\n the sundeck drenched in, you got it, sun. The sundeck area is available for walk-ins and serves a more casual menu than the main restaurant and balcony, with organic sticky chicken wings and fish of the day with hot chips. \u2013 Johanna Thornton\n <\/p>\n
Cuisine: Bistro Address: 20 Seaview Rd, Piha. Contact: Restaurantaryeh.com. <\/p>\n
Azabu restaurant in Mission Bay. Photo \/ Babiche Martens<\/p>\n
Azabu Mission Bay<\/p>\n
In the warmer months, this seaside Japanese-Peruvian restaurant<\/a> in Mission Bay pulls back its sunroof to invite diners into a summery paved courtyard. The outdoor dining room sits slightly lower than the main restaurant, mimicking the look of a conversation pit for alfresco eating. This beach-facing space also overlooks a nearby playground, should you have tablemates who enjoy the kids\u2019 menu. \u2013 Madeleine Crutchley<\/p>\n Cuisine: Japanese-Peruvian Address: 44 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay. Contact: Savor.co.nz\/azabu-mission-bay <\/p>\n Baduzzi<\/p>\n This Italian restaurant\u2019s location near the water\u2019s edge makes it ideal for a long lunch with a relaxed feel, but the interiors are fancy enough to make any visit feel like a special occasion, with its generous circular leather booths, tiled floors and accents of gold bling. It has an enclosed outdoor dining area and tables outside at the front of the restaurant for those who would prefer open-air. \u2013 JT<\/p>\n Cuisine: Italian Address: 10\/26 Jellicoe St, North Wharf. Contact: Baduzzi.co.nz <\/p>\n Bar Martin<\/p>\n This lovely neighbourhood spot is in the most unlikely of locations \u2013 an unassuming small block of shops in suburban Mt Albert\/Western Springs \u2013 but is a favourite for locals and out-of-suburb folk, alike. Streetfront tables lead into a cosy interior and then out to the prettiest of courtyards. Olive trees and fairylights, bench seating and trestle tables make it the perfect summer spot for balmy evenings (or pop on a layer and crank up the outdoor heater if there\u2019s a chill in the air). The drinks list features a range of natural and\/or local wines, cocktails, beers and decent non-alcoholic options, and the small shared plates menu champions delicious produce served simply \u2013 sardines or duck parfait with sourdough; burrata; meatballs; charcuterie; and more. The bar also has an off-licence, so you can take a bottle with you if you want to kick on at home. \u2013 Stephanie Holmes<\/p>\n Cuisine: Bistro Address: 43 Martin Ave, Mt Albert. Contact: Barmartin.co.nz <\/p>\n What\u2019s better than a normal courtyard? A secret one, of course. Tucked out the back of this Three Lamps gem is a small but perfectly formed outdoor area that is bathed in sun, if you time your visit right. Beau feels like part of the fabric of Ponsonby these days, a wine bar\/bistro that is the ideal mix of delicious drinks, fantastic food and casual comfort (even better, you can bring your dog friends as well as your human ones). The wine list is extensive and the menu ranges from small snacks to more hearty dishes. And if you\u2019re feeling adventurous, they offer a four-course shared \u201cTrust Beau\u201d menu that is well worth considering. \u2013 Bridget Jones<\/p>\n Cuisine: Bistro Address: 265 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby. Contact: Beauponsonby.co.nz <\/p>\n Bivacco<\/p>\n Holding court on the impressive Viaduct corner once home to the notorious Headquarters bar, Bivacco is the place to be for unfussy Italian share plates perfect for lunch, afternoon drinks or a multi-course dinner. The tables on the waterside of this big restaurant, which has seating for 300 people, are as alfresco as you can get, with a stripy awning for cover and the sea a stone\u2019s throw away. \u2013 