Restaurant
Ahi
Ben Bayly's contemporary New Zealand restaurant on the second level of Commercial Bay, awarded a Michelin star in 2026 and cooking with produce from its own…
Cazador
Family-run Dominion Road restaurant built around wild and sustainably sourced game, with Middle Eastern and Italian influences and a daily delicatessen.
At a glance
- Type
- Game and wild food restaurant
- Area
- Mount Eden, Auckland, New Zealand
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- cazador.co.nz
Good to know
- Delicatessen
- Family run
- Wine and sherry list
Why we recommend it
Cazador takes its name from the Spanish for hunting game, and that idea has guided this family restaurant on Dominion Road for more than three decades. It was started by Tony Lolaiy, a hunter and gatherer who became a chef and prepared game he had caught himself for his diners. His son Dariush Lolaiy and daughter-in-law Rebecca Smidt now run it, keeping the focus on wild, premium and sustainably sourced meat.
The cooking draws on Middle Eastern and Italian influences, which suit the stronger flavours of game. Game is the focus; one dish the restaurant has been known for is pan-roasted venison fillet with a Pedro Ximénez marinade. The menu also includes seafood and vegetarian dishes for those who prefer them. The drinks list is compact and leans on wine and sherry, which pair naturally with the food. The restaurant describes its menu as à la carte and its atmosphere as relaxed.
The restaurant has a strong reputation among Auckland diners. It was named a Bib Gourmand in the first Michelin Guide to New Zealand in 2026, a distinction given for good cooking at moderate prices, and holds two hats in the 2026 Cuisine Good Food Guide. The business describes itself as multi-award-winning, and Cuisine magazine scored it 17 out of 20 in its 2019 awards.
The restaurant serves dinner from Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm until late. The delicatessen side of the business opens every day from 8am, so even if you cannot get a dinner booking you can call in at the deli during the day. Book ahead for dinner, particularly at the end of the week.
Cazador suits adventurous eaters and anyone interested in New Zealand game, but its relaxed, family-run atmosphere makes it equally comfortable for a casual evening out. It is a good choice for visitors who want something distinctive rather than another modern bistro.
The restaurant is at 854 Dominion Road in Mount Eden. Contact it by phone on +64 9 620 8730 for bookings and enquiries; the website lists the current opening times for both the restaurant and the deli, and gift vouchers can be a good present for food-loving friends.
Cazador FAQs
What does Cazador mean?
It comes from the Spanish for hunting game, reflecting the restaurant's focus on wild meat.
When is the restaurant open?
Dinner is served Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm until late.
Is there a deli?
Yes. The delicatessen opens daily from 8am.
Is it only for meat eaters?
No. The menu also includes seafood and vegetarian dishes.
Who runs Cazador?
It is family run, founded by Tony Lolaiy and now run by Dariush Lolaiy and Rebecca Smidt.
Has Cazador won awards?
It received a Bib Gourmand in the 2026 Michelin Guide New Zealand and two hats in the 2026 Cuisine Good Food Guide.
Where is it?
At 854 Dominion Road, Mount Eden.
How do you book?
Phone +64 9 620 8730 or book through the website.