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 Child-friendly cafe |
121 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 376 4954 |
One 2 One (formerly Atomic Cafe) has been established for so long that they sell a custom T-shirt and branded coffee! Original brick walls, polished kauri floorboards and a collection of antique coffee pots lend character. There is a small garden and deck at the rear, complete with a sandpit for the kids. Check out the petanque happening out the back on Saturday mornings. As well as excellent coffee and a wide range of teas, the cakes and brioche are luscious! The tasty and healthy breakfast and lunch menus are up on the board. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Designer coffee |
43 High Street Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 309 5677 http://www.columbuscoffee.co.nz |
Columbus is surely a front-runner for "best coffee" in Auckland. An award-winning cafe design draws its inspiration from the coffee itself. A giant copper roaster greets you at the door; banks of brass containers full of beans line the wall; even the small round tables have beans under their glass tops. The staff has a passion for coffee and takes pride in what they do. Try their moccachino and watch how it is made. They also serve counter food such as pies and sandwiches. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Organic with style |
Shed 22 Prince's Wharf Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 309 9866 http://www.eurobar.co.nz |
Euro is consistently rated amongst the best restaurants in Auckland. Looking out from the edge of Prince's Wharf over the Waitemata harbor, the dining room is crisp, minimalist and very trendy. Nearly all the produce used at Euro is organic. Try the salt and pepper squid with roasted garlic mayo, charred lime and virgin olive oil, followed by the restaurant's signature dish-rotisserie chicken, rubbed, spiced and lightly blackened, served with creamy mash and celeriac slaw. Euro has a very good wine list. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christine Klitsie |
 Totally Asian food experience |
9 Albert Street Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 373 4917 |
As the best food court in the city for cheap and authentic Asian food, Food Alley boasts 15 kitchens sharing a common dining area. It is a bit like eating in a converted car park--but you do not come here for the scenery. Food from all over Asia is on offer. Zap is recommended, with its beautifully presented food from Northeast Thailand; try the larb chicken and rice. Claypot Roast, offering roast duck and pork Chinese style, with rice and soup is also excellent. A fully licensed bar also makes delicious fresh juices. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Dining and live entertainment |
269 Parnell Road Parnell Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 358 4804 http://www.iguacu.co.nz/ |
Iguacu has prospered near the top of Parnell Rise for many years now. They must be getting something right. This is an inviting place; look for the gas flame welcoming you. Although large and busy, the restaurant retains a friendly atmosphere, due to the division into various indoor, outdoor and upstairs dining and bar areas. Live entertainment is a feature and the jazz session on Sunday afternoons is popular. An extensive menu of brasserie style food is available with everything from burgers to pasta or steak and vegetarian dishes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Food fresh from the ocean |
Corner Lower Hobson & Quay Streets 1st Floor Viaduct Quay Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 9 309 0412 / +64 9 307 0019 http://www.kermadec.co.nz/ |
Situated upstairs, away from the throng on Viaduct Quay, Kermadec has an air of serenity and sophistication. Marine artwork decorates the white oak floor. Large folding windows open out to the view of the boats moored below and the setting sun beyond. The owner's fishing fleet brings in fresh seafood daily. Crayfish, scallops, prawns and mussels feature on the menu. Stunningly presented sushi and sashimi will tempt diners. Kermadec offers one of Auckland's top fine-dining experiences. Try the Seafood Platter, for a minimum of two people. Equally good beef and lamb dishes are also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hot curry, cool surroundings |
169 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 378 4500 |
Masala Cafe & Bar is a Ponsonby institution, and is still something of a novelty; a chic Indian café/restaurant. The decor is minimalist and clean, with lots of stainless steel edges and funky cow-hide seat covers. The curries are fantastic and come in varying degrees of "hotness" as specified by the customer. A fantastic Butter Chicken with side orders of naan bread, raita or pickles makes your mouth water. Masala is licensed and the wine and beverage list is extensive. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Lay back and relax on a sunny afternoon |
Tamaki Drive Mission Bay Auckland 1005 New Zealand +64 9 979 7070 (Tourist Information) |
Mission Bay is a popular place on fine summer weekends. The wide beach, recently restored with white sand from Pakiri beach, provides excellent swimming. The grassy domain running behind the beach, complete with playground, provides an excellent picnic spot. There are many lively cafes, restaurants, takeaway bars and pubs catering to all tastes and budgets, just across the road. Giant Norfolk pines, planted by Bishop Selwyn 150 years ago, provide welcome shade on a hot day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Courtyard character |
259 Parnell Road Parnell Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 379 5358 http://www.nonsolopizza.co.nz |
Located in the heart of Parnell Village, Non Solo Pizza combines the traditional with the contemporary. The large restaurant seats 90, and a further 80 in the brick courtyard. Displays of preserved vegetables and fresh bread, the wood-fired pizza oven and the marble fireplace, lend character. The menu is sumptuous and extensive from antipasti to Fritto Misto di Mare-a selection of squid, prawn, fish and octopus to a wood-fired oven pizza, such as Al Sapore di Mare with shellfish, baby octopus, calamari, prawns, chilli, garlic, oregano and rocket. There is an extensive wine and beverage list. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Belgian beer and mussels |
6 Vulcan Lane Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 300 6226 |
