Antoine's Restaurant
(French, New Zealand)The dining tradition at the decades old Antoine's Restaurant in Parnell had remained the same since it opened its doors to patrons in Auckland back in 1973. There are no self-invitations or casual walk-ins here; the doorbell is rung, and the maitre d' personally ushers you into the space that houses a culinary experience crafted by no other than Tony Astle himself.

Besides being almost four decades old now, Antoine's doesn't allow its menu to go stale, constantly reinventing the menu as he goes. Tony doesn't disregard the dishes that have brought him the success that Antoine's has today, though, retaining a Nostalgia Menu that retains classic Antoine's favourites. It is this commitment to the uniquely signature Antoine's food and service, after all, that makes dining in at Antoine's Restaurant in Parnell an iconic Auckland experience in itself. It's not every day dining but it's difficult to dispute the fact that few places celebrate the drama and decadence of eating out more than Tony and Beth Astle do at Antoine's Restaurant. Cibo Parnell
(New Zealand)The deliciousness that is the food at Cibo, Parnell is indisputable and is widely acknowledged by the people of Auckland, but is too often overlooked for the newer and more trendy restaurants in the currently prospering food industry of Auckland. While Cibo may not be at the top of mind for some of the people in Parnell and Auckland, don't make the mistake of thinking that this quietly confident and high-flying restaurant isn't deserving of the attention. Come to Cibo Restaurant for some of the most dependably yummy and absolutely class fine dining not only Parnell, but in Auckland as well! Domain Ayr Cafe (formerly Kokako Cafe)
(Cafe, Vegetarian)When Kokako Cafe - recently rebranded to Domain & Ayr Cafe - first opened on the fringe of Parnell and Newmarket, Parnell locals rejoiced; a community and environment conscious cafe had long been wanting for the discerning people of Parnell. Domain & Ayr Cafe had - and still does - have the entire package. Excellent food that is as organic, free-range and all-round ethical as it will get, some of the friendliest people to make even non Parnell locals feel right at home, and - naturally - a wide vegan and vegetarian range of food options. Domain & Ayr Cafe is a Parnell local at its best. Espresso Workshop
(Cafe)One may think that there's nothing like cutting through the high-end and up-scale restaurants in Parnell with some good ol' coffee, but don't count your chickens before they hatch. In true Parnell style does the best coffee in Parnell - and some say Auckland - take coffee-making to a whole new 'gourmet' level here at Espresso Workshop. While the service and atmosphere of this cozy roastery is casual and relaxed like a good cafe should be, the same certainly cannot be said about their studied and intense dedication towards the bean. With hardly any food served save for some standard cabinet fare for the peckish, Espresso Workshop is our pick for great coffee right here in Parnell, where truly outstanding cafes are far and few between. Gion Japanese Restaurant
(Japanese)Not only is Gion Japanese Restaurant one of the oldest Japanese restaurants in Parnell or Auckland; it also remains one of the most unyieldingly quality ones. The decor is old-school yet incredibly grandeur (think wedding kimonos draped on bare walls) and service classically Japanese - politely cordial without being detached, and still incredibly efficient. Like many things in Parnell, Gion Japanese Restaurant may appear a little dated or stuffy in the face of the many new-age and urban eateries popping up all over Auckland, but the food and unpretentiousness at Gion we think is difficult to beat... although you may want to keep in mind that the prices are very typically Parnell, so don't turn up expecting cheap and cheerful Japanese donburis. La Cigale
(French)Although probably not quite qualified for the title 'Parnell's best kept secret' anymore now that people from all over the wider Auckland region clamour over to Parnell for a booking at one of La Cigale's dinner nights, a feast at this Parnell restaurant still manages to feel like a night out at an exclusive underground house party every single time. From its well-hidden location nestled amongst the quiet houses of Parnell to the uniquely friendly welcome of the resident waiters, dinner at La Cigale is sure to make you feel like part of the in-crowd. The food that comes off the unique limited menu's impeccable too, of course. For something extra special, book - early! - for one of their monthly bouillabaisse nights and don't ever leave without getting something off their cheese trolley. Non Solo Pizza
(Italian, Pizzeria)If you've never quite experienced dinner or a night out in Parnell before, Non Solo Pizza needs to be on your to-do list. This Parnell restaurant is the epitome of the Parnell vibe - relaxed, feistiness with a touch of restraint, and yet all class. Just ask any Parnell local; every other one of them will tell you that Non Solo Pizza is well deserving of institutional status in Parnell. This authentically Italian Parnell restaurant is a go-to eatery when you've looking to guarantee a no-fluff, all-around good experience for you and your mates or family - it's a restaurant for all. Veranda Bar & Grill
(French)Parnell easily claims the title of being THE suburb in central Auckland with the most heritage fine dining venues in town, with many of its finest restaurants having been around for decades now. It's easy to slip and fall with so many years on one's plate, though, and with changes in ownership or kitchen staffing. This same fate befell the once prestigious Veranda Bar & Grill and it appeared destined for eventual demise, being unable to keep up with the dynamically burgeoning dining scene in Parnell and Auckland.

Thankfully for them, there's Philip Sturm. The involvement of this man who was behind Cibo and Otto's in Parnell revived this Parnell restaurant to its former glory, retaining the integrity and quality of popular classics - such as their delectable tuatua fritters - while infusing a taste of innovation with the addition of revamped dishes into their menu. If you've always passed over Veranda Bar & Grill for the newer and hipper places in Parnell, why not give this place a chance the next time you go for a special night out? This overhauled Parnell institution deserves more love, we say.