Finding a good fish shop in Auckland can sometimes feel akin to the hunt for the Holy Grail. We are…read morean island nation and it should not be so hard to find somewhere that sells fresh affordable fish. But it is. Luckily I found this place when I worked nearby and would often pop in to grab fillets for dinner. Now I make a special trip because like I said, this kind of place is RARE AS, as my son would say. The owners are absolutely lovely and you get that warm community feel of a proper local fishmonger who greets you with a smile on arrival and wishes you a good day when you leave. They also often tuck in a lemon for me and it's those little things that make all the difference. The fish is fresh as can be and not priced at the rip-off rates of some other places I could mention. It's really important to support these small but perfectly formed businesses so give it a go next time you are going to treat yourself (because let's face it, fish is never going to be the cheap staple it should be) to a fish dinner, come here.

Great place to visit. Some great looking fish stalls and some just ok looking stalls. We stopped…read moreand looked at everyone and looked to see what they were cooking and selling most of. We did manage to pick a great one. Loved the aspect of picking out your fish at a Fishmonger and taking it over to a cooking stall that works with the Fishmonger. Saw lots of tables with huge grilled fish...we were jealous! We picked Sanford's and were not disappointed. We shared a grilled lobster tail and some grilled prawns. The lobster was served with a small tasty salad and perfectly cooked chips. Wish we had more time to spend in Auckland because this would be on our list to get back to. Highly recommend.

Had a great lunch at the Auckland fish market recently - my husband and I stopped by on a whim and…read moregrabbed a variety of items. Luckily, it was an off peak time so we were able to grab a seat, but I can see it being chaotic during the main lunch rush. There aren't too many stalls, a couple where you can get fish prepared fresh, one that seemed a bit more grab-and-go. And then one to get raw fish to go and cook at home. We both really liked the skate and fries dish. It was delicious and we had never had skate prepared like that!

BEST FRESH OYSTERS IN THE WORLD!!!…read more $18NZ for a dozen fresh oysters...the freshest of the fresh! The toppings are limited, but you really don't need to add anything more than a bit of lemon juice...PERFECTION! They also have hot sauce and vinegar if you like that sort of thing. And these are also the cheapest! If you do the math, that's only about 1 US dollar an oyster! Love it! $8 for the seafood chowder...rich and hearty, full of fish and mussels. Makes a great filling complement to the fresh oysters. This is just a little shack off the highway, nothing fancy, but I wouldn't want it anyway else. I think the oysters are harvested from the local waters just a few hundred meters away. It doesn't get any fresher, cheaper, or better than this.

The BEST chowder in the world. Yes I did say that. We bought five more to go and it was great for…read morethe next two days. Try the fried mussels and fried fish (both by the piece) if your not into chowder. Otherwise you must try the mussel or smoked fish (Snapper) chowder and you will be singing praises when you leave.

Feels like management handpicked a staff to deal with strong personalities- not a good look!!…read more Love the food but the service seems intentionally cold - especially of your not the type to stay quiet. I wont be bullied into silence and I certainly won't pretend its good service when its not.

What! What is the world coming to? Only one other review for this long standing Auckland classic?!…read moreThere's always people here, and for very good reason. This has to be one of the best chippies in New Zealand, primarily because the Marsic Brothers have their own boats that go out and fish daily so you'd have to go a long way to get fresher fish. You can of course chose what sort of fish you'd prefer for your battered treats, as well as buy raw fish if you'd prefer to bring it home and cook it yourself. It's almost as good as catching it yourself. Of course, they've also got the chips to match the fish, as well as very fine potato fritters. I think they do sell other things but I've only ever had classic fish and chips from here so I can't comment on anything else!