This café is located on a character-rich pedestrian lane between Queen Street and High Street, right in the city centre. A charming establishment, the café features wooden floors, wooden walls and leather-clad booths. Due to its central location, it is a popular meeting place day or night. Occidental Belgian Cafe offers real Belgian beers on tap and great pots of mussels, Belgian style. They are fully licensed and have a good range of other drinks available, including fine coffee. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Frank Caico |
 Photo: Richard Chisholm |
 Photo: Richard Chisholm |
 Eclectic and stylish |
Ponsonby Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 979 2333 (Tourist Information) http://www.ponsonbyonline.co.nz |
Famous for its role as Auckland's cafe and restaurant mecca, Ponsonby Road has in recent years also become a spot to shop for that unusual or special, gift or piece of clothing. The road is long but flat, with plenty of watering holes along the way. Highlights include the beautiful Redcurrent store near the Richmond Road intersection, where pashminas fill the room with vibrant and cheerful colour. Other must sees are Made in Japan over the road from Redcurrent, for designer pieces. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Definitive Ponsonby Road eatery |
150 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 360 1710 http://www.ponsonbyroad.co.nz/... |
SPQR was one of the original cafes in Ponsonby and its popularity has stood the test of time. It is now a sophisticated upmarket restaurant and bar rather than a simple café. It has a certain energy; the later it gets the more it seems to buzz. It draws an eclectic crowd from gays, lesbians and cross-dressers to business people and straights; people watching is a treat here. The beautifully presented food is Italian. Some examples from the menu include char-grilled calamari salad with rocket, roast garlic and lemon oil, and seared, rare tuna with smoked tomato, salsa, rocket, balsamic and caroli oil. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tina Paredes |
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Small but sophisticated |
114-116 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 378 8431 |
Much of the action at Santos happens on the street where you can see and be seen. Coffee enthusiasts from South America are behind this popular daytime haunt. The café interior is narrow, and has a smart minimalist style. Wide glass doors open to the street front or over the courtyard at the side, and the chairs are comfortable. A relaxed and jovial air prevails. Food is simple but tasty and Italian in character, such as panini and biscotti served with Santos coffee and fresh juices. The standard breakfast menu runs till late afternoon. Prices are very reasonable. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Watering hole for beer lovers |
61 Albert Street Corner of Wyndam & Albert Streets Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 9 373 5396 http://www.shakespearehotel.co... |
Drawing an eclectic crowd including staff from the nearby New Zealand Herald offices, the Shakespeare is loud, casual and a whole lot of fun. A pioneer of the boutique-brewery industry, the Shakespeare brews 10 of its own beers on the premises, and serves from 3 different bars. This is a traditional English-style pub with unpretentious decor. Downstairs there is a bar, a few booths and some tables. The function room is upstairs with a lovely terrace for outdoor dining and drinking. The décor is unpretentious. The beer is the attraction, with regular brews and other specialties as per the whim of the brewer, beer drinking is nowhere better. Their ales are especially tasty. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Friendly place |
3/311 Parnell Road Parnell Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 373 5247 |
One of the most popular Thai restaurants in Parnell, this is certainly a local's choice. They boast two distinct dining areas—the cafe-style patio out on the street, or the traditional Thai dining room at the back, with its embroidery and triangular cushions. Authentic Thai cuisine is helpfully labelled for its spice content. The sour chicken soup with lemon grass and coconut cream is a sure bet, as is the Muslim beef curry served with jasmine rice. They are both licensed and bring your own wine. The wine list is small and reasonably priced, but you are better off going with a Singha beer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The heart of the City of Sails |
Viaduct Harbour Avenue (CBD Waterfront) Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 9 300 6682 http://www.viaduct.co.nz/ |
Viaduct Harbour was developed as a base for the America's Cup yachting regatta and racing syndicate. The buzzing cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants ply their trade late into the night. The bronze plaques around the boardwalk detail the maritime history of the area. Water taxi tours of the basin are available outside the Loaded Hog Brewery - keep your eye out for luxury super yachts. The Visitor Information Centre is also based here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: © EJ Chua |
 Photo: © EJ Chua |
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Beaches, hiking trails and vineyard restaurants |
Hauraki Gulf Auckland 1240 New Zealand +64 9 372 9999 (Tourist Information) http://www.waiheke.co.nz/index... |
Just a half-hour ferry ride from central Auckland, Waiheke Island is a bedroom community for Auckland, but retains its own unique atmosphere. With cafés and pubs in Oneroa, wineries in the center and a beautiful beach at Onetangi, Waiheke makes a great getaway destination. Buses run on most roads and car rentals are available. Cycling is a fun way to see the island - the hills providing both challenges and great vistas. There is plenty of accommodation from isolated boutique sanctuaries to homely bed and breakfast. It is advisable to book through the Visitor Information Centre before arriving. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: raz_yorkshire |
 Photo: raz_yorkshire |
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Brazilian barbecue, a carnivore's delight |
Prince's Wharf Quay Street Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 353 7595 |
This Brazilian-style eatery is operated by one of Auckland's longest established restaurateurs. The centrepiece of the dining room and of the menu, has to be the copper-clad kitchen with its enormous, flaming, roasting spits. Patterned banquettes look out to the harbour, a beautiful stone wall runs down one side. You come here for the Churrasco, an "all you can eat" meat eater's delight. Perfectly seared beef, lamb, chicken, pork and seafood is sliced off the skewers straight onto your plate at NZD39.50 for adults, NZD19.50 for children. Wildfire also serves pasta, soup, pizza and tapas-style platters. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chris |