Helene R.'s
For those that like their food a little more adventurous
- 123Everybody's IzakayaAuckland CentralThe popular Everybody’s in the Imperial Lane has had a bit of a makeover last Winter, turning officially Japanese under new moniker Everybody’s Izakaya. It is now serving up deliciously inspired food courtesy of head chef Nick Honeyman, and the menu will have you salivating from first read. The service is informal enough to relax you but just attentive enough to impress, and if you are on a first date the incredible cocktail list will most definitely help break the ice. The Autumn Elixir and Tokyo Serenity are two of my faves, or there is a huge sake list that includes a delicious sparkling option. Make sure to book if you want an upstairs booth.
- 223Sidart RestaurantPonsonbyThe historic Three Lamps Plaza in Ponsonby is home to Sidart, an intimate dining space and the only restaurant in New Zealand to change its menu weekly. Every Tuesday the new menu is introduced and trialled by owner and chef Sid Sahrawat, and you can even book in for the test kitchen at $80.00 per head. From Wednesday to Saturday they offer 5 courses for $95 and 10 courses for $140, wine matches additional.
- 320The Mercury Plaza Food CourtAuckland CentralTucked around a corner just off Karangahape Road, The Mercury Plaza is a food court-slash-mini mart, stocking Asian seasonings, herbs, fresh vegetables and fruits alongside some great Asian food that has been expertly prepared. Thai, Korean, Malaysian, Japanese and Singaporean food is all on offer, and the price for most dishes ranges from an amazing $4.00 to $8.00.
- 435ClooneyFreemans BayOne of my all time favourite restaurants to visit when there is something very special to celebrate is Clooney, which brings a little New York to Auckland and is packed with style and great food. Head chef Des Harris seems to garner one award after another with good reason, and there is even a private dining area if you like the idea of a secluded spot all your own. We love you Clooney!
- 510Bellota Spanish Tapas BarAuckland CentralUnlike many Auckland tapas-style establishments, Bellota below SkyCity is modern, sleek and super cool. Almost Manhattan-esque in feel, its menu is fresh and authentically Spanish, with olives and pickles and Iberian ham featuring heavily in the line up. They also serve a stunning array of Spanish cheeses that go perfectly with a glass of sherry or cava, and the most perfectly crafted churros in town.
Helene R.'s
For the city's most inspired wine lists
- 19O'Connell St BistroAuckland CentralAn intimate inner city venue that is serious about great food and incredible wine, this place is the best Downtown degustation spot by far. The cocktails aren’t bad either!
- 223Sidart RestaurantPonsonbyThe historic Three Lamps Plaza in Ponsonby is home to Sidart, an intimate dining space and the only restaurant in New Zealand to change its menu weekly. Every Tuesday the new menu is introduced and trialled by owner and chef Sid Sahrawat, and you can even book in for the test kitchen at $80.00 per head. From Wednesday to Saturday they offer 5 courses for $95 and 10 courses for $140, wine matches additional.
- 318Tokyo ClubPonsonbyAs well as serving up some rather delicious lunch and dinner options, the already-a-hit Tokyo Club in Ponsonby Central also serves up great sushi to go. Apparently the only sushi in Ponsonby prepared by a Japanese chef trained in the culinary art form, you’ll find it on the counter inside being constantly replenished during lunchtime hours. As well as all the favourites they have some great kid friendly sushi packs for sale too, so the whole family are good to go.
- 435ClooneyFreemans BayOne of my all time favourite restaurants to visit when there is something very special to celebrate is Clooney, which brings a little New York to Auckland and is packed with style and great food. Head chef Des Harris seems to garner one award after another with good reason, and there is even a private dining area if you like the idea of a secluded spot all your own. We love you Clooney!
- 578Prego RestaurantPonsonbyIn my opinion, despite its popular outdoor area Prego Restaurant is the perfect spot for dining come winter on Ponsonby Road. As well as having a collection of blankets for those still insisting on dining al fresco, they have the heartiest lasagne in town as well as two risotto offerings and lashings of stellar red wine options to wash it all down. This doesn’t even include their legendary pizza, which has fans all over the world. A legend for a reason, with fare that keeps them coming back for more.
Helene R.'s
The city's best salads
- 16DeBretts KitchenAuckland CentralKitchen at the beautiful Hotel DeBrett is a great spot to pick for a longish lunch in the CBD, and is perfect for all weather due to its amazing skylight letting the outside in all year round. They serve up innovative, contemporary cuisine using super fresh ingredients, and are definitely more than a few cuts above your standard hotel restaurant. At the moment my pick is the Goat Ricotta Gnocchi, served with a side of crispy broccolini topped with Kikorangi Blue and walnuts. Delicious.
- 211Bambina Cafe PonsonbyPonsonbyFor those days when Eggs Bene is just a little too much, the iconic Bistro Bambina on Ponsonby Road is my go to spot for some of the healthiest ways to kick off the day. Their bruschetta is always fresh and tasty and the breakfast salad a low carb feast for the taste buds. Great coffee is just an added extra!
- 329Farro Fresh - Grey LynnGrey LynnThe Grey Lynn branch of Farro Fresh is one of my favourite places to buy wine. They have an insanely good selection from all over the globe and the specials are always enticing - drop in and take the chance on something you’ve never tried before!
- 43Wishbone Vulcan LaneAuckland CentralThe Central city is full of food to go options, some healthier than others. One of my picks when I am Downtown and on the go is Wishbone in Vulcan Lane, who serve up both hot and cold, nutritionally sound and yummy meals. As well as the usual sandwich and salad fare they have winter warmers like paella and chunky soups, which you can buy ready to eat or chilled to take home and heat yourself.
