2020 has been rough on everyone. Fortunately, delicious tapas in Auckland, New Zealand are here to stay. These delicious little Spanish treats can be eaten as appetizers or, in some locations, as full-blown meals themselves. Auckland is one of the top places anywhere in the Pacific for authentic tapas cuisine that will have your mouth watering.
In this guide, we’ll go over some of the best tapas spots anywhere in Auckland, New Zealand. From tapas bars to fine Spanish dining, we include everything so you can eat your fill of tapas no matter your mood.
Let’s jump right in!
Best Tapas Restaurants in Auckland
Where should you eat in Auckland, New Zealand? Take a look at some famous (and some lesser known) tapas spots that are sure to satisfy your palette:
1. Dida’s
| Best for | Tapas and Wine |
| Services | Inflatable Bouncing and Climbing |
| Operating Hours | Sunday-Monday 12PM-12AM |
| Address | 54 Jervois Road, Ponsonby, 1011 NZ |
| Phone Number | +64 9-376 2813 |
Dida’s should top any list of Auckland-based tapas eateries. Offering a mix of both traditional tapas appetizers and more high-brow culinary versions of the treat, Dida’s is famous for its wines (all 400 of them!) and cozy atmosphere. Simply put, there’s no better place to go for a bite to eat, whether you’re looking for something small or a full-course meal.
This great tapas location offers both indoor and outdoor seating and boasts an ambiance that’s unbeaten in Auckland city. Make sure to stop by during your next tapas crave!
2. Tasca
| Best for | Outdoor Tapas Dining |
| Services | Indoor and Outdoor Dining |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday-Friday 5PM-LATE, Friday-Sunday 8AM-LATE |
| Address | 338 Dominion Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024, New Zealand |
| Phone Number | +64 9-630 6345 |
It doesn’t get more authentic than Tasca. With two locations in Auckland Mt. Eden and Newmarket, Tasca is one of the city’s most famous brands for both Spanish and Catalonian food. The tapas here are made just like they are in Spain, giving you the perfect Mediterranean flavor. Enjoy fine dining at the Tasca courtyard, where you can eat under a warm sun or shining stars with all of your closest friends.
In addition to tapas, Tasca serves a range of European foods that you’ll want to try. If you’re looking for outdoor dining, be sure to visit the location of Dominion Road.
3. Barulho
| Best for | Tapas |
| Services | Dine-in Lunch |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday-Saturday 12PM-10PM |
| Address | 2-16 Watt Street, Parnell, Auckland 1052, New Zealand |
| Phone Number | +64 9-379 0277 |
Come early to Barulho one of the only tapas restaurants that serves exclusively lunch. This top European restaurant is headed by top chefs, who use their skill and upbringing to craft real authentic Spanish and Mediterranean dishes that are sure to delight. The restaurant serves a variety of tapas, including hand-cut beef empadas and patatas bravas, which taste great and offer you the chance to take part in a more traditional Spanish dining experience.
Must Read: Best BYO Restaurants
4. Pescado
| Best for | Relaxed Dining |
| Services | Dine-in, Takeout |
| Operating Hours | Monday-Tuesday 8AM-3PM, Wednesday-Sunday 8AM-8PM |
| Address | Jellicoe Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand |
| Phone Number | +64 9-363 6000 |
Looking for something cozy and relaxed? Head over to Pescado, whose comfortable ambiance and real authentic Spanish flavors combine to attract patrons from all over Auckland. Pescado offers a jaw-dropping menu replete with Southern Europe favorites, and of course all your favorite tapas.
In a mid-price range, Pescado serves everything from breakfast to after-dinner dessert. The restaurant uses only the finest ingredients to craft dishes that are both authentic and delectable—no wonder people love it!
5. Casita Miro
| Best for | Upscale Dining |
| Services | Dine-in |
| Operating Hours | Monday-Friday 10AM-5PM, Saturday-Sunday 9AM-5PM |
| Address | 3 Brown Road, Onetangi, Waiheke Island 1081, New Zealand |
| Phone Number | +64 9-372 7854 |
Casita Miro may not be in the Mediterranean, but with an incredible location on Waiheke Island, it certainly feels like it is. This Spanish restaurant serves a variety of authentic meals and traditional dishes. This hearty food, led off by a rich appetizer of tapas, is complimented by fine alcohol that will take your evening to the next level.
No other location in Auckland, New Zealand offers such an extensive array of Mediterranean favorites, so make sure to visit yourself to check out the incredible offers.
6. Madriz Spanish Restaurant and Tapas Bar
| Best for | Tapas and Drinks |
| Services | Dine-in, Takeout |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday-Wednesday 5PM-9:30PM, Thursday-Saturday 12PM-9:30PM, Sunday 5PM-9:30PM |
| Address | Customs St East, cnr Fort Lane, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand |
| Phone Number | +64 9-869 4328 |
In the mood for tapas and alcohol? Madriz Spanish Restaurant and Tapas Bar is the place for you. Offering a casual dining and social drinking experience, this upbeat location provides tapas of a variety of good flavors, as well as an extensive list of alcoholic beverages you’ll want to try out for yourself. Madriz is located in Auckland CBD, making it a convenient stop for people out on the town. Take your friends or dine alone on some of the tastiest tapas in the region!
7. Mezze Bar
| Best for | Tapas and Drinks |
| Services | Bar, Dine-in |
| Operating Hours | Monday-Thursday 8AM-10PM, Friday 8AM-11PM, Saturday 10AM-11PM, Sunday 10AM-10PM |
| Address | 9 Durham Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand |
| Phone Number | +64 9-307 2029 |
Thrown down with incredible drinks and some out-of-this-world tapas at the Mezze Bar. As the name implies, the bar also serves great Mediterranean mezzes and an array of meals that will have you feeling like you’re in Europe. If you’re just coming in for a drink, be sure to make time to try the tasty tapas and other bar treats.
Mezze Bar has other good dishes, too, including meatballs and chorizo and patatas bravas. Try out all the different tapas flavors to find out which one you like best!
The Bottom Line
Experience the Mediterranean at the best tapas restaurants money can buy! These tasty establishments offer some of the most incredible food and drinks in the business, chock-full of European and Spanish flavors that are sure to get your mouth watering. Make 2020 a bit better by trying these wonderful eateries in the city!
In this guide, we went over seven of the greatest tapas restaurants in the Auckland region, from simple eateries to upscale establishments and even bars. See something you like? Be sure to try it for yourself and see which one of these top tapas locations wins over your heart!
