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Andiamo


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
Andiamo photo by jarred bishop
Photo: jarred bishop
Andiamo photo by jarred bishop
Photo: jarred bishop
 

 
Antoine's Restaurant


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
 

 
Café on Kohi


Cafe at Kohi Beach
2/237 Tamaki Drive
Kohimarama Beach
Auckland 1005
New Zealand
+64 (0)9 528 8335
This very pleasant café overlooks Kohimarama Beach, the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island. It is popular with local residents, joggers, bike riders and strollers, and features outside dining with tables on the footpath. The café displays typical beach-side décor, with original art on the walls. But the best décor is the magnificent view of the water. Casual dress standards apply. It is a great place for coffee, tea, panini and cakes during the day and traditional hearty fare in the evening. Weekend brunch is a specialty. The café is licensed and you may bring your own wine.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Café on Kohi photo by barnaclebarnes
Photo: barnaclebarnes
 

 
Caluzzi


Lip-synching good time
461-463 Karangahape Road
Auckland 1001
New Zealand
+64 (0)9 357 0778
Caluzzi gives a night out to remember. Auckland's most fabulous and friendly drag queens lip-sync to their favorite torch songs as you wine and dine in this cozy venue. Entry is by prior booking only. The entertainers chat at the tables, and later everyone is welcome on the dance floor. Caluzzi is popular with groups from all walks of life; but there is no point coming here if you are looking for a quiet night! The set dinner menu is NZD40 and includes dishes such as Scotch fillet steak, vegetarian pasta and Thai chicken curry. Caluzzi is fully licensed.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Cin Cin


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
Cin Cin photo by Emily Horning
Photo: Emily Horning
Cin Cin photo by Richard Legner
Photo: Richard Legner
 

 
Circa Restaurant & Bar


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
Circa Restaurant & Bar photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Essence


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
 

 
Estasi


Deliciously fresh
222 Ponsonby Road
Ponsonby
Auckland 1002
New Zealand
+64 (0)9 361 3222
http://www.estasi.co.nz
Estasi entices with its menu--a fusion of Italian/Mediterranean-inspired Pacific Rim cuisine. Brick work and wooden tables and chairs give warmth and character to the interior. Tables outside give a good view of the interesting Ponsonby Road foot traffic. The menu is extensive (even catering to children). There are many options in each category from pasta, risotto and gnocchi, to mouth-watering salads. They are open for lunch and dinner daily and weekend brunch. There is a fully stocked bar near the street--again, ideal for watching the passers-by.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Euro Bar


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
Euro Bar photo by Christine Klitsie
Photo: Christine Klitsie
 

 
Expresso Love


Spiritual and organic
265 Ponsonby Road
Ponsonby
Auckland 1001
New Zealand
+64 (0)9 376 2433
Expresso Love—a Ponsonby Road original—has a unique personality. The artworks and murals have a spiritual theme, and the emphasis is on healthy, organic food. Take your pick of areas to sit—the peaceful courtyard with Zen water feature; upstairs, with a bird's eye view of Ponsonby Road; or the middle eastern room for mellowing out. At night the cafe becomes "A.R.E.A. 265" with candlelight, art and music blending into a magical environment. The café is fully licensed and you may bring your own wine. Order food from plates on the bar or from the wall menu.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Expresso Love photo by Olivia de Santis
Photo: Olivia de Santis
 

 
GPK


Gourmet pizza place
262 Ponsonby Road
Ponsonby
Auckland 1001
New Zealand
+64 (0)9 360 1113
GPK is a restaurant, bar and cafe successfully rolled into one. A small cosy lounge at the rear of the bar has a fireplace and the timber theme is carried throughout tables, chairs and pavement seating. The menu is Pacific Rim and the food is always superbly presented. Pizzas from the wood-fired oven are exotic--the popular Bombay Pizza is chicken marinated in Indian spices, with red onions, cashews, banana, yoghurt, coriander and mango chutney. GPK is fully licensed, but does not take reservations.

Review © 2007, Wcities
GPK photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Gracehill Vineyard Restaurant


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
 

 
Hammerheads Seafood Restaurant & Bar


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
Hammerheads Seafood Restaurant & Bar photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Harbourside Seafood Bar & Grill


Seafood with a view
99 Quay Street
1st Floor, Ferry Building
Auckland 1000
New Zealand
+64 9 307 0486
http://www.harboursiderestaura...
Located in the Historic Ferry Building (The), you will enjoy relaxed dining with a superb view of the harbour. Entertainment is provided by the constant coming and going of ferries, yachts and even the occasional ocean liner! This mainly seafood restaurant serves the best New Zealand has to offer--you can even choose a live crayfish from the tank. For a taste of everything try the Seafood Platter of fish, squid, mussels, tempura scallops, scampi and king prawns. For those preferring something from the land, beef and lamb dishes are also served. The wine and beverage list is extensive.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Iguacu Restaurant & Bar


