The amount of meat in each meal was amazing and the quality of meat is so good too!

Amazing kai - the chicken ramen bowl was super tasty, I could have just had a bowl of the broth it was so flavoursome! Really generous portion sizes, had to take the rest home in a takeaway container. Friendly and fast service, highly recommend this spot if you're in the area!

My husband and I eat here at least once a month. Chop Chop is always consistent. The food is amazing, the service is great and we’ve never had any issues! Highly recommend trying it if you haven’t already. In my opinion, it’s the best place to eat in Auckland :).

The brisket ramen was good! Delicious broth and the beef was slow braised and melted in your mouth. The crab bao was really average tho, had no flavour in the salad or any sauce so it was pretty meh. Needs work.

wow. This is my ‘go to’ for a Ramen, but I’m doing it a disservice as there are so many other excellent options. My fav is Pork Ramen, but today tried the Eggplant tempura. Who doesn’t love deep fried food!

Not a place for me - both beef brisket and cobra kai super mega ramen were so so. The corn fritter gave me a mouthful of flour-ish feeling, didn't bother to finish it. The only good thing was the dishes came fairly quick and in good temperature. Never again.

Just wow!!!! Fantastic style of seating surrounding the kitchen. Comfortable stools that have sufficient space to spread out a bit. Great menu of food and lots of drink choices. Friendly service and quick. Omg!!! The cheeseburger bun is amazing and the mega ramen.... just wow!!! Great price and highly recommend any time of the day!!!

When my son was still using a pram, I found it difficult to dine here because prams weren’t allowed inside. Now that he no longer needs one, I decided to visit again today. I noticed a family with a small baby in a pram, which I found really heartwarming. However, it turns out that prams are still not allowed inside. I also recall handing the manager some child-friendly tableware small plates, a spoon, and a fork so that younger children could eat more easily. Unfortunately, I didn’t see them being used at all. It makes me wonder why this restaurant isn’t more accommodating to families with small children. That being said, the ramen was absolutely delicious, and despite coming on such a busy day, every staff member remained calm, professional, and efficient. I really appreciated that. However, looking around, I noticed there were no families with small children dining here. Given how spacious the restaurant is, I can’t help but wonder what’s the issue? It would be wonderful if families could enjoy a meal together in this beautifully decorated, Japanese-style space. If Japanese restaurants in Japan also make it difficult for families with young children to dine, perhaps it’s a cultural difference. But this is New Zealand, and I encourage you to reconsider your approach to making your restaurant more welcoming for families!

Personal opinion: Average food, overly salty. But good for a quick meal. The karaage chicken were huge pieces of chicken, and really spicy.

Had the ramen with katsu chicken. The ramen was creamy and had a good taste of the broth but not as flavoury as I thought it would be. The chicken itself was perfect but, just from my personal experience it tasted a lot like cinnamon and didn’t match at all with the ramen and was not an expected taste. Good portion and fair price !

They offers a delightful dining experience. The warm and inviting ambiance, a good spot to have a family lunch or dinner. The staffs were friendly and very attentive. The ramen broth tasted so good and worth coming back for. They also serves vegetarian meals which also tasted good. This is a must visit ramen place in Auckland.

Is there anything better than a spicy ramen on a rainy day? There is not. I had the beef my colleague had the pork- both delicious, love this place. Staff are great, would recommend to anyone!! Jess, Hospitality Specialist Kakapo Business Sales

Generous portions and delicious ramen at affordable prices. The noodles were perfectly cooked and the toppings were fresh. Good atmosphere, definitely a spot worth coming back to!

Such good ramen 😋 good for the tummy and soul. Always friendly staff and lots of options to choose from on the menu

Never been a fan of ramen in New Zealand - the texture of the noodles usually aren’t quite right and there always seems to be something missing with the broth that makes it taste unbalanced, or just lacks flavour in general. Incredible ramen here though!! The noodles are perfectly chewy and the broth is full of flavour (that isn’t just salt), with a little bit of a kick too! One of my favourite ramen spots by far and tastes authentic 🍜🇯🇵 great service too!

Ichiban Ramen in Auckland city is hands-down the best ramen spot in town! Their karaage is an absolute must-try, it’s crispy, juicy, and always a highlight. The vibe is cozy yet vibrant, and the staff (shoutout to the Karaage boys!) are super friendly, making every visit a delight. Can’t wait to come back for more!

Delicious food and warm, friendly service. The vege ramen was flavoursome, and the staff were kind enough to store our luggage for us. Thanks for a great meal!

Hidden in the heart of Auckland, a tiny spot serving the kind of ramen that makes you forget every other bowl you’ve ever had. Pure perfection. 👌🏼🍜

I am a ramen lover and this was by far the best ramen i ever tried. I got the Stamina Tokotsu for 30 dollars and it was WELL worth it. I was very impressed by the tidiness and speed of service. I had everything I needed and was a cute little spot in the CBD. Everything about the ramen was of high quality including the pork and noodles. Very impressed and sad that I live in christchurch because this was seriously an unforgettable dish!

I’m not a big fan of Miso Ramen…. I am now! Excellent flavour full of depth and dare I say it umami!

the ichiban ramen is really good! The noodles are the perfect chewy texture, and the soup is flavorful without being too salty.

I had the Tofu Vegan Ramen and loved it. There is also a whole section in the menu dedicated to vegan options. I want to come back and try them. Thanks for the lovely service.

Can be very busy, very tasty ramen. They have a vegan portion in the menu so it’s clearly labeled. Took my Japanese friend who loved it so much they got take away to go as well.

Definitely our favourite ramen spot in Auckland 🥹 The broth is super flavourful — we usually like our food on the saltier side, so it’s just right for us! The mocktails are great too

Came here for my birthday lunch, and ordered the Tonkotsu chashu ramen and it was delicious! Really good broth and really good noodles. The kitchen staff also kindly gave me a free okonomiyaki for my birthday! Will definitely come back again. Also that egg is 11/10 🥚

The ramen isn’t salty, and the noodles are nice. However, the pork slices are a bit tough—possibly overcooked. We also ordered a snack, but it wasn’t great; it tasted like frozen food that had just been air-fried. I’d recommend sticking to the ramen and skipping the snacks. Service was great.

The fried chicken was genuinely good, but I felt compelled to leave a review due to the long wait time — nearly 30 minutes for our full order to arrive. We made a point of ordering quickly, knowing how busy this place can get. However, we were served last, despite having ordered well before two other tables nearby. It’s hard to ignore the feeling that our table was not given the same priority — and unfortunately, I can’t help but wonder if that had something to do with the fact that we’re brown. Because of that experience, I won’t be returning.

If you looking for Ramen in Auckland, please come to try this shop. The homemade noodles is super delicious. Food was great. Shop was clean and busy in evening. the prices was not bad. However, I think the service quite slow. But staffs were good.

Very cozy Ramen restaurant — would highly recommend. The Ramen are crafted with near perfection and will be a delight to your tastebuds.

Terrible service and blatant discrimination We have been loyal customers of Kiraku for years, always recommending it to our friends, but we’ve never received good service. Today at lunch, my boyfriend went to buy something else, and when he came back and tried a bite of my noodles, a female staff member immediately said he couldn’t have it, citing a “per person minimum of $19.” I explained it was just one bite, but she refused and was extremely rude. We decided to take our food to go and were charged a $1 packaging fee, using a cheap Countdown plastic bag—ridiculous. During checkout, a male staff member said “Chinese” followed by something in Japanese, which we found offensive and discriminatory. On top of that, we were fully compliant smoking outside, yet a female staff member claimed we couldn’t because “the smoke would drift inside”—completely unreasonable. Friends of ours, both locals and internationals, have also experienced extremely mean behavior: controlled-volume laughter or playing a quiet game in the restaurant gets reprimanded, while staff act inconsistently themselves. In short, Kiraku’s food might be okay, but their service is hostile, discriminatory, and completely unacceptable. I will not be coming back and would not recommend it to anyone.

Feels like a local shop in japan. Ramen was on point and tasted so good and reasonable priced. Wished it was in Christchurch, then I would be there every week. Chashu ramen is to die for.

I was craving a nice Ramen and tried Kiraku. The portion are generous, the BBQ Pork was amazing and the ramen was very tasty as well. I am sure many are more used to the industrial and very strong flavour of Tonkatsu ramen but this one here really tastes like home made. On the side I had the pork Gyoza. They are fine but I had better in the past.

