Often given starter and entree status, we all know that burrata is the true star of any feast. It’s an unspoken rule among us foodies—well, it would be if we didn’t squeal each time we spotted burrata in a menu, that is.
Juicy, creamy burrata dishes are ripe for the picking in Auckland. Some simple, some jazzed up. Some pocket-sized, some (thankfully) re-imagined as full-size mains. All very, very scrumptious.
Without further ado, here’s Auckland’s best burrata dishes.
Andiamo
194 Jervois Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
If your idea of dolce far niente involves bursting open burrata while people (and probably French bulldog) watching, a terrace seat at Andiamo is just what you need. True to their friendly neighbourhood bar and eatery charm, the burrata dish here blends fresh and familiar flavours with a refined touch. Think peach, heirloom tomato, pine nut agrodolce with a side of sourdough.
And get this: Andiamo’s burrata comes in two sizes: starter and main. Yep, they read our minds (and bellies). It has been sad that the sign of great hospitality is anticipation—and for that, Andiamo, you get a gold star.
Bonita
131 Main Highway, Ellerslie, Auckland
With Kyle Street of Culprit fame locked in a rather delectable takeover, another fresh wave of Spanish-style dishes has come over Bonita. With it, a delectable burrata dish: the Il Casaro Burrata. We’d say it’s one of Auckland’s best even. You see, more than being pillowy soft, it’s topped with roast grapes and shallot, and drizzled with citrus oil and vincotto—a sweet, caramelised Italian grape syrup. The dish is under the small shared plates, but we all know we shan't be sharing these.
The Blue Breeze Inn
146 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Here to prove that burrata is not strictly an Italian affair is Ponsonby Central’s Blue Breeze Inn. They’ve whittled their fragrant Chinese-meets-island-style flair into a burrata dish and we couldn’t be more grateful. It’s a real mix of textures, with a fresh burrata and Chinese-style fried bread doing the groundwork, topped with sweet soy, roasted peanuts and ginger. But don’t take our word for it, they’re open seven days of the week for you to do your homework.
Itameshi
4 Williamson Avenue, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Image credit: Itameshi | Alice Rich
There's something calming about Itameshi. Perhaps it's the dark brown and green tones of the interiors or the way Japanese and Italian are combined effortlessly in mindblowing ways, or perhaps it's the reassurance of knowing that one of Auckland's best burrata is but a request away. Perched atop a tomato fondue with aged balsamic vinegar, hazelnut chilli crumble, a crunchy garlic tuile, and a couple of slices of crunchy bread, the team have crushed this refreshingly different take on a classic dish.
Umu Pizza
469 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland
Follow the pink glow and crackle of the woodfire oven into Kingsland’s Umu Pizza. Here, under the ‘not pizza’ menu, one of Auckland’s best dairy-filled dishes awaits: a 125 Clevedon Mozzarella Co Mozzarella. Yes, yes, we know it’s not strictly burrata. But you won’t be complaining once the magic of pesto, evoo olive oil and sun-dried tomato and all that creaminess hits. P.s. you can also upgrade most of Umu's pizzas with dollops of our favourite dairy friend.
Bivacco
115 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD
Soaking up rays, sipping prosecco, slurping up the remnants of burrata. It's a rather delightful combination, no? One that’s steadily served up at Bivacco, Auckland Viaduct’s answer to a cinque-terre-style perch (only with bobbing yachts instead of beach club loungers).
Here, burrata is topped with romesco, citrus & radicchio and almonds. You’ll also find its cutesy distant cousin, the stracciatella, served in lemony fashion with melon, prosciutto fennel seed and white balsamic.
Apero
280 Karangahape Road, Auckland
It’s the French-Italian camaraderie that we love to see: a delectable burrata dish among a sea of French and euro classics at Apéro. Served with roasted hazelnuts aplenty and kohlrabi, Apéro’s burrata is equal parts fresh and cosy—and that’s before we start to talk about the candle-lit, wine bottle-lined intimate Karangahape Road spot. Or the distant scent of madeleines baked fresh to order.
Otto
375 Karangahape Road, Auckland
Image credit: Otto | Facebook
Further proof that you could—and frankly should—do a burrata crawl along Karangahape Road is Otto. While smooth and silky may be the name of burrata’s game, their take adds texture with sourdough breadcrumbs, pumpkin and balsamic. Finish the Italian love affair with their signature pasta dishes—ravioli, gnocchi and all their buddies—alongside one of Auckland's best Italian desserts.
Bon Pinard
134a Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead, Auckland
Venture over the bridge to Bon Pinard and your knack for the intrepid will be rewarded with an awe-inspired globe of burrata sitting in evoo and aged balsamic. Slice (or tear into it with your hands) and pile atop their chunky slices of hot baguette. Best enjoyed matched to a glass of vino (Bon Pinard is French for "good wine", after all).
Prego
226 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
If a trip to Positano is off the cards right now, fret not, your linen dresses and gargantuan sun hat will not go to waste. Not on our cards, and not with Prego’s iconic courtyard on the scene.
Once you slink into the outdoor chairs, smash a burrata (a staple on their menu,) maybe a couple of pinot grigios and swing your white napkin around a few times, you won’t even notice the lack of vespas and corner fountains missing from Ponsonby Road.
Amano
66-68 Tyler Street, Britomart Place, Auckland
When a restaurant has a whole menu section titled ‘dairy,’ you know you’re in for a ruddy good time. Sure, Amano’s menu may change daily—but the chances of you landing on a burrata day are almost in your favour. This season, we hear that it’s all about butternut, hazelnut and flakes of chilli on burrata. And should (heaven forbid) it not be your lucky day, a menu of breakfast cocktails or a chock-a-block cabinet of pastries will be there to console you.
Non Solo Pizza
1052/259 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
Non Solo Pizza—or simply NSP to those in the know—is more than one of Auckland’s most chic courtyards in which to indulge in Italian fare and document the spritz you’ve meticulously matched to your new Aje dress. Fresh off a re-do of their private dining room, NSP is also home to Auckland’s best burrata. One that you can *always* count on to be on the menu, no matter how it may be dressed. This season, it’s served with marinated courgette, citrus dressing, basil and cherry toms.
Buck’s Bistro
23A The Parade, Bucklands Beach
Image credit: Buck's Bistro | Supplied
Escape the city bustle and head beach-side to Bucklands Beach, where the cocktails are as tropical as the sunsets over stunning waterfront views. With new ownership this year, Buck's Bistro's new menu features a blistered and pillowy flatbread with truffle-slicked mushrooms and massive, creamy burrata to top. The perfect snack for two, or just nab one for yourself—with a pineapple chilli margarita in hand.
Main image credit: The Blue Breeze Inn | Facebook.