A special night out deserves an extraordinary dining experience. Here's 6 places in Auckland with the perfect ambience for that special date or just an excuse to treat yourself.
Chamate
Located in Auckland’s CBD, Chamate blends modern sophistication with a welcoming ambience. Floor-to-ceiling windows, stylish pendant lights, and Scandinavian-inspired decor create a refined yet cozy setting. The restaurant focuses on premium halal ingredients, expertly prepared using contemporary Chinese techniques at an affordable price. Signature dishes include the Seafood Tasting Platter, bursting with bold Asian flavors, and the Butter-Fried Chicken, a fusion of Eastern and Western influences. True to its name, Chamate—meaning “intimate friends”—is a place to share love and warmth.
📍 Address: 17 Swanson Street, Auckland CBD 🕒 Opening Hours: Fri-Sun 11 AM - 11 PM, Mon-Thu 11 AM - 9 PM 📞 Phone: +64 9 302 7788
Sum Made
For seafood lovers, Sum Made is a dream come true. Nestled in Auckland’s North Shore, this restaurant specializes in live seafood, offering delicacies like lobster, abalone, scallops, and geoduck, all prepared fresh to order. The must-try lobster dishes range from the classic Scallion Ginger Lobster to the fiery Spicy Lobster, each bursting with authentic Cantonese flavors. Beyond seafood, Sum Made is also renowned for one of the best dim sums on the shore. With an elegant dining space and six private rooms, it’s also the perfect spot for a special occasion or an indulgent feast.
📍 Address: 11 Davies Drive, Albany, Auckland 🕒 Opening Hours:Mon-Fri: 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM Sat-Sun: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Gion Japanese Restaurant
For a refined Japanese dining experience, Gion transports you to the charming streets of Kyoto. Its elegant decor, featuring red and gold accents, exudes warmth and sophistication. The highlight here is the Omakase experience, where Chef Akira curates a seasonal menu based on the freshest ingredients. From delicate sashimi and crispy tempura to melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef, every bite reflects the artistry of Japanese cuisine
📍 Address: 1/168 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland 🕒 Opening Hours: Daily 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM (Omakase requires prior reservation)
Pocha Eatery
For a fun and vibrant date, Pocha is the place to be. Since its opening in 2007, this energetic eatery has been a go-to spot for authentic Korean comfort food. Their signature Almond Crispy Fried Chicken is a must-try—golden and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and served with a selection of dipping sauces. Other highlights include Korean-style marinated raw crab and savory pancakes, perfect for sharing.
📍 Locations: Pocha Chancery: 50 Kitchener Street, Auckland CBD Pocha Albany: 1/329 Albany Highway, Rosedale 🕒 Opening Hours: Daily 11:30 AM - 11:30 PM
Viki Vietnamese
Located in Glenfield, Viki Vietnamese brings the bold and comforting flavors of Hanoi to Auckland. Their signature Stone Pot Pho elevates the traditional dish by using a heated stone bowl to keep the broth hot and aromatic, enhancing the overall experience. Pair it with crispy Vietnamese spring rolls and charcoal-grilled meats, wrapped in imported Vietnamese rice paper for an authentic touch.
📍 Address: Shop 503A Glenfield Mall, Glenfield Road, Auckland 🕒 Opening Hours: Daily 11 AM - 8 PM
Tinfeny’s
Step into the world of Cambodian cuisine at Tinfeny’s in Ponsonby. The menu features iconic dishes like Amok Trei (steamed fish curry) and Beef Lok Lak (peppery stir-fried beef), delivering a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. With its warm ambience and Angkor Wat-inspired wall art, Tinfeny’s offers a unique cultural and culinary journey for your special night out..
📍 Address: Tinfeny’s, Shop 15 Ponsonby Central, 4 Brown Street, Ponsonby, Auckland 📞 Phone: 09 360 8080