I had the Tonkotsu Ramen today. It was not salty, but only came with one slice of pork. No bamboo shots. Overall it’s okay. Will come back to try other ramen.

The miso ramen didn’t have much flavour to it, but the meat was really tender and the takoyaki was nice

Oh..my... It was so good 👍 On a rainy day, I felt like it was just one of the perfect days having those food.

very filling portions and the msg fries were great! first time trying any sort of donut burger and it tasted flavourful. love that gloves were provided. the aesthetics of the shop are cool but beware of some pigeons flying around the food court!

Had been hearing a lot of good things about Sneaky Snacky so went ahead and ordered both their trademark donut burgers. Hot Chicken Donut Burger (Original Spicy, Non-glazed): The chicken thigh was delicious, super juicy and very spicy. Really appreciate that they are generous with the portion of chicken! The donuts were soft and fluffy, I think I might just prefer them over regular buns. The dill mayo and gherkins were a great addition. I have a high tolerance of spice, but the heat of that Nashville fried chicken can be a bit overpowering. I'd definitely recommend going for glazed buns to cut through some of that heat if you're ordering medium spicy or hotter. Original Donut Burger (Glazed): The best part about this burger was the glazed donut. Very unique and I'm glad it exists. The rest of the burger was just about okay. The beef patties were lacking some flavor and the kimchi fritter didn't really work for me. Could do with a better sauce to add some kick. Size of the burger was adequate.

Heard a lot about this food, unfortunately me and my two friends were very disappointed, overall we had both the chicken and beef versions of the donut burger, should we have known better than to purchase this yes, however excited at the idea we were disappointed to see that the execution was not there, incredibly messy, flavours were not really enjoyable, very wet, and overall a bit gross. Don’t recommend if you have any survival instincts.

Sneaky Snacky Review – Mouth-Watering Experience! Omg where do I even begin?! Me and my husband decided to try out Sneaky Snacky, and honestly, it was a flavour explosion. We started with the Hot Chicken Wings—perfectly cooked, juicy, and served hot with pickles in the mix. Mmmm, yum! Every bite was better than the last. I ordered their famous Crispy Fried Chicken Burger, and WOW. The sweet and savoury combo was next level—the glazed buns were soft and addictive, and the hot chips on the side? Crispy, golden perfection. I literally rolled my eyes back with every bite thinking, “How yum is this sht?!”* 😂 We also shared two sides: • Pork & Prawn Dumplings – juicy, fresh, and full of flavour • Takoyaki (Octopus Balls) – my favourite! Hot, soft inside, crispy outside, just divine! Every single dish was chef’s kiss. The service was lovely too—friendly staff and food cooked to absolute perfection. Only downside? It’s a bit far from where we live, or I’d be back weekly! But trust me, we’ll definitely be back—count on it. (P.S. We had salmon and rice from another store too—but Sneaky Snacky was the real star 💫)

Did a takeaway, just an all around good donut burger. The sour pickle cuts through the sweetness of the glazed donut bread, the chicken batter is crispy, meat is so full, juicy, and lean. The spice is a good kick, while the rich mayo with dill just brings the whole burger together. Tried the impossible patty as well but definitely go for the original chicken burger. One of the things I’ll miss about NZ honestly🥹

Awesome place to get burger donuts, and all of their snacks are tasty too! We never thought that glazed donut would go well with hot chicken and beef patty. The combination between savory and sweet flavor is really great. Ordering is simple and fast, no biggie. Will definitely come back!

Great burgers! Would definitely come back to this place

We visited your restaurant on Boxing Day and were very disappointed with the experience. We added an extra serving of noodles, but the noodles we received were all broken. When we raised this issue with the server, we were told, “That’s just how it is.” However, we’ve ordered extra noodles many times before, and this has never happened. Additionally, the noodles in the main dish we ordered were perfectly fine, which shows that the issue was specific to the extra portion. Overall is good. But the server’s attitude made us feel dismissed, and the problem wasn’t addressed or explained properly. As regular customers, we expected better food quality and service. This experience was truly disappointing

The photo shows serving size (when untouched). That costed $21. Service was non-existent, to the extent I felt the waitress actually didn't want me in there. We were a group of 2, she took us to a table that sits 4 of her choice (when the restaurant was empty except for one other table), set us down, and left the two sets of chopsticks at the two seats we didn't sit at. That remained unchanged after our noodles were delivered. If that is a representation of Ippudo's quality worldwide, I would be very worried about this corporation's future.

The service was so bad and the staff is so mean to us. Even she is a trainee but I still can’t buy this attitude and service. We are two people and it was not busy at the moment, but she leaded us to a small table when everyone else in the restaurant also 2 people sit in a big table. After meal, I forgot my scarf in there so I called. I recognised the voice is the same as who served us. She not listening what I was saying carefully, just said will keep it then cut the line, not even let me finish my sentence. I was meant to describe my scarf to her. I went there on the next day and there were nothing they were kept. We’re regular customers, never been treated like this

I don’t really know what the ramen is like, but they make the best chicken katsu curry ever, will continue coming back for it. Buns were good too

We ordered the pork bun, karaage chicken and pork dumplings which was banging! To start with, we had a pork bun and it was soooo good! The flavour was soo spot on, the pork with mayo and the lettuce was just perfect. Out comes the star of the show the KARAAGE CHICKEN! And it didn’t fail at all, the flavour banging, the mayo banging and the sheer taste of that chicken goodness was just top tier. The dumplings were a good ending to the meal, the soy sauce and pork just hits! This place will always be great.

Friends invited us to go to lunch with them. They had to explain the menu to us It was a really lovely experience and great food! We did not feel too much out of our depth with the difference and enjoyed every mouth full. Very Generous portions!

Took my family there for dinner and it was a cold night, so we decided that ramen would be the best choice for tonight. While the food was good, the service was only average. I was somewhat disappointed to witness staff members in the kitchen talking loudly and laughing, which seemed unprofessional given the location. Additionally, I was overcharged for a dish that was not even delivered to our table. Although the staff made an effort to double and triple check with other staff, it was embarrassing to have to address the issue. With so many other ramen shops in Auckland, I am left wondering why I should consider returning to Ippudo.

Ordered the Tonkatsu Chashu Ramen and decided to pay an extra $0.10 for the extra noodles. It sounded too good to be true. However, they did put in a decent amount of extra noodles for me to say the extra money was great value. Portion size would be on the smaller side, if it wasn't for the extra noodles.

Went to get a quick takeaway work lunch, portion size is more a quick bite rather than a decent filling meal. I do like the way they pack the noodles seperate to the soup so I can have it later. Pricing is typical of commercial bay. I went early so short wait time. Service is minimal food court standard.

Went here for dinner, just looked around and decided on what looked good. The ramen was pretty good, not very many toppings but the 10¢ extra noddles is a great deal. The spicy chili sauce is SUPER HOT so watch out for that. And the portion size of the karaage was disappointing when the pictures show such a large size, at least it was as expensive as other places. I would totally come back here but not before I try some other restaurants in the food court!

What makes Japanese food Japanese food. Freshness, quality ingredients, incredible flavor that is distinctive and unique from other Asian cuisine. I've visited Japan, and I wasn't hoping this place would be on bar with what I ate there, but I expected fresh chicken, nope, quality hand made noodles, nah, great portion, no. Customer service was ok, and early bird is well priced. But don't expect temple food here.

I came in a few Tuesdays ago with my lovely wife. however she was taken aback by the man with the awfully suspicious looking moustache, I recommend a succinct and detailed background check, to ensure he does not steal the hearts of anymore women. The shop itself however must be brilliant, as I find my wife’s life360 location in the area every Tuesday at the exact same time. I certainly hope the moustached gentleman knows not to take what is not his. Kind regards Adam McKee

Me and my partner ordered the signature Tonkotsu ramen and the karaage chicken at Daruma Ramen and It was surely one of the best Japanese ramen we have tasted in Auckland. My partner who has travelled to Japan and has tasted the authentic tonkotsu ramen mentioned how amazing creamy and delicious the ramen was. I added extra chilli in mine as I love the extra kick in my food and I was surprised how much I loved my meal. I would surely go for round 2!

Excellent ramen. A few inauthentic subs, like rocket in place of nori, but the noodles were springy and the tonkotsu broth rich and creamy. 3/5 for atmosphere because it's a food court, but that can't be helped. Loved the food!

Our first time dining here and won’t be our last! It was a wonderful experience, from start to finish! The gorgeous welcoming staff, the delectable dishes, the ambience, comfortable seats, the company we kept, everything was perfect!

