Hello dear
Located in a stunning 1930s heritage building at 130 Quay Street, "alma - Auckland Central" offers a memorable dining experience with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and bold flavors. The restaurant’s inviting atmosphere, complete with terracotta plates and copper details, sets the stage for culinary excellence. Highlights include the lamb, slow-cooked over firewood, and well-balanced oysters that exemplify the chefs' attention to detail. Diners rave about the unique dishes, such as anchovy toast and octopus, paired perfectly with an impressive selection of wines and beers. Alma is truly a must-visit for those seeking a refined yet vibrant dining adventure in the heart of Auckland.
About
Welcome to alma - Auckland Central, a culinary gem nestled at 130 Quay Street, Auckland. This exquisite restaurant harmoniously blends modern dining with the charm of a beautifully preserved 1930s heritage building. The space is adorned with terracotta plates and copper accents, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that enhances the overall dining experience.
As soon as you step inside, you are greeted by a thoughtfully designed interior that perfectly balances natural lighting with a relaxed ambiance. The menu, inspired by seasonal ingredients, showcases dishes that promise to tantalize your palate. Whether you’re indulging in their standout tuna crudo or savoring the unique flavors of the anchovy toast and octopus starter, you will find each bite crafted with precision and care.
One of the highlights at alma is the chef's commitment to ingredients and technique. Dedicated to creating harmonious dishes, you'll find that each plate tells a story. The slow-cooked lamb is a testament to this ethos, offering a delightful balance of the boldness from firewood cooking and the tenderness that comes from careful preparation. Paired with a herbaceous sauce, it elevates the dish to a new level of culinary delight.
Moreover, the beverage menu offers a curated selection of cocktails, notably the refreshing Watermelon and the unique Tomato, providing perfect pairings to complement your meal. For beer aficionados, options range from Estrella Damm Lager to Urbanaut Hazy IPA, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
The reviews from patrons reflect an overall stunning experience. As one guest shared, the meal transformed simple ingredients into something extraordinary, highlighting the chef’s expertise and creativity. While there were some minor taste balancing critiques, the overall sentiment remains that alma is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy a memorable dining experience in Auckland.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a fantastic meal, alma - Auckland Central stands out as an exceptional dining choice, promising warmth, elegance, and unforgettable flavors that will make you want to return time and time again.
“ Went on a whim for lunch and wasn’t disappointed. We sat at the bar with the chefs, who were happy to explain things. Great service, super tasty food (the anchovy is unlike what we usually get here in NZ), and a reasonable Champagne price (for a restaurant). Menu is seasonal but see pics for the food we enjoyed—lighting wasn’t the best where we were, but you get the idea. We’ll be back! ”
“ We seen great reviews of Alma and had to try it ourselves. We (3 colleagues) booked a Sunday late dinner. The restaurant was quite. We were quickly served drinks. The setting is beautiful and very relaxing. The dishes we picked were varied. We loved some but thought as a whole there were some taste balancing issues with few of the dishes. Clearly there is attention to ingredients and techniques but not all dishes blew our minds as we hoped for. Still it was a great dinner with great service. ”
“ Set in a beautifully preserved 1930s heritage building, Alma offers a stunning and welcoming space with terracotta plates, copper details, and thoughtful natural lighting. The lamb, slow-cooked over firewood, delivered both the boldness of open flame and the tenderness of gentle heat. It paired exceptionally well with a sauce full of herbs and coriander—surprisingly perfect together. The oysters, already delicious on their own, came with a sauce so well-balanced that it elevated them to what felt like their “final form.” From appetizers to mains, every dish made me think, “Did they really plan it to be this good?”—with such a high level of precision and harmony. The entire space—its scent, sound, lighting, and even the texture of the tableware—comes together to create a deeply satisfying dining experience. During my stay in Auckland, I didn’t find a restaurant that surpassed this one. I absolutely fell for it. Highly recommended for a special meal in the city. ”
“ Best dinner we had while in Auckland. Great service and the tuna crudo was a standout dish. ”
“ The anchovy toast and octopus starter was amazing. Such beautiful, unique and bold flavours that go well together. Also a great wine list! ”
“ Excellent. Went for a work dinner. Everything was sorted for us including the tasting menu. Everything was delicious in its own way, even the spicy margarita I had. The service was exactly as I would expect, the waiter at the end even asked a few people what their favorite dish was and attempted to guess, and got it right. 10/10 ”
“ Truly Delicious dinner! We tried 5 dishes and loved them all. A real flavor explosion. Our waiter was fantastic, very knowledgeable on all wines and dishes and incredibly friendly. Overall, a scrumptious meal with amazing staff. ”
“ WOW !!!! A sensational experience. Our waiter was amazing. Everything he recommend was absolutely delicious from anchovies to beef tongue to pork you name it, it was all scrumptious.... the best customer service. Highly recommend ”