Get Full without Going Broke
Introduction
From fast food to street food, Auckland is home to some fantastic cheap eats. This bustling New Zealand metropolis boasts an incredible array of food from all around the world. Whether you’re looking for Chinese or classic American, Auckland has the grub to get you full at prices you will love.
In this guide, we’ll go over seven of the hottest restaurants in Auckland so you can get a head start on your next great meal. Keep reading to find out where you can eat next time for cheap next time you’re in town!
Best Places to Eat for Cheap
Where do we recommend eating in Auckland? Check out the incredible variety below:
1. Better Burger
| Best for | Wholesome Fast Food |
| Operating Hours | Sunday-Monday 11AM-10PM |
| Address | 45 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1011 |
| Phone Number | N/A |
At Better Burger, the burgers really are better. Made from locally sourced and always fresh ingredients, these burgers are the epitome of Auckland fast food. Eating the perfect burger has never been so simple. With cheeseburgers, vege burgers, fried chicken, and the brand’s iconic epic fries, Better Burger truly is one of the best cheap eats in Auckland.
Excited about the menu? Wait until you hear this: food at Better Burger is made from fresh and free range animals that live the right way and taste great because of it. Check it out for yourself!
2. Il Buco
| Best for | Pizza al Taglio (by the Slice) |
| Operating Hours | Monday-Friday 4PM-3AM, Saturday-Sunday 12PM-3AM |
| Address | 61 Mackelvie Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1011, New Zealand (currently operating from the Fitzroy Lounge Bar |
| Phone Number | +64 210 227 1052 |
Il Buco is a cheap pizza café that should be near the top of anyone’s list of cheap eats in Auckland. Authentic and great-tasting, this eatery uses fresh ingredients to bake pizza (the Italian style) that is unrivaled anywhere east of Italy. The best part? The restaurant offers incredible vegan pizza options that are suitable for even the strictest of vegans.
The Il Buco menu includes more than just pizza, however. Be sure to try out the hearty minestrone soup, especially in the colder months. All Il Buco items can be purchased at low prices that will have you coming back for more.
3. No 1 Pancake
| Best for | Korean-style Pancakes |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday-Friday 10:30AM-5:30PM, Saturday 11:30AM-4PM |
| Address | Corner Wellesley Street and Lorne Street CBD, Auckland 1010 |
| Phone Number | +64 9-302 0564 |
In the mood for pancakes of the Asian variety? Head over to No 1 Pancake! This popular location offers pancake style choices that range from sweet and savoury to red been cheese. In short, the restaurant, one of the best cheap eats in Auckland, provides the ultimate in all your favourite pancake styles.
The menu may not be extensive, but the service is quick, and the food is excellent. If you’re in the mood and have time, be sure to stop by and have a bite to eat.
4. Aroy Thai
| Best for | Authentic Thai Food |
| Operating Hours | Monday-Thursday (+ Saturday-Sunday) 11AM-9PM, Friday 11AM-9:30PM |
| Address | 101 Cuba Street Wellington, New Zealand 6011 |
| Phone Number | +64 4-385 0651 |
Looking for authentic Thai at unbeatable prices? Make Aroy Thai your first stop in Auckland. This locally loved restaurant serves some of the best dishes from the Land of Smiles, most for $15 and under. Entrees such as edamame (lightly salted, steamed soybeans) can be purchased for less than half of that—not a bad deal if you ask us.
If you’re looking for something a bit more substantive, we recommend the beef noodle soup (complete with beef, bok choy, and rice) and the chilli chicken, which is covered in a hearty sauce that’s sure to put some fire in your step.
5. Bamboo House
| Best for | Delicious Korean Favorites |
| Operating Hours | Monday-Thursday 11:30AM-3PM, 5PM-9PMFriday 11:30AM-3PM, 5PM-9:30PM |
| Address | 9 Commerce Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010 |
| Phone Number | +64 9-377 8377 |
In the mood for Korean? Visit Bamboo House first! This top Auckland location is among the best locations for good-tasting Korean cuisine. Service is quick, and the food is spicy—just what you’re looking for in the perfect meal.
Not sure what to eat? We recommend you try the homemade fried pork dumplings or the pan-sauced tofu, both of which can be ordered for around $10. The restaurant also offers great noodles such as the spicy seafood ramen (if you love fish), which is some of the best of its kind anywhere in Auckland. Of course, you can find other great noodle dishes there, as well, outside of ramen. If you’re a meat eater, be sure to try out their legendary pork belly before you go.
6. Ichiban
| Best for | Classic Japanese Food |
| Operating Hours | N/A |
| Address | 17 Albert Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010 New Zealand |
| Phone Number | +64 9-303 4372 |
Japanese doesn’t get better than Ichiban. Located in Auckland Central, this local favorite offers classic Japanese meals that don’t break the bank. With both indoor eating and takeout options available, Ichiban services a wide clientele and uses only the freshest ingredients to craft authentic Japanese meals that will have you feeling like you’re miles away.
While the restaurant is famous for its cheap burgers and fish, we recommend going a step further and trying out their incredible array of delicious dumpling options. Indoor seating can get cramped (or cozy, depending on your viewpoint), so make sure to arrive early if you want a good spot.
7. Selera
| Best for | Mouthwatering Malaysian Meals |
| Operating Hours | Monday-Thursday 11AM-9PM, Friday-Sunday 11AM-9:30PM |
| Address | 487 Khyber Pass Road, Newmarket, Auckland 1023 |
| Phone Number | +64 9-520 7977 |
Authentic, spacious, and group friendly, Selera has established itself as one of the top Malaysian restaurants in Auckland. If you’re looking for a quick dinner at a low price, you’ll want to stop by this New Market location. While there are some high-priced options on the menu, this Malay eatery is known for its cheap casual dining.
Here’s what we recommend: Selera offers an incredible chicken curry with roti meal that’s made from fresh ingredients by professional hands. A variety of cheap fried rice meals are also on the menu, with flavors that range from nyonya to pineapple.
The Bottom Line
Looking to get your fill for cheap in Auckland? You can do just that with this list of the best and cheapest restaurants in the city. Whether you’re looking for dumpling meals or just a burger, this New Zealand metropolis has everything you need to satisfy your palette. Make sure to visit any of the incredible options on this list to enjoy delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner options!
