Extend the summer vibes with a smoky, post-season BBQ feast. There's nothing like the smell of a grill, and tender ribs and cold drinks. BBQ is a year-round flavour, and not just a season. These are our picks for the best places to head for a BBQ feast, even after summer has ended.
El Humero:
Auckland's first traditional Colombian-style barbecue restaurant located on Hurstmere Road in Takapuna. Known for its authentic South American cuisine, the restaurant features wood-fired and charcoal-grilled meats, including pork belly, chorizo, and ribs, served in a lively, rustic setting. All meat is prepared fresh over traditional wood-fired and charcoal grills and the eatery offers a lively Latin dining experience. If you're looking for a unique, authentic Colombian dining experience, then this is the place to be.
Wellbeing BBQ and Buffet:
An all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurant located at 3D Henry Rose Place which is famous for offering premium, unfrozen NZ meats (beef sirloin, pork scotch). The diverse buffet spread also features Korean fried chicken, japchae, bingsu (shaved ice), and a DIY ramen station. Grill at your table-top with meat sourced by the owner, Chris Yoo, who comes with a butchery background.
Hustle BBQ:
A modern Chinese BBQ and charcoal hotpot restaurant located at 88 Broadway, Newmarket. Located away from the main street, down a little driveway, It is known as a "hidden" northeastern Chinese BBQ offering premium meats—such as Wagyu beef rib and pork belly—cooked on an in-table charcoal grill. Other dishes on offer include raw meats, a hot food section (fried chicken, buns), and Szechuan-style cold sides. Features modern, well-ventilated tables to minimize smoke smell, private rooms, and karaoke options.
Grill Planet:
A new all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet located at 5B Lorne Street in Auckland CBD. It offers a wide selection of marinated meats, seafood, hot/cold dishes, and desserts for a fixed price with a 90-minute dining limit, popular for its high-value, casual dining experience.
The unlimited BBQ options include pork belly, marinated beef, chicken, seafood, prawns, and various sides like kimchi and hot dishes. Enjoy "Korean BBQ" style experience, though with a broader Chinese-style buffet offering.
Grill Shack BBQ House:
Filipino-owned BBQ brand serving Southern-style BBQ, combining East Texas pit cooking with Kansas City’s signature sweet and tangy glaze. Operating as a mobile food truck across Auckland, they bring the smoke to markets and events with a lineup of pork ribs, wagyu sliders, pulled pork, and slow-smoked meats. Founded by Karl Ipong, Grill Shack is all about bold, smoky flavours—from tender brisket and pork belly to classic cornbread on the side. Catch them at spots like Britomart Saturday Market and events around the city, or book them for catering.