After our first day of bicycle touring in New Zealand from Auckland to Huntly, we arrived on Main…read moreStreet tired, thirsty and VERY HUNGRY! After walking up and down Main Street, eyeing the restaurants and deli shops as if they were prey to a pack of wolves, there was only one shop which stood out from the rest of the crowd. The fresh seafood on ice, fish & chips, and smoked fish of the day drew me in. There's seating indoors and outside. This is a fish market, don't come here for ambiance or a romantic dinner for 2... or 3... or 4. The decor is the meal, laid out fresh on the counters by the purveyors of this fine seafood establishment. The owner and staff are very helpful, answering questions from customers who are either ordering to eat in or to be freshly packed for home. Taking a seat on the curbside table, we started on the smoked fish of the day. The white flesh of the smoked fish has a firm texture, stronger flavors and medium to high oil content. The anticipation was over when the family size platter of Fish and Chips arrived. The no-frills little chippy shop serves up chunky pieces of moist white fish against a crispy batter. The batter here is better than most chippy shops we've had in New Zealand, generally underwhelming and greasy. The mountainful of chips are crisp and firm. The fried battered oysters and scallops are a good complement to the fish and chips. The family size fish and chips platter was affordably priced. The standout of the meal was the Kina. If you're always on the lookout for the ultimate uni/sea urchin experience on your travels, don't pass up a chance to try the New Zealand version of the spiny shelled creature. Kina has been a part of the local Maori diet for hundreds of years. Having ordered one from the counter as my "dessert" and brought out to our table, an elderly Maori passing by gave a recommendation to eat the dark seedy liquid around the roe. The owner had recommended against the idea, explaining most Kiwis find the taste of the dark liquid too bitter. After separately a few pieces of the roe from the dark liquid inside the half opened Kina shell, the roe was fresh, had a soft texture, and slightly bitter compared to Japanese sea urchins. I tried a small taste of the dark liquid with a roe, and as warned it was indeed very bitter, enough to scrunch up your face. Try the Kina roe on its own. The five star rating for this shop was mainly due to our hungry stomachs after a day of cycling, the affordable and generous portions, the friendly staff, and the Kina experience.

I'm a fan of the seafood cookschool. Today was threefold, a tour of the fish market and auction…read morearea, a demonstration of both courses from Stephen and Colin, then through to the kitchen stations where you make it yourself. Heaps of fun, new skills learned, and a pretty fine lunch along with a complimentary glass of wine beforehand. Look out for the half price specials from time to time I suggest you have a good read of the menu as some of the classes are more technical than others. I've also done the duck delicious class. And gift vouchers make ideal presents for foodie friends.

My 2nd time at the Auckland Seafood School and this time a tour was included of the fish market…read morewith some smoked Salmon tastings and a glimpse of Josh Emett and the Prime Minister. A look in the Big Picture Wine room and a brief stint in the Auction freezer was interesting. Chefs Stephen and Colin who looked after us were fantastic, very friendly jovial guys. Their class was informative and easy to follow with a glass of wine in hand included. Then it was our turn in the classroom where we tried our hand at Smashed pea Tortellini, seafood broth and created two great fish dishes. These were definitely something you could recreate at home. Then you get to enjoy the fruits of your labour at a shared dining. This was a Special Winter rate and excellent value for money. I think even worth paying the full $85 price tag. I will absolutely go back again for a further class. You really must go along and attend.

For 12 years I was happy to buy American food and things like toothpaste with peroxide and baking…read moresoda not otherwise available in NZ from Martha's. During those 12 years one of the owners frequently went to America to buy the stock. And for many years they got special orders for me. But ever since the pandemic they have lost the plot. They refused to accept special orders and their shelves rarely offer me what I want. I have repeatedly asked them to figure out a new method of getting their supplies which they refuse to do. How they stay in business is a mystery without desirable stuff to buy. They're old and no longer seem to give a damn. I find it remarkable that they stay in business. Not worth the trip.

Ever have the feeling of giddiness as an adult, that makes you say 'get ahold of yourself now?' But…read moreyou can't and your smile is ear to ear. Well that's what Martha's Backyard did to me. I was instantly hit with Americana as the doors spread open for me. No need to trouble yourself with pushing a door American, here let me automatically open for you. Star! Since the owner was clearly using her consumer... ahem marketing skills, the first sight upon entering was a stock pile of Stars & Stripes regalia. All that was needed was the Star Spangled Banner playing in the background. Independence Day is only a few days away, so stock up. Martha's Backyard which of course is a play on words, (think Martha's Vineyard) has many American culinary favorites from candies, seasonings, sauces, cereals, beverages and snacks. I walked out with Cholula, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Lawry's Seasoned Salt, a pack of Lawry's Taco seasoning, mini Butterfingers and 2 boxes of Cap'N Crunch cereal for under $40.00. Not a bad price for imported happiness.