9 of the best Mission Bay restaurants – Treat yourself to a night out
Join us as we share our favourite Mission Bay Restaurants. Each and every one is worth skipping afternoon tea for!
A much-loved local secret, drawing patrons from all over Auckland, Mission Bay is quickly becoming a go-to destination for dining out.
Spoilt for choice, this beachside location offers a selection of both local and international cuisines. From simple New Zealand-made ice cream to an Asian or European degustation dining delight, it’s all in Mission Bay.
There’s an obvious buzz strolling along the Mission Bay promenade’s widened curbs. With plenty of room for tables outside (and pedestrian access too), watching diners enjoy their meals is as an advertisement in itself, enticing you to stop and taste their offerings.
Mission Bay is unlike anywhere else in Auckland. The aroma of freshly served food, the banter and laughter of friends catching up, and the choice of decorated eating areas inside and out. With the action on the beach and park so close, it really is a magical spot.
What’s more, the majority of the restaurants are family-friendly. They offer specially tailored menus and activities to help keep the kids entertained.
Many are also dog friendly, offering up water bowls and outdoor tables. Many a pooch can be seen sleeping at the feet on the pavement, blissfully unaware of the merriment surrounding them.
Add to all this, Mission Bay is a place where you can also catch a local band, watch a blockbuster movie, or take your meal away to enjoy beach picnic-style.
Whether you’re planning a whole night out, a pre-dinner drink with a mate, a light snack between meetings, a last-minute family-friendly feed or a three-course tastebud adventure, it’s all here! In fact, there are over 30 different eateries spread over just 2 blocks – you could visit night after night and not have the same experience twice.
Mission Bay really turns it on!
The only question is where you will start?
Find The Best Mission Bay Restaurants
Let’s dive into 10 amazing dining spaces and see what makes Mission Bay a worthwhile GPS destination in Central Auckland.
In no particular, these are our favourite Mission Bay restaurants…
Mission Bay Restaurants Serving Marvellous Mains (and Desserts too)
1. Dos Amigos Cantina
Dos Amigos, our very own cantina, serves the best Mexican food right here in Mission Bay. Its striking authentic decor catches the eye whilst vibrant colours draw you into this unique dining experience.
Bearded dragon lizards, Juanita and Cancun, are an enticing surprise for our younger guests, at this family-friendly eatery. You’ll also be serenaded by a Mariachi band (on Friday and Saturday evenings) and be able to don a loaned sombrero as you slurp your sangrias in style and sway to Latin vibes – just don’t forget to return your hat before you saunter off.
As far as food goes, everything on the menu is a winner! We particularly like the beef burritos, pork ribs and churros for dessert, but you really can’t go wrong.
Hola Dos Amigos!
93 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, Auckland 1071
Did you know? You’ll find Dos Amigos on First Table, making a night out even more affordable than ever.
2. Tarka Indian Eatery
Tarka Indian Eatery Botany, is a hidden gem. Having recently had a change of owners and complete refit, this authentic Indian restaurant is a favourite in Mission Bay. Located upstairs on the upper level, you’ll be treated to incredible views as you enjoy your meal.
Follow your nose into a very large elegant, almost regal, dining area. Offering an abundance of indoor seating, in addition to balcony spots (each with Rangitoto views), this is a great place to unwind after a busy day.
The menu is Halal, and changes with the season, using fresh local ingredients complimented with imported Indian ingredients. This reasonably priced menu caters to take-out and dine-in desires well.
Our favourite dishes are the butter chicken Kiwi-style or the lamb rogan josh, but all curries are cooked to your level of spice and are delicious.
They can even host larger events such as weddings and or engagements too.
See you at Tarka Indian Eatery!
302 Te Irirangi Drive, Flat Bush, Auckland 2013
3. The Bald Eagle Diner
The Bald Eagle Diner will transport you back in time to 1950s America. The perfectly styled decor of pink walls and checkered floors, and wall-to-floor memorabilia make this diner feel particularly authentic.
Devour your extra-large burgers, dripping with fresh ingredients, and steaming hot nacho cheese fries.
Then slurp down a traditional milkshake (or an alcoholic one for the adults) as you listen to tunes on the deluxe jukebox, tapping your foot to the beat.
It’s also hard to go past their Southern fried chicken tenders, and the amazing aloha burger.
This is dinner with a sprinkle of fun!
89 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, Auckland 1071
Related: The best burgers in Auckland | The most unique burgers in Auckland.
4. Sal’s Authentic NY Pizza
Sal’s Pizza (officially known as Sal’s Authentic New York Pizza), is another USA-styled eatery in Mission Bay. Not only do they have a closely guarded Italian family recipe and unique pizza-making technique but they import their base ingredients directly from New York.
This pizza lives up to its reputation of super-sized slices. You simply fold in half to eat, as if you were standing on the streets of New York. Their authentic recipe is every bit as delicious as the real thing too!
Inside, sit and watch the magic take place as the pizza pies are made from scratch. Or, if you’d prefer to take your pizza away, we recommend heading straight for the grassy beachfront park across the road.