We have been to Soul bar on many occasions and really enjoyed it in the past, how ever that last few times we have been very disappointed and specially the last visit was for my partners birthday. We weren't there for the ladies lunch we were paying full price and spending alot of money. The service was so bad one of the waitresses plonked our food infront of us with no words or even a smile and walked off. The food was tasteless and nothing to rav about. We ordered the prawn pasta and it came out Looking and tasting over cooked with a prawn head on top of it with about 3 little bits of prawn through it, the seafood chow was made with chicken stock and not very nice, the fish dish was average along with the 2 entrée we had. We won't be back as we can cook better at home.

I love Soul Bar, and this time it was a tuesday lunch with the girls. The food is consistently delicious and full of flavor. This time we enjoyed: Scampi cocktail, jalapeño & lime, Ricotta filled tortelli, sunday sauce, calabrian chilli Tuna tartare, calabrian chilli, oyster mayo, potato galette West coast whitebait fritters, lemon butter. We will be back!

A great location with beautiful harbour view. Atmosphere is amazing, staff is very friendly, service was quick and food was delicious. A good restaurant for family & friends catchup.

We felt like having a special date night last week, I had been to Soul before just for drinks but had heard the food was exceptional. Despite being a Tuesday night, Soul Bar & Bistro was lively, busy and definitely the place for a fancy date night, work drinks, and family/friends group dinners. The staff are lovely and helpful and food was amazing. I had to try the famous Mac n Cheese - was unlike anything else I've had, did not dissapoint! Drinks were really good as well. All round the spot if you have anyone you'd like to take to a nice dinner on the waterfront. Still raving about it- we will be back 💫

The food and drink at Soul Bar is exceptional. We ordered a variety of starters, which were all unique and delicious. My favourite starter was the tuna with wasabi mayo. For my main, I ordered the lamb rack. The lamb was tender and flavourful. Kumara was also served with the lamb, providing a soft and crunchy texture to the meal. Additionally, my cocktail, the Soul Punch, was delicious. The service is also great. The wait staff were kind and enthusiastic.

We came before so this was a repeat visit. Did not disappoint! Soul has amazing cocktails and delicious food. Top favourites were the tiger prawns starter, scampi alla chittara and market fish.

Lamb was cooked incorrectly, medium rare instead well done and took long to fix. The food tasted decent. Be aware of long wait times and hard to find parking spots.

Enjoy a lovely lunch with friends. The food is amazing, especially the pizzas, which are hard but delicious. Almost everything here is really good.

I’ll start with the positives. The atmosphere was excellent — a beautiful, inviting space that immediately gave the impression we were in for a great dining experience. The wine list was also outstanding, clearly curated with care and offering some top-quality choices. The broccolini was the highlight of the meal and truly deserves full marks. Unfortunately, the rest of the experience didn’t live up to expectations. The food overall felt disjointed. My pasta was overly salty (thankfully I only ordered the entrée size), and the pizza was soft, undercooked, and lacking in flavor. Even the tomato sauce and basil were dull, which left the dish flat. The four of us shared it, and all agreed it missed the mark. Other dishes were similarly underwhelming, with little depth or balance. The initial service was really warm and welcoming, the mid service felt disconnected, with no real warmth or sense of engagement, when we had concluded our meal there was more of an attempt at some small humor.— but it felt more like it was “just a job” for the most part. (But this could also be my opinion working in the luxury/high end sector of hospitality) It’s a shame, because the setting and wine list suggest so much potential. Unfortunately, the food and service didn’t measure up, and I won’t be returning.

Since 1986! Who else can claim that in Auckland? And second owner operator since 1991. Need any other reason to come here and try? How about their 5 cheese pizza - yes not Quattro here 😁 Amazing kitchen and professional front of house staff that I thought was simply most impressive. Yes not your cheap pizza pasta Italian food joint, but that’s not what Ponsonby does or anyone needs. Make it count when you go out. Plus they have some free parking spaces, yes in Ponsonby and yes good luck with getting one, but still that’s very unusual and worth a note here.

Delicious food! I had the Prego Pie, and it was absolutely delicious, flavourful, hearty, and incredibly filling. The pie was perfectly crispy, and everything on the plate complemented each other beautifully. It felt like the ultimate comfort food. I’m already looking forward to coming back and trying more dishes from the menu! The customer service was excellent as well. Our server was friendly, attentive, and made the experience even better.

Where do you start?! This place was outstanding! The service was absolutely amazing followed by the food that was delicious 😋 I will definitely be back next time i am in Auckland!

Having heard from some friends that Prego is one of the best Italian spots in central Auckland, we were keen to give it a try! It definitely lives up to the hype! Getting there was easy—though depending on the time and day, parking might be straightforward or involve a short walk. The venue is surprisingly spacious and seats a good number of diners. According to their website, they don’t take reservations, so we walked in for dinner on a Monday evening. Even though it was still busy, we were seated right away. The staff were attentive, friendly, and quick to top up our waters throughout the night. For two people, we ordered the calamari fritti ($28), linguine alla marinara ($42), and filetto ($48). The standout for me was the linguine—partly because I’m a sucker for seafood, but also because the pasta was perfectly cooked and generously loaded with prawns, mussels, cockles, and tuna. The seafood was beautifully tender and fresh, adding real depth to the dish. The filetto was served with potatoes au gratin that were crisp on the outside and beautifully layered—absolutely delicious. The steak itself was topped with chimichurri and a rich jus, and we were pleased to receive it exactly as ordered: a perfect medium rare. No complaints—just a perfectly executed dish. The calamari fritti was also cooked beautifully—light and tender and perfectly paired with some greens and lemon. To end the night, we couldn’t resist trying the tiramisu ($18), especially after seeing a few go past to other tables. I’m glad we did—easily one of the best we’ve had. The sponge was nicely soaked with espresso and marsala, and the balance between the whipped egg and mascarpone cream layers was spot on. Rich, but not overly sweet—something many tiramisus struggle to achieve. Dining here is definitely a treat, but it’s an experience worth having. We’re already looking forward to coming back to explore more of the menu!

A great place for a cozy dinner - the atmosphere is dark and dimly light which is nice. We ordered quite a bit with the duck breast being the favourite of the night followed by the ebi mayo roll. Service was great and the food came out quickly. It was more on the expensive side but for my first time, thought it was a good dinner spot!

We stopped in and had a wonderful meal. I would highly recommend the dumplings and the salmon 🍣 sashimi - the soft shell crab roll was also amazing - would definitely come back

My child was looking for Sushi at CBD and the nearest Sushi Shop was closed so I Google and found this place just across. During our visit no waiting time with accomodating and friendly staff. I ordered for take away but the staff are so kind to offer us sit while waiting, my child was given a coloring paper and color pens which is really nice to keep kids busy. We were offered water and my child decided to eat inside so he ate his Sushi though I ordered takeaway. I was also impressed how environment friendly this Japanese Restaurant is because my two orders of same kids sushi were packed in one package. I highly recommend this for Sushi lovers. It has a very good ambiance and with friendly and accomodating staff. It's kid friendly too.

The Saturday buffet was amazing — the sashimi was super fresh and high quality! There was a great variety of delicious food, and the desserts were lovely too. All the staff were friendly, and the atmosphere was wonderful. Highly recommended!

Completely average experience and I expected more from Savor group. We went on a Monday night and while it wasn’t packed there was still a good several tables there. It was super loud and hard to have a conversation without near on shouting. We did ask to move tables but got denied, even though there were several tables free, and by the time we left, the same tables remained available. The highlight of this meal was the season greens. This was stir fried broccolini and beans so this should tell you enough about the rest of the meal. Karaage chicken was lacking flavour and the salmon was extremely basic, right down to its presentation. We weren’t checked on once which was disappointing. I’d give Ebisu’s cold atmosphere, uninterested staff, and average food a miss. Play it safe with Amano down the road or Azabu in Ponsonby/Mission Bay.

Recently visited Ebisu with a group of friends to experience their Oki No Saturday Buffet. The selection was truly generous- fresh sashimi, sushi rolls, shrimp, udon and miso soup as well as hot dishes like salmon, braised beef brisket. And many delicious desserts. I have to say the sashimi was beautifully arranged and fresh. The service was friendly and attentive throughout. Our group wholeheartedly enjoyed the Oki No Saturday Buffet. I will recommend it without hesitation to anyone if you are looking for a relaxed Japanese buffet in Auckland.

