Whenever we head back to New Zealand, we’ve got some tough choices to make on where to dine – the gastronomic scene has such a depth of quality that we’re always torn between checking out popular new openings and revisiting old favourites. Here are our picks for our tried and tested restaurants in Auckland that you simply don’t want to miss.
Pasture
Just across the road from Woodpecker Hill is our 2018 restaurant of the year, Pasture. It’s recently shrunk from 14 seats to a mere six, and only opens Weds-Sun for two seatings a night (5:45pm and 8:15pm) – that means there are only 60 seats per week available at this very special chef’s counter. Pasture focusses on New Zealand ingredients, bringing out the best in them through wood fire, fermentation and a whole lotta heart. This is New Zealand’s most boutique and intimate dining experience – don’t miss the pairing, both the non-alcoholic and alcoholic pairings are killer. Keep an eye our for their new bar opening soon in mid-late 2020. Click here to read our full review of Auckland’s Pasture.
The Grove
A long-standing Auckland fine dining institution, The Grove has done it again with new head Chef Ryan Moore in 2020. Expect white tablecloths, great service and an exemplary wine list – as well as show-stopping food. The Grove is the perfect spot for a romantic date night, with food that will keep even the most experienced foodies well entertained. Click here to read our full review of The Grove.
Paris Butter
Paris Butter’s Nick Honeyman and Zennon Christian are serving up some of the finest cuisine in NZ with their modern Kiwi-meets-French menu. These young chefs are delivering a creative menu that pushes the boundaries with unique ingredient combinations (especially in their desserts), something rarely seen in New Zealand. From their plentiful snacks that commence the meal right through to their quirky petit fours, this is a tasting menu you should absolutely book when in Auckland.
Gochu
Auckland’s hottest new Korean venue, located at the uber-trendy Commercial Bay, has a huge amount of hype surrounding it. That’s to be expected, given Chef Jason Kim, ex Sidart, is at the helm. Thankfully, Gochu delivers on our high expectations and then some. You might be visiting for the already famous ‘Jason’s Fried Chicken’, which is fab, but trust us when we say the sizzling grilled chicken with comté sauce is even better. Want to try something truly unique? Order the Soon dae (Korean black pudding) stuffed with Kumara noodles and rice. Gochu is the most impressive opening of 2020, so far, but given the unusual climate this year that doesn’t go nearly far enough to describe just how good it is. If the quality this early on is anything to go by, Gochu is one that will definitely be around for a long time to come. Find out about the secret off-the-menu item you need to order in our full review here.
Hello Beasty
Auckland has many Asian fusion eateries but Hello Beasty is definitely one of the very best. The menu brings together Chinese, Japanese and Korean flavours with great success – their chicken karaage had us swooning at first bite. Expect a vibrant atmosphere, fragrantly flavourful dishes, killer service and a great wine list with natural-leaning options if that’s your thing. Click here to read our full review of this Viaduct hot spot.
Huami
Despite the plethora of incredible Asian cuisine options on offer in Auckland, there really hasn’t been a solid high-end, modern Chinese restaurant that stood out. Thankfully, that position has now been filled by Huami. Simply the best Chinese we have experienced in New Zealand and amongst our favourites globally, Hyami is delivery impeccable cuisine and outstanding service alongside a very well-curated beverage list and spot on ambience. We’re addicted. Check out our full review here.
Cassia
We’ve lost count at how many awards this shrine to modern Indian cuisine has won (or perhaps we’re just too lazy to look them all up), but let us tell you – it’s a lot. A dark, industrial basement tucked away on Fort Lane, this cave-like central city hideout is one you want to seek out. From the stable of much-lauded NZ chef Sid Sahrawat, Cassia delivers the goods one expects from such a gastronomic genius in the most casual format of the three of his restaurants (more on the others below). It’s modern Indian done oh so well – all your favourite Indian dishes are there, of course with a twist, and there are plenty of creative takes on Indian flavours too. This is absolutely tastebud-blowing Indian food that lovers of the cuisine will be craving long after their visit. Read our full review here.
Cotto
Dark, loud and always pumping, Cotto is our go-to for modern Italian in Auckland. You won’t find stock standard pizza and pasta here – think gnocchi with gorgonzola and walnuts, smoked ricotta beetroot ravioli and saffron fennel and buffalo mozzarella risotto. With such tempting starters as pork belly, lamb ribs, Brussels sprouts and goats cheese dumplings, you’ll struggle to resist the temptation to over order. Bookings aren’t accepted and there’s always a wait – come early and try out their excellent cocktail list.
Sid at The French Cafe
What do you get when you take Auckland’s most famous fine dining institution (The French Cafe) and insert Auckland’s most lauded chef? You get another excuse to feast on Sid Sahrawat’s food, and that’s something we’re more than ok with. Sahrawat and his boss restauranteur wife Chand are gradually transitioning the classic French establishment into a showcase for their finest cuisine, while still paying homage to the long-standing history of the venue. It’s not an easy task to take a restaurant that’s had regulars for over a decade and write a new chapter in its story – but we’re loving the way this tale is unfolding so far.
Woodpecker Hill
We’re not usually one for hyperbole, but Parnell’s Woodpecker Hill serves up our favourite Asian food on the planet. In fact, we love the food at all of master-of-Asian-cuisine Che Barrington’s many Auckland restaurants (Blue Breeze Inn, Go Go Daddy and Chop Chop also are under his expert guidance). For us, it’s just not a trip to Auckland without visiting this unique fusion establishment (yes, it’s got a little fusion in there but hear us out) that takes American Smokehouse BBQ meats and dresses them up in fiery Thai flavours (there’s plenty of seafood for those of you who are into that too, never fear). This is serious Thai cooking, bursting with flavour and heat.
Culprit
Culprit are the cool kids on the inner-city block, drawing a steady stream of hungry foodies to their first floor Wyndham Street location like no dining establishment has before them. Their modern kiwi take on yum cha is a delight for diners who love tapas-style eating (us) but there are larger plates too. Read our full review here.