For those who love to savour the finest flavours. Federal Street is home to some of New Zealand's most celebrated chef restaurants — all gathered together in one extraordinary street at the foot of the Sky Tower. Early evening mid-to-late week is the best time to visit, when the fairy lights twinkle overhead and the tempting aromas from the restaurants fill the air.
1. Start on Federal Street
Federal Street · SkyCity Auckland
Federal Street is where Auckland's best chefs have chosen to set up shop — Al Brown with Depot and Federal Delicatessen, MASU by Nic Watt, and Metita by Michael Meredith. The Sky Tower commands the air space above you as you walk the street, and early evening the fairy lights give the whole precinct a warm, inviting glow.
Best time to visit — early evening, mid-to-late week. Quieter than weekends, atmospheric lighting, and you're more likely to snag a table without advance booking (though we always recommend reserving ahead for fine dining).
2. The hit list — best snacks and starters
Federal Street restaurants
If you're doing a Federal Street food crawl, these are the dishes you shouldn't leave without trying:
- Huami — Tabasco prawns
- Depot — fish sliders
- MASU by Nic Watt — soft shell crab slider
- The Grill — pork croquette
3. Dinner — pick your chef
Federal Street · The Grand by SkyCity
Each of Federal Street's headline restaurants offers something distinctly different. Choose based on your mood:
- Metita, by Michael Meredith — a fresh and elegant exploration of Pacific cuisine from one of New Zealand's most awarded chefs. Named after the chef's mother, the menu is personal, creative and best enjoyed as a shared experience.
- MASU by Nic Watt — upscale modern Japanese with a focus on sharing plates, a live Robata grill and an outstanding sake list. Ask to be seated at the Robata Grill for a more intimate, theatrical experience.
- Depot, by Al Brown — if you prefer something more relaxed, Depot's casual all-day menu of fresh Kiwi small plates is consistently excellent and great for groups.
Tip — book in advance for Metita and MASU. These are among Auckland's most popular restaurants and tables fill quickly, especially Thursday to Saturday.
4. Nightcap and sweet treats
Federal Street · Sky Tower
End the evening on a high — literally. Head up to SkyBar in the Sky Tower for a final drink with panoramic views of the city lights across the harbour. Alternatively, stay on Federal Street for a dessert crawl — Federal Delicatessen's dessert trio or MASU's delicate Japanese sweets are both exceptional ways to finish.
