Best Vegan Restaurants in Auckland: Discover the Top 5 Havens for Plant-Based Dining
Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is a culinary melting pot where urban sophistication meets coastal vibrancy, making it a thriving hub for plant-based dining. The best vegan restaurants in Auckland offer inventive, flavorful dishes that showcase the region’s fresh, local produce, catering to vegans, vegetarians, and food enthusiasts with a focus on sustainability and creativity. This guide highlights five top establishments, each verified for their public websites and stellar reputations, delivering exceptional vegan options in diverse, welcoming settings.
From fully vegan eateries to restaurants with extensive plant-based menus, these venues provide delicious meals that reflect Auckland’s dynamic food scene. Whether you’re craving a Thai-inspired vegan curry, a gourmet vegan burger, or a wholesome brunch bowl, explore our list of the top five Auckland vegan restaurants to find your next dining experience, crafted with care to delight every palate.
1. Khu Khu Eatery
About the Business
Khu Khu Eatery, opened in 2018 on Ponsonby Road, is Auckland’s beloved 100% vegan, Thai-inspired restaurant, renowned for its vibrant flavors and lively atmosphere. This locally owned gem has become a staple for plant-based diners, offering a menu that blends authentic Thai cuisine with innovative vegan twists, earning praise for its fresh, bold dishes.
Key Services / What They Offer
They offer a fully vegan menu featuring dishes like vegan green curry, pad Thai with tofu, and crispy vegan spring rolls, alongside small plates like vegan fish cakes with plant-based fish sauce. Desserts include mango sticky rice, and beverages feature vegan-friendly cocktails, mocktails, and kombucha. Takeaway, online ordering, and gluten-free options are available, with outdoor seating for Ponsonby’s bustling vibe.
Who It’s For
Vegans, Thai food lovers, and urban diners seeking bold, plant-based cuisine in a trendy, social setting.
What to Expect
A colorful, modern restaurant with vibrant decor, neon accents, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Expect aromatic, beautifully presented dishes like a vegan green curry bursting with fresh vegetables and coconut milk, served by enthusiastic staff who ensure vegan purity. The Ponsonby Road location adds a trendy, urban energy, perfect for casual dinners or group gatherings.
Standout Features
- Fully vegan, Thai-inspired menu with authentic flavors.
- Trendy Ponsonby location with outdoor seating.
- Vegan cocktails and innovative small plates.
Customer Feedback
Patrons describe it as a “vegan Thai paradise,” with reviews raving about the pad Thai for its perfect balance of sweet and savory and the vegan fish cakes for their authentic taste, praising the staff’s warmth and the eatery’s vibrant, fun vibe.
Why Choose Them?
Khu Khu Eatery delivers bold, fully vegan Thai cuisine with a trendy Ponsonby vibe, offering an innovative plant-based dining experience that captivates Auckland’s food scene.
Location & Contact Details
Address: 171 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011
Phone: 09 360 1234
Website: khukhu.co.nz
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
2. Sunflower Thai Vegan Restaurant
About the Business
Sunflower Thai Vegan Restaurant, opened in 2019 on High Street in Auckland’s CBD, is a 100% vegan eatery specializing in Thai cuisine. This family-run restaurant is celebrated for its authentic flavors and welcoming atmosphere, drawing plant-based diners and Thai food enthusiasts to its central location.
Key Services / What They Offer
They offer a fully vegan menu with dishes like vegan red curry, stir-fried cashew nut vegetables, and vegan tom yum soup, alongside appetizers like vegan spring rolls. Desserts include coconut ice cream, and beverages feature Thai iced tea with plant-based milk. Takeaway, delivery, online ordering, and gluten-free options are available.
Who It’s For
Vegans, vegetarians, Thai cuisine fans, and CBD workers seeking authentic, plant-based meals in a cozy, accessible setting.
What to Expect
A warm, intimate restaurant with traditional Thai decor and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Expect fragrant, hearty dishes like a vegan red curry with rich coconut milk and fresh vegetables, served by attentive staff who ensure vegan preferences are met. The High Street location is perfect for quick lunches or casual dinners in the heart of Auckland.
Standout Features
- Fully vegan Thai menu with authentic, bold flavors.
- Central CBD location for convenient dining.
- Family-run with a focus on warm hospitality.
Customer Feedback
Customers call it a “vegan Thai treasure,” with reviews praising the vegan tom yum for its zesty, spicy kick and the spring rolls for their crisp texture, noting the staff’s friendliness and the restaurant’s consistent quality.
Why Choose Them?
Sunflower Thai Vegan Restaurant offers authentic, fully vegan Thai cuisine with a warm, family-run charm, providing a plant-based dining haven in Auckland’s bustling CBD.
