Bringing your own bottle to a restaurant is one of dining’s great pleasures—pairing your favourite wines with excellent food while keeping things affordable. And the best part? You can drink really well for a small corkage fee. But with so many options in Auckland, the question remains: what to bring?

At By The Bottle, we’ve put together a guide to some of Auckland’s best BYO spots, complete with wine recommendations to take your meal to the next level. Whether you're tucking into a rich Nonya curry, slurping dumplings, or feasting on Peking duck, there’s a perfect bottle for every dish.

Sri Pinang, Karangahape Road, Auckland Central 

What to bring: Kenzie Duet Chilled Syrah 2024
Sri Panang had to be first on the list. This Auckland institution, run by some of the friendliest people in town, serves some of the best food and vibes around. Their legendary Beef Rendang is a masterclass in slow-cooked depth, rich with coconut, spice, and tender beef. A vibrant, fruit-driven red like Kenzie Duet Syrah offers just enough structure to complement the dish’s richness while keeping things fresh.

Bunga Raya, Great North Road— New Lynn

What to bring: Atipico Under The Plum Tree Field Blend 2024
Auckland’s go-to for Nonya-style Malaysian cuisine. The aromatic, spice-laden Nonya curry finds the perfect match in Atipico Under The Plum Tree—a chillable, light red with vibrant acidity to cut through coconut cream and lift bold flavours.

Mr Zhou’s, Mt Eden Rd — Mount Eden 

What to bring: Jousset Rose-a-Lies Pét-Nat 2022
A dumpling institution that needs little introduction. Our Locals nights here are a hit for many reasons, one being the consistently great food. You can’t go past their dumplings—juicy pork dumplings paired beautifully with a dry, textural sparkling like Jousset’s Pét-Nat, offering a lively contrast to rich, savoury bites.

New Flavour, Dominion Road — Mount Eden 

What to bring: Poderi Cellario Lafrea Favorita 2023
A Dominion Road classic serving up no-fuss Northern Chinese food in a loud, lively atmosphere. Pair their dumplings with a vibrant, mineral-driven white like this Piedmontese Favorita for a fresh, fruit-forward match.It’s a fantastic all rounder with its dry and fleshy pear and stone fruit notes, making it an easy drinking option when pairing with lots of bold flavours. 

Canton, New North Road —Kingsland

What to bring: Amoise Albariño
Canton is renowned for its generous portions, speedy service, and excellent BYO policy. A great late-night option, conveniently located next to the train station on New North Road. Their hot and spicy prawns demand something crisp and refreshing—cue Albariño. Its saline edge and citrus-driven palate complement the seafood while standing up to the heat.

Grand Harbour, Viaduct Harbour

What to bring: Arianna Occhipinti SP68 Rosso 2022
Auckland’s premier Cantonese fine-dining spot, complete with large round tables and lazy Susans—perfect for big groups or weekend yum cha. But it’s their Peking Duck we make a beeline for, and it finds a natural partner in Occhipinti’s SP68 Rosso—a juicy, floral Sicilian red that enhances the crispy skin and savoury meat.

Tianze Dumpling House, Sandringham rd, Sandringham

What to bring: Ojisan Blanc 2022
More dumplings? Of course. Pair them with an aromatic, slightly textural white that plays well with soy, vinegar, and chilli oil. Ojisan’s blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer ticks all the boxes for a wide range of flavours.

Bar Magda, Cross st — Auckland Central

What to bring: Hans Herzog Montepulciano 2019
A moody, subterranean gem where Filipino flavours take centre stage. They offer BYO every Sunday and Monday, so take advantage of it on those nights. Their charcoal lamb ribs are a sublime match with this supple Montepulciano from Hans Herzog. The best part? Free corkage for all By The Bottle customers. That means you can spend a little extra on something special—just show your receipt from us when dining at Bar Magda.

Hugo’s Bistro, Shortland st —Auckland CBD

What to bring: Takahiro K Tussock Terrace Riesling 2024
An ever-changing menu keeps things interesting at Hugo’s. A classic bistro with rich dishes like parfait, which calls for a bright, high-acid Riesling. Meanwhile, their whole flounder deserves something crisp and mineral, like a classic Chablis. BYO is available on the last Tuesday of every month.

Bali Nights, Williamson Ave —Grey Lynn

What to bring: Meltwater by Corofin Chenin Blanc 2023

Serving up some of Auckland’s best Balinese fare, Bali Nights delivers bold, punchy flavours inspired by Indonesian street food. Charred satay, fragrant rice dishes, and rich spices take centre stage. We can’t go past Meltwater by Corofin Chenin Blanc with the Sate Ayam—deliciously smoky chicken skewers served with peanut sauce. This lush, textured Chenin balances spice, umami, and the smoky depth of the menu with ease.

BYO is more than just a way to save a few dollars; it’s about making dining out even better. Whether it’s a special bottle you brought back from a trip to Napa last year or something fun and easy to share with friends, the right wine can elevate the experience.

The key? Finding a bottle that complements your meal rather than competes with it. There are no hard and fast rules, so don’t overthink it—just have fun with it. Sometimes, the best bottle isn’t just about the food, but the company, too.

Need a recommendation? Visit us in-store, and we’ll help you find the perfect match.

Visit our Mount Eden store for expert recommendations or shop online with nationwide delivery.