Where to get a nice meal and a drink in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
A couple of years ago I found a solution to the dreaded “where should we go?” every time my friends and I decided to catch up — an extensive list of cafes, bakeries, bars and restaurants on my notes app. Slowly but surely I have been ticking off all the venues recommended by my ‘for you’ page, friends and colleagues. Below you will find my favourite spots I keep coming back to and a couple of good ones I only discovered recently.
Mor Bakery
These are the best pastries I’ve had. There are usually some classic options as well as creative flavour combinations available. I am partial to the monkey bread. However, you better get here earlier in the day as they sell out quickly.
158 Remuera Road, Remuera
Burnt Butter Diner
My favourite cafe out West! I’ve always thought if I were to open a cafe this is what it would be like. All the adorable plates and cutlery are mismatched, the food feels homecooked and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. If I remember correctly they only serve filtered coffee, which isn’t up my alley, but the delicious food makes up for it. Beware – limited seating.
62 Rosebank Road, Avondale
Swings
My go-to lunch spot in the CBD. A few Korean toasted sandwich options and they recently started serving burgers too. Nothing can top a visit to the Auckland Art Gallery followed by a sandwich from Swings.
18 Kitchener Street, Auckland CBD
Bodega
New opening! I managed to squeeze in a Bodega visit before leaving Auckland and I’m very glad I did. The vodka chicken sandwich was show-stopping and I can’t wait to try the rest of the menu.
86 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn
Fish Smith
I have two words for you — fish tacos. But honestly, you can’t order wrong here.
200 Jervois Road, Herne Bay
Gemmayze Street
Incredible Lebanese dishes. My recommendation is to go for the set menu. There are a few different options, starting at $50pp all of which will leave you feeling full and happy. You must try the hummus and the babaganouj.
St Kevin's Arcade, 183 Karangahape Road, Poynton Terrace, Auckland CBD
Ada
If I had to choose one restaurant to go to for the rest of my life this would be my pick. Honestly, I haven’t tried many dishes from Kia Kanuta’s new menu as I only go here for special occasions but I’m super intrigued by Maori flavours and cooking techniques. The Beef short rib with horopito & harakeke rub, rēwana enoki and hāngī pumpkin is at the top of my ‘must-try’ list.
454 Great North Road, Grey Lynn
Oohfa
Oohfa is a no-fuss, intimate wine bar and restaurant on Dominion Road. The first time I came here I was in a bit of a rush and hoping to get takeaway but was promptly advised to dine in. I’m glad I did. The open bar and kitchen with a massive woodfire oven create a busy but laid-back atmosphere. They have a small menu of fermented sourdough pizzas and light snacks. The wine list perfectly complements the flavours on the menu, with a focus on local and Italian natural wines. If I had to recommend one thing it would be the woodfired carrots with whipped ricotta and pistachios
357 Dominion Road, Mount Eden
Bar Magda
Recently I discovered that before becoming a bar, this underground spot used to be a swinger’s club called Lily’s and at another point in time it was Staircase — a gay nightclub. The sexy energy can still be felt when you step through the door into the moody red lighting. The service and menu are just as good as the atmosphere. Alongside exciting cocktails and an extensive wine list, they serve adventurous Filipino flavours.
25b Cross Street, Auckland CBD
Words by: Yana Kulishenko
