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 Class act |
194 Jervois Rd (Herne Bay) Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 378 7811 |
After undergoing a stunning renovation, Andiamo's interior in black and taupe tones now oozes sophistication. An impressive bar and lounge area is welcoming and the restaurant very comfortably appointed. For dinner try the Seared Rare Tuna with Cress and Crab Mayonnaise, followed by Lamb Shanks or Penne Pasta with Roasted Vegetables and Feta Cream. Supper is served from 11p when you can have "breakfast" or even an Eye Fillet Steak. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: jarred bishop |
 Photo: jarred bishop |
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Special dining |
333 Parnell Road Parnell Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 379 8756 http://www.antoinesrestaurant.... |
One of the Parnell originals, this fine-dining restaurant opened in 1973. The surroundings are sophisticated and intimate, with tables indoors and on the vine-entwined veranda. Antoine's is popular for romantic dinners and for impressive business dinners. The cuisine displays a French influence through both menus. From the Nostalgia menu, try the Seafood chowder. The contemporary menu offers numerous game entrees ranging from rabbit to oxtail. All mains are served with vegetables. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Mission Bay |
Corner Tamaki Drive and Atkin Avenue Mission Bay Auckland 1005 New Zealand +64 9 528 4551 |
Light and airy Bluefins, a specialist fish and seafood restaurant, seats 70 people. It includes a semi-private area for up to 12. One of the walls features a 27lb snapper mounted on a 2000-year-old piece of swamp kauri. Bluefins is popular with business people, families and locals. The wine list is extensive. For dinner try the seafood bisque entree. Complement this with a seafood kebab containing salmon, scallops, prawns, hapuku and Thai green curry sauce. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Nouveau Indienne |
110 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 376 6477 |
Bolliwood represents Indian fine-dining at its best, popular with locals and business visitors alike. The stark interior has won many awards for its simplicity and style, and it complements the fine cuisine with panache. The menu features both Northern and Southern Indian cuisine. Try the delicious Butter Chicken; the wine list is extensive. The spectacular chai—wallah will visit your table to pour tea in flourishing style worthy of a performance in a Bolliwood movie—one of the highlights of the meal! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Cin Cin |
99 Quay Street (Ferry Building) Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 307 6966 http://www.cincin.co.nz/ |
Superbly renovated and refashioned, this is one of the oldest established restaurants in the city, yet still one of the most popular. Set in the historic Ferry Building and overlooking the water, Cin Cin has high ceilings, granite, and luxurious table settings. There is a strong emphasis on the sea, with Italian and Asian flavors through pasta, risotto and noodles. Wood-fired pizzas are thrown in for good measure. The wine list is extensive. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Emily Horning |
 Photo: Richard Legner |
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Great food, great service |
Corner Federal and Kingston Streets Rydges Auckland Hotel Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 9 375 5922 http://www.rydges.com/7/articl... |
Circa, in Rydges Hotel, is suitable for business entertaining, casual and occasion dining. It won an award at the Corbans Wine and Food Challenge, and was a finalist for Best Service. Circa offers inner-city catering, a private function room, and catering for functions. The decor is contemporary, the atmosphere casual yet stylish. They serve breakfast, and a deli menu of items such as Panini and pizza is available throughout the day. The lunch and dinner menus feature items, such as Oven-roasted Poussin on Chicken Liver, and Corn Couscous with Thyme Marscapone. Circa is fully licensed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Spectacular views |
1 The Promenade Takapuna Auckland 1309 New Zealand +64 (0)9 488 0678 |
Enjoy spectacular views of Rangitoto Island from the Takapuna branch of Daikoku--the Japanese God who provides delicious food. The restaurant is popular for business lunches, and group and family dinners. The chef entertains while cooking at your table. There is Teppan steak, Teppan scallops, and the Seafood Combination dish has crayfish, scallops and squid. Daikoku is fully licensed and also offers al fresco dining. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wonderferret  |
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On a quiet suburban corner |
227 Jervois Road Herne Bay Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 9 376 5550 |
An old villa at the residential end of Jervois Road is home to the Empress Garden, which has been serving great meals to locals and others in the know for more than two decades. While traditional, the décor is light and refreshing--pale green walls contrast with red chinese lanterns and everything is clean and tidy. The menu featuring classic Chinese cuisine is pages long. Special dishes such as Peking Duck need to be ordered in advance. The wine list is short but adequate, or you may bring your own wine. They also serve plenty of green tea. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The essence of quality |
70-72 Jervois Road Herne Bay Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 9 376 2049 |
