Some of Auckland’s best dining experiences aren’t found in grand restaurants or flashy fit outs. Sometimes they’re tucked away on neighbourhood corners where the room is cosy, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the food is so unexpectedly good that you can’t wait to come back and try what you couldn’t eat that night!
Ragtag is exactly that kind of place. Tucked away in Westmere on Garnet Road, the cosy neighbourhood eatery has certainly built a loyal following since opening in December 2022.
While it may feel like one of Auckland’s best kept secrets, the industry has definitely taken notice. Ragtag has earned a place on the Iconic Auckland Eats list for its signature duck tacos and was also selected for the inaugural New Zealand Michelin Guide!
It’s the sort of place locals try to keep to themselves, but after one meal you’ll probably find yourself recommending it to… just about everyone you know.
Owners Daniel and Hazel opened Ragtag after Daniel spent more than a decade cooking in both New Zealand and London, so there was a lot to draw from when opening here.
“I’ve been cheffing here and in London for the past 12 years,” says Daniel. “So the food is inspired by our travels and adventures and places I’ve worked.”
“Our motto is 100% not authentic, we don’t want people coming to Ragtag expecting traditional tacos or any authentic dining experience. If you play someone else’s game you’re always going to lose. So at Ragtag we don’t want to pretend to be authentic, we are just straight up not authentic.”
Instead, the menu takes inspiration from all over the world, blending flavours in ways that somehow feel both surprising and completely natural. The result is food that’s bold, creative and designed to be shared around the table.
“The foods very flavour forward and takes inspiration from lots of different places, but there’s lots of sharing plates and making tacos at the table.”
One thing that never changes is Ragtag’s dedication to its tortillas. Every day the team hand makes more than 400 duck fat flour tortillas using a dough they learnt from friends at Sonora in London.
Enriched with duck fat, they’re impossibly soft, light and fluffy, and unlike anything else you’ll find in NZ. No wonder they won an award! They’re so central to the experience that the team considers them the main event rather than simply something to hold the fillings together.
“The menu is always changing based on seasons or just availability of produce but some dishes are always on the menu. The duck tacos are a fan favourite.”
And while the meat dishes often steal the spotlight, don’t make the mistake of skipping the vegetables. “The carrots and sprouts are so tasty, and the crispy pumpkin is amazing.”
Of course how could we not recommend some of our favourites! The Beef Nuggets (similar to croquettes) are packed with meat and a must-try. The Grilled Mushroom Rice with Mushroom XO and Soy Egg is probably the most comforting dish (winter or not), and our top pick, which has earnt a spot on our list of dishes we’d go back for – the Beef Tartare Taco with Cheese Powder and Pickled Onion. You’ll be telling people you know about this one!
Trust us. This is one neighbourhood gem you’ll want to add to your list. Check out their menu and gallery online for yourself.