Hello readers!

I get asked almost every day what my favourite dinner spots are, where to have breakfast in Auckland CBD, where I go food shopping and of course, what are the best desserts in Auckland. So, I have decided to start my own Auckland Food Guide.

Below is my ultimate guide to all things food related, featuring my favourite eateries in Auckland and eateries I want to try, along with coffee spots, desserts, food trucks, favourite cocktail bars, food related activities, markets and shopping.

I will keep the list up to date to include new openings, and will link each place to either my Instagram posts, my blog posts or my favourite Auckland food blogger’s blog posts or Instagram posts.

Enjoy!

BREAKFAST / BRUNCH

Winona Forever 
I love their Insta-famous Eton Mess French Toast, buckwheat hotcakes and anything from their amazing food cabinet! Read more about Winona Forever here.
100 Parnell Road, Parnell / Website / Instagram

Major Sprout
A must try is their EPIC buttermilk pancakes with mascarpone, butterscotch, marshmallows, candy floss, freeze dried fruit AND unlimited Noble maple syrup! Need I say more?! Read more about Major Sprout here.
21 Graham Street, Auckland CBD / Instagram

Bowl and Arrow
If you’re looking for a healthy breakfast, look no further than Bowl and Arrow. They serve deeeeelicious smoothie bowls, your choice of toppings on Midnight Baker bread, raw treats, slices and coffee. They have two stores (one in Orakei and one in Parnell), but seeing as I live 5 minutes away from the Parnell store, that one is my go-to!
Two stores, but my favourite is at 1 Faraday Street, Parnell / Website / Instagram

Catroux
I have only ever head great things about this cafe! They serve delicious breakfasts, a range of lunch options, plus coffee, and do catering. I haven’t visited Catroux yet – it is still on my foodie wishlist! Read more about Catroux here.
129 West End Road, Westmere / Website / Instagram

Raw Power Cafe
Head here for a vegetarian breakfast – my favourite is their EPIC French Toast! They also do Check out my post here.
10 Vulcan Lane / Facebook

Odette’s Eatery
Beautiful food, setting and service. Read more about Odette’s Eatery here.
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The Garden Shed
I dined here for an #NZBloggers Brunch Club and loved it! Try their breakfast board or their famous burger!
470 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden / Website / Instagram

Bestie 
Another brunch place to indulge in your sweet tooth, namely their hotcakes with toffee apple ice cream. Read more about Bestie here.
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Cali Press
Recently opened in Auckland CBD, Cali Press’ aim is to create a fun and natural way of clean living, by serving healthy and delicious juices, smoothies, superfood breakfast bowls and wholesome meals. Sounds like the perfect breakfast food to me! Read more about Cali Press  here.
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Goodness Gracious
A bagel and coffee joint which opened up in Parnell last year (they also have a branch in Eden Terrace). So far, I have only tried The Brekkie Bagel and the Pulled Pork, but I plan to work my way through the list. Blog post coming soon!
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Le Chef

SWEETS / DESSERTS

Giapo
The BEST ice cream in New Zealand, thanks to Giapo Grazioli. My all time favourite flavours are Giapo Buono, Siamu Popo and Hokey Pokey. Click the links below to see Giapo’s different flavours (some of these are still on the menu, some of thing were only seasonal):

• Hokey Pokey
• Giapo Buono
• Chocolate Evolution
• Feijoa & Chamomile Sorbet
• Afghan Cookie
• Vegan Chocolate Chip
• Siamu Popo & Giapo Buono topped with DOUGHNUTS
• Kiss Kiss Kiss
• NZ Blackberry Martini Rosso

Read more about Giapo here.

