Helene R.'s
Intimate spots for a chat with an old friend
- 124Late Night DinerPonsonbyThere aren’t enough American diner-style eateries round these parts in my opinion, but one near me that is pretty perfect is the Late Night Diner on Ponsonby Road. The menu isn’t all the usual diner fare, but it is very much present in dishes like popcorn grits, the Reuben sandwich and the meaty goodness that is the cheese and bacon burger. Diner food taken up a notch, and with a well stocked bar to keep things humming.
- 210Bellota 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.
- 323Mondial BarGrey LynnWe 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!
- 411Freida MargolisGrey LynnI know it opened about six months’ ago and that was when I made my first visit, but only know am I realising how much I love West Lynn bar Freida Margolis. It is as cosy and unpretentious as it gets and the wine list is thoughtful, eclectic and fun, while the snack menu for winter is small but delicious. Try the duck sliders with a glass of hearty Bordeaux - you won’t be disappointed.
- 52Merlot On O'ConnellAuckland CentralMerlot 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.
Helene R.'s
All time fave local designers
- 15Kathryn Wilson BritomartAuckland CentralThe Kathryn Wilson store at Britomart is the flagship store of the local shoe designer of the same name, and the perfect place to view her beautiful collections in their entirety . The staff are amazingly friendly and the shoes are to die for, making it a must visit when you’re in the downtown district. Try and leave with just one pair, I dare you.
- 25Karen Walker BritomartAuckland CentralThe new Karen Walker store in Britomart’s Pavilions is my favourite of the internationally loved Kiwi designer’s stores. The staff are absolutely wonderful, whilst the winter collection in store now makes my credit card tremble with good reason. I especially love the warm winter coats and party frock options, and she even has some perfectly designed wooly hats and scarves for when the mercury really drops. Retail heaven.
- 39Miss CrabbPonsonbyI love designer Kristine Crabb of Miss Crabb fame for both her amazing personal style and her killer use of colour. You will always get a kick out of browsing her rainbow hued racks, and most likely leave with a beautiful new addition to your wardrobe that isn’t black! The store also stocks some of my other favourite labels, including the uniquely classic Penny Sage and Curio Noir candles.
- 412TK Store PonsonbyPonsonbyWhen I go on the hunt for ‘that’ dress or ‘those’ pants (the females out there will know what I mean) one of the first places I look is TK Store on Brown Street. They constantly have new drops coming in of beautiful basics in unique fabrics and super flattering cuts, and their selection of imports is always gorgeous too. Oh, and they have some of the friendliest and most patient retail staff in town - bonus!
- 52Zambesi NewmarketNewmarketI love pretty much each and every collection by Zambesi that has ever come out - to say I’m a bit of a fan would be putting it mildly. I particularly love the care that has been put into every one of their garments, and the way they can be worn multiple ways and truly made your own. Their Newmarket and Britomart stores are my favourites, the staff are the best and the mirrors are forgiving!
Helene R.'s
Places to get a fix when your hunger is huge
- 123Papa's PizzaKingslandA Kingsland legend for almost twenty years, Papa’s Pizza is a favourite for date night or in a big group. They have Kokako coffee as well as a great wine list and Italian beer Peroni on tap. They make their special recipe wholemeal pizza dough fresh every day and when in season, grow their own herbs to use in their homemade pizza sauce and pasta recipes.
- 2101Ponsonby 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.
- 332Nishiki Japanese RestaurantFreemans BayNow open in Botany and the CBD, Nishiki is a great place for big, hungry groups and has a vast menu to cater to all tastes when it comes to Japanese (and occasionally, Korean) cuisine. Its central location and reputation for great service are an added bonus.
- 440This is the menu for the amazing Satya South Indian restaurant that we keep in a drawer at home. The reason it looks so tired? Because it is thumbed, salivated over and ordered from on an insanely regular basis! We eat in and take out, and have been working our way through the lengthy lineup of dishes for quite some time now. And we are yet to be disappointed. An unmissable spot.
- 59Delicious RestaurantGrey LynnI love a food risotto on a cold day/night, and spend most of the winter trying all I can in the search for the best out there. My latest discovery was on the specials board at Grey Lynn restaurant Delicious, and came with chicken, broad beans and a rich provolone. It was pretty damn perfect and as it was available in entree or main size could be easily snaffled for lunch. Yum.