Essence offers top quality in food, surroundings and service. Consequently, be prepared to pay a little more for the privilege. The restaurant inhabits a lovely old brick two-storey villa in a fine state of restoration. Patrons may dine al fresco in warmer weather. A private room seats 14. The food is excellent and original--an Asian antipasto platter with dipping sauces; Spiced rack of ginger lamb on mint potato pancake with beetroot and balsamic jelly; Tequila and lime cheesecake with mango and chilli salsa. Essence is fully licensed with a fine selection of wines and a full bar service. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Across from the trots |
371 Manukau Road Epsom Auckland 1003 New Zealand +64 (0)9 630 9685 |
Named for its proximity to the Auckland Trotting Club Raceway at Alexandra Park, Gee Gee's Bar and Brasserie is well known to locals and frequent race-goers for its good food, atmosphere and attentive service. Trotting regalia adorns the front bar area. The restaurant, at the rear, offers a children's menu and even high chairs. The owner, Ivan Rudez, is of Croatian origin, and the meals are often Mediterranean in flavour and presentation, and always generous in proportion. Hearty steaks feature on the menu alongside pizzas and seafood dishes. The wine list has plenty of variety. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Tranquility, grace and fine dining |
34 Pomona Road Kumeu Auckland 1250 New Zealand +64 (0)9 412 8622 http://www.gracehill.co.nz/ |
In West Auckland's wine country, Gracehill Vineyard offers buffet and set menus in a charming country garden setting overlooking the vineyards. It specialises in hosting functions from weddings to corporate events where there are also set menus for canapes and hors d'oeuvres. Guests can enjoy lunch in the courtyard or a more cosy dinner by the open fire. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Lovely views |
19 Tamaki Drive Okahu Bay Auckland 1005 New Zealand +64 (0)9 521 4400 |
Located just five minutes drive from central Auckland, Hammerheads was awarded a 1998 New Zealand Tourism Award. The restaurant is large and airy, ideal for business or family groups and functions. The views of the bay and the city skyline are unbeatable. The restaurant specializes in fresh seafood, however there is plenty of variety for those preferring something from the land, including vegetarian dishes. The Hammerheads Rockpool-a selection of their best seafood entrees and mains is a conversation stopper! 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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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 |
 Dine in an island paradise |
Church Bay Road Oneroa, PO Box 130 Auckland 1240 New Zealand +64 9 372 9050 http://www.mudbrick.co.nz/ |
Here at Mudbrick, top-end cuisine is served amongst grapevines and the view takes your breath away. Beautifully crafted out of "mud bricks", the restaurant and winery blend in with the vineyard and landscaped gardens. The interior successfully evokes the style of European winemaking culture. Head Chef Carsten puts his many years of experience in European kitchens to excellent use. Accompany your meal with a glass of Mudbrick Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc, one of many local wines on the list. A cellar shop operates at weekends with tours and tastings, and Mudbrick also caters to functions and conferences. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brian Perry |
 Photo: redking |
 Photo: Adam Oliveira |
 Photo: Adam Oliveira |
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Upbeat, friendly and stylish |
4 Osborne Street Newmarket Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 9 520 4304 |
El Nino is a stylish bar and restaurant with a Latin American beat. Old farm implements and antique bric-a-brac adorn the walls and the ceilings have high wooden beams. Their specialty is South American cuisine and their fajitas are especially good. The wine and beverage list is extensive - a frozen margarita at the bar makes a good starter or refreshing end to your meal. There is a big screen in the bar area for watching sports and a small walled-off area containing several poker machines. A large, internal, roofed, brick courtyard area is available for private functions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Cosy hideaway in central city |
3 O'Connell Street Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 377 1884 |
The O'Connell Street Bistro is the perfect place for an intimate tete-a-tete. It is a small, sophisticated fine dining restaurant with just a few tables. The menu is mostly contemporary cuisine and changes regularly to accommodate new tastes. Desserts in particular are outstanding. Prices are above average, but excellent service and fare is assured. Bookings are recommended, especially during lunch hours and early evening. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 None higher! |
Sky Tower Corner Victoria and Federal Streets Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 912 6000 http://www.skycity.co.nz |
Revolving sedately near the top of the Sky Tower, Orbit offers a menu based on New Zealand's premium fresh food ingredients. Popular with visitors to the city, you will enjoy unsurpassed 360-degree views of the greater Auckland area as you dine. The breakfast menu includes French toast with grilled bacon, sun dried cranberries and maple syrup. For lunch or dinner try Seared Salmon Supreme with basil and roast fennel risotto, scampi tails and mustard aioli. Orbit is fully licensed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Judi & Greg Wofsy |
 Photo: Ian Hester |
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Pricey, stylish dining, bound to impress! |
Somerset Grand Metropolis Hotel 40 Kitchener Street Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 300 9595 |