Their New York cheesecake, garlic knots, and buffalo wings are not to be missed.
Oh, and of course, you’ll need to order their pizza too – it’s delicious, cheesy, oily (as only a NYC pizza can be) and perfectly spiced.
Yum!
99 B Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, Auckland 1071
Did you know? Over the years Sal’s have generously sponsored a number of local sports clubs and teams. They support our community, so we encourage you to get out there and support them.
5. De Fontein Belgian Beer Cafe
The De Fontein Belgian Beer Cafe is a favourite amongst locals. Indeed, it’s an oldie but a goodie on the Mission Bay strip.
Famously known for their weeknight specials including ½ price mussels on Mondays, $20 steak meals on Tuesdays and $15 fish and chips on Fridays, there is always a deal to be had at De Fontein.
Additionally, their vast menu caters to a wide variety of tastes, including seafood, steak and more traditional pub-grub. The grilled mussels (with garlic hot butter and breadcrumbs) are a fan-favourite, as are their beer-battered oysters – delicious.
De Fontein also do a great job of entertaining their guests… Jazz Sundays, happy hours and live music on the weekend, this iconic corner site attracts many who seek an open-air dining experience with magnificent views.
Tables fill up quickly so you’ll want to arrive early for the best views from the second story open-air verandah porch.
This is one not to miss.
79 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, Auckland 1071
Did you know? De Fontein only takes bookings for groups of 6 or more.
6. Good George
Some might describe Good George as the beating heart of Mission Bay.
This beachside, relaxed family-style eatery sets itself apart predominantly selling its own New Zealand-brewed products. From Good George’s tap to table, they offer uniquely flavoured beers and ciders that are sure to hit the spot on a summer’s evening.
On any given night the bustle of happy patrons and loud live music can be heard pumping from above – this is the place to head if you’re looking for fun!
As you ascend the stairs, enter and choose from a spacious table/leaner inside, or sit at one of their giant picnic tables on the garden deck. As you’ve probably come to expect, you’ll enjoy excellent views out over Mission Bay from their second-story venue.
If you’re dining with a group, we highly recommend their platters (which are designed to share). Start with the small bites platter and choose a tasty craft pizza if you’re particularly hungry. Then follow that up with the dessert platter – it’s a glorious mix of all things sweet and delicious.
Come one, come all to this wonderful Mission Bay restaurant – you won’t be disappointed!
71 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, Auckland 1071
Related: The best craft beer pubs in Central Auckland.
7. Miku
The Japanese-styled Miku restaurant is a popular option amongst locals and those in the know. It always boasts a steady flow of takeout diners, as well as in-house patrons.
Cozy, clean decor offers flexible seating options for couples or small groups. And of course, they serve up a wide range of delicious, fresh food.
Serving Japanese donburi, bento boxes and sashimi, along with Korean crispy chicken, there is something appetising for all ages. As an added bonus, much of the menu is naturally healthy too.
Regulars here, we each devour a bento box and particularly recommend the teriyaki salmon and katsu chicken boxes.
This restaurant is a favourite of ours, with efficient, friendly service – always accompanied with a smile.
It’s a must-try restaurant in Mission Bay!
2/55 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, Auckland 1071
The Best Desserts in Mission Bay
8. Kiwiyo
Step into a Willy-Wonker world at Kiwiyo! This is a wonderland of frozen treats – minus the Oompa Loompas, of course.
Your journey begins with one (or several) squirts of frozen yogurt into the size of your choice. Then load up your favourite sweet toppings – from the humble chocolate sauce to whole flakes, sour lollies and even healthy fruit options – until you’ve got a concoction that’s perfectly suited to your tastes.
Be sure to save some space after your dinner out (and loosen your belt) to really make the most of what Kiwiyo offers.
95 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, Auckland 1071
Related: The best desserts in Auckland.
Pro Tip: You’ll pay based on weight, so be mindful of what you add to your cup.
9. Kāpiti Ice Cream
A relative newcomer to Mission Bay, Kāpiti Ice Cream is a local favourite.
This uniquely Kiwi brand offers a delicious range of gourmet ingredients and fabulous flavours.
There, you’ll find ice cream flavour combos including spicy apple crumble, white chocolate and raspberry, passionfruit and lemon, black doris plum and crēme fraīche and affogato – just to tickle your tastebuds.
The hardest decision is always deciding which flavour to choose!
It’s impossible to go wrong, but we recommend trying their vintage strawberry and cream – it’s a real hit.
Whether you’re looking for a tasty ice cream cone to take onto the beach, or are keen to sit down and enjoy a sweet end to your evening, Kāpiti Ice Cream have you covered.
61 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, Auckland 1071
We are spoilt to have so many amazing options right on our doorstep.
Which of these inspirational Mission Bay Restaurants will you pay a visit to first?
Photo credit: Thank you to each of the mentioned eateries for the use of their photos.
Post by Sara Haddon.
