Soul Bar & Bistro
Experience Auckland waterfront dining at its finest. Rated 4.5 stars, this popular spot offers delicious food, cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere. Book your table now!
Stylish, contemporary locale with inventive dishes, a lively bar scene & views of Viaduct Harbour.
About Soul Bar & Bistro
This popular Auckland restaurant, boasting a stellar 4.5-star rating, offers a sophisticated dining experience with a vibrant atmosphere. Located on the waterfront, it's a favorite for both locals and visitors seeking a memorable meal. The price range is $$$ reflecting the quality of ingredients and the refined ambiance. Diners consistently praise the flavorful dishes, often highlighting the fresh seafood and creative cocktails. What makes this place special is its ability to blend a high-end dining experience with a relaxed and convivial setting. With options for outdoor seating and being good for groups, it's a versatile choice for any occasion. Many reviewers rave about the consistently delicious food and impeccable service, making it a must-try destination in Auckland's culinary scene.
Restaurant Analysis
Restaurant Characteristics
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
Price Range (Upscale)
Upscale dining ($$$) - Fine dining with premium prices
Meal Time (dinner)
This restaurant primarily serves dinner. Based on opening hours.
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
Atmosphere (Outdoor)
Al fresco dining with outdoor seating
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Outdoor Seating, Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Groups Welcome, Reservations
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Why Travelers Love Soul Bar
Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
I love Soul Bar, and this time it was a tuesday lunch with the girls. The food is consistently delicious and full of flavor. This time we enjoyed: Scampi cocktail, jalapeño & lime, Ricotta filled tortelli, sunday sauce, calabrian chilli Tuna tartare, calabrian chilli, oyster mayo, potato galette West coast whitebait fritters, lemon butter. We will be back! We have been to Soul bar on many occasions and really enjoyed it in the past, how ever that last few times we have been very disappointed and specially the last visit was for my partners birthday. We weren't there for the ladies lunch we were paying full price and spending alot of money. The service was so bad one of the waitresses plonked our food infront of us with no words or even a smile and walked off. The food was tasteless and nothing to rav about. We ordered the prawn pasta and it came out Looking and tasting over cooked with a prawn head on top of it with about 3 little bits of prawn through it, the seafood chow was made with chicken stock and not very nice, the fish dish was average along with the 2 entrée we had. We won't be back as we can cook better at home. We dined at Soul Bar for dinner. Our server Liz was very lovely and attentive, she made us very comfortable and answered our questions gracefully regarding the menu. All the dishes were well presented, fresh and flavorful. Good mocktail selection to, which was a nice surprise. It was a weekend evening so it was fairly loud but great, lively atmosphere for an inner city restaurant. Bathrooms were clean and tidy, rest of the staff were friendly too.
Find the Restaurant
Where to Find Them
Corner of Lower Hobson Street, Customs Street West, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Opening Hours
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Recent Reviews
Angelique F.
October 13, 2025
I love Soul Bar, and this time it was a tuesday lunch with the girls. The food is consistently delicious and full of flavor. This time we enjoyed: Scampi cocktail, jalapeño & lime, Ricotta filled tortelli, sunday sauce, calabrian chilli Tuna tartare, calabrian chilli, oyster mayo, potato galette West coast whitebait fritters, lemon butter. We will be back!
Lacrescia B.
October 8, 2025
We have been to Soul bar on many occasions and really enjoyed it in the past, how ever that last few times we have been very disappointed and specially the last visit was for my partners birthday. We weren't there for the ladies lunch we were paying full price and spending alot of money. The service was so bad one of the waitresses plonked our food infront of us with no words or even a smile and walked off. The food was tasteless and nothing to rav about. We ordered the prawn pasta and it came out Looking and tasting over cooked with a prawn head on top of it with about 3 little bits of prawn through it, the seafood chow was made with chicken stock and not very nice, the fish dish was average along with the 2 entrée we had. We won't be back as we can cook better at home.
Natasha S.
July 21, 2025
We dined at Soul Bar for dinner. Our server Liz was very lovely and attentive, she made us very comfortable and answered our questions gracefully regarding the menu. All the dishes were well presented, fresh and flavorful. Good mocktail selection to, which was a nice surprise. It was a weekend evening so it was fairly loud but great, lively atmosphere for an inner city restaurant. Bathrooms were clean and tidy, rest of the staff were friendly too.
Cam T.
October 6, 2025
Our first time dining here and won’t be our last! It was a wonderful experience, from start to finish! The gorgeous welcoming staff, the delectable dishes, the ambience, comfortable seats, the company we kept, everything was perfect!
V
October 1, 2025
A great location with beautiful harbour view. Atmosphere is amazing, staff is very friendly, service was quick and food was delicious. A good restaurant for family & friends catchup.
What to Expect
Features and amenities that make Soul Bar special
Outdoor Seating
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you visit
Payment Options
Parking
Accessibility
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Transportation Tips
Public transport is good. Walking is perfect for the CBD, and organized tours include transportation.
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