Best Pāua in Auckland

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Verdict

If you want to see Pāua in its raw form or buy it to cook yourself, this is the place. Several stalls also serve Pāua fritters for a casual street-food experience. — Wynyard Quarter

Queue

Go

11:00; explore the stalls before the lunch crowd arrives.

Price

$$

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A luxury vineyard restaurant where Pāua is often served as part of a multi-course tasting menu. The presentation is as stunning as the vineyard views. — Waiheke Island

Queue

Go

13:00; book well in advance for a weekend lunch.

Price

$$$

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Another Josh Emett masterpiece where every ingredient is treated with extreme precision. Their Pāua is often paired with interesting local ferments to create a unique dish. — City Bowl

Queue

Go

19:30; perfect for a special occasion.

Price

$$$

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A restaurant dedicated to sustainable, local seafood. Their Pāua is often served simply, highlighting the natural quality of the product without over-complication. — Britomart

Queue

Go

18:00; a stylish spot for an evening drink and meal.

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$$$

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Soul is an Auckland institution. They often feature Pāua as a seasonal special, pan-seared with local seaweeds or as part of a luxurious seafood platter. — Viaduct Harbour

Queue

Go

13:30; perfect for people-watching on the terrace.

Price

$$$

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Famous for its Pāua Tortellini. It is a beautiful example of how New Zealand’s finest ingredients can be integrated into classic international techniques. — Wynyard Quarter

Queue

Go

19:00; a great spot for a sophisticated Italian meal.

Price

$$$

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Chef Ben Bayly’s love letter to NZ produce. They often serve Pāua in sophisticated ways, treating it as a world-class ingredient with modern techniques. — Commercial Bay

Queue

Go

19:30; a high-end experience in the heart of the city.

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$$$

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For the most authentic community experience. They serve classic creamed Pāua on fried bread, which is messy, rich, and deeply traditional. — Food Truck

Queue

Go

Weekend mornings at local markets.

Price

$

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While famous for oysters, their Pāua preparations are a popular way to sample the delicacy. They often feature it in rich, creamy sauces that complement the black foot. — Viaduct Harbour

Queue

Go

17:00; perfect for an early evening meal by the water.

Price

$$$

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One of the most beautiful settings in Auckland. Their Pāua dishes are elegantly presented and consistently highly rated by local and international guests. — Waiheke Island

Queue

Go

18:00; watch the sunset over the city from the island.

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$$$

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A high-end brasserie where Pāua is often featured as a luxury seasonal special. It is treated with classic techniques that respect its unique flavor profile. — City Bowl

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20:00; a sophisticated city spot for late dining.

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$$$

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A sophisticated spot where Pāua is often featured in contemporary, creative ways. It offers a more relaxed but still very high-end way to sample the delicacy. — Commercial Bay

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15:00; a great spot for a late afternoon snack.

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$$$

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Peter Gordon is a legend of fusion cuisine. At Homeland, he serves a refined version of creamed Pāua on toast that is both nostalgic and incredibly high-end. — Wynyard Quarter

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Go

13:00; a great spot for a long, productive lunch.

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$$$

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Al Brown’s iconic eatery. Their Pāua ravioli is a permanent fixture on the menu, filled with a rich Pāua mousse and served in a light lemon butter sauce. — SkyCity

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Go

12:30; no bookings, so expect a lively wait.

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$$$

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Home of the most famous Pāua dish in Auckland right now. Their savoury Pāua Doughnut is a fluffy, fried dough ball filled with a rich, creamy Pāua mixture. — Birkenhead

Queue

Go

10:00; they sell out of their signature item quickly.

Price

$$

Dietary