Looking for the best vegan restaurants in Auckland? Auckland’s plant-based dining scene thrives on fresh local produce, bold global flavours, and fully vegan or vegan-friendly menus that suit casual bites through to refined shared plates. This curated list of five currently trading spots has been verified against each business’s own website and public listings for accuracy and relevance. Standouts include Khu Khu Eatery’s Thai-inspired dishes across multiple locations and East’s modern Asian vegetarian menu with strong vegan options in the central city.
1Khu Khu Eatery
Khu Khu Eatery is a 100% vegan, Thai-inspired restaurant with locations in Ponsonby, the CBD, and Milford. It focuses on fresh flavours, shareable plates, and fun vibes while keeping everything plant-based. The eatery suits vegans, vegetarians, and anyone open to Thai-style dishes without animal products. Multiple sites make it convenient for different Auckland neighbourhoods, with bottomless brunch options available at selected times.
Services & Highlights
- 100% vegan Thai-inspired menu
- Three Auckland locations (Ponsonby, CBD Snickel Lane, Milford)
- Bottomless brunch experiences
- Organic tofu from Tonzu
- Share plates and platters
- Reservations available online
- Lunch and dinner service
- Locally owned
Location & Contact
Name: Khu Khu Eatery
Address: 171A Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland (plus CBD and Milford sites)
Website: khukhu.co.nz
2Gorilla Kitchen
Gorilla Kitchen is a 100% plant-based licensed eatery and brewtique on Karangahape Road offering comfort food, burgers, and craft drinks. It specialises in hearty vegan meals with options that also appeal to keto and vegetarian diners. The spot suits casual diners, groups, and those seeking fast-casual plant-based fare in a relaxed urban setting. The K Road location places it in a lively central Auckland strip.
Services & Highlights
- 100% plant-based menu
- Licensed eatery and brewtique
- Gourmet burgers, loaded fries, and salads
- Craft beers, vegan wines, and milkshakes
- Online ordering and table bookings
- Gluten-free options available
- Multiple Auckland locations noted
- Takeaway and delivery
Location & Contact
Name: Gorilla Kitchen
Address: 146B Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD
Phone: 09 392 9190
Website: gorillakitchen.nz
3East
East is a vegetarian restaurant with an extensive vegan-friendly modern Asian menu in Auckland Central. Chefs draw on flavours from Japan, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, India, and Sri Lanka for shareable plant-powered dishes. It suits diners seeking refined yet approachable vegetarian and vegan Asian cuisine, including yum cha on Sundays. The stylish Nelson Street setting works well for lunches, dinners, and special occasions.
Services & Highlights
- Michelin Selected in the MICHELIN Guide New Zealand
- Predominantly vegan and vegetarian modern Asian menu
- Yum cha every Sunday
- 100% vegan-friendly and many organic New Zealand wines
- Award-winning water chestnut wontons
- Bespoke cocktails and craft beer
- Private dining and set menus available
- Gluten-free ingredient options clearly marked
Location & Contact
Name: East
Address: 63-67 Nelson Street, Auckland Central
Phone: 09 399 2361
Website: easteats.co.nz
4Wise Boys
Wise Boys is a 100% plant-based burger specialist with permanent sites in Grey Lynn and Commercial Bay plus a food truck. It focuses on gourmet vegan burgers, sides, shakes, and house-made sauces now sold in supermarkets. The brand suits burger lovers, families, and anyone wanting approachable plant-based fast food. Locations cover both suburban and downtown Auckland with delivery options.
Services & Highlights
- 100% plant-based gourmet burgers
- House-made award-winning sauces available nationwide
- Two permanent Auckland locations plus food truck
- Loaded fries, salads, and vegan shakes
- Online ordering and delivery via major platforms
- Franchising opportunities
- Gluten-free options
- Community and event catering via food truck
Location & Contact
Name: Wise Boys
Address: 604 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland (plus Commercial Bay)
Phone: 09 360 0801
Website: wiseboys.nz
5Little Bird Kitchen
Little Bird Kitchen is a plant-based eatery in Ponsonby serving organic, gluten-free, and dairy-free food made from scratch. It specialises in seasonal menus, cakes, treats, and full table service for vegan, paleo, and allergy-friendly diners. The venue suits those seeking wholesome, creative plant-based meals in a community-focused setting. The Summer Street location offers dine-in and takeaway seven days a week.
Services & Highlights
- Proudly plant-based, organic, gluten-free, and dairy-free
- Everything made from scratch with real ingredients
- Seasonal menu using local organic produce
- Full table service and 56-seat venue
- Cakes, treats, donuts, and juices
- Delivery via Delivereasy and Uber Eats
- Bottle return credit scheme
- Over 15 years in the local community
Location & Contact
Name: Little Bird Kitchen
Address: 1A Summer St (Rear Tenancy), Ponsonby, Auckland
Phone: 027 648 4757
Website: littlebirdorganics.co.nz
How to Choose the Right Vegan Restaurant in Auckland
- Decide between fully vegan venues and strong vegan-friendly menus depending on your group.
- Match cuisine style (Thai, modern Asian, burgers, or wholesome cafe fare) to your craving.
- Check for clear allergen labelling and gluten-free or nut-free options if needed.
- Consider location convenience such as Ponsonby, CBD, K Road, or Grey Lynn for your plans.
- Look for licensed venues if you want vegan wines, craft beer, or cocktails with your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Auckland Vegan Restaurants
Are there fully vegan restaurants in Auckland?
Yes. Several spots including Khu Khu Eatery, Gorilla Kitchen, and Wise Boys operate fully vegan menus free from animal products.
What types of vegan cuisine are popular in Auckland?
Thai-inspired, modern Asian, gourmet burgers, and wholesome plant-based cafe food are widely available and popular.
Do vegan restaurants in Auckland offer gluten-free options?
Many do. Menus often mark gluten-free ingredients or options, and staff can usually advise on allergens.
Can I find vegan restaurants near Auckland CBD attractions?
Yes. Options exist in the CBD, Britomart-adjacent areas, K Road, and nearby Ponsonby for easy access to central sights.
Is vegan food delivery easy in Auckland?
Most listed restaurants offer takeaway, online ordering, or delivery through major platforms such as Uber Eats and Delivereasy.
Are there upscale vegan or vegetarian options?
East provides a more refined vegetarian and vegan-friendly modern Asian experience with wine lists and set menus.
Do any places cater for groups or events?
Several offer bookings, private dining, bottomless experiences, or food truck catering for larger groups.