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Swashbucklers

4.2 (40 reviews)
PriceyPubs, Seafood
Open 11:00 am - 1:00 AM (Next day)

Swashbucklers Photos

SWASHBUCKLERS ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for kids
Good for groups

Recommended Reviews - Swashbucklers

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Reviews With Photos

Rob B.

Incredible location and fun interiors. There was a bar side and a large restaurant side. Food is available in the bar, ordered at the bar and it's brought to you. Huge selection of beer and wine. I had to try noted Seafood Chowder. The chowder is a huge lunch and it's chockablock full of fish, 2 huge mussels and a head on shrimp! Three slices of crispy baguette served on the side. As beautiful as the seafood was, the soup was just above inedible. The chowder is basically flower and water.

Scallops Mornay
tom l.

We had tried to go to this place on Tuesday because Yelp said they were open..WRONG1 They are CLOSED on Mondays and Tuesdays. Then we tried again on Wednesday, but didn't have a reservation. Finally got in on our last night in Auckland, Thursday. The wait staff were very efficient concerning how busy they were at 6pm. Service was good, but not over the top Food came out quickly and HOT. Our waitress did stop by to ask if everything was good. My prawns were very garlicky, which I love and the partically peeled them for me yum. My friend loved his scallops mornay, I thought it was a little too saucy. I had to flag down the waitress to order coffee and ask for a dessert menu. My friend says the sticky toffee pudding was very good.

Pirate's Platter
Ben L.

This review will be pretty easy, look at the pic, drool, then visit the restaurant. Also, the restaurant is right by the water and offers a nice view, this was easily my highlight meal in Auckland. The food: Pirate's Platter- A medley of oysters, shrimp, rolled smoked salmon, bread scallops, king prawns, steamed mussels and battered with fish with added calamari. This was pretty awesome, it was basically a dish with an assortment of fresh seafood, every thing tasted from good to really good. I thought the two best items were the scallops and prawns, I thought both tasted like they were just plucked right out of the ocean. Then the oysters, rolled salmon, battered white fish and mussels came next, I thought the flavors were great but the thing for me was how awesome the texture was, the only thing I was just so so with were the tiny boiled shrimp. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=1oX49hM0cMzTD8s-qtNq4Q&userid=Y_iTTjKvV5hLy-880SZzlA

Oysters!!!!
Jozlyn H.

A place for the whole family to enjoy! My boyfriend was craving seafood and Yelp lead us to this restaurant. We walked in without a reservation and luckily they had a table for 2 available. While we were waiting for our food, loads of people with parties of plus 8-10 came in. A lot of kids and families dined in while we were there. SERVICE: They greeted us right away, they sat us quickly... they were prompt and friendly. I enjoyed my experience with their staff. ATMOSPHERE: Their decor and setting made it feel like a fun seafood restaurant. A nice feel for the adults as well as the children. PARKING: we were lucky we came in a little early because as we were leaving, cars were waiting for stalls to open up. Yes this place does get busy, even though they have their own small parking lot out front. RESERVATIONS: I'm assuming if you have a large party, reservations are recommended. We were lucky it wasn't as busy when we walked in, however, it started to pick up when we were leaving. FOOD: I really enjoyed their food. Their salmon was cooked perfectly.... melt in your mouth with the right amount of Cajun. The spices did not overbear the flavor of the delicious salmon. My boyfriend had another fish dish (I can't remember the name but I posted a pic of it) he enjoyed his dish as well. The fresh oysters were delicious..... I would definitely eat at this place again. I enjoyed every bite :)

Ultimate clam chowder!

If you love seafood, this is the place! Out here from California and heard about Swashbucklers and their legendary clam chowder. It beats all expectations! It comes in a large bowl surrounded by bread slices and butter. But it is the three giant mussels topped with a large shrimp that catches your eye. The chowder is unlike any I have had anywhere before. It has a great, rich consistency with an absolutely delicious flavor! The mussels are delicious and did not disappoint while the shrimp was delectable. What a grand combination of flavors, textures and enjoyment. I did also order the fish and chips. While it was good, the clam chowder blew it away. The servers were friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is kitschy but engaging. Check out the vintage outboard motors...for a gear head like me it was a treat to see them! It is hands down the best tasting, visually appealing, interesting pairing of ingredients I have ever had!

Pirate platter and some veg
Stefan G.

Seafood is so good here. If you are into 'décor and ambiance, this might not be the place. It's a little dated and tacky. What they lose in style they make up for in the quality of the food.. Go and have a Pirate's Platter (with the Calamari) you'll not regret it. the natural oysters are so fresh and taste like the sea. the famous NZ Green Lipped Mussels are a delight, as are the prawns, shimp, fish and calamari. If you aren't a seafood lover, they do a good range of 'real' meat as well and that is also expertly cooked.

