Atelier

The Verdict

Introducing Atelier, the newest kid on the Karangahape Road block. The name is French and so is the food, which you'll tuck into while sipping on an impressive selection of wines, next-level cocktails and local beer.

The fare here is nothing short of delicious (this is a French restaurant, after all). Take a perch near the front if you like a lil' people watching with your meal, or grab a more intimate spot down the back (where the wall is emblazoned with the words 'Sorry Mum, I'm on K' Rd' in neon lights) and prepare to treat those tastebuds, big time.

From slices of heavenly Pain de Campagne (aka country loaf) prepared especially for Atelier by cult bakery brand, Daily Bread and slathered in wonderfully rich brown butter, to vibrant kumara crisps dipped in creamy hazelnut hummus, the starters are a mere taste of what's to come.

The wild pork croquettes with raclette cheese and black garlic miso are even more mouthwatering than they sound (and will absolutely need to be ordered in multiple quantities), while the herb-seared tuna with warm tomatoes, avocado mousse and citrus emulsion is light, bright, and everything we could ever want in a summer-time dish.

That just leaves dessert, which in true French fashion, is in a league of its own here at Atelier. While the speculos tarte au citron is indeed divine, with its gorgeous flavours of lemon and gingerbread, the mille-feuille is unforgettable. This alone is return-trip stuff—think layers of crisp, golden pastry woven with vanilla custard and topped with salted butter caramel and chantilly cream. As the French would say, magnifique!

Image credit: Wono Kim