Asher W.'s
Eats under $20
- 175Mexicali FreshNewmarketMexicali Fresh is far from authentic Mexican but it is definitely tasty. I ordered the taco salad with pulled beef. The edible taco bowl was piled high with salad, sour cream, cheese, beef and guacamole. The meat was tender and seasoned well and the rest of the salad was tasty. At $14.50 it is pretty affordable and the service was quick and professional! It didn’t export me to Mexico but it certainly was tasty.
- 218Middle East CafeAuckland CentralI was watching an episode of the Food Truck garage where they championed the humble kebab as a healthy food option, denouncing its title as the greasy go to option after a big night in town. It is here that I recommend the Middle East Cafe as the best spot in town to pick up a delicious kebab or as they are called in the joint, a shawarma (the Arabic version). Dine in or take away in this lovely little spot on Wellesley Street and enjoy a soft bread roll packed full with delicious slow cooked lamb or crispy falafel, tomato, cucumber and hummus. Make sure to indulge in some of the sauces as that's where the real flavour kicks are. If you're slightly hungrier opt to get a meal plate, which comes with everything in just a bigger portion. Seriously...what's not to like?
- 324BanditaKingslandIf you’re having a lazy Sunday, El Camino is the perfect place to make the most of it. Each Sunday the Mexican restaurant puts three dishes on special for $12 and there are also alcohol specials. I ordered the beef enchiladas and a cheesy garlic bread. It was fresh, spicy and filling, for under $20 what a bargain. The wide range of hot sauces deserve a mention, let’s just say there are options!
- 424Late Night DinerPonsonbyThis week the owners of Ponsonby Social Club opened an American style diner called the Late Night Diner, and I couldn’t be more happy! We sat at the breakfast bar style counter and watched the inexperienced staff get told off. The lack of experience was made up for by the food. I tucked into the fried chicken with bbq sauce and the bacon croquettes accompanied by a bourbon hard shake. It was all delicious. And the best news? It’s open till 2am from Weds to Sat. I’ll be back.
- 511Otto Woo - PonsonbyPonsonbyI was introduced to the spicy squid salad from Otto Woo while interning for a communications company while studying. My boss there would shout me a salad when she was feeling generous. The salad, complete with crispy squid, is made up of fresh slaw, crispy noodles and a spicy, tart dressing. It's one spicy kick in the mouth that's always welcome.
Asher W.'s
High Street Highlights
- 115Crane BrothersAuckland CentralOne of my friends at high school wore a Crane Brother's suit to our school ball. Another of my friends recently got married wearing Crane Brother's threads. What did these guys have in common? They looked pretty dam suave. Crane Brother's is known as Auckland's premier tailor, the cuts are sleek and well fitted. The suits are rather pricey hence why I wasn't wearing one at my school ball but I'm pretty sure if the time comes I'll commit to the investment so I can look ridiculously dapper at the end of the aisle.
- 20Rakinos Cafe & BarAuckland CentralRakinos is an Auckland institution. Located in a space overlooking High St the interior is spacious, the staff friendly, the beers cold and the food great. Order the mushroom burger, a dark and stormy and sit back and listen to some live music or a dj spinning urban jams. The venue is known to hold some wild parties aswell so keep your eyes peeled for these.
- 39No. 1 High StreetAuckland CentralWe stopped into No. 1 High Street pretty late on Sarurday night after being promised $5 house drinks. I hadn’t set foot into the club since it was Met and Code. The new vintage inspired decor complete with a grand piano and old books are a far cry from the seedy, clubbers paradise that it used to be. The bar staff were friendly and efficient and the DJs were churning out the bangers. Not my usual kind of spot but it was fine for a cheap drink and a laugh.
- 47FabricAuckland CentralIf Kanye West lived in Auckland I reckon that he would shop at Fabric. He would probably kit himself out in some A.P.C, Comme Des Garcon and Martin Margiela before picking out a couple of Kenzo garments for Kim. The shop is a haven for anyone looking to get their luxury street style on. There’s a comprehensive denim section and fresh kicks in abundance. If you’re looking to smell nice they’ve also got you covered. Get amongst.
- 57Area 51 Auckland CBDAuckland CentralArea 51 on High Street is the perfect shop for the style conscious young person who has a decent disposable income and doesn’t want to look like they are trying too hard. They stock a great selection of brands ranging from Nike, Jeremy Scott for Adidas, Fred Perry and hometown favourites such as Huffer. All the clothes are nicely cut and they have a great selection of jeans. If you’re in the market for some new threads the shop’s well worth checking out.