Otto's is an independent restaurant operating upstairs within Auckland's Ascott Auckland Metropolis Hotel. Trent Warren prepares a menu of contemporary cuisine which is served in an opulent fine dining setting. Examples from the menu include Shezwan five spice duck, with eggplant and rocket salad; Otto's fillet of beef Rossini with Perigueux sauce; warm apple pudding, sour cream ice cream and cinnamon tuilles. The wine list is extensive. A beautifully furnished private dining room seating 10 is also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Excellent food, cool jazz and dim lights |
Lorne Street (Ground Floor, The New Gallery) Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 377 9973 http://www.paramountrestaurant... |
Consistently a favored contender for the "best in Auckland" title, this trendy downtown eatery and bar could teach a master class on how to run a restaurant. They have all the elements;a top-notch chef, crisp service, and a menu and wine list that make good reading. Paramount owes its smooth ambience to its high ceilings, large windows and polished wooden floors. Handmade paper lampshades give off a warm glow; jazz plays quietly. Chef Trevor Griggs' mouth-watering menu produces some surprising and delicious combinations using the freshest and best of New Zealand produce. The restaurant is fully licensed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Overlooking Queen Street |
Queen's Arcade Corner Queen and Customs Street Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 377 5759 |
Patio Café is situated upstairs, within historic Queen's Arcade. There is a great view of the passing traffic below from the balcony. It is particularly popular with business people for workday lunches. The food here is tasty and well presented, in predominantly contemporary and Pacific Rim style, for example fresh New Zealand mussels, chargrilled vegetables, and smoked chicken and crispy vegetables. This cafe-restaurant is fully licensed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Henry Halff |
 International scene |
13 Ponsonby Road Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 9 376 5112 |
Plusone offers personality plus - seven languages are spoken; international cuisine is on the menu; the air is fun-filled. They have a full bar, and courtyard seating is also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Italian delights |
97 Tamaki Drive Mission Bay Auckland 1005 New Zealand +64 (0)9 528 5398 |
Andrea is one of the longest-established drinking and eating establishments along the Mission Bay beachfront. With two levels of outside dining and cozy inside, it is popular with business people, groups and couples. Large murals decorate the walls and spumante bottles hang from the wooden beams. A large fireplace takes the edge off cool winter days, and potted tropical palms provide a balmier backdrop during summer. Italian and domestic wines complement a full range of pastas, seafood, pizzas and traditional Italian fare. It is also popular as a breakfast/brunch and coffee destination at the weekend. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Consistently great food in stylish surroundings |
226 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 376 3095 |
Prego has style! It is undoubtedly one of the best quality venues in Ponsonby, both for the excellent food and friendly competent service. Elegant in design and style, it achieves a sophisticated but unpretentious air. Terracotta floors extend through to the front courtyard, which is shaded by a large tree and awning. The excellent menu is Italian based—pizza, pasta, grills, salads as well as a rotisserie in the evening. Prego is fully licensed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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In the Red |
170 Jervois Road Herne Bay Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 376 5367 http://www.menus.co.nz/red/#de... |
Far from the gloss of Viaduct Harbour Marina, red occupies a large,airy space. The regular clientele of locals, businesspeople and families is growing as word gets out that Red offers great food. Entrees are rich and hearty and include corn-fed chicken breast with spinach and capsicum stuffing; and ravioli of Pegasus Bay crab and prawn. The desserts are delicious too. 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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Westhaven Marina |
Westhaven Marina Westhaven Drive Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 9 378 9890 http://www.sailsrestaurant.co.... |
"Winner of the prestigious Fine Dining Award in the Corbans Wine and Food Challenge, fine food and excellent service are assured at Sails. Floor to ceiling windows make the most of the views of the Harbor Bridge, the Waitemata Harbor, and the "sea" of yacht masts and rigging before you in the Westhaven marina. Seafood is a specialty, including fresh oysters, mouth-watering whole fresh crayfish, whitebait, scallops and tuna. You can also select New Zealand beef, lamb and poultry. Sails is fully licensed, with an extensive wine list." Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Thai delight |
42a Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Auckland 1002 New Zealand +64 (0)9 376 0320 http://www.sawadee.co.nz |
Sawadee serves excellent Thai cuisine in wonderfully Asian-style surroundings. Thai folk art and religious decorations festoon the walls, and seating is available at white-cloth covered tables or in sunken-seating areas. There is a spacious, tastefully decorated function room. The food at Sawadee is legendary, authentic Thai cuisine served in generous portions at reasonable prices. The bar is fully stocked and the wine list is reasonable in both extent and price. Review © 2007, Wcities |