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 Watch the city lights |
283 Ponsonby Rd Ponsonby Auckland 1001 New Zealand +64 (0)9 376 2430 |
Situated in the historic Britannia movie theatre, Alhambra boasts excellent views of Auckland city and harbour. This elegantly refurbished former cinema is a great setting for casual dining and drinking. Live jazz features from Thursday through Sunday evenings. Emphasis on Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine with a New Zealand touch. House specialties are paella and tapas. Fully licensed, Alhambra has a good selection of New Zealand wines. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wonderferret  |
 Photo: wonderferret |
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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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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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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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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
 Photo: Olivia de Santis |
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Affordable seafood dining |
99B Tamaki Drive Mission Bay Auckland 1005 New Zealand +64 (0)9 528 4097 |
Enjoy affordable dining and views of Rangitoto Island and bustling Mission Bay from the Fish Pot Café--a long-time institution on the waterfront. Fishing nets, buoys and other maritime paraphernalia decorate this casual, friendly restaurant. Families and children are very welcome. Try an entree of delicious deep-fried squid, and a main of crumbed fish with fries and salad. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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 |
 Photo: 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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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 |
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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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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 |
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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 |
 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 |
 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 |
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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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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 |
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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 |
