Skip the mundane evening routine and come into the city centre for a night of live shows and delicious food. With an extensive range of eateries to choose from, and a great line up of exciting events and gigs, there’s nothing better than a lively night in the heart of the city. 

The perfect pre-show meal

Post-show dining done right

Don't sleep on these

Aotea Arts Quarter 

Perfect if you're attending an event at Q Theatre, Auckland Town Hall, Aotea Centre, The Classic Comedy and Bar or Basement Theatre

Trocadero Restaurant & Bar | 380 Queen Street

Trocadero blends European elegance with a menu built around refined comfort dishes. It’s the kind of place where you can linger over classics like beef scotch, mushroom truffle risotto, fresh seafood and beautifully crafted desserts all served in a softly lit dining room.

Le Garde-Manger | 466 Queen Street

Le Garde‑Manger has a relaxed, homely feel that makes it easy to settle in for a leisurely meal, with the warmth of a French pantry and a menu built around comforting staples like Les Escargots de Bourgogne, French Onion Soup, and Beef Bourguignon.

Changan Burger | 18 Kitchener Street

Changan Burger is a fast, fuss‑free stop when you’re after something satisfying in a hurry, with a menu shaped by Chinese street‑food favourites such as Chinese thousand‑layer burgers, hearty rice bowls, fluffy bao buns, and comforting noodle soup.

Find more dining options in the Aotea Arts Quarter, here
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Changan Burger
Le Garde-Manger

Our NZ International Comedy Fest picks

Federal & Elliott 

Ideal if you're heading to Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, SkyCity Theatre, or a venue in the Aotea Arts Quarter.

1947 Eatery | 60 Federal Street

1947 Eatery is a polished, modern spot that works well both before and after a show. The menu blends traditional Indian dishes with contemporary touches—street‑style starters, slow‑cooked curries, and tandoor plates served in a warm, stylish setting that keeps the night feeling effortless.

Mr Taco | 75c Victoria Street West 

Located steps from the Sky Tower, Mr Taco is an authentic street‑taco spot bringing original Mexican flavours at a fair price, with a small taqueria setup that turns out straightforward favourites like nachos, quesadillas, and burritos.

Find more dining options in the Federal & Elliott Street district, here.
Mr Taco
1947 Eatery RM25
1947

SkyCity

SkyCity boasts a handful of fan favourite eateries that are perfect for a pre or post-show meal. Whether you choose Cassia at SkyCity, Masu, Federal Delicatessen, or Depot Eatery and Oyster Bar, you're sure to have a delightful dining experience that will perfectly complement your evening adventure. 

Find more dining options in SkyCity, here.
MASU by nic watt
Federal-Delicatessen
Cassia Festive Dining at SkyCity

Our Auckland Writers Fest picks

Britomart 

Just a short stroll from Spark Arena and in close proximity to The Cloud and Shed 10

The Brit | 122 Quay Street 

Whether you're looking to grab a cold one with mates or sip on cocktails pre-show, The Brit has got you covered. Their menu also features everything from an extensive selection of sharing plates, foot-long stone-baked pizzas, mains, burgers and sandwiches.

kingi | 29 Galway Street

kingi showcases fresh, sustainably sourced seafood, game, and New Zealand produce, all served with a creative touch. Its cosy, intimate atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy a thoughtful bite before heading to a show.

Bar Ziti | 48 Customs Street East

Tucked away with effortless inner‑city cool, Bar Ziti has a warm, buzzing energy that’s both stylish and inviting. The focus is on modern Italian‑inspired cuisine, paired with a relaxed vibe. And if you’re feeling playful, you can even sneak in a round of virtual golf between sips.

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The Brit
Bar Ziti Britomart
Amano | 66-68 Tyler Street 

A true city‑centre gem, Amano blends Italian techniques with NZ ingredients to create a dining experience that feels both refined and deeply comforting. They offer artisan pastries from their in‑house bakery, handmade pasta dishes, vibrant seafood plates and wood‑fired or chargrilled meats that anchor the menu with rustic warmth.

alma | Corner of Gore & Tyler Street

Alma brings the flavours and spirit of Andalusia to Auckland’s waterfront, combining smoky, fire‑driven cooking with bold Mediterranean character. They're known for their vibrant atmosphere, tiled interiors, and a menu that leans into flame, char, and seasonal NZ produce while staying true to southern Spanish roots.

Perch | 23 Galway Street 

Perch is known for their fresh wholefood bowls, sharing plates, and crafted drinks, with a relaxed corner‑bar. Their menu focuses on healthy, fast, and flavour‑forward food, offering build‑your‑own bowls with salad bases, proteins like salmon, lamb, or chicken, and options such as rice or flatbread. 

Find more Britomart dining options, here
PERCH
People dining
alma

The Viaduct & Wynyard Quarter

Perfect if you've planned an evening at ASB Waterfront Theatre, The Cloud or Shed 10

Somm Wine Bar | Shed 22, Princes Wharf 

This cosy, intimate urban cellar‑door–style spot is perfect for wine lovers keen to explore pours from some of New Zealand’s most iconic wineries. The food menu is crafted to complement the wines beautifully, featuring delicious charcuterie and antipasti, generous sharing plates, and mouth‑watering pizzas.

Bivacco | 115 Customs Street 

Whether you’re grazing on snacks or settling in for a full‑blown feast, Bivacco is an ideal spot to indulge in your favourite Italian dishes. And if you’re heading to a weekday show, their 4 to 6PM aperitivo hour with free‑roaming bar bites makes it an even more irresistible stop. 

Feriza's  | 12 Jellicoe Street 

Offering a delightful blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Cuisine, Feriza's is a charming restaurant to grab a bite before catching a show. With a menu featuring succulent meats, fresh seafood and vibrant vegetarian options, there's something for everyone at this popular eatery. 

See more dining options in the Viaduct, here and Wynyard Quarter, here
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Bivacco
Somm

Discover more events happening in the city centre, here

Last updated: 11 May 2026