The seafood tasted very fresh and we truly enjoyed how the buffet is presented. We loved the options available, and choosing food wasn't overwhelming because there weren't excessive options. I would love to have an opportunity to come back again... EDIT - We returned to Ebisu on 21 February 2025. This is my second time in Ebisu, and I apologize for saying this, but the buffet felt underwhelming. I brought my sister with me because I had such an amazing first experience. It was such a big difference even though I went only 4 months ago or so. The Sashimi and prawns were still bomb, but the salads on offer were not as exciting. The Braised Beef was so tough, which I informed the crew and manager of at least 3 times. I believe that if an item on the buffet could not be eaten with chopsticks (which is the basic "cutlery" provided) it might not be appropriate for the buffet. While I did feel that the Manager listened to my concerns, I think it was unfair to receive a response where they said "It might have just been the pieces you got". I took 4 pieces from 4 different parts of the beef, all of which I returned because it was very tough for "braised" beef. They did inform me that they will be checking the food that comes out that day before serving. Unfortunately because of this experience, I will no longer be returning.

Second time at Cibo, excellent drinks, food and service once again. The dessert was a highlight of the evening, refreshing and not too sweet.

E X C E L L E N T! We went for the 4 course set menu, scallops for the appetiser - delicious! The pork bell and the chicken were our entrees, and it was great. For mains, we chose the fillet and the duck, and oh my soul, it was divine. The dessert was great! The service was excellent. Just great! It's probably our new favourite restaurant.

Everything about our dining experience at Cibo was excellent! The food was delicious and the presentation of each dish was a delight. Our servers were top notch too — super friendly and a joy to speak to. Can’t wait to return!

Cibo is a really warm, embracing space and it is easy to see why it is a popular wedding and corporate event space. Service is warm and relaxed. It was nice to see many returning customers being embraced by people running the place. That warm, personal Cheers-like feeling is what many of us treasure. Food is well prepared and generous. For me personally, there were small opportunities for refinement. I really enjoyed the fact that the set menu was not overloaded with carby fillers. Overall, a pleasant experience in a lovely setting.

Hidden away but not forgotten. Cibo is a consistent and favorite among Auckland's foodies. Especially those working around the area. Come for a down to earth but also delicious meal accompanied by many alcoholic options. We came to celebrate my mums birthday. Service was great and the steak was charred nicely. Not a personal fan of pavlova in general but that's just me. They are well-known for it and you should try it if you like pavlova!

Food was so delicious especially duck meal on my entree was so refectory assembled. Plates were all nicely plated sophisticated. The restaurant atmosphere was clean , light elegant. Waiters were very attentive but no over done . I enjoyed this special day with my friend. Thank you for lovely experience.

We went for four courses lunch. For appetizer we had scallop and duck parfait. Scallop was good. Duck parfait I thought was a bit weird with the waffle. For entree we had beetroot tartare and fried chicken. We liked both. For main we had eye filled and snapper. The snapper was one of the best I had but I found the eye fillet a bit underseasoned and the crayfish cream sauce that came with it a bit underwhelming. The beef itself was cook well though. Dessert was the passionfruit sorbet which was fabulous. I highly recommend the salted caramel pavlova cocktail.

I had an absolutely great dinner here, it is a wonderful place, friendly staff, great food, entertainment . I look forward to going back and I would recommend going here to anyone. Come by yourself, on a date, bring some friends, bring the family.

Loved this experience - very entertaining and extremely delicious food. This was our first time and would definitely come back. We took their restaurant month offer for $118 which included 3 entree (tuna carpaccio, miso soup & salad, yumyum prawns & vegetables, salmon & scallop, wagyu beef from japan, chopchop egg fried rice and matcha cheesecake) all was outstanding. Would highly recommend!

I brought my overseas friend here for the experience, as I was really impressed during my previous visit. Unfortunately, this time was quite underwhelming. The chef seemed disinterested, offering little to no effort in creating an engaging experience—just a quick flame for a couple of seconds. While the food wasn’t bad, some of the steak pieces weren’t great either. Overall, we left feeling quite disappointed.

Please check your seafood as i have got mild case of food poisoning from tonights dinner not good! Have had this similar before and im sure its from the seafood make sure its fresh or stored properly! Everything else was great!

Second time at Daikoku and as good as i remember it. I love the personal atmosphere as there are numerous tables set up for a more personal dining experience than some of the long bar style teppanyaki places. Food is amazing as is the service. Thoroughly recommend you try this experience at least once when you're in Auckland CBD.

Awesome restaurant. So rare to experience teppanyaki in Auckland with so few restaurants doing this nowadays.Chef was great!!! Prawns and yum yum sauce perfect. Steak and lobster so good and perfectly cooked.

Excellent teppanyaki experience that is accessible and open during lunch. The experience is as good as when I first ate here 10 years ago. All the chefs provide a fun atmosphere providing a unique table side cooking experience. Food itself is also very good quality would recommend 10/10.

Had dinner with a colleague here for Restaurant Month and I ordered the karaage chicken, tonkatsu char siu ramen and mini beef curry. Dinner was yummy but atmosphere is lacking and the wait staff were basically chatting with their friends throughout our entire meal. I have been here in the past but years ago so this was my first time eating here in a very long time. Location is parallel to the train station.

The ramen is authentic but too salty for me but it’s still delicious and the rice with teriyaki chicken is not what I’m used to but it’s really tasty too! The soup is great my first time to have this type not your usual miso soup!

Came here twice during my trip to Auckland, everytime its so good, price affordable and food is really tasty, boss is very friendly too

I was in Auckland on a work trip for a couple of days and craving ramen. I found Ramen Daikoku just a short walk from my hotel at the M Social and decided to give it a try. The owners were so welcoming and helpful. The Ramen was very flavorful and reasonably priced- Tonkotsu with won tons. The portion was generous and filling. It was just what I was looking for after a long flight.

Delicious, generous portions, incredibly quick and very friendly staff!! And they gave me free miso soup! Will be back

Founded 1989 in Auckland as New Zealand’s first Japanese Teppanyaki Steakhouse & Ramen Noodle restaurant, now 7 locations in Auckland & Hamilton...

Ramen Daikoku offers warm, hot and flavourful food all at an affordable price. The beef curry and pork Katsu was very tasty and perfect for a rainy day in Auckland. The ramen was equally as tasty and delicious. The stewed pork bellow was very tasty and melt in the mouth delicious. Overall it was a wonderful experience and absolutely hidden gem when your in the cbd. 😊🍜🍛

Wonderful location, right on the water in the viaduct. The staff were really friendly and attentive, even providing a colouring pack for our daughter. Our friend loved her salad. We ordered the mushroom pizza which unfortunately was quite bland, better with hot sauce.

We stopped in here for lunch and I had what was hands down the best pasta I've ever eaten! We had a lovely time here, we were seated quickly and the service was friendly and attentive but not overbearing, which was nice. The food was served in good time and was beautifully presented and delicious. I'd recommend the goat's cheese ravioli to anybody!

Great experience. My daughter wanted to come here for lunch.. food was outstanding, pizza and salad had fantastic flavours - food came out is great time for us and service ver pleasant. Place gets busy so do need to have a reservation during the weekend.

Very nice Italian restaurant at the viaduct. Very nicely decorated and very nice vibe. Service is very fast and food is out before you know it. We had the Linguine Vongole and the clam was delicious, big and fat. Prawn Mafaldine was also very nicely done. Spicy Salami pizza is very nicely done and very flavourful. All in all a great night out for Belated Father's Day.

We absolutely loved our dining experience at Bivaco! The food was amazing, every dish was delicious and perfectly prepared. We thoroughly enjoyed our entire meal from start to finish. Highly recommend visiting.

The place is beautiful, both the view and the aesthetics, and the bathroom is charming. As for the food, I thought it was good, but we had a problem with a side dish that didn't arrive with the main course. Anyway, the staff apologized, and we decided to cancel the side dish.

The food was amazing - the salami pizza was delicious, the prawn pasta was juicy with a rich, thick sauce, and the pork cutlet was perfectly crispy and paired beautifully with the apple & pear mostarda. However, the service was a bit of a letdown. Our waiter seemed quite grumpy throughout. When he came to take our drink order, we mentioned we’d like to order drinks a little later, but he looked annoyed and walked off quickly. He didn’t seem happy when we asked for a takeaway container or when we said we’d like to share one dessert. We were also celebrating a birthday, and although we selected “birthday” as the special occasion in our booking, there was no acknowledgment at all - which was disappointing, especially since we saw several other tables celebrating with a mini cake and candle. Overall, amazing food but sadly let down by the service.

