While Auckland has certainly seen a lion’s share of enticing new hospitality openings this year, longevity and reliability is to be celebrated — especially given the recent hardships faced by the industry at large.

Vietnamese restaurant Cafe Hanoi is one such restaurant, marking a decade in business this year with an exciting move to a new venue. But, don’t worry, it’s not going far — co-owners Tony McGeorge and Krishna Botica have worked with Cheshire Architects to create a brand new restaurant in the site of the old 1885 nightclub.

With a larger dining space, the restaurant will also encompass an open kitchen with chef’s table counter seating and a private dining room that can accommodate 44 guests, double that of the original private space.

Executive chef Nathan Houpapa has created a new menu that draws heavily on his culinary experience travelling throughout Asia, and the traditional French influence in Vietnamese cuisine.

Highlights include anise roast duck; chargrilled beef bavette with fish-sauce caramel; chargrilled local octopus with green chilli kaffir sauce; and New Zealand clams with lemongrass ginger broth and Thai basil.

It’s a new and exciting era for Cafe Hanoi, says Botica, who can’t wait to welcome guests to the beautiful new space for the same delightful experience the restaurant is known and loved for.