12 Gore Street, Auckland CBD / Website / Instagram

Milse
Auckland’s first dessert bar, selling gateaux, macarons, plated desserts and my favourite ice cream on a stick – Bombe Alaska, with the sorbet flavour inside changes according to season – yummy! Read more about Milse here.
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The Pie Piper & Doornuts
American style pies and donuts, delivered straight to your door! I LOVE their maple bacon donut – tastes just like pancakes. Mmmmm. Read more about Doornuts here.
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Winona Forever
Sweet sweet food cabinet heaven! Doughnuts. Lamingtons. Cheesecake Slice. Croissants. Rocky Road. Brownie. Meringues. Read more about Winona Forever here.
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Krispy Kreme
Original Glazed Doughnuts. Kreme Shakes. Coffee. Sundaes. Your chance to see them making the doughnuts. All this and more at the newly opened and first NZ Krispy Kreme store in Manukau. Read more about Krispy Kreme here.
3 Ronwood Avenue, Manukau, Auckland / Website / Menu / Instagram / Facebook

The Caker
Looking for a celebration cake? The Caker is your answer. Beautiful handmade cakes, usually adorned with flowers. Also love their cake mixes! Read more about The Caker here.
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Miann
An amazing dessert bar! My favourites include their ever changeable gateaux, plated desserts, handmade bonbons, Valrhona hot chocolates and ice cream (love the s’mores). Read more about Miann here.
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Vaniye
French patisserie located in Parnell serving beautiful gateaux and crunchy baguettes. Read more about Vaniye here.
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The Dairy
Kapiti ice cream sandwiches and sodas topped with fairy floss!
Ponsonby Central / Website / Instagram

Moustache
Who could say no to cookies and milkshakes? My favourite cookies in Auckland! They also make a delicious vegan peanut butter cookie and vegan peanut butter milkshake – swoon!
309 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD / Website / Instagram

Little & Friday
Head here for doughnuts, filled with creme patisserie and raspberry coulis – the best in Auckland!!!
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Cibo
Try their Fry-pan brownie pan dessert, with raspberries, raspberry marshmallows and butterscotch raspberry ripple ice cream, which recently won an award in the 2017 Metro Restaurant Awards.
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Gerome
A must try dessert is their Loukoumades aka Greek doughnuts, served with a perfect coffee ice cream, nutella sauce and hazelnuts. Read more about Gerome here.
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Petal Cupcakes
These cupcakes taste just like the real thing! With flavours like mango, salted caramel, red velvet and espresso, they are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings!
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Nitro Cow
They make ice cream with liquid nitrogen – the first of its kind in Auckland. I love their chocolate and coconut combination, and most recently their S’mores flavour, complete with marshmallows, chocolate sauce and graham crackers.
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LUNCH

&Sushi
My favourite lunch place in Auckland. My favourite dishes include their Sashimi Don, Yakisoba Noodles and Kimchi Pork Donburi. Their sushi is beautiful  too! Check out my post here.
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Lucky Buddha
An all time favourite, serving Japanese, Korean, Thai and Filipino food. Check out my post here.
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Raw Power
Head here for awesome vegetarian food, in particular the salads, corn fritters, tofu sandwich, falafel and pumpkin curry soup.
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Bird on A Wire
Fresh and delicious salads, served with homemade rotisserie chicken – delish! Check out my post here.
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The Vodka Room
A 2017 newcomer, serving Russian inspired cuisine. I love their “$20 Rush in Lunchboard” which is Russian antipasti with a twist. Check out my video of it here.
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Faro
For a cheap Korean lunch (bibimbap!!!) in Auckland CBD.
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Mexico
Hands down the best fried chicken in Auckland, which is perfectly spiced and crunchy! Also love their quesadillas, guacamole and shots of the 1800 coconut tequila.
Several locations, my favourites being Sylvia Park and Britomart / Website / Instagram