The restaurant is quite small with an open kitchen. Food was yummy and served very quickly. Reminded us of being in Italy, though the portions were smaller. Red wine recommended by wait staff was delicious.

My fourth visit here, this time with family to try the spring menu. We had the pear and honey special with focaccia, lamb shoulder pappardelle and the cacio e pepe. Everything was so yum, but the pappardelle was the standout for me. The staff were, as always, warm and helpful with great recommendations from the specials and wine menu. Always a great experience, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s on the next seasonal menu!

Had a great evening at Pici last Saturday the food, service, and atmosphere were all truly impressive. The fettuccine anchovy was a standout: rich, bold, and perfectly balanced. A dish that truly lingers in the memory. I also loved the selection of organic wines, with excellent pairing suggestions from the team. Sitting at the bar gave us a front-row seat to the kitchen in action — efficient, passionate, and inspiring. Overall, a delightful experience. I’d definitely return great vibes, delicious food, and a team that clearly cares.

Nestled in the stunning St Kevins Arcade building. Beautiful venue and stunning wines as well. The porchetta was amazing first time i have tried this and i now need to go make it at home. Cacio e pepe has been on my wish list for years stoked to have finally tried it.

I have to be honest my expectations are way to high for this place. Ive been wanting to try Pici for the longest time, tonight we picked this place to celebrate my brother’s birthday. The fettuccine with anchovy is way too salty for our liking I know anchovies are already salty but it’s excessive. The cacio e pepe was okay meh, not something that I would remember and rave about.

We decided to go to Pici for Matariki night, and it was an amazing experience. We had the set menu every single course was delicious, and the service was impeccable, we were lucky enough to get the table upstairs, and we loved it! Highly raccomanded!

You arrive in heaven, meet God, kiss your gramma, and then they hand you this focaccia. The first bite of the crust brought tears to my eyes—divine. Everything was delicious. Plates to share (you don’t want to) and great timing from course to course. Some unique local wines are available and the semifredda was to die for. We celebrated our anniversary and would gladly do so again! Reservation may be helpful, we showed up at 545 and there was only one table available for walk up.

We had such an amazing dining experience here! The steak (especially the mash with the rich sauce) was absolutely delicious – perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The wine list was impressive and paired beautifully with our meal. On top of that, the service was outstanding – friendly, attentive, and welcoming. Everything was just perfect. Definitely a five-star experience, and we will absolutely be coming back. Special thanks to Bella and Cameron for making our evening even more enjoyable!

The food was average at best. Presentation was gorgeous but lacked flavour and was extremely salty, almost to the point of unpalatable for both mains (Pesce and short rib risotto). The potato skins which could have done with abit of salt, ironically tasted like it had none. Highlight was the raviolo which I do admit was very special, and the fig pudding was also delicious.

Booked the restaurant online for a family of 3 (including 1 school kid) stated it is a birthday celebration. Great vibe and good food. Tuna Crudo was great! However, Service could be better. I would have tipped the service if they managed to keep filling up our glass of water and provide a decorative dessert for a birthday celebration.

Great atmosphere and an authentic, classy experience. Both the pasta and risotto were flavourful and good portions. Garlic bread starter was phenomenal and made to order. Important to note the upstairs can feel crowded but a cool experience. Would definetly come again.

An experience, not just a meal. We had the pasta made on the cheese wheel right in front of us at the chefs table! Along with the beef cheeks and mash this was the best food ive ever had. Everything had so much flavour - even right down to the mocktails. The food came out so fast with the best service ive had. At a fancy place sometimes the meals are too small and you leave hungry... not this place. 10/10

My Wife and I went on Wednesday night for dinner for our wedding anniversary from the moment we walked in the door the service was gold, and all staff are amazing the foods incredible cocktails and wine very good. I can't wait to go back, the whole experience was incredible

Absolute vibe and hidden gem to have recommended 🇮🇹✨💖 Wonderful Italian waiter, intuitive, navigates the dining experience well and offers non intrusive service Recommend : Limoncello Spritz Royal Rosa Pane All'Aglio Bruschetta Classica Fettuccine Allo Ruota Scampi Risotto Crema di Pistachio ( Mousse ) Tiramisu

First customer to arrive, service was quick. Delighted by the karaage and squid tentacles side orders. Then our tasty ramen noodle orders came afterwards. Will come back to taste more.

Best ramen in the North Shore! Restaurant is modern and clean, not too many tables so the place is cozy. Table service is quick and staff are courteous. We will be coming back again for sure.

Another unique place to get your ramen cravings satisfied. All of them looked incredibly tasty. The place itself has got a nice feeling to it. Staff was nice. Overall great

Great tasting ramen under the tallest building in Takapuna. Took them only 3 minutes to prepare! Absolutely amazing! Will definitely be back for more. Service: 5/5 Food Quality: 4/5 Food Quantity: 4/5 Presentation: 4/5 Environment: 4/5 Price per person: $10-$15

Was recommended by a friend to eat here. Tried their spicy tan tan ramen and ice cream mochi. The ramen broth was delicious and thick. Ingredients were all cooked well. Do take note that their tan tan ramen do not come with egg and was a little on the pricey side. Mochi had vanilla ice cream and was nice. Looking forward to trying their Miso and Shoyu ramen in my next visits to the North Shore.

Really nice place. All the staff are very kind. The food is amazing, in special the ramen soup. The place is small but comfortable. 100% recommended

Delicious ramen. Went on Saturday evening around 6 pm. Ordered Tantan spicy ramen and karage chicken. Place is pretty small and busy. Great place for meal with family or friends. One thing to note is that once is full it's pretty hard to move around. Shop is closed on Sunday.

We had a Karaage Chicken Rice Bowl, Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen, and 4pc Takoyaki. I thought the Karaage Chicken was delicious and my Japanese partner was pleasantly surprised at the high quality of the noodles in her ramen. Takoyaki was standard but good. Very nice staff who made us to feel very welcome, recommended for a quick nice lunch! 💯

Shoya Ramen is hands down my favourite ramen spot in Auckland — and honestly, so underrated. I’m really picky when it comes to ramen and only go for authentic, high-quality places, and Shoya absolutely delivers every time. Their Tonkotsu Ramen is incredible — the broth is rich, balanced, and full of flavour. I usually prefer Tonkotsu Shoyu for more depth, but this broth is perfect as is. The noodles have just the right bite — thick, curly, and perfectly cooked — and the chashu is melt in your mouth good (which is rare, even at more “popular” ramen spots in Auckland). The gyoza and other sides are just as delicious, and the staff are always so kind, welcoming, and attentive. My only wish is that they were open on weekends so I could go even more often! Truly the best ramen I’ve had in New Zealand — can’t recommend Shoya enough. :)

Went to Shoya on a whim and it was delicious! I got the Hell Ramen (which was plenty spicy at medium) and Agedashi tofu. The service was excellent.

This is a small, family owned Japanese restaurant with authentic cuisine and really nice staff. I didn’t have Unadon ( Japanese eel) in a long long time and found this on their menu. Was a great decision to come here. The chicken Karaage was very tasty and moist and the eel was just perfect. Also their house Sake is worth trying. It is a real recommendation 👍🏻

Fantastic experience at a good ramen restaurant. Prices are fair and staff amenable. I had their hell ramen, extra spicy and pictured below. Devoured it alongside an Orion beer. Highly recommended.

New favourite ramen place! They have chicken broth ramen choices and my go to is the chicken hell ramen. Really like the spiciness as it's spicy enough for me and yet the flavour is still there. Also, surprised by the 2 pieces of chicken. It's cooked how I like it. Especially the skin, crunchy and juicy at the same time. Also, the egg is seasoned well. Been there twice now, but definitely will come again. Thinking about ordering other things and try things out. 10/10 recommend, especially in this cold weather.

The meal here was great and absolutely delicious. The service was sweet, I get the impression it’s a small family run business and they seem so lovely. I enjoyed it so much I came back again the next night.

I loved this restaurant location, it’s at a little street going uphill in the CBD. I ordered the Udon noodles with chicken Karaage. You can order rice instead of noodles though. It was $16 dollars. The dish was good, but just average. I like that they have free hot tea, so you can drink as much as you want.

This is my second here and I still love it lots! 💕 very flavourful and value for money. Located in the city center and quite easy to find it. Many veggie options! You won’t regret it.

