Best Vegan Restaurants in Auckland, New Zealand
If you’re traveling to Auckland and wondering how easy it’s going to be to find good vegan food, you’re in luck! Auckland is a very vegan-friendly city with many dedicated vegan restaurants, and plenty more places popping up with vegan options on the menu.
Veganism is a growing trend in New Zealand, and as the country’s largest city, Auckland is ahead of the curve when it comes to finding fabulous food! But don’t just take it by chance. Here’s our insider’s guide to the best vegan restaurants Auckland has to offer!
Vegan Restaurants in Auckland, New Zealand
There are a number of restaurants serving solely vegan food in Auckland. These 100% plant-based properties have something for everyone – whether you’re looking for a quick burger before a movie, or a place to gather with a group of friends. Here are our favourite vegan places to eat in Auckland.
THE BUTCHERS SON
204 Jervois Road, Herne Bay
The Butcher’s Son in Herne Bay is a plant-based eatery bringing delicious vegan food to the masses. Featuring bright, Instagram-worthy dishes, their extensive menu has something for everyone. On a health kick? Try the flavoursome buddha bowl. After something a little more indulgent? Go for the Bao buns or spicy nachos.
If sweet treats are more your thing, they’ve got you covered there too with a selection of desserts, cakes and slices always on offer. And of course, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing which plant-based milk to splash in your coffee.
GORILLA KITCHEN
159 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland
Looking for a plant-based eatery that’s open all day? Gorilla Kitchen is always on hand to cook you up a feed, whether that’s a weekend brunch or late-night craving-fix.
Their easy-going menu features all your kiwi favourites – like fish & Chips and ‘cheese’ burgers -vegan style! Just don’t come here while on a diet…
KHU KHU
171A Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Thai-inspired and ethically minded, Khu Khu is the latest kid on the block to bring tasty vegan eats to Ponsonby, Auckland. The small but sumptuous menu is chockablock full of flavour. Why not just order it all to share with a group of friends!
WISE BOYS BURGERS
604 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Auckland’s vegan burger scene is strong, with another homegrown burger joint making the cut within best places to eat vegan food in Auckland. Brothers Tim & Luke started out selling burgers in a homemade food truck and have recently opened their very own burger store in Grey Lynn.
Pop in for a feed and chose from their classic kiwi faves, fancy boy burgers, or to get your veganised ‘fish’ & chips fix!
LORD OF THE FRIES
183 Karangahape Road, Auckland and Snickel Lane, Britomart
You’ve got to give it to the Aussies on this one. Chip loving couple Mandy & Mark started LOTF in Melbourne way back in 2004 and have continued to flourish ever since. Luckily for us, another chip-loving duo, Bruce & Baksho discovered their goodies in Melbourne and decided to bring LOTF to Auckland in 2016.
Casual in nature, their fast-food style menu features plenty of fries, alongside other favourites like burgers, hot dogs and onion rings. All 100% vegan-friendly.
SUNFLOWER THAI
6/50 High Street, Auckland
Sunflower Thai has been a leading vegetarian restaurant in Auckland forever (well, it feels that way), but now they’re 100% vegan too! With an extensive menu of Thai dishes, you’re guaranteed to find your favourite. Pop in for a casual lunch or dinner while you’re in central Auckland.
Non-Vegan Restaurants in Auckland with Vegan Options
Whether you’re dining with non-vegan friends, or simply want to experience Auckland’s fine dining scene, sometimes it’s preferable to choose a restaurant in Auckland that’s not solely vegan.
The good news is, more and more ‘traditional’ eateries in Auckland are popping up with vegan options – and some even have entire vegan menus to choose from!
Check out the top vegan friendly restaurants Auckland has to offer..
SAAN
160 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
One of our favourite places to eat in Auckland, Saan serves up authentic Thai cuisine with flair! While their food may be steeped in tradition, the dining experience is thoroughly modern and this is one restaurant in Auckland not to miss.
Vegan options are clearly marked on their menu and feature exciting flavour combinations. Dine any day, or head here for their special ‘Meat-Free Mondays’.
THE SUGAR CLUB
Level 53, Sky Tower, Corner Federal & Victoria Streets, Auckland
The Sugar Club offers a fine dining experience like no other in Auckland. Located at the top of the Sky Tower, you’ll be treated to unbeatable views over the city and Hauraki Gulf as you dine.
Both the lunch and dinner menus feature extensive vegan options, and they even offer a separate plant-based tasting menu so there’s no need to miss out on the full experience. The Sugar Club is one of the best restaurants in Auckland for high-end vegan food.
CHU THAI
244 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Another popular Thai restaurant in Auckland, Chu Thai delivers your favourite Thai dishes alongside new & inventive creations inspired by the streets of Thailand. The simple setting is elevated by the incredible food, enticing you to come back time & time again.
Chu Thai offers a separate vegetarian and vegan menu with many enticing dishes to choose from. But what we also love is that they offer a vegan kids meal – so you can treat the whole family!
CONSTANTINOPLE
7/28 The Avenue, Albany, Auckland
For something different, look no further than Constantinople restaurant in Albany, North Auckland. Specialising in authentic Turkish cuisine, the Turkish chefs will take you on a journey with every mouthful.