Revive Vegetarian Cafe
Delicious salads, soups, meals and breakfast dishes that change weekly! Check out my post here.
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Kushi
A great Japanese restaurant in Auckland’s CBD. Nice ambience, good service, variety of dishes, good lunch special, plus on Friday nights, they do a short drum performance, which is very cool! Check out this, this and this.
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Tiger Burger
Awesome eatery, with top notch burgers and the best kimchi fries (omg!). In love. Check out my post here.
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Mamak 
My favourite Malaysian joint in Auckland. Love their beef rendang, curry chicken and char kway teow. Check out this post by Joy & Serenity.
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Little Bird Unbakery 
Two locations across Auckland, dine in at Ponsonby or get takeaway from Britomart. Delicious raw food, including breakfast and lunch dishes, smoothies, desserts and more.
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Poderi Crisci
Located in Waiheke, Poderi Crisci serves the dreamiest lunch spreads. Check it out here.
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The Nightingale
Burgers, beers and music. What more could you want? Check out my post here.
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Britomart Country Club

Take advantage of their Monday to Wednesday and weekends before 3pm special and grab any of their burgers, sandwiches or a Margherita pizza for just $10! Also, for $14, you can get a pork belly salad which is dairy and gluten free – #winning.
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The Kimchi Project
A modern take on Korean cuisine which I’m loving! Especially their sodas, kimchi waffle fries and bao. Check out this post by Anna’s Brunch Club.
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COOL CHEAP EATS

Hello Mister
My favourite Vietnamese in Auckland! Amazing rice paper rolls, noodle salads (so far, I have tried the lemongrass chicken and crispy pork), banh mi, beef pho and watermelon juice!
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Chinoiserie 
Delicious Taiwanese street food. I recommend their Pork Belly Bao, Tofu Bao, Spicy Popcorn Chicken and any of their cocktails!
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Best Ugly Bagels
The best bagels, but definitely not ugly. My all time favourite is the tomato, mozzarella and basil.
A few locations – Newmarket is my favourite / Website / Instagram

Xuxu Dumpling & Bar
Cocktails, Dumplings and Dessert. Three of my favourite things. And three things that you will find at Xuxu, making it one of my favourite eateries in the city. Read more about Xuxu here.
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Scarecrow
I love their $10 soup and salad specials, plus their iced drinks made with Little Island ice cream.
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Vulcan Lane Bagels
You can’t go wrong with their Pastrami Melt Bagel, so delicious!
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Velvet Burger
Kiwi burger brand, love their vegetarian burger and hashies. Check out my post here.
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Indochine Kitchen Express
Cute takeaway spot serving delicious summer rolls, beef pho, papaya salad, beef stew and banh mi.
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Flavour
For when you want a quick, cheap and yummy lunch. I love their ‘Flavour of the day’ for $5, my favourite day being Wednesday, because that means falafel!
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Aroy Thai
Super filing and tasty Asian fusion fare with most dishes priced under $15. I love their Pad Thai.
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COCKTAILS

The Vodka Room
Love their espresso martinis!
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Xuxu Dumpling & Bar
Amazing cocktails, but my favourite is their passionfruit mocktail (it’s not on the menu, but just ask).
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Soul Bar & Bistro
All of their cocktails are perfect, but of course, their espresso martini is my favourite!
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Pilkingtons
Again, love their espresso martinis!
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Frida’s Margaritas – Mexico
12 different margarita flavours – I love the Raspberry & Elderflower, Mango & Passionfruit and Lychee & Salt – all top notch! Read more about Mexico here.
Several locations, my favourites being Sylvia Park and Britomart / Website / Instagram

Bellini Bar, Hilton
Toberlone cocktails and espresso martinis are my favourites here.
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Bedford Soda & Liquor
Instagram worthy cocktails! I once went to a cocktail masterclass at Bedford Soda and it was awesome – check out my post here.
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White & Wongs
I haven’t tried it yet, but my friend swears by their “Dragon Drop” cocktail with gin, vodka and elderflower liqueur. I loved their “Madame Butterfly” cocktail with gin, chambord, passionfruit and white chocolate garnish. Highly recommend!
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DINNER

Gemmayze Street
My current favourite restaurant, serving authentic Lebanese food. I have dined here three times now and already dying to go back. I highly recommend their hummus, pita, falafels, tabbouleh, fish and for dessert, turmeric cake with all things nice.
Shop 15-16 St Kevin’s Arcade, Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD / Website / Instagram