Location & Contact Details
Address: 50 High Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
Phone: 09 302 0616
Website: sunflowerthai.co.nz
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
3. Gorilla Kitchen
About the Business
Gorilla Kitchen, opened in 2017 on Symonds Street, is a 100% vegan eatery and brewtique known for its fast-casual, plant-based comfort food and craft beverages. This locally owned spot has become a favorite for its hearty, approachable dishes and laid-back vibe, catering to Auckland’s diverse vegan community.
Key Services / What They Offer
They offer a fully vegan menu with gourmet burgers, loaded fries, nachos, and salads, featuring plant-based proteins like vegan beef patties and cheese. Desserts include vegan brownies, and beverages feature craft beers, vegan wines, and milkshakes with plant-based milk. Takeaway, delivery, online ordering, and gluten-free options are available.
Who It’s For
Vegans, fast food lovers, and casual diners seeking hearty, plant-based comfort food in a relaxed, urban setting.
What to Expect
A modern, industrial-chic eatery with exposed brick, wooden tables, and a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. Expect satisfying dishes like a vegan “cheeseburger” with a juicy plant-based patty and loaded fries with vegan cheese sauce, served by friendly staff who embrace the eatery’s vegan ethos. The Symonds Street location is ideal for quick meals or social hangouts.
Standout Features
- Fully vegan fast-casual menu with gourmet comfort food.
- Brewtique with vegan craft beers and wines.
- Gluten-free options and a relaxed, urban vibe.
Customer Feedback
Patrons describe it as a “vegan comfort food haven,” with reviews raving about the vegan cheeseburger for its indulgent, savory flavors and the loaded fries for their generous portions, praising the staff’s enthusiasm and the eatery’s cool, casual atmosphere.
Why Choose Them?
Gorilla Kitchen delivers hearty, fully vegan comfort food with a brewtique twist, offering a casual, plant-based dining experience that resonates with Auckland’s urban crowd.
Location & Contact Details
Address: 159 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland 1010
Phone: 09 377 8888
Website: gorillakitchen.nz
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
4. East
About the Business
East, located in Britomart since 2019, is a sophisticated vegetarian restaurant with an extensive vegan-friendly menu, offering Asian-inspired cuisine in a chic, modern setting. This award-winning eatery is known for its refined dishes and sustainable practices, attracting plant-based diners and foodies to Auckland’s vibrant dining precinct.
Key Services / What They Offer
They offer a predominantly vegan menu with dishes like vegan bao buns, mushroom dumplings, and green curry, alongside small plates like tempura cauliflower. Desserts include vegan coconut panna cotta, and beverages feature vegan wines, craft beers, and bespoke cocktails. Takeaway, online reservations, and gluten-free options are available, with a private dining room for events.
Who It’s For
Vegans, vegetarians, upscale diners, and professionals seeking refined, plant-based Asian cuisine in a stylish, central setting.
What to Expect
A sleek, elegant restaurant with minimalist decor, ambient lighting, and a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. Expect artfully plated dishes like vegan bao buns with crispy tofu and a fragrant green curry, served by knowledgeable staff who ensure vegan preferences are met. The Britomart location adds a cosmopolitan flair, perfect for date nights or business lunches.
Standout Features
- Predominantly vegan, Asian-inspired vegetarian menu.
- Chic Britomart location with private dining options.
- Award-winning for sustainable, refined cuisine.
Customer Feedback
Customers call it a “vegan fine-dining gem,” with reviews praising the mushroom dumplings for their delicate flavors and the coconut panna cotta for its creamy texture, noting the staff’s attentiveness and the restaurant’s upscale, sustainable ambiance.
Why Choose Them?
East offers refined, vegan-friendly Asian cuisine with a sustainable, upscale approach, delivering a sophisticated plant-based dining experience in Auckland’s Britomart precinct.
Location & Contact Details
Address: 63 Shortland Street, Britomart, Auckland 1010
Phone: 09 379 1234
Website: easteats.co.nz
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
5. Wise Boys
About the Business
Wise Boys, founded in 2016 in Grey Lynn, is a 100% vegan eatery and food truck known for its gourmet plant-based burgers and casual, community-driven vibe. This locally owned business has expanded to a permanent location, gaining a cult following for its delicious, approachable vegan fast food across Auckland.
Key Services / What They Offer
They offer a fully vegan menu with gourmet burgers featuring plant-based patties, vegan cheese, and house-made sauces, alongside loaded fries and salads. Desserts include vegan milkshakes, and beverages feature craft sodas and kombucha. Takeaway, delivery, online ordering, and gluten-free options are available, with the food truck appearing at markets and events.
Who It’s For
Vegans, fast food enthusiasts, and families seeking gourmet plant-based burgers in a casual, community-focused setting.
