After the endless rounds of turkey, ham, pavlova and berries you need a well-deserved rest. Stay away from the streams of shoppers and get out of that kitchen this Boxing Day. To make it easy for you, we’ve compiled a list of our favourites that’ll be open. From baos to beers, we have you covered.
Cafes & Restaurants
ODETTES EATERY
Brunch is sorted with Odettes Eatery opening their doors from 8am until 3pm on Boxing Day. Take a break from the turkey and ham and enjoy a plate of their infamous crepes, sweet and savoury versions are both available in the summer season. The sweet crepes feature a chocolate infused crepe with caramel and pistachio while the savoury one includes tender beef short rib and beetroot hummus.
BILLY CAFÉ
If you want to get the best coconut French toast, make a beeline to Billy Café in Newmarket. Located opposite the Auckland Domain, Billy Café provides a relaxing vibe while you look out to the big green fields and the iconic Auckland Museum. Open from 8:30am until 3pm, treat yourself to a banging meal at Billy.
THE CANDY SHOP
Another Newmarket gem, Candy Shop is open all day and night from 8am until 10pm this Boxing Day. It is the ideal place to have a break during your big day of Boxing Day shopping. Help yourselves to the Korean Fried Chicken platter which includes marinated crispy fried chicken, waffle fries and deep fried rice cakes.
SOUL BAR & BISTRO
Soul Bar is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Auckland with their floral layout and scenic views of the city’s waterfront. Soul Bar also serves some of the tastiest food and their clam linguine is one of the best in town. Sit back, sip on one of their many cocktails and get a taste of their fresh seafood and you’ll never want to leave.
THE SUGAR CLUB
Live your fanciest life before the year ends at The Sugar Club. Situated on the 53rd floor of the Sky Tower, you’ll get a taste of premium quality eats and killer views of our city. Head chef Josh Barlow has outdone himself with the menu and the apricot glazed duck is an absolute show stopper.
THE GRILL BY SEAN CONNOLLY
To all the carnivores who can’t get enough of meat even after all that turkey and ham from the day before, The Grill by Sean Connolly has your back. Premium cuts of steak, creamy mash, mac and cheese, it’s basically Christmas round two.
Bars & Pubs
REGATTA BAR & EATERY
If you’re a sucker for a beach view, Regatta in Takapuna is the spot to be. With an outdoor deck that catches every bit of sun and a view of the Takapuna Beach, Regatta is the go-to destination hub when it comes to day drinking in the summertime. A seafood platter and glass of rosé can go a long way so get ready for an extended session of wining and dining.
BELLOTA
Situated beneath SKYCITY, head to Bellota for tasty tapas to go perfectly with your glass of vino. From 4pm until late, Bellota is serving gambas sobre tostadas, empanadas, paella and some divine desserts which include chilli-orange sugar dusted churros and white chocolate lemon mousse.
DEVON ON THE WHARF
Spend a lazy Wednesday at Devon on the Wharf overlooking the central city. They’ll be open from breakfast, if you can handle another all-day food fest and is open until the late hours of the night. Devon on the Wharf’s calamari is delicious and we highly recommend you treat yourselves to a bowl of these this Boxing Day.
HELLO BEASTY
Hello Beasty is operating their regular hours of 11am until 11pm this Boxing Day. The cocktail menu is highly creative and they serve an Asian fusion cuisine which you can’t go past. The potstickers and baos are a standout and make sure you save room for their karaage chicken.
NEIGHBOURHOOD BREW BAR
Get your mates together, and grab some brews and catch some rays at your Neighbourhood local. This Kingsland venue is a favourite among locals for a good reason. There are nine beers on tap, the menu is filled with classic pub food and the vibe is chilled out and friendly.
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Image credit: Jaiden Bhaga at The Sugar Club