Intimate spots for a chat with an old friend in New Zealand

"We love Mondial for a warm and cosy catch up on cooler nights, the wine list is always inspired and the tapas is the best in town. It is big enough to handle larger groups but also has plenty of dark corners for catch ups of a more intimate nature, and you never feel rushed no matter what the hour. A Grey Lynn secret spot that has been a poorly kept secret with good reason!"

"Merlot on O’Connell Street in the CBD serves up a great hearty red - naturally - but also has one of the best lunch menus in the area when you are in the mood for something warm and hearty. My pick is the lunch special menu, which gives you around six yummy options, all priced at $20.00. The Mini Ploughman’s lunch with chicken terrine, cheese and pickles comes highly recommended, with the next best option being the Scotch fillet with warm roasted vegetable salad. Delicious."