Where is The Backyard Bar & Restaurant located?

The venue is located at 31 Northcote Road, Hillcrest, Auckland, directly opposite local netball, rugby, and athletics grounds.

What are the standard operating hours?

The Backyard is open seven days a week, Monday through Sunday, from 11:30am until late.

Can I hire The Backyard Bar for private functions?

Yes, the venue provides dedicated venue hire and catering packages for formal dinners, birthday parties, weddings, and special events.

Are there vegetarian options on the menu?

Yes, vegetarian dishes include Cauliflower Manchurian, the Four Season pizza, Funghi pizza, and Margherita pizza.

How can I make a table reservation?

Reservations can be made online via OpenTable, by calling 09 419 6299, or by emailing info@thebackyard.co.nz.

The Backyard Bar & Restaurant

Name: The Backyard Bar & Restaurant
Address: 31 Northcote Rd, Hillcrest, Auckland 0627, Northcote, Auckland, NZ
Telephone: 09 419 6299
Price range: $
Rating: 4

restaurant — Northcote · Auckland

About The Backyard Bar & Restaurant

The Backyard Bar & Restaurant is a spacious, relaxed hospitality and events destination located on Northcote Road in Hillcrest on Auckland's North Shore. Positioned right across from local sporting grounds and adjacent to the Poenamo Hotel, the venue is designed around a welcoming philosophy where guests are treated like friends invited to a lively get-together.

The kitchen delivers an approachable mix of home-style comfort food, hearty pub mains, flame-grilled meats, sharing platters, and specialty pizzas featuring unique twists. Complementing the dining space is an expansive outdoor area layered with artificial grass, festive lighting, and a swimming pool, making it a versatile hub for casual post-match drinks, family dinners, and private celebrations alike.

The Backyard Bar & Restaurant: Northcote's Relaxed Community Gathering Spot

Situated along Northcote Road on Auckland's North Shore, The Backyard Bar & Restaurant lives up to its name by providing a welcoming, open-air atmosphere that feels like attending a party hosted by close friends. Anchored right across from bustling community sports fields and neighboring the Poenamo Hotel, the venue blends the energy of a neighbourhood gastropub with versatile indoor and outdoor entertainment spaces.

Whether dropping by after an afternoon match or gathering for an evening celebration, guests find a space designed around casual comfort. The setting is highlighted by a distinctive outdoor area complete with artificial grass, festoon lighting, and an on-site swimming pool that sets a festive, summery tone throughout the year.

A Menu Driven by Balance and Local Flavor

The culinary philosophy at The Backyard centers on quality, balance, and familiar home-style comfort prepared with a distinct local touch. Rather than sticking strictly to conventional pub fare, the kitchen draws inspiration from diverse flavour profiles, pairing classic steakhouse staples with vibrant spices and shareable plates.

Small plates make social grazing easy, featuring options such as Crispy Pork Belly Bites with sweet glaze, Butter Garlic Prawns, and Cauliflower Manchurian alongside crunchy bar classics like the Oriental Basket and Chicken Popcorn. For those settling in for a hearty dinner, the mains include a classic 200g Sirloin Steak Egg and Chips, slow-cooked BBQ Pork glazed in smoky sauce, and the signature FireGrilled ChickenDelight served with truffle mushroom puree and chimichurri.

Gourmet Pizzas and Casual Dining

Pizza forms a centerpiece of the casual dining experience here. Crafted on thin crusts, the options range from traditional Margherita and Funghi pizzas to adventurous combinations like the Tandoori Twist, which incorporates tender chicken in creamy butter chicken sauce topped with fresh coriander. Seafood lovers gravitate towards the Seafood Marinara with prawns and calamari, while vegetarians can enjoy the produce-packed Four Season.

Beyond dining, the venue features daily specials, an extensive wine and cocktail list, craft and bottled beers, and dedicated spaces for corporate functions, birthdays, and wedding receptions supported by an in-house events team.

Signature items

Tandoori Twist Pizza
FireGrilled ChickenDelight
Crispy Pork Belly Bites
Cauliflower Manchurian
Scotch Fillet
Seafood Marinara Pizza

Steak Egg and Chips — 200g sirloin, chips, eggs, salad gravy
Fish of the Day — Fresh catch prepared daily
FireGrilled ChickenDelight — Grilled chicken breast with mash potato, hard butter, vegetable, truffle mushroom puree & Chimichurri
BBQ Pork — Slow cooked and glazed in smoky BBQ sauce, served with fries, salad
Scotch Fillet — Mashed potato, vegetable, with choice of Mushroom, Peppercorn, or Gravy sauces

Pizzas

Margherita — Tomato, basil, mozzarella
Deluxe Meat Lover — Beef, pepperoni, ham, chicken, olive, onion, capsicum
Tandoori Twist Pizza — Tender chicken, capsicum, creamy butter chicken sauce, fresh coriander
Seafood Marinara Pizza — Prawns, calamari, caper
Four Season — Capsicum, onion, spinach, sundried tomato, olive, artichoke
Chicken Cranberry — Chicken, fried chestnut, cranberry sauce
Funghi Pizza — Mushroom medley, thyme, olive, mozzarella, white sauce base

Small Plate

Basket of Fries — Crispy fried potato basket
Chicken Nibble — Served with a zesty dipping sauce
Oriental Basket — Spring roll, onion ring, vegetable samosa, fries, sweet chilli sauces
Chicken Popcorn — Tossed in a zesty tangy seasoning
Crispy Pork Belly Bites — Served with sweet glaze
Cauliflower Manchurian — Cauliflower tossed in manchurian sauce
Butter Garlic Prawns — Sauteed in rich garlic butter and hint of lemon

Frequently asked questions

Where is The Backyard Bar & Restaurant located?: The venue is located at 31 Northcote Road, Hillcrest, Auckland, directly opposite local netball, rugby, and athletics grounds.
What are the standard operating hours?: The Backyard is open seven days a week, Monday through Sunday, from 11:30am until late.
Can I hire The Backyard Bar for private functions?: Yes, the venue provides dedicated venue hire and catering packages for formal dinners, birthday parties, weddings, and special events.
Are there vegetarian options on the menu?: Yes, vegetarian dishes include Cauliflower Manchurian, the Four Season pizza, Funghi pizza, and Margherita pizza.
How can I make a table reservation?: Reservations can be made online via OpenTable, by calling 09 419 6299, or by emailing [email protected].

Tips

{"body":"Because it sits directly across from the local cricket, rugby, hockey, and netball courts, it is an ideal spot to meet teammates for a drink or meal after games.","title":"Post-Match Refreshments"}
{"body":"Check out the daily specials and happy hours, which frequently feature early evening pizza deals and drink discounts.","title":"Look Out for Daily Specials"}
{"body":"Take a table out back by the swimming pool and artificial lawn to enjoy the open air and evening festive lighting.","title":"Enjoy the Pool Area"}

Good to know

{"family":"Spacious artificial turf lawn and kid-friendly menu options make it suitable for families."}