Aka Rooftop - Asian Kitchen & Bar

About Aka Rooftop - Asian Kitchen & Bar

Aka Rooftop is Auckland’s premier Pan-Asian kitchen and bar, perched fifteen floors above the city's bustling harbour. This sophisticated venue offers a unique rooftop ritual where breathtaking 270-degree panoramic views of Auckland's skyline, harbour, and volcanic silhouettes meet an vibrant culinary experience. It's renowned for its "golden hour," when the sky turns red, providing a stunning backdrop to an evening of exceptional food and cocktails.

The kitchen at Aka Rooftop embarks on a culinary dialogue with Pan-Asian traditions, drawing inspiration from Japan, China, Korea, and Southeast Asia, while grounding its flavours in fresh New Zealand seasonal produce. This approach results in a menu that is both familiar and innovative, served with a restless curiosity that redefines fusion. Beyond dining, Aka Rooftop cultivates an atmosphere where guests are encouraged to linger longer, transforming strangers into accomplices over exquisite dishes and expertly crafted drinks. The bar complements the kitchen's ethos, featuring award-winning mixology that blends Asian botanicals with local New Zealand spirits, ensuring every glass is crafted with care and a touch of theatre.

Aka Rooftop: Elevated Pan-Asian Dining with Breathtaking Auckland Views

Aka Rooftop isn't just a bar or a restaurant; it's an experience designed to captivate and transform. Perched fifteen floors above Auckland's vibrant harbour, this expansive Pan-Asian kitchen and bar offers an unparalleled perspective of the city, framed by breathtaking 270-degree panoramic views stretching from Rangitoto to the Waitākere Ranges. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in a "rooftop ritual" where the stunning "golden hour" sunsets provide a magnificent backdrop to an evening of culinary discovery. From the moment the elevator opens on Level 15, guests are welcomed into a space that buzzes with gentle energy, a place where the sky turns red and the city opens up like a fan. It's truly a destination where you’ll leave later than planned, feeling slightly different.

The philosophy behind Aka's kitchen is one of respectful rebellion. While drawing deep inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of Japan, China, Korea, and Southeast Asia, the chefs at Aka refuse to be bound by convention. Instead, they engage in a "culinary dialogue" with these traditions, infusing them with the freshest seasonal produce from New Zealand's coastline and fertile lands. This approach results in a menu that is both innovative and honest, where familiar flavours are reimagined with a restless curiosity. It’s not fusion for the sake of it, but a careful curation of tastes that keeps the cuisine grounded yet inventive. Signature dishes like the meticulously prepared 48-Hour Peking Duck, lacquered with maltose and roasted to crackling perfection, and the theatrical Golden Gong Ceremony, offering tableside carving followed by delectable roast duck lettuce wraps, stand as testaments to this creative spirit. Other culinary highlights include the fresh Coconut Kingfish Sashimi, vibrant with coconut-lime dressing and bird's eye chilli, the uniquely named Forbidden Fire Chicken, Aka's elevated take on Kung Pao, and the rich Chef Ed's Butter Oat Prawns, featuring whole tiger prawns with a decadent brown butter oat crumble. For those with a sweet tooth, the Kyoto Tiramisu provides a delicate finish, layering matcha with silky mascarpone cream.

The Bar, the Views, and the Unforgettable Atmosphere

Beyond the kitchen, Aka Rooftop excels as a sophisticated bar where "cocktails are the language and everyone's fluent." The award-winning mixology team crafts innovative drinks that perfectly complement the Pan-Asian cuisine, blending exotic Asian botanicals with premium local New Zealand spirits. Every glass is treated as if it matters, showcasing a little theatre and a lot of passion. Whether you're savouring a perfectly balanced cocktail as ferries trace slow arcs below or watching the city lights begin to glow against the darkening sky, the bar promises an experience that is both engaging and relaxing. The atmosphere is further enhanced by hospitality that is attentive yet discreet, reading the room and ensuring every guest feels present and cared for without being overwhelmed. It’s a place where you'll come for the spectacular sunset but stay for the unexpected connections and the version of yourself you become after it.

Aka Rooftop also serves as an exceptional venue for special events, capable of hosting everything from intimate private dining experiences for twelve guests to grand corporate functions or full venue takeovers for up to one hundred and fifty. Its stunning location and versatile spaces make it an ideal setting for celebrations, product launches, or any significant occasion that demands a spectacular backdrop. The dedicated events team works closely with clients to tailor every detail, ensuring each gathering rises effortlessly to the occasion, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.

To make the most of your visit, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekend evenings, as the rooftop fills quickly. Guests are encouraged to embrace a "smart casual" dress code, leaving activewear and flip-flops at home to match the elevated ambience of the fifteen-story perch. For convenience, valet parking is available on Friday and Saturday evenings, and the Victoria Street car park is just a short walk away. Alternatively, Britomart station is only five minutes on foot, offering a seamless journey to this elevated destination where the elevator ride itself feels like part of the grand entrance. Aka Rooftop promises more than just a meal or a drink; it offers an unforgettable experience where the East meets elevated luxury, inviting you to stay for the last light and leave as someone new.

Signature items

• 48-Hour Peking Duck
• Golden Gong Ceremony
• Coconut Kingfish Sashimi
• Chef Ed's Butter Oat Prawns
• Forbidden Fire Chicken
• Kyoto Tiramisu

Menu

Dessert

• Kyoto Tiramisu — Layers of Matcha, Silky Mascarpone Cream
• Yin-Yang Chocolate Mousse — Dark, White, & Milk Chocolate, Berry Compôte
• Wài Gōng's Cigars — Crispy Banana Rolls, Palm Sugar Caramel, Ice Cream
• JDM Ice Cream — Matcha, Black Sesame, Vanilla, Imported from Japan
• Pâttisier's Choice — Ask our team about the current dessert special.

Dim Sum

• Xiao Long Bao (5pc) — Shanghai Soup Dumplings, Ginger Consommé
• Jade Dumplings (4pc) — Spinach, Tofu, Garlic Chive
• Eclipse Har Gao (4pc) — King Prawn, Bamboo Shoot, Salmon Roe
• Wagyu Siu Mai (4pc) — Wagyu Beef, Shiitake Mushroom, Ginger Soy
• The Four Seasons Platter (12pc) — Three pieces of each Dim Sum

To Start

• Slow-Roast Pork Belly Bao (2pc) — Pork Belly, Chilli Caramel, Pickle
• Gochujang Chicken Bao (2pc) — Fried Chicken, Gochujang, Cucumber, Spring Onion
• Roast Duck Lettuce Wraps (4pc) — Roasted Duck Breast, Crispy Vegetables, Butter Lettuce
• Tokyo Fried Chicken — Crispy Chicken, Yuzu Kosho Mayo, Shichimi, Balsamic
• Five-Spice Tofu — Crispy Silken Tofu, Soy Caramel, Chilli Oil, Crispy Garlic
• Golden Crab Rangoon (5pc) — Crab, Cream Cheese, Thai Sweet Chilli, Roe
• Emerald Crispy Prawns — Prawn, Crispy Rice, Aromatic Herb Essence
• Tuna Symphony Tartare — Tuna, Yuzu Ponzu, Avocado Mousse, Crispy Rice, Roe
• Coconut Kingfish Sashimi — Coconut-lime Dressing, Finger Lime, Bird's Eye Chilli

Set Menus

• Emperor's Banquet — A multi-course signature experience including Cloud Crackers, Coconut Kingfish Sashimi, Golden Crab Rangoon, Wagyu Siu Mai, 48-Hour Peking Duck, Massaman Lamb Curry, Midnight Chicken Salad, Seasonal Vege Medley, and Molten Matcha Lava Cake.

Peking Duck

• 48-Hour Peking Duck — Air-dried, lacquered with maltose, and hung until the skin pulls taut - then roasted until it crackles. Served with steamed wheat pancakes and traditional accompaniments.
• Golden Gong Ceremony — A whole Peking Duck expertly carved tableside and followed by a serving of Roast Duck Lettuce Wraps.

Large Plates

• Chef Ed's Butter Oat Prawns — Whole Tiger Prawns, Brown Butter Oat Crumble
• Forbidden Fire Chicken — Aka's elevation of Kung Pao Chicken, Cashew, Taro
• Sunset Lantern Yuzu Pork — Yuzu Citrus Glaze, Sugar Glass, Pineapple, Onion
• Asian-Cajun Lamb Rack — New Zealand Lamb, Asian-Cajun Spice Mix, Aromatics
• Eye Fillet Shaking Beef — Eye Fillet, Kampot Pepper, Garlic, Watercress
• Prosperity Snapper — Deep-fried Whole Boneless Snapper, Peppercorn, Herbs
• Royal Duck Thai Curry — Roast Duck, Coconut, Cassava, Carrot, Thai Basil
• Fallen Bird's Nest — Crispy Chicken, Roasted Peanuts, Smoked Chilli Oil
• Manuka Char Siu — BBQ Pork Collar, Cantonese Glaze, Mustard
• Pork Belly Pork Belly — Twice-cooked Pork Belly, Pickled Chilli, Crispy Garlic
• Flying Crispy Seafood Noodles — King Prawns, Squid, Pork, Seasonal Vegetables
• Singaporean Prawn Pasta — Whole Tiger Prawns, Shrimp, Garlic, Chilli Flakes
• The Smoking Claypot — Grilled Chicken, Pork Sausage, Rice, Soy Glaze
• Grilled Miso Eggplant — Eggplant, Fried Polenta, Miso Purée

Accompaniments

• Smashed Cucumber Salad — Cucumber, Garlic, Housemade Sauce
• Spring Vege Medley — Wok-tossed Vege, Garlic Confit, Oyster Sauce, Cashew
• More Pork Fried Rice — Char Siu, Pork Belly, Spring Onion, Dry-aged Shrimp
• Garlic & Egg Fried Rice — Roasted Garlic, Egg, Garlic Chive, Carrot, Corn
• Fluffy Jasmine Rice — Serves two people

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a reservation?

Walk-ins are welcome if there is space, but reservations are recommended, especially for dinner and weekends, as the rooftop fills quickly. You can book online or call directly.

Is there a dress code?

Yes, the dress code is smart casual. Please avoid activewear and flip-flops. Jackets are not required but are always noticed.

Is parking available?

Valet parking is available on Friday and Saturday evenings. The Victoria Street car park is a short walk away, and Britomart station is a five-minute walk.

Can you accommodate dietary requirements?

Yes, the kitchen can handle vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and most common allergies. Please inform staff when booking or upon arrival.

Do you host private events?

Yes, Aka Rooftop hosts private events ranging from private dining for twelve to full venue hire for up to 150 guests. Visit our Events page or contact the team for details.

What kind of cuisine does Aka Rooftop offer?

Aka Rooftop features a Pan-Asian kitchen, drawing inspiration from Japan, China, Korea, and Southeast Asia, using fresh New Zealand produce to create an innovative menu.

What is the best time to visit for the views?

The "golden hour," just before and during sunset, offers spectacular 270-degree panoramic views of Auckland's harbour and skyline as the sky turns red.

Tips

• {"body":"For the best experience, especially during dinner and weekends, make a reservation online to ensure a table at Auckland's popular rooftop bar.","title":"Secure Your Spot Early"}
• {"body":"Embrace the \"smart casual\" dress code. Leave activewear and flip-flops at home to complement the sophisticated rooftop ambiance.","title":"Dress for the Occasion"}
• {"body":"Consider using public transport to Britomart Station (5 min walk) or the Victoria Street car park. Valet parking is an option on Friday and Saturday evenings.","title":"Plan Your Arrival"}
• {"body":"Arrive before sunset to witness the spectacular 270-degree views of Auckland's skyline and harbour as the sky turns red.","title":"Catch the Golden Hour"}
• {"body":"Inform the staff about any dietary requirements or allergies when booking or with your server to ensure a tailored and enjoyable dining experience.","title":"Communicate Dietary Needs"}

Good to know

• {"dietary":"Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and most common allergies accommodated.","parking":"Valet parking Fri/Sat evenings; Victoria Street car park nearby; Britomart station 5 min walk."}