Giraffe
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Giraffe

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A stylish waterfront eatery celebrating New Zealand's finest local produce in a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

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From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Giraffe

Giraffe

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stylish waterfront eatery celebrating New Zealand's finest local produce in a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

"Enjoy a stylish but casual harborside dining experience with glistening marina views."

TIP

Intimate Window Seating

Request a table by the open window for a more intimate and scenic dining experience.

Breakfast Recommendations

The smashed avocado is highly recommended for breakfast, known for its freshness.

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Quick Facts

Open·Closes 9PM

Cuisine

Modern European

Price

$$$

Phone

+64 9 358 1093

Address

85/89 Customs Street West, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stylish Harborside Dining

Stylish Harborside Dining

Enjoy a chic yet relaxed atmosphere with dazzling marina views, perfect for any time of day.

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Local & Seasonal Menu

Local & Seasonal Menu

Savor thoughtfully prepared dishes featuring the freshest local and seasonal New Zealand ingredients.

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Signature Seafood Platters

Signature Seafood Platters

Indulge in expertly curated seafood platters, showcasing the best of the ocean's bounty.

Google Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

100 Top Things To Do In Auckland: Day 93, Giraffe
@beckiandgeorge
107 likes • 5.5K views

Intimate Window Seating

Request a table by the open window for a more intimate and scenic dining experience.

Breakfast Recommendations

The smashed avocado is highly recommended for breakfast, known for its freshness.

Auckland Zoo has welcomed a brand new baby giraffe - and lucky visitors just might get the chance to spot her. #fyp #foryoupage #aucklandzoo #giraffe #auckland #nz #newshub
@newshubnz
1.2K likes • 22.2K views
We all look up to Billy – the tallest giraffe at the Zoo! 🦒 Billy is six years old and reaches an awe-inspiring 14 feet (4.5 m). His dad, Forest, lives at Australia Zoo and holds the Guiness World Record for the tallest giraffe - a record-breaking 18 feet, 8 inches (5.7 m). Since giraffes reach most of their height by about four years old, Billy won’t outgrow his famous father but he’s still incre...
@aucklandzoo
153 likes • 1.6K views

Water Charge Awareness

Be aware that opting for bottled water may incur an additional charge.

Fast Service Option

Service can be quick; consider this if you prefer a more leisurely meal.

@aucklandzoo is celebrating the birth of a 195cm (6 foot 5 inches) #babygiraffe, and will invite #Aucklanders to give the calf a name in coming weeks. #giraffe #animals #cuteanimals #animalsoftiktok #giraffesoftiktok #auckland #aucklandnz #nz #animallover
@nzstuff
366 likes • 8.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Intimate Window Seating

Request a table by the open window for a more intimate and scenic dining experience.

Breakfast Recommendations

The smashed avocado is highly recommended for breakfast, known for its freshness.

Water Charge Awareness

Be aware that opting for bottled water may incur an additional charge.

Fast Service Option

Service can be quick; consider this if you prefer a more leisurely meal.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Giraffe is praised for its stylish harborside location and fresh, local ingredients, offering a delightful dining experience from breakfast to dinner. While many appreciate the friendly service and inviting atmosphere, some reviews note that portion sizes can be small for the price and occasionally, dishes might miss the mark, particularly regarding accompaniments like chips or seasoning.

"We have eaten here about three times to date and have always found the food well prepared, (although a tad skimpy for what you pay) and service to be superlative. Friendly , attentive staff. We had a breakfast 'lunch' and could not fault the meal. Coffee was perfect !"

Patrick Baker

"Had a lovely brunch here, in beautiful weather. The atmosphere is so inviting, we watched the boats and even some youngsters fish and release with complete joy. The muesli was the star for me. Perfect blend of crunchy, toasted, sweet and fresh. Welcoming and efficient staff rounded off the experience.
I may be out of date but unisex bathrooms are still hard to wrap my head around."

Michelle Arthur

"Good view by looking at harbour. Nice to see boats at pier, to enjoy sea breeze. The staff are friendly, despite changed few seats due to sun ray.
The Avocado and pouch eggs were delicious, can taste the freshness of avocado. The coffee was great too."

PS “Yogalover” Heng

What People Like

Beautiful marina views
Fresh, local ingredients
Friendly and attentive service

What People Dislike

Portion sizes for the price
Inconsistent execution of some dishes
Potential for unexpected water charges

Frequently Asked Questions

Giraffe offers a stylish yet casual dining experience with a cosmopolitan atmosphere and glistening marina views. It's ideal for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.

Restaurants in AucklandEight Spots to Dine Along Auckland's WaterfrontEat and Drink | Viaduct Harbour

While the menu features many local delights, popular choices include the Canterbury Duck, lamb shank, and fresh seafood platters. The smashed avocado is also a breakfast highlight.

Google Review+2

The menu highlights local and seasonal ingredients, suggesting a focus on fresh produce. It's recommended to inquire directly with the restaurant about specific dietary needs.

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The restaurant is open all day. For a more intimate experience, consider requesting a table by an open window.

Eight Spots to Dine Along Auckland's Waterfront

One diner noted being charged for bottled water when they didn't specifically request it. It's advisable to confirm water options to avoid unexpected costs.

Google Review

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Located in the buzzy heart of the Viaduct, Giraffe unites the best local foods with flair and fun. It's open from breakfast until late and whether you are a meat eater or a vegan, the menu will leave you satisfied. The wine list is fantastic and the atmosphere cosmopolitan.

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Giraffe combines a stylish but casual harbourside dining room with an intensely local and seasonal menu. The restaurant was named by owner Simon Gault's…

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If you're looking to splash out, Simon Gault's waterfront eatery is elegant, poised and filled with both character and charisma. Whether it be breakfast, brunch, drinks, a date night or a work-day refuel, this is an all-day eatery that will see you right. The menu is split into sections, starring snacks, cool, hot, social feasts, limited and sharing dishes.

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Eat and Drink | Viaduct Harbour

Giraffe’s spacious cafē and bistro is a great spot to enjoy all-day dining. You'll find Giraffe's relaxed atmosphere perfect for coffee, brunch, lunch or dinner that provides reprieve from the city bustle while still serving glistening marina views.

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Where to go for a pre-show dinner in central Auckland

Described as a celebration of everything that makes New Zealand great, Giraffe offers fresh, local produce in a relaxed environment. Indulge in whitebait fritters, pumpkin ravioli or a duck caesar salad.

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Similarly, Giraffe, Gault's new all-day eatery in the Viaduct, is a beautiful, modern space that serves sharing plates featuring premium ingredients from the finest growers and producers.

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Giraffe by Simon Gault celebrates everything that makes New Zealand great. The food is homegrown and front and centre, showcasing the finest growers and local producers N...

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Giraffe (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Food Guide