The guide’s ranking · Auckland

Best Green-Lipped Mussels
in Auckland

Green-lipped mussels are endemic to New Zealand and are easily distinguished by the vibrant green stripe along the edge of their shells. They are significantly larger, meatier, and sweeter than the common blue mussels found in other parts of the world. In Auckland, they are a staple of the seafood scene, often served by the bucketful in a variety of flavorful broths. The most traditional way to enjoy them is steamed in white wine and garlic, which highlights their natural sweetness. The trap is over-steaming the mussels until they become small and shriveled, losing their plump texture.

Green-Lipped Mussels · say “Green-Lipped Mussels” ·

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Why locals care

Green-lipped mussels are endemic to New Zealand and are easily distinguished by the vibrant green stripe along the edge of their shells. They are significantly larger, meatier, and sweeter than the common blue mussels found in other parts of the world. In Auckland, they are a staple of the seafood scene, often served by the bucketful in a variety of flavorful broths. The most traditional way to enjoy them is steamed in white wine and garlic, which highlights their natural sweetness. The trap is over-steaming the mussels until they become small and shriveled, losing their plump texture.

Ranked Green-Lipped Mussels stops in Auckland

The Occidental

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Queue: Vulcan Lane, CBD; 5-min walk from Britomart.

Go: 17:30; perfect for a happy hour vibe in a historic lane.

Price: $$

Dietary:

Depot

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Queue: Federal St, 5-min walk from Sky Tower.

Go: 12:30; no bookings, so expect a lively wait.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

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Soul Bar & Bistro

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Queue: Viaduct Harbour, 10-min walk from Sky Tower or Britomart.

Go: 13:30; perfect for people-watching on the terrace.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

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Swashbucklers

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Queue: Westhaven Marina, 20-min walk from CBD or short taxi.

Go: 18:30; a great spot for a relaxed dinner after a day out.

Price: $$

Dietary:

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Auckland Fish Market

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Queue: 10-min walk from Britomart.

Go: 11:00; explore the stalls before the lunch crowd arrives.

Price: $$

Dietary:

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Belgian Beer Café

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Queue: Mission Bay, 15 min from CBD by bus 769.

Go: 13:00; perfect after a walk on the beach promenade.

Price: $$

Dietary:

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Tony's Lord Nelson

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Queue: Victoria St West, CBD; 10-min walk from Britomart.

Go: 19:00; a great spot for a traditional dinner.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

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The Seafood Collective

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Queue: Mt Eden village is 15 min from CBD by car or bus.

Go: 13:00; a great spot for a casual lunch in a village atmosphere.

Price: $$

Dietary:

Stamp availableGoogle Maps

The Oyster Inn

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Queue: 40-min ferry then walk from Matiatia or bus to Oneroa.

Go: 13:00; book a table on the veranda for the best experience.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

Stamp availableGoogle Maps

The Glasshouse

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Queue: Morningside, 3 min walk from Morningside train station.

Go: 12:30; perfect for a long lunch in a bright setting.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

Stamp availableGoogle Maps

Vinnie’s

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Queue: Herne Bay, 10 min from CBD by bus 18.

Go: 19:00; a cozy spot for a neighborhood dinner.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

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The Cav

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Queue: College Hill, between CBD and Ponsonby; 15-min walk from CBD.

Go: 15:00 on a sunny weekend afternoon.

Price: $$

Dietary:

Stamp availableGoogle Maps

Ponsonby Road Bistro

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Queue: on Ponsonby Rd, 20-min walk from CBD or bus 18.

Go: 20:00; book ahead as it is very popular.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

Stamp availableGoogle Maps

Prego

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Queue: on Ponsonby Rd, bus 18 from CBD.

Go: 12:30; great for a lively family lunch.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

Stamp availableGoogle Maps

The Engine Room

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Queue: North Shore suburb; Birkenhead ferry then bus 981, or car via Harbour Bridge.

Go: 19:30; essential to book this destination spot.

Price: $$$

Dietary:

Stamp availableGoogle Maps
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Food near POIs

Mt. Eden Summit

Mt. Eden Summit

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Pairs naturally with this food stop.

Sky Tower

Sky Tower

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Auckland Fish Market

Auckland Fish Market

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Viaduct Harbour

Viaduct Harbour

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Britomart

Britomart

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Wynyard Quarter

Wynyard Quarter

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Mission Bay

Mission Bay

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Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island

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Karangahape Road

Karangahape Road

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Ponsonby Road

Ponsonby Road

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Northcote Point

Northcote Point

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