JT<\/p>\n Cuisine: Italian Address: 115 Customs St West, Auckland CBD. Contact: Savor.co.nz\/bivacco <\/p>\n Butcher Baker<\/p>\n It\u2019s not hard to see why chef\/owner Reginaldo Richard chose this spot 40km north of Auckland for his first restaurant, with its beautiful courtyard and historic brick building that once housed a butchery and a bakery. It\u2019s where he serves seasonal plates heroing local produce, much of it cooked over fire in an ode to his Brazilian roots. While it\u2019s lovely sitting inside near the impressive wood-fired oven, the courtyard with its olive trees and big white umbrellas almost transports you to the Mediterranean. \u2013 JT<\/p>\n Cuisine: Bistro Address: 5 Commercial Rd, Helensville. Contact: Thebutcherbaker.co.nz <\/p>\n Cazador<\/p>\n You may have dined at Cazador many times over the years, but did you know it has a picturesque courtyard out the back? Here, the branches of a big olive tree provide shade to a scattering of picnic benches, and greenery sprouts from planter boxes and climbs prettily up the walls. An early evening table before the sun sets (Cazador opens at 5pm) is a nice way to make the most of it. \u2013 JT<\/p>\n Cuisine: Bistro Address: 854 Dominion Rd, Mt Eden. Contact: Cazador.co.nz<\/p>\n Cibo<\/p>\n An Auckland institution, the lilypad-littered surrounding pond of Cibo\u2019s courtyard creates the illusion of being in your own hidden Italian oasis. Nestled in an old chocolate factory, the courtyard\u2019s massive white canopy shields diners from the rain and beating summer sun, while the addition of white tablecloths adds an air of elegance to the proceedings. The aesthetic is perfectly matched to the impeccable table service. Perfect for date night or a special occasion, it\u2019s the ideal mix of elegance and understatement, with a top-class menu that has truly stood the test of time. \u2013 Mitchell Hageman<\/p>\n Cuisine: Modern European Address: 91 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell. Contact: Cibo.co.nz <\/p>\n City Works Depot<\/p>\n There\u2019s an outdoor establishment for most moods at City Works Depot, whether you\u2019re craving wine and refined dining (Odette\u2019s), beer and pizza (Norma Taps) or tacos and margaritas (Tacoteca). Each venue has its own alfresco area, but Tacoteca is the one that gets the best of the late evening sun. \u2013 SH<\/p>\n Cuisine: Various Address: 90 Wellesley St West, Auckland Central. Contact: Normataps.co.nz; Odettes.co.nz; Tacoteca.co.nz; <\/p>\n Esther Courtyard<\/p>\n Esther restaurant in the QT Auckland hotel has introduced Esther Courtyard on the harbour side of the hotel, with enough seats to fit 50 across high-top tables, cafe-style seats and cushioned bench seats. It\u2019s been designed to emulate a Spanish seaside retreat with blue tile-top tables, stripy umbrellas and a glimpse of the water. With a separate menu from Esther restaurant, the courtyard\u2019s offering is a bit more relaxed, with wood-fired pizzettas and Mediterranean-style snacks. Open from 3pm until late. No bookings. Pet friendly! \u2013 JT<\/p>\n Cuisine: Mediterranean Address: 4 Viaduct Harbour Ave, Auckland CBD. Contact: Estherrestaurant.com\/esther-courtyard <\/p>\n First Mates, Last Laugh<\/p>\n Seeking seaside eats? You couldn\u2019t get much closer to the ocean than this 2024 opening from Judith Tabron. First Mates, Last Laugh<\/a>, on the Westhaven Marina boardwalk, presents views of the Harbour Bridge, the anchored boats and the inner-city skyline. The outdoor dining area features a lengthy booth, dressed lavishly with nautical stripes. It\u2019s also lit by strings of bulbs, meaning you can stay past sunset for late-night dining and drinks. If you find yourself down by the water on a Saturday or Sunday morning, you