White & Wong’s
My second favourite restaurant, which has absolutely amazing food! I love their dumplings, edamame (with a killer sauce), pork belly bao, Korean spicy chicken bao, kingfish sashimi, roti rolls, cocktails and nashi pear iced teas 🌸 Read more about White & Wong’s here.
149 Quay Street, Viaduct Harbour, Auckand CBD / Website / Instagram

Depot
Owned and run by Al Brown, Depot is one of my favourites. I love their oysters, kingfish sliders and potato skins! Read more about Depot here.
86 Federal Street, Auckland CBD / Website / Instagram

Federal Delicatessen
New York Jewish deli style food. My favourite dish? Their Montreal poutine with fries, cheese curd and gravy. Read more about Federal Delicatessen here.
86 Federal Street, Auckland CBD / Website / Instagram

Tok Tok
I first tried dishes at Tok Tok at last year’s Taste of Auckland. Since then, I have been once for lunch, but have been dying to go back. I highly recommend their Steamed Buns, Crispy Hapuka Dry Red Curry, Popcorn Shrimp, Cloudy Bay Clams and the best dish ever: CRISPY HALF DUCK, which you must order! Read more about Tok Tok here.
129 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna / Website / Instagram

HANSIK
Modern / Korean fusion is how I would describe HANSIK. We love going here for dinner – we usually order the Bibimbap (it’s the largest serving I have ever had), or the Sundubu (spicy tofu seafood soup) or one of their set menus, which comes with a variety of dishes. The only glitch? You have to pay extra for side dishes!
19 Drake Street, Victoria Park Market, Freemans Bay / Website / Instagram

Oh Calcutta
My favourite Indian in Auckland. I love the restaurant – starch white tablecloths, white napkins, great service and the food is heavenly. I recommend their Chicken Tikka Masala, Tandoori Chicken, Naan and Mango Lassi drink.
151 Parnell Road, Parnell / Website

Po’ Brothers
Asian fusion cuisine, with dishes like pork belly, prawn sashimi, chicken karaage and deep fried dessert bao. Read more about Po’ Brothers here.
185 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby / Website / Instagram

Mexico
Hands down the best fried chicken in Auckland, which is perfectly spiced and crunchy! Also love their quesadillas, guacamole and shots of the 1800 coconut tequila. Read more about Mexico here. 
Several locations, my favourites being Sylvia Park and Britomart / Website / Instagram

Dantes Pizzeria 
Authentic Woodfired Italian pizza. This is my go to for a mouthwatering Margherita pizza!
Two locations, but my favourite is at Ponsonby Central, 136 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby / Website / Instagram

Beirut
Traditional Lebanese food, my favourite dishes being the Smoked Yoghurt Labna with scorched flatbread and the Merguez (spicy sausage). Read more about Beirut here.
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Burger Burger
Never fails to amaze me! Order a few burgers, a side of broccoli and potato skins. And a peanut butter thickshake. And, if you are dining at their Newmarket or Takapuna branches, then you will want to save room for dessert – ice cream sandwiches!!! Read more about Burger Burger here.
Three locations, but my favourite is the Newmarket branch / Website / Instagram

Queens Cafe Bistro
The perfect hideaway in Auckland’s CBD, with a lovely restaurant setting, beautiful food and attentive service. Read more about Queens Cafe Bistro here.
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Soul Bar & Bistro
Fantastic food, service, atmosphere and surroundings. Read more about Soul Bar & Bistro here.
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Tao
I’ve heard that this is the new go-to place for dumplings. Read more about Tao here.
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Blue Breeze Inn
Asian fusion and love their crispy pork belly bao and cocktails in coconuts.
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Amano
Italian flare, serving handmade pasta, breads and pastries etc.
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Cafe Hanoi
Another favourite restaurant in Britomart, serving delicious Vietnamese food. Read more about Cafe Hanoi here.
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Culprit
Run by Kyle Street, former chef at Depot and serving yum cha style food. Check out this post about Culprit by The Enthusiastic Cook.
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Eight at Cordis
The best buffet in Auckland, featuring eight different food stations. Definitely something for everyone on the menu. Oh and there’s a chocolate fountain! Read more about Eight here.

