Lulu Bar

The Verdict

With "Oceanic eats. Drink. Party." as its slogan, you can bet that Lulu Bar is the place to go in Te Aro for a fun time. With nods to the flavours and traditional techniques from Hawaii to Aotearoa, your tastebuds will be swept across the pacific with a menu that draws inspiration from the islands.

Lulu offers a broad selection suitable for those with dietary requirements and omnivores alike, as well as sharing plates or set menus for larger groups. The stand-out dish is the pork shank. Slow roasted to perfection, the meat is so tender it falls off the bone and marries magnificently with the blackened apple and sage gravy and fresh apple salad. Despite it being a large share plate, it's so good that you may want this bad boy all to yourself.

As for drinks, Lulu has a selection of tropical cocktails to suit whatever takes your fancy. Enjoy a pina colada with a twist, which features caramelised pineapple and an extra kick from Sailor Jerry spiced rum. For a martini that's on island time, grab Lulu's Perfect Martini. Starring hibiscus and feijoa-infused Beefeater gin, pineapple-infused dry vermouth and Cocchi Rossa sweet vermouth, the boozy and fruity aromatic notes truly make for the perfect martini.

For the lovers of a good rum - fear not! Lulu has something for you, too. Sample a variety by nabbing a rum flight of rons, rhums, rumbullions, spiced and New Zealand rums. Or if you already know what you're after, order a glass from their extensive selection.

Lovers of a good boogie, rejoice. Lulu has a range of DJs and bands providing live music for you to get your groove on. On Thursday nights they host open turntable jam sessions, which are open to all skill levels. Feel free to jump up on the decks or check out the local talent. You never know, you may find the next up-and-coming New Zealand artist.

Whether you're looking for oceanic eats, drinks, a party, or all of the above, you'll find it with tropical flair at Lulu.

Image credit: Lulu Bar