Hallelujah! Auckland eateries have been given the green light to re-open their doors for dine-in customers during Alert Level 2, under the requirements that diners must be socially distanced, seated and served by a single staff member during their visit. From special offers to must-try dishes, these restaurants are re-opening with a bang. Remember to record your visit via the Covid tracer app and, most importantly, be kind to hospitality staff as they readjust to the rules.
Ahi
It’s back to business for Ahi, where you can find some of the best food and views the city has to offer. Open from lunch ‘til late, we recommend staking your claim on the airy balcony and enjoying Ahi’s irresistible snacks — the tahr tartare, scampi corndog and Te Matuku oysters are musts. Follow @ahirestaurant for updates
Andiamo
Andiamo’s popular Locals Lunch is back, offering a two-course menu and glass of wine for just $35, available Wednesday — Sunday, 12pm-4pm. Follow @andiamoeatery for updates
Azabu
Secure a spot in Azabu Mission Bay’s sunny Roku Gin garden and order the Harajuku Brunch, an Azabu-style long lunch which rolls out several courses including oysters, sushi, dumplings, ceviche and its infamous fried chicken and tostada (to name just a few) for $55 per person (minimum four people). Follow @azabumissionbay and @azabuponsonby for updates
Clay
K’ Road cutie Clay is back doing what it does best, serving up natural wine, excellent pasta and some of the best pizza in town — of which the burnt cream, marinated chard and parmesan is an absolute must. Follow @clay_366krd for updates
Culprit
Inner-city favourite Culprit has kickstarted its trolley derby once again, with four trolley bites and one main for the pretty price of just $45. While the menu changes every fortnight, currently you can expect the likes of hot-smoked fish on toast, braised brisket corn dog and Culprit’s iconic pig face. Available for dinner from 5pm Tuesday — Saturday and lunchtime Thursday and Friday.
The Candy Shop
If brunch is what you crave, make a beeline for Newmarket’s The Candy Shop. As the winner of the ‘Most Innovative Brunch’ award at last year’s inaugural Denizen Hospo Heroes, The Candy Shop’s clever menu is sure to impress. We rate the croffles (yes, croissant waffles). Follow @thecandyshopnz for updates
The Crab Shack
Nothing says celebration quite like crayfish. The Crab Shack is offering an unbeatable lunch special which sees half a crayfish available for $40 and a whole crayfish for just $75, from Tuesday — Friday. Follow @crabshackauckland for updates
Euro
With Prada Cup racing confirmed for the weekend, Euro is the place to be. Offering a complimentary glass of G.H Mumm Champagne on arrival for bookings on race days, Euro’s special Race Daze menu includes the likes of its fruits de mer platter, with fresh oysters, clams, mussels, king crab and a tempting selection of raw fish. Follow @eurobarandrestaurant for updates
Hotel Ponsonby
Hotspot Hotel Ponsonby is back just in time for the weekend, serving up its much-lauded Scotch eggs and chicken schnitzel. Keep an eye out to learn how the bar and beer garden will operate under the new guidelines. Follow @hotelponsonby for updates
Masu
Missed Masu? Its special Year of the Ox menu takes you on a journey through seven delectable courses, featuring the likes of its beef taco, wagyu gyoza, beef maki, wagyu steak with shallot miso and truffle salt alongside sashimi, vegetable tempura and more. Finish strong with the Masu dessert platter and you’re in for a treat. Available for $188 per person. Follow @masurestaurant for updates
Miann Chocolate Factory
For the ultimate socially distanced dining experience, Miann’s Morningside location is taking bookings for its Wintergarden Glass Houses. Book in for an afternoon tea including Miann’s famous sweet treats, savoury pastries, scones with clotted cream and jam and a hot drink. Bookings are available for 2-6 people per glasshouse. Follow @miann_chocolatefactory for updates
Onemata
Whether the prospect of breakfast, lunch or dinner is luring you out of the house, Park Hyatt Auckland’s Onemata restaurant has all your bases covered. From fresh seafood to 55 day aged scotch, Onemata is a delicious destination to spend your first meal of freedom. Follow @onematarestaurant for updates
Ostro
Celebrating Lunar New Year in style, Ostro’s special menu created in honour of Year of the Ox is not to be missed. It includes a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne to start, a delicious seafood platter (with an option to add crayfish), the infamous beef wellington (complete with sides) and a dessert platter to finish. Available for $200 for two people. Follow @ostroakl for updates
Saxon + Parole
Brunch and Bloody Marys are a recipe for success, and no one does it better than Saxon + Parole. Trot along to this Commercial Bay favourite between 10am-3pm on Saturday and Sundays to make the most of the weekend-only brunch menu, where you’ll find the everything from Turkish eggs and grilled cheese to pancakes and pies. Follow @saxonandparoleakl for updates
Soul Bar & Bistro
Find all your favourites available at Level 2, with Soul swinging back into action to offer its full menu and cocktail list. We can’t choose between the bone in scotch fillet with crispy gourmet potatoes and scampi oil hollandaise (swoon) or the Cloudy Bay clam linguine with chilli and fennel (drool). Follow @soulbarandbistro for updates