- 518Richmond Road CafeGrey LynnI have been going to Richmond Road Cafe pretty much since it opened its doors, and can honestly say that the service there has never slipped. It is like a cafe with fine dining finesse, and their complimentary sparkling water and awesome banana bread just keep me coming back for more. Hands down on of the best cafes in the city.
Helene R.'s
Top spots to while away a sunny lunchtime
- 146Soul Bar & BistroViaduct HarbourSoul Bar & Bistro is one of those establishments that feels like it has been around forever, and it pretty much has. It was one of the early spots to open on Viaduct Harbour and is still one if the best, with great bar staff, table service and cuisine. It also makes for great people spotting on a sunny afternoon, so if you have visitors with you from out of town it will never disappoint.
- 24Zomer CafeTakapunaThe sister of Herne Bay favourite Zus & Zo, Zomer is a great spot to hit Pre or Post visits to Takapuna Beach. It has a similar menu to Zus with a few tweaks here and there, and the coffee is just superb. Their yellow and white striped awning just screams Summer (as does the name, which is the Dutch name for the sunny season) but we think it’s a top place to visit any time of year.
- 312Western ParkFreemans BayMy dog loves his daily trip to Western Park, an off leash oasis in Freemans Bay that is big enough to keep everyone happy. It is perfect on hotter days when pups need a little shade along with their space, and even has a water fountain at canine level for refreshment stops.
- 415Santos CafePonsonbyPonsonby Road institution Santos serves up fresh salads, snacks, juices and reportedly the best Eggs Benedict in town, and is one of my picks for a great lunch spot on a sunny day. The courtyard is bathed in warmth almost all day long and the people watching isn’t bad either!
- 535Takapuna BeachTakapunaOn a sunny day Takapuna Beach is a great place for sunbathing or walking the dog, but during the winter months it’s also a great destination for a brisk walk or to explore the rock pools. We love the ones by the famous Petrified Forest and close to Takapuna Beach Cafe, where you can pop in for an order of fresh fish and chips to enjoy in the winter sun.
Helene R.'s
Healthy takeaway options
- 120The Mercury Plaza Food CourtAuckland CentralTucked around a corner just off Karangahape Road, The Mercury Plaza is a food court-slash-mini mart, stocking Asian seasonings, herbs, fresh vegetables and fruits alongside some great Asian food that has been expertly prepared. Thai, Korean, Malaysian, Japanese and Singaporean food is all on offer, and the price for most dishes ranges from an amazing $4.00 to $8.00.
- 26Hana Sushi - Grey LynnGrey LynnConstantly voted Auckland’s Best Sushi for a reason, Hana makes the freshest and most unique combos in town. A riot for your taste buds every time!
- 329Farro Fresh - Grey LynnGrey LynnThe Grey Lynn branch of Farro Fresh is one of my favourite places to buy wine. They have an insanely good selection from all over the globe and the specials are always enticing - drop in and take the chance on something you’ve never tried before!
- 47Bamboo KitchenEden TerraceIt has been great to see the proliferation of healthy takeaway options popping up around Auckland, the latest of which is the rather awesome Bamboo Kitchen. They serve up tasty Chinese fare that is heavy on fresh ingredients and naturally good sauces, and their menu is growing by the day. If you love fresh Asian meals then this is definitely the spot for you.
- 5101Ponsonby International FoodcourtPonsonbyPonsonby Central may have some great foodie residents in the house, but for tastiness coupled with value - and speed - you can’t go past the original purveyor or amazing international cuisine at incredible prices. The Ponsonby International Food Court is pretty much always bustling with locals and visitors alike, and the fare is varied and delicious. We love the Vietnamese for its fresh spring rolls and lemongrass chicken, whilst the Massaman curry is the best tasting in town and the fresh juices from the fully licensed bar always appeal. You can’t visit Ponsonby without a trip to the Food Court and definitely won’t leave hungry.
Helene R.'s
Get a taste of culture here
- 17Gow Langsford Gallery LtdAuckland CentralGow Langsford is one of the leading contemporary galleries in Lorne and Kitchener Streets in the CBD. Others include John Leech, FHE and Anna Miles Gallery. While you’re here pay a visit to Parsons, the specialist art bookshop, who offer a great selection of art books and catalogues.
- 28Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary GalleryTitirangi VillageLopdell House Gallery in Titirangi Village is Waitakere’s regional art gallery. It is home to constantly changing, unique contemporary exhibitions and also a great gift shop selling rare and unusual art books, ceramics and more.
- 31Zealandia Sculpture Garden is an artist's sculpture garden in Warkworth that makes for a great day out. The garden is open by appointment over winter and daily for limited hours during the summer months, so make sure you call in advance before making the trip.
- 42Melanie Roger GalleryHerne BayI love Jervois Road art destination Melanie Roger Gallery, which is handily adjacent to Zus & Zo and shopping Mecca Tessuti. Melanie represents unique and talented contemporary artists like Gavin Hurley and Tiffany Singh, and her opening nights always have great wine and excellent conversation. Pop by next time you’re in the neighbourhood - you won’t want to leave.
- 57Te Tuhi Centre for the ArtsPakuranga, Bucklands BeachManukau City's public art gallery, Te Tuhi Centre for the Arts, is a huge space that includes multiple shows and a great café. It plays host to changing exhibitions, classes, school holiday programmes and more.