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 Urban List‘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
235 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
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).
289 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
Any restaurant ranking at 4.9 stars on Google deserves your immediate attention. Enter Cornelia, 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).
196 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
TwoFold 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.
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.
363 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
Think you know fries? Think again. 3 Nutmegs’ 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 Road, 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.
235 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
Who is Rhu? 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.
207 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
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.
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, KG Japanese Restaurant isn’t messing around.
119 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
Swing by Bandung 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.
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.
91 Saint Georges Bay Road, Parnell, Auckland
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.
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 Everest Dine, a Parnell restaurant that dishes up a modern twist on traditional cuisine. Thirsty? Have a sip on an Everestini.
2-16 Watt Street, Parnell, Auckland
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.
251 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
Immerse your senses in Persian mezze and more at family-run restaurant, Rūmī. 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.
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
100 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
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.
177 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
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.
96 Saint Georges Bay Road, Parnell, Auckland
Even the most steadfast coffee snob won’t be able to resist a cup from Red Rabbit. 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.
100 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
The cabinet game is strong at The Greenhouse of Parnell 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.
This article was first published by Urban List. Click here to read the original story.
