There’s much more to Auckland than its city centre; if you’re looking for hidden gems of the area, it’s well worth checking out the suburbs. Located just ten minutes from the central city, Kingsland is an easily accessible area that boasts many pubs and restaurants alongside buildings of interest and picturesque green spaces. Here is a round-up of some of the best places to eat in Kingsland.
1. Citizen Park
Step off Kingland’s busy main street and immerse yourself in the upbeat vibes of Citizen Park, where fairy lights and beautiful greenery combine to create an inviting space for you to relax and meet new friends. Rain or shine, this bar has a welcoming atmosphere for your social needs. Feeling hungry? They’ve put a creative twist on modern American favourites such as the brisket mac n cheese complete with ‘bangin’ house brisket barbacoa, and their pork short ribs in a bourbon BBQ sauce with ranch slaw. Swing by for a drink, enjoy the DJs and catch big sports games on the venue’s big screens. Citizen Park is the ideal weeknight or weekend venue.
2. Venosa
Venosa restaurant is an Italian gem with various dishes to choose from. They offer a range of delicious pasta and pizza, with the pizzas baked in stone ovens. Try tasty numbers such as the zingy spaghetti puttanesca served with basil, capes, olives, chilli, and garlic or the Italian slow-cooked pork ragu. The restaurant is located on New North Road in Kingsland, just 10 minutes from Auckland CBD. It’s the perfect place to feast on a fantastic dinner near the big city.
3. Portland Public House
Enjoy the retro-themed ambience of the Portland Public House, where bar meets music venue, and a range of Western cuisine is available. When it comes to Kingsland cafes and restaurants, this is one of the best for planning a casual brunch or romantic dinner. Feast on an open steak sandwich with caramelised onion and crumbed poached egg or penne with pesto mushrooms, olives and toasted bread. Whatever your appetite, the Portland Public House serves starters, small plates, mains, and platters to fill your belly.
4. UMU Pizza
Finding the best pizza is a great way to find out more about a place. UMU Pizza in Kingsland is all about wood-fired pizza cooked in the huge wood-fire oven, cocktails and a great selection of craft beer. Enjoy top-notch ingredients like artichoke, nduja piccante and Clevedon buffalo mozzarella – all that belong on pizzas. Level up the experience with dips, served for dipping your crusts in. If it’s a busy night, you can count on UMU staying open later to serve up the goods to hungry patrons. This is one of the best places to eat in Kingsland.
5. @ Bangkok
Thai food in Auckland never looked so good. @ Bangkok is the go-to for Thai dinner in Kingsland. Whether it’s dine-in, takeaway or delivery that you’re after, delicious satay chicken sticks and wok-fried dishes won’t disappoint. Authentic Thai dishes are crafted with love to guarantee a satisfying dinner out. They even accommodate BYO. If it’s a cold and rainy day in Auckland and you’re looking for places to eat in Kingsland, a beautiful massam curry from @ Bangkok would hit the spot!
If you’re looking to keep the night going, check out our list of the Top 14 Auckland Bars here.
6. Taiko
Taiko is a Japanese restaurant with locations in Kingsland and Ponsonby. It’s here that you can indulge in authentic Japanese food, beer and sake. Enjoy sushi rolls, tempura and teriyaki dishes. Everything is presented beautifully, from the wagyu beef to the deluxe sushi sashimi tower. Taiko is open for lunch and dinner and is one of the best places to eat in Kingsland. Find the restaurant near the Kingsland train station.
7. Harlan Pepper Food Co.
The Harlan Pepper Food Co. is one of the newest venues in the area. Open from 7am every weekday, Harlan Pepper offers the perfect Kingsland brunch venue to get your day off to a great start. This vibrant venue offers a range of eclectic dishes such as ‘Smash the Front Gate’, smashed avocado on ciabatta with feta, mango salsa, and beetroot relish. Try a Vietnamese squid salad in authentic Vietnamese dressing served in a rice basket. If you’re looking for one of the Kingsland restaurants that offers something a little different, the Harlan Pepper Food co. exudes personality with Turkish mosaics, quirks and plenty of character with a cosy haven of tables, chairs, and beanbags.