could also take a moment of pause with one of the restaurant\u2019s pastries and a coffee. \u2013 MC<\/p>\n Cuisine: Bistro Address: 121 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven. Contact: Firstmateslastlaugh.co.nz <\/p>\n Galbraith\u2019s Alehouse<\/p>\n If you\u2019re headed to a Powerstation gig or simply craving an excellent pub feed, this Eden Terrace bar is a sunny spot to frequent. The alehouse, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, has a grassy backyard dining space with all the aesthetic charm of its homely interior. \u2013 MC<\/p>\n Cuisine: Pub Bistro Address: 2 Mt Eden Rd, Eden Terrace. Contact: Alehouse.co.nz <\/p>\n Hallertau<\/p>\n This Riverhead brewery is the kind of place you go to when the weather is bright and warm and you want the illusion of a road trip, without any of the emotional labour that comes with loading the car and driving for hours. (Hallertau also has a pub\/restaurant in Clevedon if you want to drive in the completely opposite direction). The Riverhead \u201cbiergarten\u201d is always a hive of activity \u2013 including a play area for the smallest humans. Obviously they won\u2019t be on the brews, but for the grown-ups, the beer options are almost unparalleled, including a range of seasonal offerings \u2013 and they showcase hyper-local wines as well. And because they take their role as responsible hosts seriously, the food \u2013 which is very, very elevated pub grub \u2013 is almost more of a drawcard than the beer. \u2013 BJ<\/p>\n Cuisine: Pub Bistro Address: 1171 Coatesville Riverhead Highway, Riverhead. Contact: Hallertau.co.nz <\/p>\n Hotel Ponsonby<\/p>\n The restaurant and bar appropriate for all dining occasions \u2013 whether that\u2019s a cold beer and snack, a sit-down dinner or some coconut margaritas in the sun \u2013 Hotel Ponsonby has three key spaces depending on your mood: a casual bar area, cosy restaurant and outdoor beer garden. The latter has tables big and small, comfy banquettes, an open fire and high brick walls enclosing all the revelry. \u2013 JT<\/p>\n Cuisine: Casual bistro Address: 1 Saint Marys Rd, St Marys Bay. Contact: Hotelponsonby.co.nz<\/p>\n Lil Ragu<\/p>\n This permanent food truck<\/a> is perched on a sunny Takapuna corner and serves deliciously simple Italian food to a scattering of tables in its immediate surrounds. The table settings generally suit a smaller group, so schedule this visit for a holiday catch-up. The truck is fully licensed, so antipasti plates and plump pasta can be enjoyed with cocktails, beer, vino and liquor. Though, a glass of San Pellegrino might be a more refreshing sip in the sun. \u2013 MC<\/p>\n Cuisine: Italian Address: 150 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna. Contact: Facebook.com\/Lil-Ragu <\/p>\n Milenta<\/p>\n Milenta, crowned Auckland\u2019s Best Summer Restaurant in Viva\u2019s 2023 Restaurant Awards, is designed for the warmer months. Nestled under the canopy of a majestic p\u014dhutukawa tree, its open-air dining space is bathed in sunlight and surrounded by lush foliage. The restaurant embraces the smoky, charred flavours of South American cuisine, with an open-fire kitchen at its heart. \u2013 JT<\/p>\n Cuisine: Aotearoa-South American Address: 210-218 Victoria St West. Contact: Milenta.co.nz<\/p>\n Morningside Tavern<\/p>\n This lovely and lively courtyard is a breezy pick if you\u2019re looking to cater for a big group or would prefer a casual weekend lunch or dinner (think sun, pints and pizza). It\u2019s enclosed between a thick hedge and the brick walls of the two-storey pub. You\u2019ll want to be aware of any sporting events slated to take place \u2013 every part of the bar is filled with frenetic fan energy when there\u2019s a lively game playing (especially when