Harbour view
Jess D.

This restaurant may look a little tacky in its decor but apparently it's one of the best places in Auckland to get fresh seafood. The interior is decorated with old ropes and steering wheels so there is quite a nautical theme going on. Think Pirates of the Carribean! The servings are massive and the fish is always fresh and delicious. Last time I went I had the John Dory - it was superb. The only downfall to this place is the parking, it can be difficult so plan accordingly. It can get busy so it pays to book in advance!

Alex D.

An oldie but a goodie, Swashies reminds me of the old RNZYS before it became all flash - full of salty sea dogs sharing beers and stories, smelling of durries or cigars or both. I can't ever remember eating here (bar the usual fried bar snacks) or even venturing into the dining area but the bar remains the same - decked out with sailing and boating memorabilia and offering a basic range of liquor, soft drinks, wine and beer. They even have a flat screen, perfect for watching the weekend footy. For me though, it's all about their large outdoor tables. They are right by the water but unlike other waterside venues, there's no foot traffic so it's more private and less pretentious. My friends and I have often debated whether Swashies is the best place to soak up the last of the afternoon sun and I think it just might be. It's definitely no frills but that means no fuss, just you and your mates enjoying a coupley beers on a Sunny arvo.....bliss.

Ceiling murals, wall murals, boat motors, old new print art.

Old school marina Resturant. Murals on ceiling were beautiful, fun theme but not hokey. We shared the Pirates platter for two. Excellent fried fish, generous amount of mussels ( a fav), hon liked oysters. Head on shrimp and sweet small ones peeled. Cold smoked salmon didn't seem to fit. Saved for our picnic basket the following day. We added garlic bread, must do. Great choice wines for me and beers for him. Very attentive happy staff.

Jaime G.

Nothing better than Swashies Sunday feed! The best local down to earth spot for seafood in Auckland. The food is always fresh and cooked to perfection - you can get your usual Fried food or fresh seafood with a more natural spin if you want to stay away from the fried stuff. My fav is the calamari, scallops mornay and the Pirates Platter is not to be missed I also like the real cross section of people that come here- it's no fancy 'hot right now' spot it's been hot for years! So if your looking for a great spot (ideally outside on the deck) that is away from the 'scene' then try it out - keep the hipsters and pretentious dicks in ponsonby. They also do the old HQ breakfasts now!!! Yum!

Dallas F.

Pirate Platter for two was delicious. Thanks for the lunch today. My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A lil pricyfor students but we managed it. Overall, great food... Good customer service and quick to prepare our lunch after ordering.

Snack menu :)
Elroy K.

My partner and I enjoyed the seafood, views and service....parking and quality plus price four stars

Seafood platter for 4 people

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2 months ago

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

Fabulous restaurant with great food and service. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves seafood.

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6 years ago

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1 year ago

Top place. Love the mussels. Lovely view of the boats in West Haven outside. One of my favorite places to go.

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8 years ago

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4 years ago

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2 years ago

Always busy, so best to make a booking. Good seafood chowder and excellent steaks. My friend had the seafood pasta and she enjoyed it.

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8 years ago

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7 years ago

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9 years ago

Kitchy place, difficult to get to on a weekday evening because of traffic downtown. Great service and loved the ocean scampi.

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11 years ago

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Swashbucklers Reviews in Other Languages

Review Highlights - Swashbucklers

Pirate Platter for two was delicious.

Mentioned in 2 reviews

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Queens Head Tavern - Pork belly sliders

Queens Head Tavern

4.8(4 reviews)
1.5 kmAuckland CBD

Fantastic happy hour for Bonvoy members (which is free to join). I was able to score $10 glass of…read morewine and $10 bar bites! We had the pork belly sliders and the chicken bites. Both were delicious and great for the price. After HH, I stayed for a Margherita pizza and more wine. The pizza was thin crust and tasted fresh. Only thing that was interesting to me was the inability to order the same HH wines after HH. The selection switches out. Service was really great and friendly. It started off rather quiet for HH but began to fill as time went on. Plenty of seating options and trendy decor.

