What’s a Sunday without a roast? We’re talking juicy, succulent pieces of meat drowned in gravy, paired with crispy, seasoned veges and—if you’re lucky—a fluffy Yorkshire pud on the side.
For those Sundays when you can’t be faffed cooking your own, some of Auckland’s best eateries are stepping up to the plate (pun intended) to bring you meaty (or in some cases, non-meaty!) deliciousness. So without further ado, here are the best spots to grab a Sunday roast in Auckland.
The Bridgman
Mount Eden
Sunday roasts are looking mighty fine over at The Bridgman, whose changing menu features a show-stopping slow-roasted beef rump with horseradish and Yorkshire pud for the meat lovers, as well as a tasty nut roast with crispy parsnip and vegan jus for those who like to keep it veggie. Of course, a roast is nothing without sides and here that comes in the form of roast and mashed potatoes, an assortment of roasted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and maybe roast onion) yas. For the ultimate Sunday feed, get amongst their two or three-course roast menu which also includes fish crudo or tomato and mozzarella bruschetta for starters, and Dutch apple doughnuts or locally-selected cheese and crackers with a port wine jelly afters. Bookings advised.
Jervois Steak House
Herne Bay
With such a renowned repertoire of steaks under their belt, it’s no surprise that Jervois Steak House has also nailed the Sunday roast, which is on the menu every Sunday for the month of July this year. Book your spot at least 24 hours in advance (minimum of two people and pre-payment required), then sit back and relax as you're served a gorgeous Hurunui beef rump with duck-fat roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and the pièce de résistance—housemade JSH gravy. Drooool.
Lord Kitchener
Sandringham
Lord Kitchener is a gastropub and as such, no stranger to the Sunday roast. Hit up this Sandringham local for a plate of succulent roast meat, smothered in a shit tonne of gravy, served with traditional sides (think peas, carrots, and broccoli) and what could be the most exciting thing you'll hear about today—A GIANT YORKIE (please note pre-orders for these are essential, otherwise you'll have to settle for a regular-size pud). Bookings recommended.
Hotel Ponsonby
Ponsonby
The roasts at Hotel Ponsonby are the stuff of Sunday dreams. Easy on the eye AND the stomach, the only downside is you'll have to act quickly if want one, as they're available on an 'until sold out' basis. So what are you waiting for? Hot-foot it over to this stylish gastropub located inside the former Ponsonby Post Office and feast your way through elevated takes on Angus beef sirloin, Yorkshire pudding, green beans, horseradish cream and gravy with Eggplant parmigiana, buffalo mozzarella, tomato ragu, garlic potato and green beans for the veggie option. Come hungry.
The Oyster Inn
Waiheke Island
Love wine? Check. Love a view? Check. Love roast dinners? Check. The Oyster Inn over on Waiheke Island has it all… and more. Their roasts, which are a crowd-pleaser every year, are back on the menu until September and are available Sundays all day until sold out. We're talking a whole roast beef scotch or free-range porchetta served with Yorkshire puddings, duck fat and thyme roasted potatoes, roasted red radish and lashings of house gravy. A Sunday trip to Waiheke is absolutely worth it for The Oyster Inn's legendary roasts alone so making a booking is advised.
Grangers
Half Moon Bay
Reservations for Grangers’ Sunday roasts are a must, and for good reason—they're drop-dead deeelish. Available from 5 pm-late, these change weekly (keep an eye on their Facebook page to see what's cooking) but have previously included roast pork belly with spring onion mash, Brussels sprouts, carrots, honey glazed parsnip, rhubarb & apple jam, whole grain mustard gravy and the all-important Yorkshire pudding. Big yes.
Bird On A Wire
Commercial Bay, Ponsonby, Takapuna & Ormiston
If your longing for chicken is not only restricted to Sundays (and let's be honest, whose are), Bird On A Wire will see you right. Here you can grab a gloriously golden rotisserie quarter chook any day of the week with roast taters, cabinet salad and house gravy. Dangerous news, we know.
Boy & Bird
Ponsonby
Local, farm-fresh and free-range are the mantra at Boy & Bird. Drop in for a house-rubbed, rotisseried and chopped bird smothered in chicken bone broth gravy, with a side of potato chunkies and slaw to soak it all up. If you're keen not to be observed while you shamelessly gorge yourself, these guys also offer a takeaway menu. Dig in.
Top things off with a little sweet treat and take a tour of Auckland's best late-night desserts.
Image credit: main and top image The Bridgman by Jamin Drupsteen, Jervois Steak House, Lord Kitchener, Hotel Ponsonby, The Oyster Inn, Grangers, Bird On A Wire, Boy & Bird.