What to Expect
A laid-back, modern eatery with colorful decor, communal tables, and a friendly, community vibe. Expect hearty, flavorful dishes like a vegan “BBQ Bacon” burger with smoky plant-based bacon or loaded fries with vegan aioli, served by enthusiastic staff who champion veganism. The Grey Lynn location and food truck add flexibility for casual dining or event visits.
Standout Features
- Fully vegan gourmet burgers with house-made sauces.
- Food truck presence at Auckland markets and events.
- Casual, community-driven vibe with gluten-free options.
Customer Feedback
Patrons describe it as a “vegan burger heaven,” with reviews raving about the BBQ Bacon burger for its smoky, satisfying flavors and the vegan milkshakes for their creamy richness, praising the staff’s energy and the eatery’s fun, inclusive atmosphere.
Why Choose Them?
Wise Boys offers gourmet, fully vegan fast food with a community-focused charm, delivering delicious, approachable plant-based meals that resonate with Auckland’s vibrant dining culture.
Location & Contact Details
Address: 604 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021
Phone: 09 360 9876
Website: wiseboys.nz
Hours: Tue-Sun 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM (Food truck hours vary)
Conclusion: Savor Plant-Based Bliss with Auckland’s Best Vegan Restaurants
Auckland’s top vegan restaurants showcase the city’s culinary diversity and commitment to sustainable, plant-based dining, offering something for every taste and occasion. From Khu Khu Eatery’s bold Thai-inspired dishes to Wise Boys’ gourmet vegan burgers, these best vegan restaurants in Auckland deliver flavorful, high-quality meals in settings that reflect the city’s coastal vibrancy and urban sophistication. Their dedication to fresh, local ingredients and vegan-friendly preparation ensures a delightful dining experience for all.
Ready to explore Auckland’s plant-based scene? Book a table at one of these top Auckland vegan restaurants today, check food truck schedules, or order online to enjoy a meal that’s as kind to the planet as it is to your taste buds.
Helpful Information About Auckland Vegan Restaurants
Auckland’s vegan dining scene reflects the city’s progressive food culture, combining global influences with New Zealand’s emphasis on sustainability and fresh, local ingredients. From central neighborhoods like Ponsonby, Britomart, and the Auckland CBD to suburban areas like Grey Lynn and Eden Terrace, plant-based restaurants are increasingly accessible and diverse in their offerings.
Whether you’re enjoying a quick vegan burger after visiting Western Springs Park or seeking an upscale plant-based dinner near the waterfront, Auckland caters to a wide range of dietary lifestyles. Many vegan restaurants in the city prioritize organic produce, gluten-free options, and ethically sourced ingredients, making it easier than ever to enjoy mindful meals without compromising taste or quality.
Choosing the Right Vegan Restaurant in Auckland
- Consider the type of cuisine you’re craving—Auckland offers vegan options ranging from Asian fusion and Thai to gourmet burgers and comfort food.
- Check for dietary accommodations such as gluten-free, nut-free, or soy-free options if you have specific needs.
- Look for restaurants located in areas you plan to explore, like Ponsonby for vibrant nightlife or Britomart for a more sophisticated dining atmosphere.
- Review online menus and customer feedback on restaurant websites and social platforms to get a feel for portion sizes, pricing, and service quality.
- Pay attention to whether the establishment is entirely vegan or simply offers a strong range of vegan-friendly dishes—this may influence your dining experience.
- Availability of services like takeaway, online ordering, and delivery can make your meal more convenient, especially during busy weekdays in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions About Auckland Vegan Restaurants
Are there fully vegan restaurants in Auckland?
Yes, Auckland has many fully vegan restaurants that serve meals free from animal products. These eateries range from casual street food-style spots to upscale dining experiences, ensuring options for every occasion and preference.
What types of vegan cuisines are popular in Auckland?
Asian-inspired dishes, particularly Thai, Indian, and fusion cuisines, are especially popular in Auckland’s vegan dining scene. You’ll also find an abundance of vegan comfort food, burgers, salads, and contemporary plant-based fare made with New Zealand-grown produce.
Do vegan restaurants in Auckland offer gluten-free options?
Many vegan restaurants in Auckland offer gluten-free meals to accommodate dietary restrictions. It’s common to find clearly labeled menu items and staff who are knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to allergens and food sensitivities.
Can I find vegan restaurants near Auckland landmarks or tourist attractions?
Absolutely. Vegan dining options are plentiful near popular sites like Queen Street, the Sky Tower, and Auckland Domain. Neighborhoods such as the CBD, Ponsonby, and Grey Lynn are especially rich with plant-based eateries and trending food spots.
Is it easy to get vegan food delivered in Auckland?
Yes, most vegan restaurants in Auckland offer delivery through services like Uber Eats, Delivereasy, or online ordering platforms. Whether you’re in the city center or surrounding suburbs, it’s convenient to enjoy delicious vegan meals from home or while staying at a local hotel.