VISIT: end of February 2020…read more This was a pleasant surprise as we ate here probably every day of the 3 that we were in town. I typically shy away from restaurants that are in the hotel because they tend to be pricey. We felt, for Americans, that this was decently priced and that each time we ate here, we got a different meal FOOD WE TRIED: - Chicken and vegetable dumplings - Prawn and chive Gyoza - Arancini - 55 day aged beef brisket sliders - Seafood Risotto - Spaghetti with mussels, snapper and prawns The sliders, gyoza and spaghetti with seafood was VERY good. I wouldn't order the dumplings again, but I always forget that chicken dumplings just aren't the same as pork and/or shrimp. The Arancini was a bit disappointing in flavor, maybe just a touch more salt would have been helpful and same thing with the flavor of the Risotto. The seafood was cooked perfectly, but the sauce on it just wasn't as flavorful as I would have liked, for a risotto. Service was always great with the staff always helpful with recommendations. We were very happy to have access to this restaurant during our stay the Four Points

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Queens Head Tavern - Wine and pizza

Wine and pizza

Queens Head Tavern - Bar bites chicken

Bar bites chicken

Queens Head Tavern - Margherita pizza

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Margherita pizza

Spitting Feathers - A pint of Stella, brewed in the U.K.

Spitting Feathers

3.7(15 reviews)
1.2 kmAuckland CBD
$$

Hmm. Well. Not terrible, but not what I was hoping for. I went in thinking Spitting Feathers, but…read morethat venue closed and QF took over. It's not what it was, so that's why I don't give the former business one star. Yelp needs to update this listing to show Permanently Closed. It's a sports bar, not a pub, so ... not a pub. They had Rugby League on, which is OK, but I watch Union. I ordered a Panhead Supercharger (American Pale Ale): it tasted of butterscotch (diacetyl) which should not, not, NOT be the case. I brought it up: "we just changed it". I gave a challenging look: the bartender tried it, said it was OK. Horseshit! I know my stuff and have had several of these while on vacation. It was not right. So poor quality of service. They have a large electronic gaming cave. Yuck. Not a pub. It's not Spitting Feathers anymore. Yelp needs to update the listing so that people know that the old venue is dead and gone.

This is officially one of my new top hits in AKL, and has also caught fire as the ideal after work…read morebar! The drinks are cheap and quality, the decor is understated, and there's a 21 and over cap. Couldn't ask for more. Finding SF is only tricky if you're not paying attention, a single doorway on Wyndham that leads to an upstairs oasis. But once you arrive, you won't want to leave. I haven't been here on a Thursday or Sunday but apparently those are the nights to make and appearance (because the food is well cheap). Staff is also super nice. Spitting Feathers, you're a gem.

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Spitting Feathers - #crabbies in New Zealand at Spitting Feathers.

#crabbies in New Zealand at Spitting Feathers.

Spitting Feathers
Spitting Feathers - $4 Heinekens!!!

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$4 Heinekens!!!

The Dominion

The Dominion

3.8(13 reviews)
3.6 kmMt Eden
$$

I believe this is now The Bridgman. It was great! Great…read moreatmosphere, lovely beer selection, and though we didn't eat much the food at other tables looked really good. If I were staying another night in Auckland I would go back for their burgers.

Located on the corner of Valley Road and Dominion Road, The Dominion is the perfect place to meet…read morefriends for an after work drink, watch the rugby or share a meal with the family. The meals are fantastic, and the portions are huge. I'm a fan of their pizza range and must say last time I had their hamburger I fell in love. It was delicious, though definitely too big for me! Even my Dad had trouble finishing it, but it's good to know you get your money's worth! Heineken is on tap at The Dominion, though the bar has a large selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available, so there is definitely something for everyone. While there is plenty of indoor seating, my favourite spot at The Dominion is outside. There are about eight outside tables, two of which are really big and perfect for meals with a group of friends or the family. During summer it's great to sit outside in the heat, but even in winter it's not too bad as there are outdoor heaters above the tables too Tip: There is a room upstairs with a separate bar and outdoor area that can be hired for private functions. Having attended many 21st parties there, I can say with all honesty it is the perfect venue. Not to mention there is a curtain of fairy lights, so that's a definite bonus!

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The Dominion
The Dominion
The Dominion - What lies beneath - mysterious crumble

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What lies beneath - mysterious crumble

Brothers Brewery

Brothers Brewery

4.8(5 reviews)
2.8 kmEden Terrace, Mt Eden
$$

This is probably some of the best beers I've ever had. I was recommended to come here when I'm in…read moreAuckland. I got the taster and just told them to get me what they recommend/what their most popular ones were. I ended up with the Peacenik Pilsner, Back in Black, Raspberry and Mango Sour, Fear & Loathing WCIPA, and Hazesteria. Honestly, I thought all of them was good, except the sour but I never liked sours in general. I think my favorites would be either the Fear & Loathing or the Hazesteria. The Back in Black was good as well. For food from Juke Joint I also ordered the steak & cheese burger, which was also great and definitely filled me up. I also felt a bit of a buzz after finishing the third glass but the burger definitely saved me. Service was good. I ordered at the counter and they gave me a number to put on my table. They checked up on me once in a while and were quick to bring me water when I requested it. The food wasn't life changing but the beers here are definitely worth trying out, even if you're not typically a beer drinker. I'm not, but I still loved them.

