The Ten Best Restaurant Vistas in Auckland

If there is one thing we can learn from the vistas of vineyards in Southern France, the cliffside restaurants dotting the Greek Islands or the picturesque candlelit dinners on the beaches of remote tropical islands, it’s that nothing can make the mood like a breath-takingly gorgeous, social-media ready scene while you enjoy a scrumptious meal.

To celebrate that fact, and make it a little more straightforward than swanning around the globe to find your next Facebook meal photo, we’ve compiled our list of Auckland’s ten best eateries that feature breath-taking vistas. And because we all know that:

1. Picture quality counts – your loyal Twitter followers don’t want a blurry dark image to be jealous with.
2. Lugging a camera around is so 2010 – smartphone baby!

So with that in mind, and to celebrate the release of the new HTC One, here is our list of restaurants with views that simply make it near impossible to not share with your friends.

1. Mudbrick Winery

If you're lucky enough to have friends book this place for a wedding, then rejoice my friends because you have it made. If not, then Mudbrick on Waiheke with a clear night should be at the top of your list.

With truly stunning views across the Hauraki Gulf back to Auckland City, we strongly advise arriving during the afternoon to make the most of wine tasting and the beautiful gardens that dot the estate. As the sun begins to set, the top floor deck will provide one of the finest lookouts of Auckland - albeit from a distance.

The perfect spot to make use of HTC's UltraPixel Camera technology, Mudbrick Winery will provide the finest vistas - it's up to you to capture it.

Church Bay Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island, Auckland

2. Cable Bay Restaurant

Admittedly similar to Mudbrick, both in lookout and location, Cable Bay is another lookout spot combined with luxurious dining. More contemporary and suave to Mudbrick's classic and elegant style, this multi-award winning location never fails to win hearts and minds as the ideal spot for a drink overlooking the Hauraki, or a proper sit down dinner and wine session.

While your harbour vistas are hard to beat, the rolling olive groves and vines make for a very suitable second option for those candid snaps.

12 Nick Johnstone Drive, Oneroa, Waiheke Island, Auckland

3. Fish

Located on the first floor of the Hilton and overlooking the water, boats and Devonport, Fish is sea views to match Waiheke's finest without the hassle of a ferry trip. A gentle stroll down the pier and through the Hilton sees you in a world-class restaurant with outlooks (and a menu) that are hard to beat.

Formerly White Restaraunt, and with Simon Gault heading the current kitchen’s expertise, you'd be hard pressed to fault the quality, style or service - and little Paris's family ensure the location can't be beat.

A hangout of the rich and occasionally famous, be confident in knowing you'll never look out of place while having your photo snapped looking out over the water. With views this good, this sort of behaviour is expected at the very least.

Level 1, Hilton Hotel, Princes Wharf, Auckland CBD

4. Orbit Revolving Restaurant

With a continuously rotating 360° view of Auckland City (panorama photo time!) from its pinnacle, there's nothing to make you feel on top of the world quite like a lunch or dinner at Orbit.

If you didn't know, it's perched 190m above ground level on the Sky Tower and provides what can only be described as a truly unique dining experience. With a dependable menu that's light on flair but strong on the traditional, you'll have a consistently acceptable meal punctuated with a globally stand out setting.

True professionals will choose to dine in the worst weather after dusk - ensuring a truly exciting experience as storm clouds whirl past.  You might say it’s the perfect opportunity to test out the low-light quality and rapid-fire autofocus the HTC One is famed for.

Sky Tower, Federal Street, Auckland CBD

5. Takapuna Beach Cafe

A little more low-key than our previous entries in Auckland’s 10 best eateries with breath-taking vistas, the Takapuna Beach Cafe has the perfect spot to kick back with a latte, enjoy a little dessert and watch the world go by.

A supreme café award winner in our fine city, you’ll find yourself in a unique spot enjoying panoramic views of Rangitoto and the Waitemata Harbour.  With a commitment to serving a menu for all occasions, you can be sure to enjoy something warm while the standard winter weather lashes in, or nibble on something summery and light if the rain eventually decides to stop.

And could we forget the best bit? The beach is just meters away if you tire of photos on the picturesque seaside deck, the next series of your Facebook album is just waiting to happen.

Store 22, The Promenade, Takapuna Beach, Auckland

6. Hammerheads

There is one word to describe Hammerheads – iconic.  Situated on one of the world’s most spectacular waterfront drives, they specialise in outstanding seafood and outstanding scenery.

A favourite of Aucklanders looking to gaze out over the water (as we are so often inclined to do), the restaurant provides the perfect spot for an intimate dinner for two or a larger group get-together – while the new bar (refurbished following a stonking great fire) is all seaviews, fairy lights and delicious cocktails.

Either way – you’re going to have a sensational time with photos to match.

19 Tamaki Drive, Okahu Bay, Auckland

7. Kermedec

Thus far our entries have all been located a little away from the action – not far, just far enough away to relax and enjoy the moment.  But what if you’re after somewhere a little more amongst the action?

Well ladies and gentlemen – that is why we have Kermadec.  Situated in the heart of the viaduct looking out to standard yachts, super yachts and superb yachts, you’re guaranteed a good time (this was the choice of visiting French groups to book out in its entirety during the Rugby World Cup - bastards).

Whether you’re perched in Kermadec Fine for an elegant yet relaxed dinner overlooking the harbour, perched in the bar for a drink or kicking it up a notch in the Roof Garden (an absolute must) it’s a spot that will set the social networks alight in jealousy. Which is what we’re here for, right?

8. Castaways

Bordering on the edges of the greater Auckland region, Castaways is a hidden gem that’s well worth the journey.  Perched on the cliff tops of Karioitahi Beach, consider this destination the perfect escape from the ordinary.

Their Agave Restaurant is arguably Auckland´s most stunning cliff top dining destination and cannot be surpassed for sunset vistas or stunning panoramic views (perfect for trying that full HD feature perhaps?).

If you’re after something a little more unique – Agave also offer a High Tea with bubbles. Ask yourself, could you really beat that for a gift to win the lady in your life?

685 Karioitahi Road, Karioitahi Beach, Waiuku.

9. Cornwall Park Restaurant

A true diamond in the rough, Cornwall Park Restaurant is always a sensational surprise for those who have never visited. An apt description would be a peaceful country retreat tucked away close to Central Auckland.

Featuring excellent cuisine, a relaxed pace and lush lookouts over the rolling green of Cornwall Park, this century old venue will allow you to take a step back from the manic rush of Auckland living as you soak up the atmosphere of abundant flora, mature trees and landscaped gardens.

Greenlane Road West, Cornwall Park, Greenlane, Auckland

10. Vue Restaurant

Expect the unexpected with Vue – hidden away on the top floor of the harbour-side Mercure Hotel, this fairly unknown spot offers unrivalled views over the water from near to the top of the viaduct.

While a hotel restaurant (bear that in mind), the team provide a more than satisfactory dining experience that is more than matched by their peerless vistas and unique location.

A tip – make use of the exceptional booths to really soak up the most of the experience. They’re just what you need for a small group outing with multiple photo opportunities.

8 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD