Taiko Kingsland is one of two Auckland locations run by Taiko, a Japanese restaurant that first opened its Ponsonby and Kingsland branches in 2008. The restaurant built a proud legacy early on, earning a spot in Metro Magazine's 'Top 50 Asian Restaurants' in 2008, and continues to deliver traditional Japanese cuisine crafted from the freshest local ingredients sourced daily.
Taiko's dishes are tapas-style, crafted to be shared and savoured together - call out 'Sumimasen!' to order, and 'Okawari!' when you're ready for another round. The kitchen accommodates dietary needs and group banquets, from intimate couples through to large gatherings, with dishes expertly paired with a fine selection of sake and wine.
Taiko Kingsland has been recognised as Recommended on Restaurant Guru in 2026.
Taiko Kingsland is one half of a two-location Japanese restaurant that has been part of Auckland's dining scene since 2008, when both the Kingsland and Ponsonby branches first opened.
Taiko built its reputation early, earning a place in Metro Magazine's 'Top 50 Asian Restaurants' in the same year it opened. Since then, it's become a beloved dining destination for both Aucklanders and visitors, built on a commitment to sourcing the freshest local ingredients daily and delivering the true artistry of traditional Japanese cuisine.
At Taiko, dishes are crafted in a tapas style, meant to be shared and savoured together around the table. The restaurant leans into that spirit directly - call out 'Sumimasen!' to get the feast started, and 'Okawari!' when the table's ready for another round. It's food built for conversation and company as much as the meal itself.
Taiko pairs its dishes with a fine selection of sake and wine, with staff known for their sake recommendations. The restaurant prides itself on both freshness and craftsmanship, values reflected in guest reviews describing sashimi so fresh it 'melts in your mouth' and food crafted with real attention to detail.
Whether it's an intimate meal for two or a larger group gathering, Taiko caters to a wide range of dining needs, with a diverse menu that includes thoughtful options for vegetarians. Group banquets can be arranged, and staff ask to be informed of any food allergies or dietary requirements before ordering.
Taiko Kingsland has been named Recommended on Restaurant Guru in 2026, adding to its long-standing reputation built since first opening in 2008.
Taiko Kingsland is open Tuesday to Sunday, closed Monday, with lunch service from 12:00pm to 1:45pm and dinner from 5:30pm to 8:45pm. It's located at 460A New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland.
For anyone after authentic Japanese cuisine built for sharing, with fresh sashimi, thoughtful sake pairings and a long-standing reputation in Auckland's dining scene, Taiko Kingsland carries forward the same story that began in 2008 - reservations recommended given its popularity with regulars.