said match is taking place down the road at Eden Park). \u2013 MC<\/p>\n Cuisine: Bistro Address: 16 McDonald St, Sandringham. Contact: Morningsidetavern.co.nz <\/p>\n Non Solo Pizza<\/p>\n The courtyard at this Italian restaurant in Parnell truly is atmospheric, with green vines climbing up rustic concrete walls, a working fireplace and cheerful striped umbrellas for shade. Gather up some friends for a long lunch at a long table and dine on antipasti like Sicilian crudo and calamari fritti, pasta and pizza. \u2013 JT<\/p>\n Cuisine: Italian Address: 1052\/259 Parnell Rd, Parnell. Contact: Savor.co.nz\/non-solo-pizza <\/p>\n Northcote Tavern<\/p>\n While the interior of this historic pub feels a bit more sticky-table sports bar than gastropub, you can\u2019t beat the Northcote Tavern\u2019s expansive beer garden for sunny afternoons and big group get-togethers. The large menu ranges from bar classics like fries, wedges, burgers and fish and chips to more international offerings, such as vege gyoza dumplings, poke rice bowls and hawker rolls. The Sunday Roasts are excellent value at just $29. \u2013 SH<\/p>\n Cuisine: Pub bistro Address: 37 Queen St, Northcote Point. Contact: Northcotetavern.co.nz <\/p>\n Prego<\/p>\n Prego\u2019s inviting courtyard is small but mighty, brightened with its greenery and made cosy with tall, street-front walls. The Italian Ponsonby restaurant is consistently touted as an institution (it opened in 1986). Unsurprisingly, its two courtyards, complete with sunshades and umbrellas, have also made it a reliable spot for open-air dining. Recently, it has been treated to a refresh \u2013 Prego<\/a> is ready to welcome new and repeat outdoor diners with crisp white tablecloths this summer. \u2013 MC<\/p>\n Cuisine: Italian Address: 226 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby. Contact: Prego.co.nz <\/p>\n Queens Rooftop & Wineshop<\/p>\n If you\u2019d prefer your inner-city summer dining to come with stunning sights, this towering bar offers one of the best in the city. The rooftop bar<\/a> opens up to a lively outdoor dining area on its northeast side, which basks in lunchtime sun and provides an uninterrupted view of the pinky-orange horizon during Auckland sunsets. On a clear day, you\u2019ll catch a glimpse of Rangitoto and the Coromandel from the 21st floor \u2013 but otherwise, you\u2019ll enjoy a punchy summer menu while soaking in the skyscraper surroundings. \u2013 MC<\/p>\n Cuisine: Bistro. Address: 1 Queen St, Auckland CBD. Contact: Queensrooftop.co.nz <\/p>\n Rooftop at QT<\/p>\n Just around the corner from Queens, Rooftop at QT also has inspiring views of the Waitemat\u0101, albeit from a lower storey (the sixth floor, versus Queens\u2019 21st). Come for the cocktails, stay for the tapas \u2013 and mezze-inspired menu, stay longer for dancing once the sun goes down. Book ahead to secure a booth for the best Viaduct views. \u2013 SH<\/p>\n Cuisine: Mediterranean Address: 4 Viaduct Harbour Ave, Viaduct. Contact: Qthotels.com\/auckland <\/p>\n San Ray<\/p>\nBar Martin in Mt Albert. Photo \/ Babiche Martens<\/p>\n
The outdoor Sundeck at Aryeh in Piha is surrounded by trees. Photo \/ Babiche Martens<\/p>\n
Cibo is in an old chocolate factory in Parnell.<\/p>\n
Esther Courtyard at QT Auckland.<\/p>\n
The outdoor dining booth at First Mates, Last Laugh.<\/p>\n
Hallertau’s Riverhead beer garden is perfect for a sunny day.<\/p>\n
Hotel Ponsonby. Photo \/ Babiche Martens<\/p>\n
Food Truck restaurant Lil Ragu in Takapuna has an alfresco dining area. Photo \/ Babiche Martens<\/p>\n
Milenta. Photo \/ Babiche Martens<\/p>\n
Outdoor table settings at Non Solo Pizza. Photo \/ Babiche Martens<\/p>\n
Queens rooftop has one of the best views in Auckland. Photo \/ Babiche Martens<\/p>\n
QT Rooftop.<\/p>\n