Asher W.'s
oodles of noodles
- 122Hansan has a good vibe about it, it feels like eating at an upmarket eatery but without the price tag. I had the noodle soup with fried pork. What arrived was a massive bowl of pho’ish soup and what looked like a large pork schnitzel. Although the soup needed a lot of seasoning (spoons full of chilli) both were tasty and for $12 you can’t go wrong. Both of my comrades opted for the chicken noodle salad, they both gave glowing reports. I’d recommend this place to anyone wanting a nice meal but who doesn’t want to bust the bank.
- 211Mutiara MalaysianPonsonbyMutiara is the bees knees when it comes to eating Malaysian. We sat outside and tucked into the beef rendang (pictured) and the nasi goreng. Both were delicious and the portions were generous (we had to take ours away). On the menu is a wide selection of noodle dishes, curries, seafood and other Malay treats. Mutiara makes a mean roti, so make sure these are an addition. If you’re not around at dinner stop in at lunch as they do great lunch specials aswell.
- 312Daikoku RamenAuckland CentralIf you're in the Britomart area and are looking for something to warm you up to the very core you can't go past Daikoku Ramen. It would be easy to go past this small poky Japanese establishment but it would be a foolish mistake. When I go there I tend to choose the ramen soup combo that comes served with a side of gyoza dumplngs and of course a Japanese beer. The soup, chicken based with home made egg noodles is served with bamboo and generous hunks of pork, is delicious and the dumplings are always tasty and fresh.
- 411Otto Woo - PonsonbyPonsonbyI was introduced to the spicy squid salad from Otto Woo while interning for a communications company while studying. My boss there would shout me a salad when she was feeling generous. The salad, complete with crispy squid, is made up of fresh slaw, crispy noodles and a spicy, tart dressing. It's one spicy kick in the mouth that's always welcome.
- 524Tanuki Sushi & Sake BarAuckland CentralWhen it comes to first dates I don't think you can go wrong with Japanese, and when it comes to Japanese Tanuki's is the perfect destination. The extensive menu has a wide variety of dishes that are perfect for sharing and the informal bustling atmosphere and friendly service is perfect for anyone feeling slightly nervous. There's plenty of alcoholic beverages available, I'd recommend getting a big Asahi to share and perhaps a sake if you are that way inclined. My favourite dishes that I'd recommend are the karaage chicken, the broccoli with peanut sauce, the sashimi platter, the raw beef and the deep fried cheese. Also if your date is a vegetarian there are plenty of vege options to keep them happy.
Asher W.'s
West Auckland's Best Cafes
- 148The Delicious Food StoreTe Atatu PeninsulaTe Atatu Peninsula is an area on the rise and leading the charge is The Luscious Food Store. Located just before the main strip of shops, the cafe is defenitely worth the trip as a destination. Relax under the leafy trees, in the large outside area, while the kids play in the sandpit and choose something from the extensive menu. We opted for the snapper cakes that were served with perfectly poached eggs and chilli jam. It was all delicious, and the coffee (Supreme) was great too.
- 229Carriages CafeKumeuWhen I can be bothered heading out west for breakfast I like to head to Carriages. Located in the heart of the Kumeu Wine Country it’s a picturesque cafe dishing up some seriously tasty grab. The coffee is good and I would recommend the savoury hot cakes that is served with crispy bacon, raspberry compote, banana and lashings of maple syrup. The venue styled from a classic 1930’s European train station even has a train carriage that you can eat in!
- 329Kohu Road LtdNew LynnIf you’re a fan of quality ice cream chances are that you will have dipped your spoon into a tub of Kohu Road. Hand crafted in New Zealand from the finest ingredients it is a seriously tasty treat. Chances are you may have not been to the Kohu Road Cafe and Creamery in New Lynn. The small poky cafe is a great little spot to take the whole family. I indulged in a tasty homemade pie, smoked fish to be specific and my partner in crime had a classic steak and cheese. All reports were positive! Afterwards we shared a chocolate cupcake this was also worth writing home about. Recommended!
- 40Bees Online Honey Centre & CafeWaimaukuFor her last two birthdays my sister has chosen to go to Bees Online for brunch. It’s a full on family affair in the large airy cafe. We tend to sit inside but there is the option to dine outside. The last time I went I opted for the eggs Benedict in horopito pastry with a side of smoked salmon, the twist on the classic dish was welcome and the salmon tasted as though it had been caught that morning. The coffee was also great and my mum was full of praise for their hot chocolate. No wonder it has such a good buzz about it!