Love the food options here. You can either have eat in or take out and the food is amazing either way. The town option is only accessible by walking down the alley way but worth the trip. Head in order what you want find a seat and then wait to enjoy the meal. Always comes hot and tastes amazing.

Prices fine, food alright. I like the complimentary tea and water.

Great place for some casual eats in the CBD, my favourite being the chilli beef on rice/udon.

My fiancee talked about how much she used to love this shop, yet was a bit disappointed that didn't match what she rremembere. We got karaage chicken on udon noodles, miso soup, and a katsu curry. Also got cocktails next door at My Bar and ate in the alley. Noodles underneath were really plain, and the katsu curry had decent flavour, but we didn't finish them. Miso was really good though.

Tiny little takeaway in the alleyway of high street perfect for rainy day udon 🍜 noodles!! Would have given a 5 star ⭐️ if the staff gave me udon instead of rice by mistake 😂

Only opened 5-6 weeks ago, so they are still polishing things and tweaking the offerings. Food wise, it was generally good but not spectacular. Some dishes, had they been more balanced, would've been excellent. The pacing was too slow, though, and there were times when we just sat waiting seemingly forever. This affected the overall experience. I didn't particularly find the crab dishes anything special, but the fish was marvellous. Chicken rice was pretty mediocre. Service was very attentive.

Very attentive and accomodating staff. Had the Chef's selection menu, which offered a good combination of snacks and entrees. Love the ceviche and beef tartare with a Asian twist. The main however could be better if there was more vegetables rather than just loads of rice. Although the wagyu beef bavette was nice and tender~ Suggest having a proper non-alcoholic menu that is well stocked.

Ok - I loved this experience. It was my first restaurant for my birthday week. From start to end: booking was easy. A very welcoming entry - both in physical space and friendly staff. The seating in Anise is spacious - we weren’t crammed up against other tables. The music was present but not overpowering. The vibe of Anise is ‘Accessible quality’. It’s definitely a high standard but it’s not pretentious. It’s comfortable with itself and knows itself well. Which is great. Staff? Very attentive and obviously were enjoying their work. Very focused on our comfort and happiness. Food. Oh this was good. Snacks too small to share but we managed as we both wanted to get a sense of all the flavors. The presentation of the snacks was great. Entrees: interesting list to choose from. All delicious. And really good to eat with your eyes first. Mains: we went with the market fish (gurnard) with sides of sprout salad and coconut rice. Delicious. Finished with a rice, pavlova dessert. All up, the meal itself was a delightful journey. Not heavy and overwhelming. Flavors in balance. Not too spicy - spice was there but not the feature. And a birthday surprise at the end was appreciated! Absolutely recommended.

I booked into this restaurant for my wife’s birthday. We chose the chefs selection menu and had our minds blown, it was very enjoyable and delicious. All of the dishes 10+! were beautiful presented. The cocktails have a very special touch, compliments too to those who make them in the bar. Thank you Anise & team, especially our brilliant team waiter for helping put together a highly memorable night

The courtyard at Anise is one of the best settings to enjoy a meal in the late afternoon/early evening. Everything i had was spectacular. The staff were attentive and friendly Highly recommend this for a special ocassion

Enjoyed a really special evening with family and friends at Anise's NZ Themed-Chef Eats. The food was superb - refined and yet really fun representations of 'traditional Kiwiana' including a divine take on the iconic meat pie. Really loved that Head Chef circulated and gave brief narratives about the creative selections. Their mid-winter outdoor courtyard venue had a glowing fireplace and a flaming brazier. It was all ideal on this clear sky night, with genuinely friendly staff circulating around with a progression of beautiful treats. We'll all be back for their next one.

We had a lovely dining experience we went in February and then just last week. The staff have settled in to their roles and are all very helpful and lovely. Without being invasive they’re attentive and mindful when the eye was raised for the wine list to come over…..again…! We have now tried all the dishes on the menu. They’re very good. Only thing I felt was the sauce on the scallop snack overloaded the subtlety of the scallop. Other than that the sauces were all distinctive and expertly matched with the main ingredients really pulling it all together. Lovely meals that were enjoyed by all. Thank you.

The food was tasty, but nothing that really stood out or left a lasting impression on my palate. While it was enjoyable, I was hoping for something more unique or bold in flavor. On the other hand, the cocktails were excellent, well-crafted and full of flavor. The ambiance of the place was beautiful, with a stylish and inviting atmosphere that made the experience pleasant. Overall, it was a nice visit, but the food didn’t quite live up to the expectations set by the setting and drinks.

Good food, good ambience and the service was 10/10. Would definitely come back again. Parking is easy and it’s nice and close to the beach + main area where you can grab dessert or other things!

What a fabulous location. The food was beautifully presented with perfect flavors ... a great long lunch was had here. The staff provided standout service and where extremely helpful in ensuring our dining experience was perfect.

Wonderful restaurant with great ambiance and layout. Went here with a group and enjoyed our time there. The food was great, and the staff were accommodating (though a little rushed off their feet). It's definitely worth a visit for special occasions.

Having lived in Auckland for 22 years, I’ve always wanted to dine here whenever I visited Mission Bay. Today—Mother’s Day 2025—I finally stopped by for a meal. The tune of ‘Mamma Mia’ welcomed me ‘Mama Mia’ arrival. Gentleman Agung provided warm and attentive service, the food was perfectly seasoned, and the architectural design was uniquely stylish. Truly a wonderful experience.😊

This is a great Japanese restaurant that’s nearly beachfront. You get beautiful views of the beach and a nice breeze while enjoying some great tasting food. The highlight of this visit would be the Tuna Tostada for us. The volcano roll was pretty good too. The cucumbers were okay, a bit thick and a little bitter so not as enjoyable as I would have liked.

**Food: 6/10** **Service: 2/10** The food was decent, but the service from the manager, Rose, was very disappointing and ruined what was supposed to be a special occasion. My partner booked a table via call three weeks in advance for my birthday, specifically requesting one with a good view. He gave another call a week later to highlight that we wanted a table for two with a good view. However, when we arrived, we were seated at a table in the middle of the hall next to a large family. When we asked about a better table, explaining the prior calls and that it was for my birthday, Rose dismissed us, saying tables are never guaranteed and that birthdays are very common, as if that wasn’t a good enough reason to honor our request. (Her response alone gave me enough reason not to choose Azabu Mission Bay for any special occasions in the future.) While we understand the restaurant can’t guarantee the “best” table, her dismissive attitude and lack of empathy made the experience unpleasant. This made us question our choice of Azabu Mission Bay for a special occasion, especially since I’ve had such great experiences with the service and food at Azabu Ponsonby. Moving forward, I won’t choose Azabu Mission Bay for any special occasions and wouldn’t recommend it to others either. That said, our waiter was excellent, and the food was ok overall, but starting the evening with such poor service from the manager was a major letdown. A little understanding and better communication from the team could have made all the difference.

Came with little to no expectations and was overwhelmingly surprised with what I was about to experience in a Japanese restaurant. I ordered the Age Soba Roast Beef, and boy did I choose something out of the ordinary. The balance of this dish actually makes this their most outstanding one in my honest opinion, and this also tasting the other age soba on offer. The blend and balance of the flavors here is just right. The sides were also good. I would now think of this as a work lunch time option during the week to be honest. The place itself is well established with modern decor and staff that were welcoming with great service. My new favorite!

What a game changer. Really, Japanese food is all good, but you have to try abura soba. It just hits different. And this place has really good soba. Literally came there three days in a row just for soba, and the one with roast beef is a must-try

I'm a big fan of ramen and often travel to Japan, so I'm always on the lookout for authentic ramen in Auckland. Since it's hard to find, I decided to give this place a try. The service was good, and the menu had plenty of options to choose from. I ordered the tonkotsu ramen — the highlight was definitely the pork chashu, which was tender and melted in my mouth. The egg was also perfectly cooked and flavorful. The noodles were a bit soggy, possibly overcooked, which was slightly disappointing. It's a little on the pricey side, but considering the location in the CBD, it's somewhat understandable. Overall, a decent spot if you're craving ramen in the city.

