Northern Ace Club restaurant interior at sunset with harbour views

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Our Story

A Vision Born from Passion

Northern Ace Club was founded in 2009 by Executive Chef Marcus Whitfield, a New Zealand native who spent a decade refining his craft in the kitchens of London, Paris, and Tokyo before returning home with a clear mission: to create Auckland's most memorable dining experience.


Perched above Viaduct Harbour with panoramic views of Auckland's iconic skyline and waterways, our restaurant blends the intimacy of a private members' club with the precision of world-class fine dining. Every element — from the hand-selected tableware to the bespoke candle arrangements — is thoughtfully chosen to create an atmosphere of understated luxury.

2009
Northern Ace Club Opens
Chef Marcus Whitfield opens the doors of Northern Ace Club at 143 Quay Street, with just 40 covers and an eight-course tasting menu.
2011
First Major Award
Northern Ace Club receives the Metro Restaurant of the Year Award, establishing its reputation as Auckland's premier dining destination.
2015
Private Dining Wing Opens
We expanded to include five private dining rooms, hosting intimate celebrations, corporate events, and bespoke culinary experiences.
2019
Ten Years of Excellence
Celebrated a decade with a special 10-course retrospective menu and received recognition from the NZ Herald as one of NZ's top 10 restaurants of the decade.
2024
Today
Northern Ace Club continues to evolve, with a renewed focus on sustainability, zero-waste cooking, and celebrating New Zealand's indigenous kai traditions.
Northern Ace Club wine cellar and private dining atmosphere
8 Industry
Awards

Our Core Values

Seasonality

Our menu changes with New Zealand's seasons, ensuring every ingredient is at its absolute peak. We work closely with local farmers, fishermen, and foragers.

Provenance

We know where every ingredient comes from. From Canterbury lamb to Marlborough salmon, every producer is a partner we trust and respect.

Hospitality

Great food is only half the story. We believe dining is a deeply human experience — warm, generous and attentive service is at our core.

Creativity

Our chefs are encouraged to push boundaries, experiment with techniques, and honour New Zealand's unique culinary identity in unexpected ways.

Sustainability

We're committed to operating responsibly — minimising waste, composting organics, choosing sustainable seafood, and supporting regenerative farming.

Excellence

We never settle. Every plate, every glass, every interaction is an opportunity to exceed expectations and create a moment our guests will remember for years.

Meet Our Team

Our team of dedicated professionals brings decades of experience from the world's finest kitchens and dining rooms.

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Marcus Whitfield

Founder & Executive Chef

Trained under Gordon Ramsay in London and Jean-François Piège in Paris. Marcus returned to Auckland in 2009 to create New Zealand's most celebrated fine dining destination.

HEAD CHEF

Elena Kowalski

Head Chef

Born in Kraków, trained in Copenhagen's Noma kitchen. Elena joined Northern Ace Club in 2016 and brings a Nordic sensibility to her approach to New Zealand produce.

SOMMELIER

Thomas Bréard

Head Sommelier

A Master Sommelier from Bordeaux with 18 years of experience. Thomas has curated our 200+ label wine list with an emphasis on New Zealand's finest regional wines.

Awards & Accolades

Restaurant of the Year
Metro Magazine Auckland
2011, 2018, 2022
Best Fine Dining
Cuisine Magazine NZ
2014, 2019, 2023
Wine List of the Year
NZ Wine Industry Awards
2016, 2021
Top 10 Restaurants
NZ Herald Annual Review
2019 – 2024
"The true measure of a great restaurant is not just what is on the plate, but how you feel when you leave."

— Marcus Whitfield, Founder

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