Gerome
The latest newcomer to Parnell’s dining scene, serving beautiful modern Greek food. Read more about Gerome here.
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Pasta e Cuore
A colleague has dined here and loved it. Her favourite dishes were the Tagliatelle Bolognese, Spaghetti alla chitarra alla Carbonara and Spaghetti alla chitarra al Gorgonzola. Great service too.
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Oaken
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Oaken serves lovely seasonal food, with dishes I wouldn’t normally go for, like Pumpkin Gnocchi!
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Prego
A fine dining Italian restaurant located in Ponsonby, serving traditional Italian cuisine.
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FOOD TRUCKS / STANDS

Judge Bao
My favourite food stand/truck in Auckland, serving mouthwatering bao (I love their pork belly bao and also the mapo tofu). Owners Debbie and Jamie are the sweetest too! Read more about Judge Bao here.
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Kuya
Auckland’s newest food truck and the first of its kind – Filipino street food! I love ‘The Purrrp’ which features buttermilk fried chicken, red cabbage, sweet and tangy sinigang sauce, coriander AND it comes in a PURPLE bao! 💜🦄
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Otherside
An all vegan food truck
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Wise Boys Burgers
Amazing vegan burgers, my favourite being their Kumara and Moroccan Spiced Patty Burger – to die for!
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The Rolling Pin
Traditional dumplings, served with a fresh and crunchy Asian salad. I love their Beef Cheek Dumplings.
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Temaki Truck
Sushi served in cones, filled with flavours like fresh salmon or tuna. They also serve seriously good karaage chicken.
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The Lucky Taco
The first food truck I ever tried! Sarah and Otis are so lovely and make the most delicious tacos.
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Minty B Ice Creamery
Delicious soft serve with EPIC toppings!
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Soul Boul
New Zealand’s first mobile smoothie bowl truck, which has been popping up at events all over Auckland this year, including the Go Green Expo and the Vegan Food Fair.
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Eggloo
Egg waffles in cones, filled with ice cream and toppings. My favourites are their Peanut Butter Chocolate and Vanilla with Sprinkles and Marshmallows!
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FOOD ACTIVITIES

Uber Eats
The Uber Eats app allows you to order your favourite dishes online from over 70 participating eateries, which will then be delivered straight to your home/office. My favourite eateries include &Sushi, Burger Boy, Best Ugly Bagels and Miann. Read more about Uber Eats here, here, here and here.
Website / Instagram

Pasta Wednesday
My friend Carli over at Pasta Wednesday makes fresh pasta every week, delivered to your home or workplace! The pasta is seriously good and very easy to prepare!
Website / Instagram

Auckland Food Tours
A chance to try new dishes and learn about different cultures, all led by an experienced guide. Read more about Auckland Food Tours here and here.
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Pasta Fresca Workshop at Pasta e Cuore
Learn how to make fresh handmade pasta in a two hour workshop. Read more about Pasta e Cuore’s workshop here.
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FOOD MARKETS / SHOPPING

La Cigale French Market
My favourite market in Auckland. I may be biased as it is just around the corner from my house, but it seriously has it all. French macarons, tarts and gateaux, crepes, fresh juices, smoothies, gozleme, smoked salmon, Turkish dips and wraps, paella, dumplings, freshly baked pastries and breads, fresh fruit and vegetables, wonderful cheeses… and loads more.
69 St Georges Bay Road, Parnell / Website / Instagram

Matakana Farmers Market
Only a one hour drive from Auckland, Matakana Farmers Market showcases fresh and delicious produce. There are crepes, fresh juices, feijoa wine, homemade baking, dumplings, I Love Pies, Mexican food, oysters, breads, Italian sausages, fruit and vegetables, and the most amazing chocolate stand, selling my absolute favourite treat – dark chocolate marshmallows. Read more about Matakana Farmers Market here. 
Matakana Village Complex, 2 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana / Instagram