Make the most of this weekend’s opportunity to eat out and take comfort in delicious food from our leading restaurants. Unfortunately, the stress of picking a venue can detract from the restorative experience of wining and dining — so we have made it our mission to ensure you are covered for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Let us present your weekend dining agenda.
Must have: Pressed Leek Terrine
Feel your stress levels drop to 2019 levels as you take in the views of Waitemata Harbour before absorbing executive chef Josh Emett’s seasonally-inspired menu. Let your eyes rest on the Pressed Leek Terrine entree as you anticipate the layered caramelised onions floating on Windsor blue cheese and the unexpected crunch of pine nuts soaked in a fresh, lemon zest infusion. “The first tasting we did, we had probably 15 or 16 dishes and it was a real standout, probably because it’s just so different,” Emmet says. We second his vote.
52 Tyler St, Auckland
Must have: Mac and Cheese
In a restaurant that oozes relaxed sophistication, the simplest of dishes is executed to a standard of excellence. Head to Herne Bay staple Andiamo and take yourself back to a time of childhood innocence with an adult interpretation of Mac and Cheese. Salty bacon cuts through the creaminess of the pasta, with a hit of chilli adding a welcome element of surprise. The indulgence is delivered by fontina cheese, which nuttiness replacing the traditionally creamy cheddar. Let your inner-five year old rejoice even if 50 is looking closer to the mark.
195 Jervois Rd, Ponsonby
Must have: Scampi
You can either surrender decision-making to one of Sidart’s renowned tasting menus or take control of the à la carte offerings. The exquisite taste of chef and owner Sid Sahrawat extends from the surroundings to the fresh scampi with tangy tamarind, sweet coconut and Chettinad relish, with its complex flavour profile of spices paying tribute to the Chettiar community. Just try feeling low after this unique taste of haute cuisine.
283 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby
Must have: Toasted Marshmallow
It’s time to treat yourself in new and exciting ways. Enter the fusion of Chinese, Korean and Japanese flavours creating an unexpectedly delectable dessert at Hello Beasty. Usually it’s impossible to emerge from indulging in Stu Rogan’s beef cheek buns and one of a kind Prawn and Crab Toast with room for sweets but make the effort to devour a marshmallow toasted on the restaurant’s well-utilised Hibachi grill. The expected richness of the fireside favourite treat is balanced by a heavenly halo of diced pineapple, surrounding coconut tapioca and crowned with sweet mango sorbet. The crunch of sesame crisp is an added extra.
95-97 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD
Must have: Wasabi Soy Fried Chicken
Why wait until the morning after the night before to order fried chicken? Few dishes are more satisfying and restorative but at David Lee’s Parnell institution Simon & Lee, the addition of a wasabi and soy marinade gives you enough kick to leave feeling invigorated and optimistic, with an extra spring in your step. While sushi chefs abhor customers drowning their perfectly prepared dishes in wasabi and soy, Lee’s team does the leg work of balancing heat in all its wondrous forms with their succulent chicken nibbles. Share if you must.
115 Saint Georges Rd, Parnell