Constantinople offers an entirely vegan menu that features starters, an extensive selection of mains and a pared-down dessert menu.
EBISU
116-118 Quay Street, Britomart, Auckland
Fine Japanese fare in an elegant setting, Ebisu excels at surprising your palate with their inspired creations. Delight in traditional staples served up with a modern twist.
Vegan diners love coming to Ebisu for lunch or dinner and indulging in everything from a quick bento box, to a full tasting menu of vegan yumminess.
PETRA SHWARMA
482 New North Road, Auckland
Authentic Middle Eastern food in a casual setting is what makes this vegan-friendly restaurant in Auckland stand out from the rest. And their friendly & helpful staff are what keeps the regulars coming back for more. Pop in for an easy lunch or dinner and you’ll understand what all the fuss is about.
Petra Shwarma’s vegetarian menu is naturally vegan too, so there’s no reason not to indulge!
CAFE HANOI
Cnr Galway & Commerce Street, Britomart, Auckland
Sister restaurant of Saan in Ponsonby (featured above), Cafe Hanoi keeps up the pace as one of the best places to eat vegan food in Auckland. Pop in for Vietnamese cuisine inspired by the streets of Hanoi.
The pared-back canteen menu will have you set for lunch, while the incredibly flavoursome options on the full menu will inspire repeat visits.
THE GROVE
St Patricks Square, Wyndham Street, Auckland
Serving heavenly food in a stylish setting, The Grove has quickly become the go-to place for Auckland vegans when in search of someplace special. Here you’ll find imaginative dishes carefully composed into 4, 5, or 7-course degustation menus.
And of course, they’ve created tasting menus with vegetarian and vegan diners in mind too. It’s just the place for an exceptional dining experience!
SID AT THE FRENCH CAFE
210 Symonds Street, Auckland
An Auckland institution, The French Café has been the high-end dining establishment of choice for upmarket Aucklanders for over 20 years. But the recent acquisition by Auckland based Sid & Chand Sahrawat has given the restaurant a breath of fresh air.
Sid at The French Cafe features a beautiful 5 or 7-course tasting menu that can be made entirely vegan on request.
HECTORS
35 Hobson Street, Auckland
Situated inside the Heritage Hotel in central Auckland, Hectors Restaurant has a well-established reputation in the vegan dining scene. It was the first restaurant in New Zealand to actively pursue and achieve Vegan Certification, which further proves their commitment to offering a quality dining experience to plant-based guests.
While the atmosphere of this Auckland restaurant may be a little lacking, they more than make up for it with their Good Food Project menu that features delicious vegan fare and plenty of gluten-free options too.
JANKEN
158 Jervois Road, Herne Bay
Another Herne Bay favourite, Janken is a casual Japanese restaurant serving up authentic cuisine with a kiwi twist. All meals look as great as they taste, and the vegan options are seemingly endless – you’ll need to come back more than once to make the most of their veg-friendly menu.
ELA CUISINE
Elliott Stables, 39-41 Elliott Street, Auckland
For a modern take on traditional Indian favourites, look no further than Ela Cuisine in central Auckland. Flavours and textures combine perfectly to create a taste that will leave your mouth watering for more.
Ela Cuisine has a separate vegetarian menu and several of the items are vegan or can be made vegan. Opt for the Dhaal, Masala, or Dosa curries.
BASALT
127 Picton Street, Howick, Auckland
There’s more to this bar in Auckland than meets the eye. At Basalt you can catch up with friends over a pint, cheer on your favourite team on the telly, listen to live music, or indulge in a delicious meal.
Vegan options are scattered throughout their ‘Bites’ and ‘All Day Dining’ menus. There isn’t a huge selection, but you won’t go hungry as a vegan either.
IMA CUISINE
53 Fort Street, Auckland
Mediterranean food lends itself well to being ‘accidentally’ vegan, and the menu at Ima Cuisine is no exception. Fresh is the key at this central Auckland eatery and flavours are sure to delight. Even better is their dedication to sourcing locally grown produce and composting any waste.
Order the falafel, malawach, or vegetarian Middle Eastern platter (they’ll make it vegan if you ask) for lunch; the mezze or Sabich for dinner.
MEZZE BAR
9 Durhan Street East, Auckland
Another local favourite, the Mezze Bar is a bit of an institution in Auckland. They’re the established kids on the block, having been around for over 20 years. Come expecting a casual setting and good conversation.
Mezze Bar has a separate vegetarian menu featuring several vegan options, but it’s not the most adventurous place to eat in town for plant-based eaters.
BLACK RICE
21 Corinthian Drive, Albany
For vegan food on the North Shore, head to Black Rice in Albany. This popular Asian-fusion restaurant serves colourful dishes in a contemporary setting. Pop in for an easy lunch or dinner.
Black Rice has a separate vegan dinner menu featuring an extensive selection of tasting plates. At lunchtime, you won’t miss out either, with tasty vegan dumplings, salads, fried rice and noodle dishes vying for your attention.
As you can see, you’re spoiled for choice with vegan restaurants in Auckland. Know of any others we’ve missed? Tell us about them in the comments below!