The top tier Auckland date night hotspots for you and that special someone

Attention, for all the single ladies and males, coupled romantics, those in situationships and even those experiencing a recent breakup in the City of Sails. This is your official PSA that V-day is near and it's officially time to sort your plans and decide on your restaurant. We’ve collated some of the best spots in Auckland below, ranging from restaurants to bars. These eateries provide the ultimate experience for whatever you're looking for. So grab your girl-squad, best friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, or ‘sneaky-link’, and head down to one of the following Auckland hotspots for a date night you'll never forget. 

Main Course...

@soulbarandbistro

Soul Bar & Bistro

Soul bar. Say no more. This top-tier restaurant is home to great wines, amazing food, and even better views. It is the ultimate Auckland waterfront attraction. Being viaduct located, the Mediterranean restaurant has an aura and aesthetic that is unmatched. Soul Bar & Bistro is known for its unpretentious foods that are delivered with elegance and class, being well known for its classic mac & cheese and salt & pepper squid. 

Lower Hobson Street, Customs Street West

@andiamoeatery

Andiamo

This Ponsonby cult favourite - Andiamo, is the perfect romantic hotspot for any date night, being a cosy and fun-loving spot. The saying goes that the way to your heart is through your stomach, making Andiamo's Italian inspired menu a total heartache. From mozzarella pizzas to pappardelle pasta, the place hits the nail on the head for a delectable night with your significant other.

194 Jervois Road, Ponsonby

@botswanabutcheryauckland

Botswana Butchery 

Botswana Butchery is the fine dining experience you never knew you needed. The restaurant sports deliciously cooked duck fat potatoes, an upbeat atmosphere, and unquestionably the best finger-licking steak options you could ask for. The European cookery also houses their La Carte Menu, which is four courses of pure cuisine decadence beginning with a glass of Perrier-Jouët champagne upon arrival, ideal for any date night. 

99 Quay Street, Auckland CBD

@azabuponsonby

Azabu 

Azabu provides the City of Sails with the modern Japanese menu of your dreams. From tuna ceviche tostadas to soft shell crab steamed buns, the Ponsonby and Mission Bay located restaurants hit the spot and always leave you wanting more. They are model date night locations, providing a sultry scene that everyone is bound to enjoy. 

26 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn

44 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay

Cosy Corners...

@bar_celeste

Bar Celeste

Bar Celeste is one of K road's hidden gems that provides guests with dinner, drinks, or both, alongside a groovy atmosphere that is guaranteed to get your foot tapping. The french inspired wine bar and neo-bistro serves up an array of light bites and mains, with fresh Mahurangi oysters being at the top of our list. However, their house wines and the overarching vibe of the spot have our hearts and are the cause for our return. 

146 b Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD

@ada_akl

Ada

This dine-in Italian restaurant, Ada, is the perfect spot for date night. The top tier restaurant has embraced it’s historical space and made an indulgent menu that is hard to resist. From fresh tomato spaghetti to chocolate hazelnut panna cotta. Not to mention the fact it's apart of The Convent Hotel complex, a win-win of sorts. 

454 Great North Road, Grey Lynn

Drinks and aperitives...

@barnonsolo

Bar Non-Solo

Bar Non-Solo brings a splash of Italian nightlife to the hub of Auckland cities, Britomart. Whether you are on a drink date with your special someone or a girls night, this place has a party-ready, after work drink vibe that you can't miss. It's a restaurant that serves up the iconic Aperol spritz, espresso martini, and chilli marg, among many other classics while providing their own slice of original cocktail heaven.  

Level 2, Seafarers Building, 52 Tyler Street

@hotelponsonby

Hotel Ponsonby 

Often mistaken for a real-life hotel, this hotspot outshines most, with recurring locals, an unprecedented menu, and cocktails that genuinely give you post-drink cravings. The vibe of the Bar/Restaurant/Bistro is the ultimate spot for when you're in need of an ice-breaker location for an awkward first date. But more importantly for a Friday, Saturday, Sunday session with the boys or girls. With the outdoor courtyard providing good tunes on a hot day, you're bound to be dancing after a few Coconut Margaritas. It may not be a hotel, but it is home to mouthwatering cuisine from Chef Ed Baillieu, and a second to none, creative, but classy cocktail list. 

 1 St Marys Road, St Marys Bay