Sails Restaurant is a long-running Auckland fine-dining restaurant at 103–113 Westhaven Drive, St Marys Bay, Auckland 1144, New Zealand, looking across Westhaven Marina. Known for polished surf-and-turf cooking, a formal-but-welcoming dining room and close-up views of yacht masts and the Waitematā Harbour, it is a destination for celebratory lunches, date nights and unhurried dinners beside the water.
What to Expect at Sails Restaurant
The main event at Sails is the room’s relationship with the marina. Broad waterside windows frame Westhaven’s dense forest of sailing masts, with the harbour and the approach to the Auckland Harbour Bridge forming the backdrop. The setting changes markedly between a bright Sunday lunch, a late-afternoon arrival and dinner after dark, when the lit marina becomes part of the atmosphere. Tables are arranged for a composed restaurant experience rather than a quick waterfront stop, so allow time for several courses and conversation.
The kitchen’s core identity is contemporary New Zealand fine dining built around seafood and premium meat: the refined “surf ’n’ turf” approach for which Sails is known. Expect a menu designed for a full meal rather than bar snacks, with carefully presented plates, a substantial wine focus and service suited to anniversaries, business dinners and family milestones. The restaurant is also used for weddings and private functions, making its marina-facing setting especially appealing for larger celebrations.
- Westhaven Marina outlook: yacht masts and harbour activity are visible from the waterfront dining room.
- Contemporary surf ’n’ turf: refined seafood and meat-led cooking anchors the dining experience.
- Lunch and dinner service: lunch is offered on selected Thursday, Friday and Sunday services; dinner runs Wednesday through Sunday.
- Celebration setting: the elegant room is geared to anniversaries, proposals, milestone meals and corporate entertaining.
- Wedding venue: Sails can host private events in a landmark marina-side Auckland location.
Sails Restaurant at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 103–113 Westhaven Drive, St Marys Bay, Auckland 1144, New Zealand |
| Neighborhood / Area | St Marys Bay, on the edge of Westhaven Marina |
| Operating Hours | Wed 6:30–10pm; Thu–Fri 12–2pm and 6:30–10pm; Sat 6–10pm; Sun 12–2pm and 6:30–10pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday. |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | No admission fee. Dining and beverages are menu-priced; reserve ahead for table availability. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 3 hours for a multi-course lunch or dinner |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Westhaven Marina and the Westhaven Promenade are adjacent; drive, taxi or rideshare for the most direct arrival, using marina-area parking where available. |
| Official Website / Phone | sailsrestaurant.co.nz / +64 9 378 9890 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book through the restaurant’s official reservations page, particularly for Friday and Sunday services, weekends and special occasions. A lunch reservation gives the clearest view of the boats and harbour; for dinner, request a marina-facing table when booking if the view matters to your occasion. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to settle in without compressing the meal. There is no ticket desk or entry charge: a confirmed dining reservation is the practical equivalent of admission.
Westhaven Drive is easiest to reach by car, taxi or rideshare, and the surrounding marina precinct has parking options that can be busy around boating events and sunny weekends. The waterfront promenade beside Westhaven provides the most level, stroller-friendly approach from nearby parking; allow extra time if coming on foot from central-city transport connections, as this is a marina-edge location rather than a downtown station stop. Guests using wheelchairs or needing step-free seating should contact Sails before booking to arrange the most suitable table and confirm current accessible parking and restroom arrangements. Pair a meal with a Westhaven Marina walk, the viewpoint beneath the Auckland Harbour Bridge, or Wynyard Quarter’s waterfront and dining precinct, roughly a 15-minute walk away.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Sails Restaurant open, and what is the best time to visit?
Sails is closed Monday and Tuesday. It opens for dinner Wednesday to Sunday, with lunch on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Choose lunch for the fullest marina view, or an early dinner reservation to see Westhaven transition from daylight to evening.
Does Sails Restaurant charge admission or require reservations?
There is no admission charge; guests pay for food and drinks ordered. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend tables, waterfront seating requests, celebrations and private events. Book online or call +64 9 378 9890.
How much time should I allow for a meal at Sails?
Allow two to three hours for a relaxed fine-dining meal. A shorter visit may work for lunch, but the setting and multi-course style reward an unhurried reservation, particularly if you want to walk the marina before or after dining.
Is Sails Restaurant suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Families are welcome, though the experience is best suited to diners comfortable with a refined, longer meal. The marina-side approach is generally level; contact the restaurant in advance for wheelchair seating, stroller space, step-free access and current accessible-facility details.
When browsing more top-rated fine dining restaurant in Auckland, consider pairing your visit with nearby highlights such as Onslow (2.6 km away).
