Auckland Food Courts
Our Picks
June 2011
With the rise in popularity of the humble food court we thought we'd give you the low down on where to head.
Atrium on Elliott Food Court
Location: 21-25 Elliott St, Auckland City
Why we like it: The atrium on Elliot food court offers a wide range of cuisines with plenty of seating. It's home to some well established eateries such as the Dragon Boat Restaurant, Hollywood Bakery and Umi Sushi.
Cuisine on offer: Chinese (including Yum Char), Thai, Malaysian, Taiwanese, Korean, Indian, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Kebabs, European bakery and cafe.
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 7am-6pm, Thursday and Friday 7am-7pm, Saturday 8am-7pm, Sunday and Public Holidays 9am-5pm.
Food Alley
Location: 9-11 Albert Street, Auckland City
Why we like it: This two-storey food court is an Auckland institution that’s been operating for years. It has a dozen food stalls serving Asian food and two licensed bars. The food has a great reputation, it’s cheap and popular with office workers, couples and families alike.
Cuisine on offer: Chinese, Indian, Thai, Malaysian, Indonesian, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese.
Hours: 10.30am-10pm daily.
Eat Asian Food Court
Location: 233 Queen Street, Auckland City
Why we like it: Of all the food courts this has possibly the most authentic atmosphere.
Cuisine on offer: Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Malaysian, Thai, Middle Eastern and Indian.
Hours: Until 9pm daily
Ponsonby Village International Food Court
Location: 106 Ponsonby Rd (cnr Ponsonby Rd and Pollen St)
Ponsonby
Why we like it: Ponsonby road can be an expensive dining out experience so this popular food court offers a cheap alternative. Situated towards the K Road end of Posnonsy Road they took out top honours at the Metro Magazine 2009 awards for Best Food Court. As a result it's extremely popular so can get a bit busy at times. They also provide outdoor seating with an impressive view of Ponsonby road making this a good option for summer.
Cuisine on offer: Italian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Malaysian, Chinese, kebabs, Thai; Laotian, Indian and Mexican.
Hours: 10am-10pm daily
Lim Chhour Food Hall
Location: 184 K Rd, Newton
Why we like it: They are reasonably priced and have a good range of cuisine types on offer. At the back is Lim Chhour supermarket where you can stock up on produce and Asian ingredients.
Cuisine on offer: Thai, Japanese, Malaysian, Hong Kong Style Chinese, Indian and Roasts.
Hours: 9am-9pm daily
Mercury Plaza
Location: 23-31 Mercury Lane (off K Rd), Newton
Why we like it: Often referred to as “Mercs” this is another well respected international food court that’s been operating for years. The interior is very basic but the food is good and reliably. Because of its reputation for cheap and tasty Asian food, it’s a popular spot with celebrities and students alike.
Cuisine on offer: Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Chinese and Japanese.
Hours: 11am - 9pm daily
Newmarket Plaza Food Hall
Location: Kent St, Newmarket
Why we like it: Not a wide selection of stalls to choose from but it’s an interesting destination. The alleyway setting is unique and you get the feeling you’re in Chinatown with the Asian bakery, butcher, green grocer, seafood shop and market next door.
Cuisines on offer: a laksa house, Thai, Chinese and Korean.
International Food Court
Location: Rialto Centre, 163 Broadway, Newmarket
Why we like it: It's convenient location to the Rialto Cinema means punters can grab a bite to eat before or after the movies.
Cuisine on offer: Japanese, Indian, Thai, Mexican, Turkish, Subway, Nandos, café and Juice Bar.
Hours: 7am–8.30pm daily
Food City
Location: Pearn Crescent, Northcote Shopping Centre
Why we like it: Variety. Food City has an array of eateries to choose from with 12 food outlets over two levels and another 10 or more around the neighbouring street. Meals start at as little as $8.
Cuisine on offer: Indian, Thai, Malaysian, Chinese, Japanese, roasts and a cafe.
Hours: 10.30am-10pm daily
Editorial by Christine Brightwell