The foodie scene in this city is bursting with creativity, so we wanted to suss out the top seven vegan restaurants in Auckland.
There is little doubt that 2019 has been very much the year that veganism has spread into the mainstream. The shift in eating habits has come to New Zealand with some incredibly inventive plant-based cooking. Who needs anything else when vegan dishes taste *this* amazing? These are our top picks of both dedicated vegan restaurants and places doing their bit to promote plant-based choices on their menus.
You really will be spoilt for choice as a vegan in Auckland…
Best Vegan Restaurants In Auckland
1. Gorilla Kitchen
This all-vegan and GMO-free restaurant is one of the most popular spots in Auckland for plant-based fare. Whether you’re craving superfood infused raw foods or dirty cheat meals, Gorilla Kitchen has you covered. The droolworthy menu has Nashville-style ‘GFC’ chicken and a vegan seafood chowder.
2. Wise Boys
A vegan fast food joint in Greg Lynn, Wise Boys is the place to come when you need a real feast. Sustainability is at the heart of everything they do, from the 100% plant-based homemade burger patties, to their zero waste fully-compostable packaging and locally-sourced ingredients.
But back to those burgers: they’re insanely good. Go for one of the ‘Fancy Boys’, such as the Smoke and Fire with deep-fried crispy tofu and smoke and fire satay sauce.
3. The Butcher’s Son
This stylish plant-based restaurant has zero animal products on the menu and proudly supports local growers and producers. The result of such passion for ingredients is a menu full of delicious and creative dishes. Chow down on mozzarella sticks, a cispy char-siu ‘pork’ with apple bbq sauce or artichoke ‘crab’ cakes.
4. Ebisu
In a pretty a historic building in Auckland’s Britomart precinct, Ebisu serves up contemporary Japanese sushi with European influences. It’s one of the most popular restaurants in the city, but many people don’t know that there’s an entire vegan menu available. Vegetable rolls, tempura, Teriyaki tofu and even dessert makes this ideal for dinner with non-veggie mates.
5. Giapo
Auckland’s wildest ice cream store is world famous, with plenty of dairy-free gelato on the menu. They constantly push boundaries of what you think ice cream can be – from wearable ice cream ‘lips’ to Māori Fry Bread with chocolate ice cream.
The colossal squid is one of their most recognisable and popular ice cream art pieces.
6. Lord of the Fries
Lord of the Fries is an ethical fast food restaurant that’s taking Australia and NZ by storm. They serve up unbelievably good hot dogs and burgers – and fries, duh – that will delight vegans and vegetarians and everyone in between. They also do breakfast: stop by for fakin’ bacon, vegan eggs, fluffy muffins, hash browns and much more.
7. Revive
Revive have been serving up delicious vegan food in Auckland central for over 10 years, so they’re pretty much masters at it by now. A lunchtime menu changes daily, so there’s always something new to try. The types of dishes you can expect include Thai Yellow Curry with Cauliflower & Chickpea, Tom Yum Hotpot or an African Peanut soup.
With two locations, it’s easily one of the best vegan restaurants in Auckland.
