Food & Drink

Parnell’s Best Restaurants, Bars And Cafes And Where To Find Them

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Cutting into a dish from War Pacific Fusion, one of the best eateries in Parnell.

For a night out feeling fancy, a sweet pick-me-up or a tasty bite to get you through your day, Parnell won’t disappoint. Arguably the most stroll-worthy suburb in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, it's packed with restaurants, cafes and bars that know a thing or two about really good kai. 

Diverse and diverse, here are OB真人视讯's top picks for the best restaurants, bars and cafes in Parnell (pray for a good park, then get amongst).

The Best Restaurants And Bars In Parnell

Tala

235 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

Three intriguing bites at Tala, one of the best eateries in Parnell.
Image credit: Tala | Vanessa Zhao

Samoan food just got a super chic shake-up, thanks to chef Henry Onesemo and the crew at Tala. This exquisite spot, hidden away down a quaint laneway, is dishing up raw ramen, boneless whole fish with gravy, and other contemporary takes on the cuisine from a beautifully decorated dining room, complete with umu (an open Samoan fire).

269 Parnell

269 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

Somebody scoops up a birria taco from a blue and white patterned plate that's giving Mediterranean vibes.
Image credit: 269 Parnell | Wono Kim

If you're yearning to travel, you're in very good company at 269 Parnell. A striking market area peppered with vendors, it's around-the-world eats, no annual leave required. Round up your hungriest crew, order a round of dishes from as many vendors as possible and graze into the night. 

Cornelia

289 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

Food from Cornelia, one of the best restaurants in Parnell.

Image credit: Cornelia | Facebook

Any restaurant ranking at 4.9 stars on Google deserves your immediate attention. Enter , the cosy Italian eatery and wine bar with a menu that will see you falling head over heels—or perhaps in this case, head over stomach—in what the Italians call "more." Owned and operated by Roman born Fabio Buonomo and his partner, Lena Solomon, this is true Italian in every sense of the word. Shout-out to their game-changing strawberry tiramisu, and homemade pasta (made fresh on the daily, of course).

TwoFold

196 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

has transformed the old Woodpecker Hill venue into an elevated brewpub, serving some of the tastiest food in the area. Think freshly shucked oysters, fried chicken, and their popular seafood roll packed with crab and lobster. TwoFold isn’t just the place to be for good grub; they also have an in-house brewery headed by Bernard Neate (ex-Alibi Brewing), who makes some of the best beers in the country. He has recently brewed a double hazy IPA called FO’G, which is thick, fruity, and way too easy to drink.

War Pacific Island Fusion

Upstairs, 237 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

If you haven't had the pleasure of trying Fijian cuisine, please make your way promptly to War Pacific Island Fusion. The crème de la crème of Fijian dining here in Auckland, this humble upstairs spot offers a fun, fusion-style menu that perfectly encapsulates the tastes and aromas of the islands, including smoking cocktails, and smoking (not smoked!) fish.

3 Nutmegs

363 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

A clay pot of bright orange peri peri chicken tikka from 3Nutmegs.
Image credit: 3 Nutmegs | Facebook

Think you know fries? Think again. ’ cheese and butter sauce-smothered version of this famous snack is tasty AF, as is the rest of the menu. Perched at the top of Parnell Rise this Indian restaurant is committed to sustainability and prides itself on using the freshest ingredients in its dishes. The staff are wonderful and welcoming, and you'll definitely leave totally satisfied. 

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Crown Range Lounge

251 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland 

One of the best spots to unwind after a long day at work,  dishes up effortlessly relaxed atmosphere, live music and very good wine. A step back from the buzzing main street and decked out in a calming palette with exquisite Central Otago grass features, it's easy to accidentally stay here the whole evening. We'll take a glass of their red berry-forward China Girl Pinot Noir and (at least) a helping of their Brazilian tapioca cheese bread bites any day. 

Rhu

235 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

Who is ? Only one of the best eateries to be found along the entire Parnell strip, thank you very much. Found in the space formerly occupied by fancypants bakery Alpha (and owned by the chef who once ran it, Tusha Grover), this all-day spot specialises in food worthy of a fine dining establishment, served in a relaxed setting. Indulge in fried chicken sandwiches and grilled cheese with mushroom pate for brunch; or graze over oysters and homemade sourdough with a cheeky glass of vino on the side, come dinnertime.

Pineapple On Parnell

207 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

A cocktail from Pineapple on Parnell, one of the best bars in Parnell.

Image credit: Pineapple On Parnell | Facebook
 
Spot the brass pineapple then drink its namesake: a delightful rum-based concoction topped with torched yuzu foam. Pineapple On Parnell promises old school luxury with new world flavours, and a whole lot of rum. Head to this cosy lounge for the best cocktails in Parnell, as well as a selection of pizzas, cheese and charcuterie boards, mixed nuts and smoked olives.

KG Japanese Restaurant

211 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

Squirrelled away down a staircase in the digs formerly occupied by Renkon, this one’s well and truly earned its spot among the best restaurants in Parnell. Slinging flavourful donburi bowls on your choice of rice, udon noodles or ramen noodles, and available in extra-large portions for when you’re feeling ravenous,  isn’t messing around.