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
 

 
Kamo Restaurant & Bar


Good food and fun
382 Karangahape Road
Auckland 1001
New Zealand
+64 (0)9 377 2313
Kamo is located along the late-evening and night-action strip of "K'Road". The decor is dark with colourful Pacific Island artefacts. The clientele gets younger as the night gets older, and the music grows louder. The clientele is mixed straight/gay later in the evenings, and more conservative for lunch and early-evening dinner. The menu is best described as Pacific Rim. An antipasto platter is NZD15; try the Coconut, creamy beef curry or Turkey broth and shittake mushroom soup with garlic parmesan bread. The bar is fully licensed and well stocked.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Kenzie


Shopping break
17a Remuera Road
Newmarket
Auckland 1001
New Zealand
+64 (0)9 522 2647
Kenzie is located in exciting Newmarket, where quality shopping is close at hand. Wide windows and doors open to the busy commercial activity outside. At the bar stools at the street-side window you'll be close to the action-in fact you will almost feel the cars passing behind you! More restful are the wooden chairs and tables within. The tasty, fairly standard menu is served with enthusiasm. The café is fully licensed, and also offers wine by the glass. The coffee is excellent.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Lenin


Fight the Cold War
Prince's Wharf
201 Quay Street
Auckland 1001
New Zealand
+64 (0)9 377 9865 / +64 (0)9 377 0040
Lenin is still one of the busiest bars on the Viaduct, especially on a Friday or Saturday night, even though the America's Cup frenzy has died down. The bar is star-shaped in keeping with the Russian theme. A small restaurant area adjoins the bar. Vodka Cocktails are of course the specialty of the house, and they are superb. They start at around NZD10 and are well worth the price. The Lenin restaurant serves contemporary cafe-style food such as stylishly prepared pastas and steaks, from around NZD16 per main. On busy nights bookings are advised.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Long Bay Restaurant


Beachside dining
200 Beach Road
Torbay, North Shore
Auckland 1311
New Zealand
+64 9 473 5436
This restaurant perched upon the sand dunes overlooks beautiful Long Bay Beach. French doors open onto beachside decks for al fresco dining, or close tight against inclement weather. The restaurant accepts bookings for private parties, including weddings. The restaurant's interior features wooden beams and pitched ceiling; windows dominate the seaward aspect. Tables are simply adorned in white linen. The atmosphere is warm and casual.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Lopdell House Gallery


Community gallery for Waitakere City
Corner Titirangi & South Titirangi Roads
Titirangi
Auckland 1007
New Zealand
+64 9 817 8087
http://www.lopdell.org.nz
Lopdell House stands proudly on the ridge next to the Titirangi shops. Galleries on two levels show exhibitions of contemporary fine art and crafts, both local and international. This is also the public art gallery for Waitakere City, promoting seasons of New Zealand film, new music and performance, workshops and public forums, lectures, seminars and debates. The building also houses a theatre, a shop offering fine quality art and craft wares and Lopdell's Bar and Restaurant, with superb views of the Waitakere Ranges and Manukau Harbour, is on the top floor.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Merlot Wine Cafe


Small things come in...
23 O'Connell Street
Auckland 1001
New Zealand
+64 (0)9 309 5456
Merlot Wine Cafe is small and cozy, basic yet chic as only an inner city wine bar can be. The music is understated, as is the design. The Merlot Wine Cafe attracts people in search of a good meal and a range of wines, unrivaled in the area. Main meals are basic yet tasty and very reasonably priced. The menu includes Bangers and Mash with grilled vegetables and grilled veal loin on roasted root vegetables, figs and green beans. The fantastic wine list also includes local Pinotage.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant


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
Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant photo by Brian Perry
Photo: Brian Perry
Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant photo by redking
Photo: redking
Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant photo by Adam Oliveira
Photo: Adam Oliveira
Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant photo by Adam Oliveira
Photo: Adam Oliveira
 

 
Nautilus Restaurant


Gulf harbour dining
Harbour Village Drive
Gulf Harbour
Auckland 1463
New Zealand
+64 9 424 3549
Overlooking the marine village and canal basin at Gulf Harbour, Nautilus offers upbeat brasserie-style dining. The interior is stylish and modern with lofty ceilings, polished wooden floors and a bank of bi-fold windows opening out over the canal basin lending an al fresco feeling of space and light. There is seating for over 100 diners. Nautilus features a wood fired pizza oven and a rotisserie expertly handled by a team of experienced international chefs. The service is warm and friendly. Nautilus features a wood fired pizza oven and a rotisserie expertly handled by a team of experienced international chefs. The service is warm and friendly.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Nino Bar and Grill