It was raining outside and we were looking for a nice restaurant that serves warm ramen. Gladly my workmate knows Kajiken and will definitely go back again to try other food on the menu. Update: Back again for round 2, and this time we also tried karaage chicken! Good as always

Unadon Noodle Bowl Visually, it’s appealing, glossy grilled eel sprinkled with sesame seeds, bright pickled radish, shredded cabbage, and seaweed. But the promise didn’t match the bite. The eel lacked that just-grilled freshness, feeling a bit tired, and the noodles underneath were just… fine. Not bad, but nowhere near the chewy, springy texture you hope for in a good Japanese noodle dish. The toppings did their best to help, but the base just wasn’t strong enough to carry the meal. Takoyaki (Octopus Balls) These, on the other hand, were the win of the night. Golden and crisp on the outside, soft and creamy inside, with a hit of rich takoyaki sauce and those dancing bonito flakes on top. Each bite had that satisfying sweet-savoury balance, and the octopus inside was tender rather than rubbery — exactly how it should be. Space is nice so Staff are friendly and cute Overall, A mixed-bag visit. The unadon noodles were forgettable, let down by average noodle quality and eel that didn’t taste fresh. But the takoyaki was spot-on, crispy, creamy, and full of flavour.

The service and servers were fantastic! The food was good and authentic. However, I did wish there was more eel for the eel donburi and maybe extra sauce on the side. The noodles were awesome, and we loved the gyoza!

Loved the warm decor and Abura soba noodles. It was cool that they have a few dessert options on the menu too.

The reason why I've given 5 stars is because of the value of the money. As a Japanese Genzui is one of the best Japanese restaurants in NZ and I always recommend them to the others. It's easy to give high rate if you go to those expensive Japanese restaurants but Genzui Ramen bar is very very reasonable price n their food is delicious. Their generous portion of the food is amazing! Not only that but also the staff members are all well manners. I think they are all Japanese people. I can feel they honestly want to serve great food for reasonable price n make their customers happy. They are not like the other Japanese restaurants that takes advantage of what Japanese food as a brand and over charge on the customer who don't really know what Japanese food is. Also, some others rated them very low but hey, when you pay from $8 to $12 for a big portion lunch, what would you need to complain or expect more? And, some reviewers complaines about the taste, food was off n guts in their grill fish, they obviously don't know what the Japanese food was. What they know about what Japanese food is Kiwi-nalised, and those were cooked by non Japanese people. I'm talking about different culture that people need to be aware of. Thanks Genzui! Please don't change as you are, you guys are amazing!I

Hidden gem! Almost didn't enter because it was in a fancy hotel building. Affordable ramens and Don's at $10/bowl. Super yummy and filling. Rich ramen broth, crispy shrimp tempura and tender chicken Katsu. Very fast service. Recommend!

Cheap and tasty Japanese food. Genzui offers a selection of donburi, ramen, and other japanese food. It’s not as authentic as the real japanese food, but tasted pretty good. The spicy seafood ramen was tasty and spicy. The miso spicy ramen didn’t taste like normal one, but not too bad either. Priced around 10$, it is definitely great value for your pocket.

👍 I've been going to the restaurant for more than 2 years. Over time, the staff have been less friendly but food is still great. Everytime I come here, I'll either get the miso catsu don or the curry one and the meat is always crunchy and tender, the salad is always fresh. Best Japanese restaurant in the city!

I first came here about 2 years ago. Food was fine. I came back today for dinner and it was utterly disgusting, I'm still baffled how we managed to stuff the food down our throat and paid for the meal in full price. We ordered a miso butter corn ramen, grilled sanma fish and a prawn tempura Don (supposedly like oyako Don with heaps of egg). When each item came, our hearts sank deeper and deeper.. The cha su on the ramen looked sad.. It was dry and looked like it came straight out of the freezer. My partner tried to drench it with soup, in hope it'll taste ok. When I had a bite, it was tasteless and a little off. When my partner observed it, he noticed it was glistening green. We used phone light and everything and we were so sure the meat was definitely off. I've attached a photo of it here, lighting isn't fantastic but you can see there's something obviously wrong. Especially near the left side of the meat. The prawn tempura don was.. Let's just say it wasn't as eggy and delicious looking like the photo on the menu. The prawns were fine but the Don was just.. Sauce-less and tasteless. The only salvation was to pour heaps of chili powder over it, note, it's chili powder, not the shichimi in normal ramen shops. Lastly... The grilled sanma fish. I understand that for some people don't gut the fish because the bitterness of the intestines could balance the flavour.. But in a restaurant.. I don't know. Maybe I'm being demanding but.. I don't know. It is definitely the first time I've encountered a cooked fish in a restaurant that isn't gutted. See photo for reference. The fish was fabulous. It was tasty, as you can see we ate almost every bit surrounding the gunk. The dish would've been wonderful if they would have just gutted the fish. Now, for the staff.. We told the waitress that the meat was inedible. She looked at it and then said ok. When we told her about the fish, she said you can eat everything. 'It's normal'. Then she slowly walked back to the kitchen to let them know. They discussed it in Japanese, so I have no idea what they thought. We tried to finish up our food, when we went to pay, they gave no explanation, I brought it up again while the cashier was calculating our meal, saying that they cannot serve meat like that. The cashier looked at me, and asked, 'so you don't want to pay for the meal?' That was baffling. It made us look like we were horrid customers who were trying to get a free meal. Of course we were egoistic about it and paid for the meal in full and obviously regretting it now while we both suffer with food poisoning.

Likely to be the best value for money Japanese you can buy in the City. Mains are all around $10 and the large portions are guaranteed to be filling. I had a chicken katsu curry don, the chicken pieces were awesomely crispy and tender inside.

One of the best cheap eats in Auckland. The food quality is fairly tasty and the portion is rather big for the cheap price you pay. If you're looking for nice restaurant with high quality food and service, then this is not the place to go to. But if you're looking for something cheap, tasty and filling, then this place should not disappoint.

This restaurant specializes in katsu—Japanese-style crumbed and fried meat—and they do it exceptionally well. The portions are decent, and the food is full of flavor. The menu is fairly compact, with a clear focus on katsu dishes, primarily pork and chicken, though they also offer a few other items like udon and snacks such as karaage. The indoor seating area is quite small, adding to the charm. There's a bar-style counter where you can watch the chefs in action, much like the cozy, tucked-away eateries you’d find in Japan. The warm and inviting atmosphere, paired with excellent customer service, made the dining experience truly enjoyable.

Katsu Katsu is a must-try! The katsu is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, full of flavor and cooked to perfection. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve eaten here, and the food, service, and quality are always consistently amazing. The portions are generous, the atmosphere is cozy, and the staff are warm and welcoming. Definitely one of the best katsu spots around auckland! I wish they had a loyalty card because I've been a loyal customer! It's become my comfort meal :)

Food and service were all good. The Katsu themselves were really crisp and tasty, the side dishes were yummy and flavourful as well. The one thing I thought was not up to standard was the rice (and the reason why it fell short of 5 stars), it somehow felt overcooked and undercooked at the same time and it didn’t taste quite right, which was a bit disappointing because Japanese rice is usually really great. The space is also a bit cramped. Bathroom was very clean. The highlight was the prawn katsu, which was so light and crispy and tasted really fresh. Overall we enjoyed it, with room for improvement.

Not 100% Japanese, but the pork katsu set tasted good. Service is good, can be improved by proactively refill rice and cabbage (expected in Japan). Tried the pork katsu in cheese the first time, 😋. Katsu on hot plate can keep the food warm, good idea.

The Katsu here was so good! Comes out on a tray with rice, miso etc… everything tasted amazing. The Takoyaki was definitely a stand out! The service was great and it was quiet when we went so great for an intimate setting.

Personally, I like sitting at the bar right in front of the kitchen. It’s always clean, and the staff are pretty friendly. The thickness of the pork cutlet can vary a bit each time, but it tastes good most of the time. If you order the tonkatsu set, they give you a generous amount of cabbage and the miso soup is really tasty too.

Loved it! Generous portion, cooked perfectly and presented beautifully. Had the pork katsu, chicken katsu and udon which were all delicious and great value. Will be back soon!

Yummy, me and my girl had the Tan Tan and Salmon bowl. My Tan tan was medium spice. So good! Her Salmon bowl was great too. Next time I’ll have the salmon bowl. Would have included picture s but they disappeared too fast.

I just wanted to tell you I absolutely LOVE this ramen store. It has been my go to ramen store for the past few months now and I probably come here once every week-two weeks sometimes with my partner but a lot of the time by myself. I’ve been coming here for about a year now, maybe longer. Let me tell you this ramen is insanely good, their spicy tonkotsu ramen is my absolute favourite. The spice level is great, the flavour it just melts in my mouth and the noodles are really great too. I always add in extra eggs and meat because it’s just so great! They’re always really popular too however only one thing is that when I do order my ramen to be Spicy, when I come on Saturdays, I think because the staff are different they barely make it as spicy as the weekday people do. Also just wanted to mention one more thing, I’ve found a lot recently I have been requesting to remove some of the vegetables, not all but some because I don’t like some and it hasn’t been removed, this has happened more than several times now. However I just want to thank you guys for always being such lovely people too, they’re always so welcoming and such kind people.