Bandung

119 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

Indonesian rice dish topped with a fried egg from Bandung, one of the best places to eat in Parnell.
Image credit: Bandung | Instagram

Swing by to feast on Indonesian street food fare. From garlic tapioca crackers and banana-wrapped spiced fish cakes to jackfruit and tofu curry, satay gado gado, and crispy lumpia (Indonesian spring rolls), it’s all of Bali’s best eats. Wash it down with a shot of jamu health tonic.

Oh Calcutta

151 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

Made to be shared with loved ones, the dishes at Oh Calcutta are as warming as they are delicious. The restaurant is cosy and welcoming, giving you an experience of Indian culture that goes beyond cuisine—it’s as much about the culture and passion of India’s people. Chef Meena Anand has woven Ayurvedic philosophy into the menu and you’ll find meals that feature sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent—six ‘rasas’ known to support the balance of body, mind and spirit. 

Cibo 

91 Saint Georges Bay Road, Parnell, Auckland

Pineapple lump pavlova from Cibo, one of the best eateries in Parnell.
Image credit: Cibo | Instagram

Italian for food, Cibo dishes unexpected, palate-pleasing combinations like miso caramel pork belly and duck parfait with blueberry compote and honeycomb, as well as something mysteriously referred to as “CO2 fish”. Eat your fill, topping off the culinary explorations with a Pineapple Lump-inspired pav.

Everest Dine

193 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

Introducing deep fried momo, a Nepalese dumpling you’ll want to down by the plateful. Get your mitts on these, and a succulent array of other Nepalese-Indian fusion morsels like Everest chicken and veg Manchurian at , a Parnell restaurant that dishes up a modern twist on traditional cuisine. Thirsty? Have a sip on an Everestini.

Barulho

2-16 Watt Street, Parnell, Auckland

A glistening cocktail and tapas you just want to rip into at Barulho, one of the best eateries in Parnell.
Image credit: Barulho | Instagram

A slice of Spain in Parnell, Barulho promises top-tier, Mediterranean-inspired eats and great service. Get your fix of Manchego and jalapeno croquetas, burrata, beef and caramelised onion empanadas, and paella with all the trimmings, followed by Portuguese tarts, churros, and dark chocolate and olive oil mousse. Divine. 

Rūmī

251 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

Immerse your senses in Persian mezze and more at family-run restaurant, . Discover kashk bademjan, a tangy eggplant dip with onion, mint, and walnuts; kuku sabzi, a herb and leek frittata; and more kababs than you can poke a stick at. Bring your meal to a close with tea, baghlava, and Persian ice cream.

Gerome

269 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

Crispy prawn nest by Gerome, one of the best eateries in Parnell.
Image credit: Gerome | Instagram

Gerome is dishing up flavour-packed Greek food with a generous serving of ambience. The menu is fresh, comforting and dependable with all the essential Greek flavours: think feta, spinach, honey, labne, mint, harissa, peach, and olive.  

Rosie

82 Gladstone Road, Parnell, Auckland

Rosie has been on the scene for over a decade, and is still going strong thanks to its elegant all-day menu (which, we might add, starts with breakfast cocktails). Of course, it's not a visit to this beloved eatery without scooting across the road to the Parnell Rose Gardens, with one of their famous hot chocolates in hand.

The Best Cafes And Other Eateries In Parnell

Winona Forever

100 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

A sweet pie from Winona Forever, one of the best cafes in Parnell.

Image credit: Winona Forever | Facebook

For the prettiest cabinet food in all the land, Winona Forever is the place to be. Food fit for the ‘gram, your belly and the planet (they’re a six star-rated environmentally friendly cafe), there’s no doubt that Winona Forever is one of the best eateries in Parnell.

Casetta

116 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

It’s deli done right at . A veritable Parnell institution, here you can load up on cinnamon brioche, spongy muffins, cheese scones, almond croissants, piping hot pies, coffee, milkshakes, and take-home dinners.

ChaBliss 

177 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

Our writer, Mahi, pours a nitro tea at ChaBliss, one of the best eateries in Parnell. Image credit: ChaBliss | Wono Kim

Perched on the edge of Parnell’s main strip is ChaBliss, a cute tea house where you can sip on a number of natural teas in calming surrounds. Move over nitro coffee, it's all about nitro tea here, and tea beer, a non-alcoholic in a rosy hue. Both are must-drinks for the adventurous tea connoisseur. Milk tea is on the menu too but it’s likely fresher than you’re used to, it’s made with real milk and cream, not the powdered variety. Yaaas.

Red Rabbit

96 Saint Georges Bay Road, Parnell, Auckland

Even the most steadfast coffee snob won't be able to resist a cup from . Formally on Faraday Street and now found on the ground floor of the Xero Building, it's the single-origin caffeination you crave, expertly wielded, every day of the week.

The Greenhouse of Parnell 

100 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

The cabinet game is strong at  with vibrant salad bowls, hot meals, sandos, and all the sweet treats. Head here for a well-priced feed that’ll nourish your body. Keto and no added gluten options a-plenty.

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Main image credit: War Pacific Fusion | OB真人视讯 NZ. 

OB真人视讯 Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval-curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.

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