Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar
(New Zealand, Seafood)Al Brown's newest hospitality venture and first foray into the Auckland culinary market couldn't have received any more hype and publicity than it did. The local media and taste-makers simply couldn't - and still cannot - get enough of this newest addition to the Federal Street strip in Auckland CBD. The freshly shucked oysters are raved about, as are the hearty, unassuming and yet entirely transformational foods on offer. Come drop by this no-booking restaurant - you may have to wait a good half an hour to a full hour for a table during peak times, but judging from the flawless reviews this new Auckland CBD restaurant had been getting, we suspect it's going to be well worth your time. dine by Peter Gordon
(Asian, Modern European, Pacific Rim)Fine dining spots in the Auckland CBD are few and far between. How appropriate then that the convention was to be broken by one of New Zealand's most internationally successful chefs, Peter Gordon with what was his first native Kiwi restaurant after his London ventures. dine does what Peter Gordon does best himself - the fusion of Western and Eastern flavours. The food at this Auckland CBD restaurant in the flashy SKYCITY tower is imaginative, unexpected and the hallmark of blurring culinary conventions. If you want a taste of what the landmark Kiwi chef's palate and innovation is like, this Auckland CBD restaurant will be your thing. Federal & Wolfe
(Cafe)You would be able to spot a cafe around every corner in the central Auckland CBD, but quantity doesn't necessarily equate to quality. Despite the proliferation of cafes in Auckland, few are truly commendable and worthy of revisits; Federal & Wolfe Cafe is one of the few. This Auckland CBD restaurant and cafe hybrid started our as a pop-up project by the people behind the amazing Kokako brand, but had become a permanent fixture in the Auckland CBD thanks to its overwhelming popularity and calibre. Must tries? The orange-date-ginger-coconut muffin, comforting fish kedgeree and cup of perfectly extracted Kokako coffee, of course. The Grove
(New Zealand)The Grove is, in our eyes, likened to the Godfather of modern and experimental cuisine in Auckland and New Zealand. A deserving honour, we think, considering its impressive alumni of Michael Meredith of the prestigious Merediths Restaurant and Sid Sahrawat, now head chef of his own equally as successful venture, Sidart. Current head chef of The Grove, Benjamin Bayly isn't doing too shabbily himself either, with this Auckland CBD restaurant winning Supreme Winner of the Metro Audi Restaurant of the Year Award for years 2010 & 2011 under his helm. Come visit this magical restaurant that still continues to run under hospitality gurus and The Grove founders Michael and Annette Dearth after all these years, and experience for yourself the Auckland culinary legend that is The Grove restaurant. Ima Cuisine (formerly Ima and Ibn)
(Eastern European, Mediterranean)Ima Cuisine (formerly Ima and Ibn) is our go to weekday restaurant in the Auckland CBD when we're feeling like something a little different from the usual CBD offering (think sushi takeaways or typical bistro fare). Yael of Ima Cuisine cooks up some of the greatest Israeli food in Auckland, both authentic and fusion. Helps that she's real friendly, absolutely loves talking about her food and picks the best waiters and servicemen in the Auckland CBD area, too. Eat in during the daylight for some great bistro fare with strong Israeli influences and after hours for the real stuff. Kiraku Japanese Restaurant & Takeaway
(Asian, Japanese)There are many ramen shops not only in the central Auckland CBD but in the wider Auckland region as well, but we here at View Auckland would recommend Kiraku Japanese Restaurant & Takeaway for an authentic Japanese ramen bar experience (doesn't hurt that their gyoza and ramen noodles happen to be amongst some of our absolute favourites in the Auckland CBD, too).