Asher W.'s
Adventures in Kingsland
- 1119The Fridge CafeKingslandAside from perhaps the butter chicken pie from Mobil On the Run gas stations, The Fridge has hands down the best pies in Auckland. It’s a great spot to grab a pastry pocket of goodness and a coffee. My personal favourites are the mince, potatoe and cheese pie and the Morrocan lamb pies. The cabinet food is also great and the staff quirky. Don’t be flaky, get amongst.
- 20Citizen Park Restaurant BarKingslandCitizen Park is a large bar located in the heart of Kingsland. The menu has a diner vibe and the interior is a mix-match of industrial and kitsch. The bar's big pull is a massive courtyard which is ideal for the warmer months. I ordered a Double Brown which cost $8 and my compadre had an Export Gold which put him $11 out of pocket. A good addition to the Kingsland scene, but the beverages seem a tad expensive.
- 324BanditaKingsland"If you’re having a lazy Sunday, Bandita is the perfect place to make the most of it. Each Sunday the Mexican restaurant puts three dishes on special for $12 and there are also alcohol specials. I ordered the beef enchiladas and a cheesy garlic bread. It was fresh, spicy and filling, for under $20 what a bargain. The wide range of hot sauces deserve a mention, let’s just say there are options!"
- 464Canton CafeKingslandCanton Cafe makes some of the best Chinese in Auckland. Get a group together, pick a selection of dishes from the extensive menu and let the fun begin. The restaurant is b.y.o so I would recommend grabbing a bottle of red on the way to the restaurant.
- 561Neighbourhood BrewbarKingslandIf you’re looking for a spot to enjoy a few lazy beers in Kingsland, I would recommend Neighbourhood Brewbar. There is a large courtyard in the front and the back windows let in a generous smattering of sunlight. The music is laidback, the beer cold and the fit out spacious. Great White is my choice of what they have on tap, but I guess that all comes down to personal preference.
Asher W.'s
Ideal for the vegetarian in your life.
- 124Harvest Wholefoods Grey LynnGrey LynnHarvest Wholefoods is a great little store in the heart of Grey Lynn that specialises in natural, organic and gluten free foods. My girlfriend suffers from a number of food allergies so we often pop in here to pick up supplies, The Little Bird gluten free treats being a specific weakness of hers. The store stocks a whole range of other products including gluten free pastries, a large bulk bin section, eco-friendly cleaning products and organic fruit and vegetables. The staff are all extremely helpful and full of good advice on what products contain.
- 20Little Bird OrganicsKingslandBased in Kingsland, Little Bird Organics, is an eatery that serves uncooked, all raw foods. After being featured in Viva today the little space was packed and we had to wait a while to get some seats at the communal table. Pictured is the espresso cheesecake. With a dense consistency and rich flavour it was a real treat but I struggled to finish it. My accomplice had the cold drip coffee which she said was smooth abd refreshing. I’m looking forward to exploring the rest of the menu but if you come expect to fork out a little bit. With drinks costing up to $10 some might think it a little pricey.
- 359Ripe DelicatessenGrey LynnRipe Delicatessen is a great spot to drop by and grab lunch from. The salads are sophiaticated and a treat to eat, the meat is always tender and well cooked and the coffee is consistent. Price is pretty good and the portion size (if you’re served by the right person) is plentiful. Pictured is the raw beetroot salad, a grain salad and a small serving of salmon. All were great and the best thing was that I felt like the food was doing my body a world of good. Recommended.
- 420Garnet StationWestmereGarnet Station Cafe has been around for around five or six years now. It’s the type of place you enter and feel instantly relaxed, kinda like heading to a friend’s place who knows a thing or two about working in a kitchen. There are quite a few options in terms of rooms of where to sit and the staff were fantastic. I had a gourmet mince and cheese pie which was served with a delicious chunky relish and a coffee, which was the best I’d had in a while. The girlfriend had something vegetarian which she gave a double thumbs up. Definitely worth a look!
- 543Kokako Cafe & RoasteryGrey LynnKokako is my pick of the bunch when it comes to caffine kicks in Grey Lynn. It’s interior reminds me of Cafe Supreme, and the similarity doesn’t stop there as they also roast their own beans. I haven’t indulged in breakfast yet but have had good reports! The coffee is always consistent and the cold filter coffee is a soft, refreshing drop well worth investigating.