Great places to eat and drink near Eden Park Stadium

Craving a thick, juicy burger? Head to this American-inspired diner in Mt Eden for epic burgers, curly fries, hot wings and even prawn hush puppies. Go for the thick patties, double layers of melted cheese, house-made sauces and selection of craft beer. Ralph’s simple menu also caters to vegetarians – veggie burger, anyone?

For some glitzy pre-show atmosphere, dine and drink in style at The Bridgman’s bistro with a pub-like twist. Choose from classic pub dishes and elevated main courses, each served with a side of serious Great Gatsby vibes. With luxe décor and a warm atmosphere, this is a great spot to grab a pre-show bite or cocktail.  

Fill up on soul food and good vibes at this Kingsland institution, located 400m from Eden Park. Chef and “spice master” JP, who hails from Jamaica, infuses Caribbean dishes with fiery Mexican flavours – think jalapeño poppers, flavour-packed empanadas, and jerk pork belly. Don’t miss the Jamaican Jerk Chicken, a must-try explosion of umami and spice that consequently was awarded an Iconic Auckland Eat. 

To please a variety of palates, look no further than Kingsland Social. This popular brunch and lunch spot turns into a lively restaurant by night, offering a diverse range of dishes like kingfish ceviche, truffle fettuccine and braised beef cheek burgers. Did we mention it’s only a five-minute walk from Eden Park?

Get your pizza fix at Umu Pizza. Start with a craft beer or a glass of wine, and then work your way through an extensive list of pizzas, dips, extra toppings, sides, salads, and sweets. Highlights include the Number Five pizza that has mozzarella, tomato, wild broccoli, house made Sicilian sausage, Grana Padano, garlic, and chili, and pizza Number Ninety-Nine with mozzarella, mascarpone, roasted potatoes, caramelised onions and truffle oil. Make sure you don’t skip dessert! The house-made tiramisu is delicious! 

Never heard of a Philly Cheese Steak? Head to this restaurant to try it. It is an epic sandwich made from thinly sliced pieces of beefsteak and melted cheese, in a long hoagie roll. Also, there is a range of Philly cheese, crunchy fried chicken, tater tots and slaw.  Try the ‘Full Phat’ – it is cheesy and delicious. 

Owned by a collective, Crave is a charitable cafe doing good in the neighbourhood with all profits given back to the community. It’s also a go-to brunch spot! Begin with a mimosa with orange and follow it up with a main dish like the Prawn Ravioli or the Braised Whole Beef Cheeks. If you lean more to the sweet side, swap things up for the Buttermilk French Brioche Toast and indulge in a chocolate, peanut butter and banana smoothie. 

KIND is a (mostly) vegan café that specialises in healthy and delicious food options, serving an outstanding plant-based menu that caters to a wide variety of dietary needs. The Vegamisù Plant-Based Pancakes are mouth-watering, as are the Crispy Tofu Bao Bun paired with a Watermelon Mimosa. 

Fancy a mouth-watering cheese platter for a pre-show meal? Then be sure to head to Rosanna’s Garden Bar to tuck into one of the Garden’s cheese platters – offering a selection of local cheeses served with lavish compote, fruit and more. Wash it all down with a wine, bubbles, beer, or cocktail and settle in for the evening. With its beautiful oasis-style setting, Rosanna’s sun-drenched courtyard is the perfect place for grazing the day away. 

For a filling pre-show feast, look no further than The Morningside Tavern. There is a diverse menu to suit all tastes, as well as a kid’s menu. Grab some fish and chips or some sticky beef short ribs with pickled red cabbage and maple jus. Top it all off with a toffee pudding or wash it all down with one of over 10 tap beers. 

Urbanaut Brewery can be found in an iconic old warehouse in the heart of Kingsland, where a dedicated team of beer enthusiasts and brewers work together to create some delicious craft beers. All the beers are brewed onsite - visit the brewery for fresh pints, beer tastings, seasonal releases, take-away cans and the delicious Smashburgers and fries. There are vegetarian, vegan, and keto options available too! 

Getting a bit thirsty? Let the friendly staff recommend a beer from the 40 different craft beers on tap that are changed regularly so there is always something new to try. The vibe is fun and laid-back. If you are hungry, there is always a food truck there to serve you; check the website to see which one to expect before getting there.