Brothers Brewery is a New Zealand staple beer producer, but unfortunately on my visit they…read moreannounced the brand was not doing well and the location close to my hotel was closing for good. I was thankful at least to visit their main location near Mt Eden and along the Auckland Beer Mile; based on my time here, I hope they turn things around and this place stays open for another visit next time. If you're in Auckland and a beer lover, this is worth the stop. Located in a quiet residential neighborhood, the big old factor is cozy and welcoming despite the large profile. They have areas of big comfy sofas, high top tables, and seating for any size group. You walk in along the offices, with restrooms toward the back. The night I was there pub trivia was going on - I jumped in with a team and won $50NZD! The brewery area takes up most of the space, with high ceilings you feel like you're in the middle of the production even at night. The staff here was all welcoming and super friendly to talk about the beer and put together a flight. This ended up being my last stop along the Beer Mile that day, but I was thankful I got a chance to come. Cheers and best of luck Brothers Brewery!

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Brothers Brewery
Brothers Brewery
Brothers Brewery

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Brew On Quay - Nachos

Brew On Quay

4.2(38 reviews)
1.7 kmViaduct
$$

What a GREAT discovery! So good, we came here on both…read moretrips/visits to Auckland. Quality/Quantity - 102 types of beers! Got a flight (okay 2 flights...) for $30 each, see picture. Urbanant Handpull - Cask Ale style, a stronger flavored beer. Eddyline - New Zealand Hefeweizen, crisp and refreshing. They also have it in an apricot wheat ale, interesting. Parrot Dog - Okay. Panhead APA - American Pale Ale, good flavors, medium to light beer. Sawmill Hefeweizen - Good and refreshing. Also the beer of the week. Many specials, see pictures. Food, full bar, and wine are also available. Atmosphere - Super convenient, to the cruise ship, dock, shopping for my wife, etc! Indoor, outdoor seating. Interesting and cool decor throughout. Got really busy as it got later. Of course I was here for a few hours while my wife shopped, lol. Events available. Open 7 days a week from 11am till 10pm or 1am. Service - Bar service. They table service, but by then, I already got my flights. Yes, that was plural. :) Price - $30AUD a flight, $19.60US + tip. Expensive, but for me it was worth it! Great way to end the day. Owner Comment - Congrats on all your success. You will be our regular go to place when visiting/docking in Auckland.

I had passed this pub for a few days, looked at a few yelp reviews and decided to stop by. I wasn't…read moredisappointed we had some great food for a good price. Service was very very quick. I tasted several different beers which are awesome. The only issue we had was trying to get a table during happy hour. atmosphere is very laid-back and easy-going. You're looking for a place to grab a bite or a drink I suggest stopping by here

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Brew On Quay
Brew On Quay - Chicken sandwich and fries

Chicken sandwich and fries

Brew On Quay - 10/17/23 FYI

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10/17/23 FYI

Vultures' Lane - Pint and pie

Vultures' Lane

4.2(20 reviews)
1.4 kmAuckland CBD, Viaduct
$$

Great bar and food. Place was moderately busy but easy to find a table. It was easy to order…read moredrinks and food at the bar. They had a large tap list which satisfied both my partner and I. My partner and I both had a pint, shared a beef and cheese pie, a burger, and mac and cheese. They have 3 different pies a day and sold out pretty quickly. The pie was one of the best we had, nice and flakey and very big. The burger and mac and cheese were good as well but I prefer creamier mac and cheese. However the fries were great, crispy on the outside and potatoey on the inside.

On my last day in Auckland, I looked for fun ways to spend my last few hours. While I was tired, I…read moreexplored the little bars off Queen Street. I had been to many a few years ago, but somehow Vultures' Lane was missed. I saw their fantastic tap list and said I'd stop in for just a beer and respite from the rain. I ended up trying eight thanks to a super friendly and generous bartender. This is a free house, so not tied to any particular brewery or company. They pour what they want, which includes a lot of excellent choices. What hooked me as they also have their own line of house beers (contract brewed off site due to the size constraints of the cozy pub). They have outdoor seating and a few tables and bar stools inside - it's not a large place more cozy for pairs and small groups. They also have a full food menu if you're hungry. When I explained I was on a mostly beer trip and was interested in a tasting board of their beers, he said he'd just pour them all for me and charge the regular price for many less - you can't refuse that kind of offer (8 for the price of 6). It was fun to try them all, diverse styles. Of course some were better than others, but overall they have excellent house beers if you're in the area. If you're a beer fan and in CBD seeing too many bars, it's worth your time to find this one.

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Vultures' Lane
Vultures' Lane - Mac and cheese

Mac and cheese

Vultures' Lane

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Swashbucklers - pubs - Updated May 2026

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