Stepping into Kiraku is like stepping into a little hideout and almost feels isolated from the Auckland city centre altogether; there never are more than one chef and one waitress - both Japanese, naturally - working at any time, and the service is always cordial and pleasant. They get a steady stream of takeaway regulars, and it's really not difficult to see why once you've had a taste of their food as well. McGregor Brothers Kitchen
(Cafe)Don't be fooled by the unassuming and subdued front of the McGregor Brothers Kitchen, situated on Wellesley Street West of the Auckland CBD. You haven't seen the mass appeal of this little hole-in-a-wall cafe until you've seen the foot traffic of this Auckland CBD cafe during the morning rush hour. Many of the Auckland CBD suits would argue that McGregor Brothers Kitchen makes some of the best coffees on this side of town, besides also making great carrot cakes and date scones that make the perfect mid-morning indulgences. Drop by this little cafe/takeaway place and see for yourself how good the food is at this Auckland CBD cafe that the quintessential Auckland local naturally gravitates towards. O'Connell Street Bistro
(Modern European)Looking for a restaurant in Auckland CBD that's got a little bit of character and isn't too stand-offish, yet still incredibly classy and serves up quality food? Look no more - O'Connell Street Bistro is your man. It takes a special restaurant with an uncanny sense of humour to carry the tagline 'Back Street Dining' with such confidence and elegance.

In its 14 years of operation had this Auckland CBD restaurant consistently been a finalist in the Cuisine NZ Restaurant of the Year Awards, besides most recently being awarded "Best Smart Dining Restaurant in Auckland" in the 2011 Metro Magazine Restaurant of the Year Awards. Together, this Auckland CBD restaurant's UK-trained restaurant proprietor Chris Upton and incredibly seasoned Stephen Ward have serviced this bistro for well over a decade and will ensure a fantastic experience. Pastis
(French)Next in our list of great culinary finds in the Auckland CBD is Pastis, a French restaurant with a je ne sais quoi flair and atmosphere unrivalled by any other in the Auckland region. Pastis is yet another one of those Auckland CBD residents that have been servicing the locals of Auckland for decades now. Pastis is an absolute gem, with classic French dishes like coq au vin and duck confit served by French waiters. If you're looking to experience a piece of Auckland heritage (although, funnily enough, with authentic French fare), Pastis will be sure to do it for you. Tanuki's Cave
(Japanese)Tanuki's Cave gets a lot of love from us here at View Auckland, but only because it is very deserving of. Not only is the food affordable and cheap, but the atmosphere an invigorating mix of broody and intimate. We like using this Auckland CBD restaurant and bar as a benchmark to the best of Auckland night life - it's not all-out head-bangin' intoxication (which can admittedly be loads of fun, but we couldn't possibly get ourselves to do it every other night), but has enough quirk and chattiness going on to keep the atmosphere light and contemporary. The epitome of a great drinking hole - and some fantastic nomming too, if you're feeling like some of their charcoal-grilled yakitori. Toto Restaurant
(Italian)While great Italian restaurants in Auckland are abound, it can get difficult to find a half-decent Italian eat in the central Auckland CBD. Which is why we thank our lucky stars for the existence of Toto Restaurant for those time when we're craving seriously good Italian in the Auckland CBD. This multiple award winning restaurant has been an Auckland CBD resident for decades now, almost deserving of an institutional status. For good reason too; rustic gnocchi dishes, ravioli and the freshest octopus carpaccio only being a few of them. Zap 4 Esan Thai
(Thai)The heritage of Zap 4 Esan Thai Cuisine heralds back to its humble roots at the famed Albert Street Food Alley food court back in 1996. After moving out of its dingy food court hall and spreading its wings do we find ourselves blessed with Hamish and Yao's latest venture; the Zap 4 Esan Thai Cuisine on Commerce Street, central Auckland CBD.

The atmosphere at Zap 4 Esan Thai is rather reminiscent of its Auckland food hall roots itself. Not exactly first date, dress-to-impress material, but it's undeniable that not only is the North Eastern Thai food at Zap 4 good; it's a real bargain too. If you're looking for authentic Thai in the Auckland CBD, Zap 4 Esan Thai is your place.