WINNER: Prego
The beloved Auckland ‘go-to’ had earned stalwart status by 1999, well ahead of its Ponsonby neighbourhood, for its ability to simultaneously deliver on the food, wine, service, fun and buzz that keeps us going back again, and again (and again) today. 

HONOURABLE MENTION: SPQR

HONOURABLE MENTION: O’Connell Street Bistro

THE SHORTLIST:
Euro
Soul Bar & Bistro
Sid at The French Café
Pearl Garden
Cibo
Antoine’s
Sails