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
 

 
O'Connell Street Bistro


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
 

 
Occam


Local character
135 Williamson Avenue
Grey Lynn
Auckland 1002
New Zealand
+64 (0)9 378 0604
This is not the most chic part of town, but there's plenty of local style within Occam. The staff is friendly and efficient and the atmosphere is welcoming. Pavement seating is available, though large windows bring the outside "in" during the summer. A (gas) log fire keeps the place cosy in winter. A large blackboard menu offers daily specials around a Mediterranean theme, including vegetarian options. A satisfying all-day breakfast is served until 6pm. The tea and coffee are good, and Occam is also fully licensed with a separate raised bar area, complete with backgammon board and magazines.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Orbit


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
Orbit photo by Judi & Greg Wofsy
Photo: Judi & Greg Wofsy
Orbit photo by Ian Hester
Photo: Ian Hester
 

 
Otto's


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
 

 
Paramount Restaurant and Bar


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
 

 
Patio Cafe and Bar


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
Patio Cafe and Bar photo by Henry Halff
Photo: Henry Halff
 

 
Plusone Restaurant


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
 

 
Point 5 Nine


Style in the suburbs
5-9 Point Chevalier Road
Point Chevalier
Auckland 1002
New Zealand
+64 (0)9 815 9595
Point 5 Nine call themselves "a little bit of Ponsonby Road in Pt Chev", and it is all this and more. A warm and friendly local restaurant, it bustles with locals even on a weeknight. Wooden floors and brick walls are set off by high ceilings. There is a separate cozy bar area. The good service and ambiance at Point 5 Nine make it an unexpected treat. Platters of appetizers are tasty and inexpensive and great with a fine wine from their extensive list. Mains include Cannelloni stuffed with spinach and a great Chicken Masala.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Prego


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
Prego photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Red


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
 

 
Riva


Hearty food and good service
85 Tamaki Drive
Mission Bay
Auckland 1005
New Zealand
+64 (0)9 528 8566
With a prime location on the main "café row" of Mission Bay, Riva more than holds its own with the competition. From the beautifully carved hanging sign to the rich desserts and fine coffees, Riva is a class act. Old World ambiance with posters of the Dalmatian coast and Carpathian Alps on the wall and Slavic accents in the kitchen translate into old-fashioned attentive service and mouth-watering food, (including a children's menu). Come in for coffee or for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Riva is licensed.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Riverhead Estate Winery Wine Bar & Restaurant


Fruit-based wines, handcrafted beers
1171 Coatesville-Riverhead Highway 28
Kumeu
Auckland 1250
New Zealand
+64 9 412 8595
Riverhead Estate offers complimentary tasting of their unique fruit-based wines and handcrafted beers. This is the home of Pilot Bay 100% naturally brewed beer. Glennie's Restaurant, open for brunch, lunch and dinner, features casual dining and drinking in a relaxed atmosphere. With a cosy fireplace and mulled wine in winter, and dining on the al fresco terrace in summer, the Estate caters to variable weather. Function rooms are available for groups of up to 70 people. Traditional hearty fare is the focus of the menu at Riverhead with a full selection of meat dishes, seafood, salads and desserts.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
SPQR


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
SPQR photo by Tina Paredes
Photo: Tina Paredes
 

 
Sails Restaurant


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
 

 
Saints Waterfront Brasserie


Cool and contemporary
425 Tamaki Drive
St Heliers
Auckland 1005
New Zealand
+64 (0)9 575 9969
Lava enjoys a delightful vista of the harbour. Cool, white and colonnaded, Lava's attractive exterior is matched by the contemporary, comfortable interior. It is popular at the weekends for hearty brunch. In the evenings the menu is creative and extensive. For an entrée, try clam and crab fritter with smoked tomato coulis and for a main, duck breast and leg confit with ginger kumara mash and how about rhubarb brulee for dessert? Lava is fully licensed.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Scorpios


Big latte bowls
33 Tamaki Drive
Mission Bay
Auckland 1005
New Zealand
+64 (0)9 521 0979
With the largest latte bowls in Mission Bay, Scorpios draws a brisk business from local business people to residents and visitors. Come in for a coffee either indoors or out or enjoy the full menu from breakfast and lunch, through to evening meals of say fish or lamb, followed by a dessert. Tasteful music and attentive staff make dining at Scorpios an enjoyable experience. You may bring your own favorite wine to Scorpios!

