4 Best Restaurants in City Center and Parnell, Auckland

This light-filled restaurant with floor-to-ceiling glass looks across the harbor to trendy Devonport and the Bayswater boat marina. The menu is based on high-quality, fresh local produce, particularly fish and meat cooked to perfection. Salads are made the minute before they are served. The windows are so big you might need your sunglasses on a bright day, and reservations are advised.

Located in the buzzy heart of the Viaduct, Giraffe uses the best local foods with flair and fun. This modern space is open from breakfast until late, and whether you are a meat eater or a vegan, the hearty menu will leave you satisfied. The wine list is fantastic, and the atmosphere cosmopolitan and often very noisy.

There's always something to see at the Soul Bar & Bistro, which fronts the Viaduct Basin on the harbor. The menu is modern with a traditional twist and changes to match the season, but you will always find something appealing, whether your interest is in fresh fish, meat, or something from the plant family. On the terrace, you're close enough to the moorings to study the paintwork on the yachts, and at night, the bar and outside tables are packed with a polished and often noisy and high-spending crowd.

Remedy is just that—the perfect answer for a fast pick-me-up. Good coffee and quick, made-to-order sandwiches are the ticket at this cozy spot with wooden tables and floors and art on the walls. It's crowded between 11:30 and 1:30,  and you will likely share a table with central city office workers, students, and arty types. It also offers a range of artisan soft drinks.