There’s no need to feel like you’re missing out if you’re not going away for the long weekend. For those sticking around Auckland, there is a host of delicious dining options to suit any disposition or desires. In fact, it’s the ideal opportunity to explore all of the brilliant eateries our city has to offer, including some you might not have made it to yet. So if you’re wondering where to go, we’ve got you covered.
Luxe lunch with a view: Ostro
If you find yourself out and about in Britomart, take a seat at Ostro for impeccable food, service and surroundings. We’re delighted to report that Bluff oysters are back on the menu, and plan on taking full advantage of the fact that Ostro is offering them for $29.95 per dozen at lunchtime this weekend, washed down with a glass of bubbly, of course. We suggest you do the same.
Seafarer’s Building, 52 Tyler Street, Britomart
Shopping in the city: Sunny Town
Sauntering around Auckland’s CBD can be hungry work, so put down the shopping bags for a minute and order a satisfying (and speedy) meal from Sunny Town. The popular Lorne Street spot offers authentic Chinese cuisine using high quality ingredients and traditional techniques, with dumplings and buns handmade to order by a raft of expert chefs. We recommend the Dandan noodles, a perfect warming dish for winter days, along with the moist and flavourful pork or vegetable buns and plump prawn shao-mai dumplings.
10-14 Lorne Street, CBD
Neighbourhood gem: Romulus and Remus
Roman-influenced cafe, trattoria and bar Romulus & Remus is a must-visit in Grey Lynn for its thoughtful menu of satisfying dishes and homely fit-out. Try the moreish Melanzane chips – crumbed and deep-fried eggplant sticks served with a creamy feta and fennel whip – and the flavourful She-Wolf pizza.
551 Richmond Road, West Lynn.
Takapuna beach walk: The Grange
Weather permitting, a wander along Takapuna beach could be in order – after all, sea air does us all good. While you’re in the area, why not stop in for a bite at Smales Farm eatery The Grange? Nestle in under the soaring ceilings and choose from one of many delicious dishes on the all-day menu – from sharing plates like buttermilk fried chicken and Waitaha wagyu sliders to larger options, including 12 hour lamb shoulder and house made papardelle.
Cnr The Boulevard and Smales Farm Ave, Takapuna
Hike up Mt Eden: Whau
Take in the iconic vista from Maungawhau’s summit, then reward yourself with a delicious brunch at Whau, a popular daytime spot serving contemporary Māori cuisine. Utilising traditional Māori cooking techniques and native New Zealand ingredients, this sweet cafe offers original and ever-changing takes on brunch favourites like beetroot on kumara sourdough, mussel and pumpkin fritters with poached eggs and fry bread with poached fruit, banana cream and maple.
250 Puhi Huia Road, Mt Eden
A trip to the mall: L’Americano
Westfield Newmarket has a host of tempting dining options, and Italian eatery L’Americano is at the top of our list. Created in collaboration with renowned Australian interior showroom Coco Republic, the brainchild of Antonio Crisci (Poderi Crisci, Non-Solo Pizza) oozes authentic Italian flair. Whether it’s for the brioche bun, poached egg and pancetta breakfast sandwich, a satisfying bowl of pasta or a sweet Sicilian cannoli and espresso, L’Americano is all the excuse we need to visit the mall.
Shop S123 Level 1, 309 Broadway, Newmarket
Peruse in Ponsonby: Beau
Should you go for an afternoon wander along Ponsonby Road, may we suggest aiming to end up at one of the tables of recently-opened wine bar Beau. Owners Diva Giles and Logan Birch have created a cosy and relaxed establishment, the perfect backdrop for a great glass of low-intervention wine or a cocktail and a bite to eat.
265 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
Magic in Mangere: Percy
Even if you can’t jump on a flight, there’s a great reason to make the drive out near Auckland Airport. Game-changing cafe Percy is an elevated eatery with an offering of contemporary brunch fare. Chef Logan Wang draws on a variety of influences to create mouth-watering dishes like mushroom French toast, pork belly breakfast bao and a host of house-baked sweet treats.
2 Te Kapua Drive, The Landing Business Park, Mangere
