The finalists have been named for 2026's Iconic Auckland Eats, the annual list of the top 100 dishes in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland!
Now in its sixth year, the awards have food-loving Aucklanders nominate a favourite dish only available in Tāmaki Makaurau, each accompanied by a personal story about why the dish is special. We've pulled together the 28 dishes from the heart of the city that have been named in this popular award, so it's easy to check out all of the city centre's most iconic eats. Browse below for inspo for your next meal out!
2026 city centre winners:
1. Buffalo Chicken Wings | 16 Tun
2. Crispy Scampi and Crayfish Kataifi | Advieh
3. Koura | Ahi
4. Whipped Parmesan | Amano
5. Pad Thai Chicken | Aroy Thai
6. Saffron and Potato Tortellini | Baduzzi
7. Trevally Ceviche | Beast & Butterflies
8. Fettuccine alla Ruota | Bossi
9. Fish Sliders | Depot
10. Water Chestnut Wontons | East.
11. Poutine | Federal Delicatessen
12. Kingfish Steak | Forester Bar & Grill
13. Hand pulled 'Biang Biang ’ Noodles with Cumin Braised Mātangi Beef | Ghost Street
14. Giapo Hokey Pokey | Giapo
15. THE GOAT Champaran | GOAT by Sid Chopra
16. Hong Kong-Style Fried Egg Noodles | Huami
17. Heihei BAO | Kai Eatery
18. Yum Gai Zap | Khu Khu
19. Tuna Tataki | MASU by Nic Watt
20. Slow Braised Lamb Shanks | Metita
21. Bone in Ribeye | Milenta
22. Braised Beef Cheek | Onslow
23. Patatas Bravas | Rooftop Bar at QT
24. Prosciutto Pizza | Romani Cafe
25. Butter Chicken Roti Pie | Roti Bros
26. Macaroni Cheese | Soul Bar & Bistro
27. Chatham Island Paua, Palusami, Vol-au-Vent and Chives | Trivet
28. Nasi Goreng | Uncle Man
Discover the full list of winners, here.
Auckland’s Iconic Eats for 2025
Image supplied
Image supplied
Image supplied
Image supplied
Image supplied
Image supplied
Image supplied
Image supplied
Image supplied
Image supplied
Image supplied
Image supplied
Giapo (Image credits: Babiche Martens)
Image supplied
Image supplied
Image supplied
Image supplied
Image supplied
Image supplied
Winner of Iconic Auckland Eats 2025 for Handpicked Beef Scotch
Image supplied
Image supplied
Image supplied
Image supplied
Auckland’s Iconic Eats for 2024
Auckland’s Iconic Eats for 2022
Ahi - Scampi Corn Dogs
Auckland’s Iconic Eats for 2021
Mr.Morris - Chicken skin, parfait, cherry
Homeland - Triple Cheese Scone
Ahi - Scampi Corn Dogs
Mighty Hotdog - Mighty Kumara
The Living Room at Park Hyatt - High Tea Degustation
Huami - Peking Duck
Gusto at the Grand - Clevedon buffalo ricotta gnocchi aka “Orgy of Mushrooms”
Giapo - Giapo Buono Waffle Cone
Soul Bar and Bistro - Macaroni Cheese
Baduzzi - Karitane Crayfish Meatballs
kingi - Jerusalem artichoke, chimichurri, parmesan (Waiwera)
Auckland’s Iconic Eats for 2020
The White Lady - The Aucklander Burger
Amano - Pulled Lamb Shoulder
Soul Bar and Bistro - Macaroni Cheese
Baduzzi - Karitane Crayfish Meatballs
Miann - Crème brûlée
Depot eatery & oyster bar - Turbot sliders with pickled lemon mayo
Cassia - Malabar style fish, curry leaf, coconut
Angus Steak House - Angus Beef Dip Baguette
Wynyard Grill - Wapiti Elk (bone-in-rack)
Saint Alice - Fried Oyster Brioche McMuffin
Ahi - Te Mana Lamb & Cheese Savoury
Federal Delicatessen
Lobster & Tap - The Lobster Roll
Culprit - Burnt Brussel Sprouts
Vivace - Golden Kumara gnocchi with free range chicken, herbs and creamy Napoli sauce.
Hello Beasty - Prawn + Crab Toast
Mellow Coffee & Dessert - Strawberry Shaved Ice (Large)