Helene R.'s
Best dog friendly eating and drinking spots
- 112Occam Cafe and BarGrey LynnOccam Cafe and Bar in the heart of the ‘real’ Grey Lynn has been a favourite with locals for years and shows no sign of slowing down. One of the reasons I recommend it is the ever changing menu, which is extensive compared to many of its ilk as well as seasonal and inspired. Servings are hearty too, and the coffee and wine list the perfect accompaniment. Oh and great cabinet food if you’re on the go, but get in quick as it empties early!
- 238The RiverheadRiverheadOne of our favourite Sunday drives is to the historic Riverhead pub, which on a good day is just twenty minutes drive from the city. It is a comfortable cruise with beers, wines and stellar hot chips to reward the effort, or more bistro- type fare is available in their restaurant area. The car park is also a petrol head’s dream as it is usually packed tight with hot rods, bikes and muscle cars galore.
- 330Il BucoPonsonbyIf we’re eating pizza in our favourite spots are most definitely SPQR and Prego, but for pizza by the slice you just can’t beat the legendary Il Buco for freshness and flavour. Jonny and his team serve around thirty different varieties, and this includes options for vegetarians, vegans and those who go gluten free too. And there is never any compromise on taste, the ingredients are that good.
- 46The Waterview Coffee ProjectWaterviewThe Waterview Coffee Project is not your ordinary cafe - it is in a shipping container for starters! It was actually conceived as a way to get the suburb’s locals together and to keep them caffeinated, and has become a social hub since the moment it opened its doors. Barista Corey is one of the best in town too, so even if you’re not from Waterview I recommend a trip.
- 515Santos 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!
Helene R.'s
Best brews: my coffee spots to die for
- 130Il BucoPonsonbyIf we’re eating pizza in our favourite spots are most definitely SPQR and Prego, but for pizza by the slice you just can’t beat the legendary Il Buco for freshness and flavour. Jonny and his team serve around thirty different varieties, and this includes options for vegetarians, vegans and those who go gluten free too. And there is never any compromise on taste, the ingredients are that good.
- 215Santos 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!
- 319MontereyGrey LynnWe love the laid back, almost retro vibe of Monterey in West Lynn, and their eggs bene selection is the best in the ‘hood. I go for roast tomatoes and watercress, but there also all manner of meaty options and some great sides!
- 46The Waterview Coffee ProjectWaterviewThe Waterview Coffee Project is not your ordinary cafe - it is in a shipping container for starters! It was actually conceived as a way to get the suburb’s locals together and to keep them caffeinated, and has become a social hub since the moment it opened its doors. Barista Corey is one of the best in town too, so even if you’re not from Waterview I recommend a trip.
- 543Kokako Cafe & RoasteryGrey LynnKokako offers up some of the best brunch options in town, all vegetarian, some vegan and many gluten free. Meat lovers will barely know the difference though as the flavours are so fresh and tasty, and they even do kid sized portions if you’ve got small people on board. My fave is the organic hash (above) with the porridge coming a close second.
Helene R.'s
Favourite restaurants
- 148SPQRPonsonbyA Ponsonby institution for over twenty years, SPQR is one of the finest places to begin - or end - a night out. Cocktails like ‘The Slapper’ come highly recommended!
- 240This is the menu for the amazing Satya South Indian restaurant that we keep in a drawer at home. The reason it looks so tired? Because it is thumbed, salivated over and ordered from on an insanely regular basis! We eat in and take out, and have been working our way through the lengthy lineup of dishes for quite some time now. And we are yet to be disappointed. An unmissable spot.
- 39O'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!
- 435The Blue Breeze InnPonsonbyThe Blue Breeze Inn has only been open a few weeks but has been a hive of activity from the moment it opened its doors. It has garnered incredible reviews for its unique modern Chinese menu, which was created by chef Che Barrington of Moo Chow Chow fame. The har gau and twice fried duck are my favourites so far, best washed down with the delish Damn Native rum cocktail. If you haven’t been yet then I recommend that you get in quick!
- 5110Mexico Auckland CentralAuckland CentralOne of our favourite places to wind up an evening out is Mexico in Britomart, where the service is always hot, the margaritas ice cold and the tacos always top notch. They are open til late and serve drinks as tasty as their food options, with particular must haves like the Mexico Fried Chicken, Three Cheese Quesadilla and Do It Yourself Guacamole usually still in stock even after a busy night. We love you Mexico!