Cibo

The Verdict

The grande dame of Auckland dining is officially 30, and every bit as flirty and thriving. 

One look at their menu and it’s clear that this Parnell spot is in her prime. Refined bistro fare is at the heart of Cibo’s menu. Dinners can take you anywhere from surf and turf (hello tiger prawns and 55-day dry aged eye fillet), to duck and parfaits. Classic euro staples like dauphinoise sit alongside pork belly and sashimi—basically, every favourite food group and cuisine is plated with finesse. 

If you weren't in the loop, CIbo is tucked away in an old chocolate factory. A gem it is, hidden less so. There’s a spacious courtyard, dotted with lights and breezy canopies and plenty of greenery. If it wasn’t for the fact that you’ll likely run into old friends in the beautiful wallpapered corridors here, you’d forget you’re even in Auckland.

Across Cibo’s many menu tweaks, there’s a dessert that’s remained firm (or should we say, perfectly pillowy): Pavlova. Well, that’s *Cibo’s Famous Pavlova*, to you. Find it topped with salted caramel and peanuts, pineapple lump or another indulgent topping in their creative rotations. 

Feasting with your eyes is part of the Cibo fun. Of course the (and we don’t say this lightly) iconic handmirror wall, tiny table lights and tufted jewelled pillows for your bags—everyone gets the royal treatment. If Lisa Vanderpump was a sumptuous restaurant in Auckland, Cibo would be it—plus some.

Image credit: Cibo | Supplied