Best of Auckland
Where locals eat in Auckland
Start with Eden Noodles in Mount Eden for spicy dumplings, dan dan noodles, Uncle Man's in Karangahape Road for egg noodle soup, filled roti, dhal and Ōtara Market in Ōtara for panipopo, taro, fish dishes, hāngī. Here are all 12, with what to get at each.
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- Eden NoodlesMount Eden · sit-down
Get: Spicy dumplings, dan dan noodles
Dumplings from about $7. Casual Dominion Road noodle spot known for hand pulled noodles and simple, comforting Chinese noodle bowls.
- Uncle Man'sKarangahape Road · sit-down
Get: Egg noodle soup, filled roti, dhal
Casual Karangahape Road spot known for Malaysian hawker-style dishes like laksa and roti.
- Ōtara MarketŌtara
Get: Panipopo, taro, fish dishes, hāngī
Open-air market · Panipopo, panikeke, taro, fish dishes, hāngī, Cook Island doughnuts, fresh produce
- Hala HihifoŌtāhuhu · family-run
Get: Lu sipi, ota ika, mango 'otai
Ōtāhuhu restaurant serving Tongan dishes, known for lū sipi and hearty Pacific Island feasts in a casual setting.
- PiciKarangahape Road · Italian pasta
Get: Cacio e pepe, olive oil cheesecake
K Road Italian spot known for fresh handmade pasta and a relaxed, convivial dining room.
- SeleraNewmarket · Malaysian
Get: Plain laksa, satay skewers, curry puffs
Newmarket spot known for Malaysian favorites like laksa and nasi lemak in a casual setting.
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Save the whole listAsk Chef for morePlan my Auckland food tripWhere locals eat in Auckland: questions people ask
What are the local restaurants in Auckland?
Chef Amazing’s picks start with Eden Noodles (Mount Eden), Uncle Man's (Karangahape Road) and Ōtara Market (Ōtara). All 12 places are on this page with what to get, where they are and a map.
What should I order?
At Eden Noodles, get spicy dumplings, dan dan noodles. At Uncle Man's, get egg noodle soup, filled roti, dhal. At Ōtara Market, get panipopo, taro, fish dishes, hāngī. At Hala Hihifo, get lu sipi, ota ika, mango 'otai.
Which neighborhood is best for local restaurants in Auckland?
Most of these are in Karangahape Road and Ōtāhuhu. The map on this page shows every one, numbered like the list.
How does Chef Amazing pick these?
From Chef Amazing’s city guide and lists for Auckland: the places critics, chefs and locals keep recommending, checked and kept current, with what to order at each. Nobody pays to be on them.
More in Auckland
Local restaurants in other cities
Places change: check hours before you go. Pins come from addresses and OpenStreetMap and can be a little off. Updated October 25, 2026.