Iconic Auckland Eats 2025: 100 Culinary Love Letters

Iconic Auckland Eats 2025: 100 Culinary Love Letters

by Alanna Chen

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3 min

For the meals that are so iconic you pretend to look at the menu... then order the same thing anyway.

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Cinnamon Rolls (Lot Nineteen)
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Beef Cheek & Cheese Pie (Ashby Pies)
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Padella Isabella (Farina)

Last night the city’s food community came together at the beautiful QT Auckland for the fifth year of Iconic Auckland Eats - an amalgamation of culture, love and celebration that reflects the spirit of Tamaki Makaurau. 

This year saw over 3000+ nominations (a whopping 64% more than last year!), a true reflection of the initiative and a reminder that food has the power to unite, spark memories, and build a community across tables and every neighbourhood in the city.


What made this year extra special? A record breaking number of affordable eats, storytelling through food, and their most diverse list yet - spanning from budget-friendly bites to fine dining gems, and cultures from all corners of the globe.

Auckland’s Official Top 5 Eats for 2025:

1. Dumplings in Spicy Sauce

(Eden Noodles Cafe)

Dumplings in Spicy Sauce (Eden Noodles)

If you know, you know. I used to get these everytime - Eden Noodles’ Dumplings in Spicy Sauce are the ultimate student staple! Cheap and filling, but totally craveable and worth the walk down from (and walk back up to) campus. It goes beyond the flavour-packed punch and spice kick - it’s a handmade labour of love from the lady by the window, shaping every bite with skill and maternal love. 

💸 The BEST bang for buck in town - hands down! Also a massive fan of their braised beef noodles, spicy and sour soup wontons, dandan noodles…

2. Deluxe Pepperoni Pizza

(Bari’s Pizza)

Deluxe Pepperoni Pizza (Bari's Pizza)

When I told you their Hot Honey is unreal I meant it. The chewy but light crust, spicy halal pepperoni, addictive hot honey… if you’ve ever wondered what joy and comfort tastes like, marry Bari’s Deluxe Pepperoni Pizza . From foodie to business connoisseur, Bari’s passion and dedication to his dream is truly inspiring and unforgettable - it’s a sell-out at every pop-up for a reason! 

🍯 The hype is real! Line up early and don’t skip the hot honey - I have a bottle at home and it pairs with literally EVERYTHING. 

3. Spare Ribs Rice Noodles Soup

(Vietnam Cafe)

Spare Ribs Rice Noodles Soup (Vietnam Cafe)

Yes, you can actually trust all the TikTokers who rave about Vietnam Cafe - and their Spare Ribs Rice Noodles Soup aren’t something to miss. It’s a bowl of comfort that's always there for you, no matter what. Winning nominator Joshua Ho wrote that it’s been his favourite from age of 10 - and 30 years later - it remains the same. Let this be your sign; GO. 

🍜 A warm comforting bowl that’ll heal your trust issues, and is worth crossing Auckland for. 

4. Risotto All'Anatra

(Prego)

Risotto All'Anatra (Prego)

Iconic in itself, Prego is a consistent – that circulates the group chat when you’re making dinner plans with friends. Whether you’re there to celebrate, get pics, or just for the vibes, their duck risotto is the star of the show. When ordering Prego’s Risotto All'Anatra , expect tax from your peers - it’s comforting, creamy and so moreish that everyone will want a bite.

🥄 A must-try at a must-go; come prepared to share a spoonful or two with everyone at the table!

5. Noel’s Charcoal Steak

(Bar Magda)

Noel's Charcoal Steak (Bar Magda)

If you look up the definition of “elevated” Bar Magda’s Noel’s Charcoal Steak is the first result. Think juicy and charcoal-grilled, topped with fresh greens that make every bite pop - and don’t get started on the sauce! Simple but sophisticated, the soy butter sauce will have you in a chokehold and get you wiping up every drop from the plate.

🍷 The kind of dish that looks beautiful and tastes even better, without fault (don’t you love it when pretty food delivers on taste?)

Honey Toast Whipped Yoghurt (Rhu)

As the night came to a close, I felt struck by the sheer amount of love in the room; owners and entrepreneurs with souls full of passion and minds brimming with ideas, critics and food-lovers united through shared appreciation for storytelling and adventure.


Iconic Auckland Eats 2025 is more than just a list, it’s 100 love letters to the community, from the community. Each dish is a celebration of the people and places that make our city vibrant and brings everyone together, building the bridges between cultures, generations and neighbourhoods.


Until next bite, Beauties x

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