Bar Magda is a hidden bar and restaurant downstairs at 25B Cross Street, Newton, just off Karangahape Road in Auckland.
The kitchen serves modern Filipino cooking using seasonal New Zealand produce, drawing on chef Carlo Buenaventura's Filipino heritage and his experience in New Zealand kitchens and a short stint in France. Set menus are offered. The bar focuses on cocktails with an emphasis on old-world spirits and liqueurs, plus a curated wine list including New Zealand natural wines. BYO is available on Sunday and Monday.
Bar Magda was founded by Carlo Buenaventura (chef) and Matt Venables (bar), who are owner-operators. It opened in June 2021. According to the venue, it was named best new restaurant by The Denizen in 2022, listed in Metro's and NZ Viva's top 50 restaurants, and awarded a hat in the Cuisine Good Food Guide in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Matt Venables was named Metro's bartender of the year in 2024.
Private dining is offered, but no capacity is published, so group size and menus should be confirmed with the venue.
A characterful option for small to mid-sized group dinners, hosted client evenings and late-night drinks near K Road.
Capacity