We had the Deluxe Miso Ramen and the Deluxe Tonkotsu Ramen. Both were delicious, but I preferred the Tonkotsu. It’s a bit more rich while the miso ramen has a bit of a lighter flavor. The broth in both were super flavorful and the ramen is served very hot and fresh. The pork and tempura shrimp on the deluxe ramen were excellent! The pork isn’t overly fatty (as someone that doesn’t like much extra fat on meat). The shop is pretty small inside though, but there is a lot of outdoor seating. Overall was super delicious and came out quickly! The staff were very nice as well.

The price is really fair, pretty cheap for Ramen, but I’ve had better ones around the city. It kinda feels like it’s a student meal of sort. Lower quality noodles and ingredients. Good if you are in a hurry and needed a bite.

This is our last dinner in Auckland. Ramen is great and I love the texture of noodles. Soup of noodles is not too much salty and I love it! Price is reasonable too! I’ll come again when I come back to Auckland.

On the first day that I arrived in Auckland gave the vegetarian option a chance and had to comeback as soon as possible because it was soooo good, also excellent service from the people.

Highly recommended! The spicy tonkotsu ramen is so so good! I added additional pork slices for a wholesome meal! Will be back again!

Team drinks here today! Great patio, beautiful friendly staff, delicious cocktails and fantastic food! Oysters were amazing and honestly that was the best fried chicken I have ever had. Already a regular but I will be back! Aucklands hottest spot:) Jess, Hospitality Specialist Kakapo Business Sales

Mary (Shared Owner) was serving our table. We came in for my mum’s birthday and she was very kind and friendly. Food was amazing, desserts are great!

Been to Darling twice for a sit down meal and numerous times for drinks now and it hits the mark every time. Cocktails are great but in all honesty, I wish patrons would give the menu more of a proper shot because they have some insanely talented chefs in the kitchen there who can cook some serious food. Favourites are the buffalo oysters, patty melt and steak. You also can’t skip out on the dessert - I would actually say that’s a highlight of Darling, particularly the s’mores number. Super attentive staff and an ambience that transports you out of Auckland. Definitely one of the best new spots our city has seen in a while!

We had my birthday lunch at Darling on Drake, and it was fantastic! The food was superb, the service was impeccable, and the atmosphere had a modern, cool vibe that really enhanced the dining experience. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking to enjoy great food and a wonderful ambiance.

Impeccable 💯 Upmarket and stylish without being uncomfortable. Chic indoor dining and more relaxed outdoor nibbling under the Victoria park brickwork. The staff are attentive, warm and highly professional. The food is absolutely beautiful - elegant presentation while still hearty and unpretentious. Lovingly handled, quality ingredients balanced to perfection in texture, flavour and inventiveness. The dish that we couldn’t stop talking about was the potato scallops with vinegar powder and curry aioli - the kind of signature bite to keep you coming back again and again. I’m not a fan of the name - but this place is otherwise faultless.

Been there for a couple of times. Loved the food and cocktails.

Natasha and Kim were absolutely beautiful hosts and so kind, thank you! Love the crab rolls and the buffalo oysters which were so unique and delicious. Ugo martini was a perfect drink and the music was fun for a Saturday evening. Special mention for fish schnitzel, the fried capers were a perfect touch for a bang of flavour. 100% recommend this restaurant but don’t forget to dress up this place is fancy 💖 come early as it is a popular spot x parked at Wilson on Drake and it’s $15 for the evening on the weekend

Very very good Mazesoba. Great portion, amazing flavour. Love the noodle’s texture, the sauce is so good. As you can see i have been here twice in a week. The beef brisket is so soft and just melted in your mouth. Mega deluxe was a great way to try all the meat options.

Takimi Mazesoba offers a nice-no fuss dining experience with its warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior features a cozy setup, complete with a bar stools overlooking the chefs doing their thing. Their mazesoba is exceptional, boasting chewy noodles and high-quality ingredients perfectly paired with savoury sauces. I reckon the noodle was the highlight for me. The combination overall though creates a delightful flavour profile, making it a must-try for Japanese food enthusiasts. The service is friendly, enhancing the overall dining experience!

A quiet authentic Japanese place. Very discret and humble. Their bentos are delicious and amazing. A great place for a first date or a date night away from the kids. They even sell real Japanese Wagyu directly from Japan, the best @ A5 standards. Just a wonderful place to eat 😋

Great place to dine. The mazesoba was delicious. Loved that the charsiu was blow torched. I added the chicken karaage and it certainly made me happier. The flavour was strong enough but if you wanted more umami, they also provide togarashi and their own spice mix. Staff were friendly and awesome! Would really recommend this place.

I’m Japanese, but I really love the mazesoba at this restaurant. The place is clean and has a nice atmosphere, and the service was great. This was my second time coming back. When I’m feeling low, eating something bold and hearty like this really lifts my spirits. Thank you!

Best ramen in Auckland!!!! I have been to all the ramen restaurants in Auckland! So full Of flavors and homemade buckwheat noodle they make, so healthy and no heavy oil!!!

Fantastic experience. We had the vegetarian mazesoba and added the egg and pork. Very filling.

Kome Sake Bar was hands down the best Japanese dining experience I’ve had in Auckland! From the moment we walked in, everything about the place felt like it emphasised quality—from the beautiful presentation of the dishes to the warm, welcoming service. The vibe was relaxed yet refined, making it a perfect spot whether you’re catching up with friends or looking for a special night out. The food was absolutely outstanding. The sushi rolls were incredibly fresh, flavourful, and beautifully crafted. Every bite had us immediately wanting to order more—and we did! Even though it was a bit on the pricier side, the taste and quality made it well worth it. You could genuinely taste the care and expertise that went into every dish. One of the highlights was definitely the soft shell crab—crispy, juicy, and packed with flavour. It’s easily one of the best I’ve had and is a must-order if you’re visiting. The service was another major standout. The staff were attentive, friendly, and genuinely made us feel welcome throughout the entire evening. It’s rare to find a place where both the food and the service are equally excellent, but Kome absolutely nailed it. If you’re looking for high-quality Japanese cuisine in Auckland, Kome Sake Bar should be at the top of your list. I’m already looking forward to my next visit—and next time, I’m bringing an even bigger appetite!

The eel and salmon rolls were decent, and the scampi udon stood out with its rich, creamy, cheesy sauce that paired well with the udon, though there was only a little scampi meat. The steak was slightly overcooked but still tasted fine. The biggest disappointment was the ramen — it tasted like cheap pork with frozen noodles and a powdered soup base, yet it cost over $30. The beef tartare was fresh but sweet taste due to the sesame oil and sugar — not my preference. Overall the staff was quite helpful as we are a group of 7. Dessert-wise, the Basque cheesecake was decent with a caramelized crispy top, but the sesame ice cream was forgettable. Given the price, I expected better.

From the moment we arrived, the service was outstanding. Chef Rex went above and beyond, giving fantastic drink recommendations and ensuring everything was perfect. The sashimi was unbelievably fresh, and the katsu chicken was light, airy, and perfectly crunchy. Highly recommend Kome for anyone looking for Japanese cuisine in Auckland!

I tried the Wafu steak, Scampi yaki udon (twice), and eggplant tempura along with a beer, Sakura Bellini, Kappa Martini, Whisky Highball, and Yuzu Whisky Highball. The highballs tasted a bit weak for me (though my friend was satisfied), but their cocktails are really well made. The food itself is taste little strong, but it pairs nicely with the drinks. The prawn in the Scampi yaki udon was very good quality compared to other places in the CBD – definitely one of my favourites. The eggplant tempura was a little sweet, but I think it will be paired well with beer.

Foods taste okay. Not the best but acceptable for the price ish. Spent $270 for two. For 3 large Sake, 27 pieces of sashimi(so so quality and smaller than expected), fired dumplings, tofu, and eggplants tempura. You’ll be the judge:)

This is the best Japanese food I have ever had, the seafood sashimi is very fresh, the green tea ice cream is also very good, the sauce of the salmon salad is very good, and the service attitude is very good.You can also see the sea from the upper floor.

I am impressed every time I go. The food is delicious and the staff are lovely. I will definitely come back.