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Tony's


Good old-fashioned steak house
32 Lorne Street
Auckland 1001
New Zealand
+64 9 373 2138
Tony's has been serving up its famous steaks since 1968 so they must be doing something right. Antique stoneware jugs line the windows, dark wood panelling covers the walls. The cosy dining room looks out onto a quiet, leafy square. The fare is steak, steak, steak - all export quality, all aged. Have a sirloin and blue cheese, or perhaps the carpet-bagger of eye fillet stuffed with fresh oysters. Tony's is licensed and the wine list is fairly standard, with plenty of good options to accompany a juicy steak.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
TriBeCa Restaurant & Bar


Landmark setting
8 George Street
Parnell
Auckland 1001
New Zealand
+64 (0)9 379 8859
TriBeCa Restaurant and Bar is situated in the landmark, red brick building which formerly housed the Institute for the Blind. Light and airy, and set back from the hustle and bustle, TriBeCa offers relaxed dining both indoors and in the brick courtyard. The menu is a tantalising selection of international cuisine--Moroccan seared tuna; a confit of wood-smoked quail; or green peppercorn rubbed venison for example. The beverage list is extensive, from juices, shakes and coffee through to beer and a good selection of wine.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Umbria


Newmarket flair
19 Remuera Road
Newmarket
Auckland 1001
New Zealand
+64 (0)9 524 0002
Umbria offers stylish but friendly informality and excellent food. The décor has a wooden theme, with polished timber floors, wooden tables and comfortable moulded chairs. Optional tall stools are positioned along the side for an extra good view. Plenty of papers and magazines are available. For breakfast try the Kenzie Grill and for lunch the pumpkin and feta salad is a good option. The menu is varied and well presented.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Verona Cafe


Organic produce and interesting clientele
169 Karangahape Road
Auckland 1001
New Zealand
+64 (0)9 307 0508
http://www.verona.co.nz
Verona is an institution on Karangahape Road, offering some of the best contemporary cuisine to be found in town. The decor is inner city, eclectic cool. There are booths as well as small cafe tables. The clientele runs from "K'Road" locals to passing weirdos and advertising industry types looking for a cool place to meet. All ingredients used at Verona are organic when possible. The menu is always interesting and changes often.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Verona Cafe photo by Mariko Walton
Photo: Mariko Walton
 

 
Vinnies


Gourmands will not be disappointed here
166 Jervois Road
Herne Bay
Auckland 1001
New Zealand
+64 (0)9 376 5597
http://www.menus.co.nz/vinnies/
Multiple awards attest to the quality of Vinnies. A light, spacious dining area is set off by starched white tablecloths and the smart dress of the waiting staff. There is a private dining room, a bar, and dining outside is possible in the warmer months. Innovative European food is the order of the day. Start with Vanilla-cured Marlborough salmon. The lamb shanks are a perennial favourite with frequent diners. Finish your meal with dessert or cheese if you can! The wine selection is outstanding.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Wings Mission Bay


On the beach
71 Tamaki Drive
Mission Bay
Auckland 1005
New Zealand
+64 (0)9 528 5419
Overlooking Mission Bay Reserve and Tamaki Drive, the veranda at Wings is a great spot to enjoy a glass of wine or beer. Drawing a mix of local regulars, the after-work crowd and tourists, Wings features a pool table, a fireplace, aeroplane memorabilia, and a warm, comfortable atmosphere. Wings offers a full wine list, plenty of cold beer on tap and a mouth-watering array of bar foods. Seafood is a specialty; they do a superb chowder just perfect for a chilly winter afternoon. There is a complete menu (including a children's menu) available for evening dinner.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Wings Mission Bay photo by Darrel Birchall
Photo: Darrel Birchall
Wings Mission Bay photo by Ben Gracewood
Photo: Ben Gracewood
Wings Mission Bay photo by Iqbal Ansari
Photo: Iqbal Ansari
Wings Mission Bay photo by David Serville
Photo: David Serville
Wings Mission Bay photo by James Pole
Photo: James Pole
Wings Mission Bay photo by Wagner Silveira
Photo: Wagner Silveira
Wings Mission Bay photo by Simon Oosterman, NDU
Photo: Simon Oosterman, NDU
Wings Mission Bay photo by shazzt
Photo: shazzt
Wings Mission Bay photo by antifluor
Photo: antifluor
Wings Mission Bay photo by chris_gin
Photo: chris_gin
 

 
YNot Restaurant and Bar


YNot Restaurant and Bar
Shed 23, Princes Wharf
Quay Street
Auckland 1001
New Zealand
+64 9 359 9998
http://www.ynotonthwharf.co.nz
YNot Restaurant and Bar, on Princes Wharf, offers elegant international cuisine, truly fantastic cocktails, waterfront views, spacious tables and friendly service that is second to none. With its elegant wooden interiors and beautiful presentation, you might expect overpriced fine dining. In reality YNot is friendly and stylish, with affordable prices and an ever-changing menu. Meals are contemporary and tasty, entrees include a wide range of dishes. Cocktails at YNot are wonderful—try the house special, which contains no less than seven different liqueurs!

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
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Other nearby cities:
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Hawaii (7024 miles)

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