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Pilkingtons is a classy establishment with an exceptional menu. Sink into the chairs as your teeth sink into the best dish (over $25) in Auckland—they were finalists in the Hospitality NZ Awards, after all. Pilkingtons has a true New Zealand menu, complete with scallops and lamb. Whether it’s a special occasion, or you’re just looking to ‘splash out’, head to Pilkingtons for the excuse to treat yourself.

If you’ve ever considered becoming part of a members' club, then look no further than Takapuna’s Regatta Bar. Flashing that brand new member’s card as you sip on cocktails, beachside, will not only provide you with a sweet, sweet discount...but inclusive events, a scenic dining spot and we hear Regatta Bar even give their members an annual birthday present. Regatta Bar may just be the best members' club in Auckland!

Does anyone actually, thoroughly enjoy working out? We agree it’s hard to enjoy when you’re running to get to that free cross-trainer, or being sweated on in a class that has 20 people too many. You don’t want it to be hard work to work hard. The Exercise Room in Parnell is our little secret to a good workout. With limited membership spaces, you can enjoy The Exercise Room’s free space. If that’s not enough, The Exercise Room provides its members with individual bathroom suites, free undercover parking and 24/7 access. Talk about fancy!

The Tin Kitchen is exactly how it sounds. A tin kitchen, on wheels, in the shape of a small caravan. We, just like you, love food trucks. The simplicity, the moveable location, the cheap eats. The Tin Kitchen provides all of those things, with restaurant quality. With owner Matt Ross being a keen fisherman, The Tin Kitchen has gained a well-deserved reputation for it’s delectable soft shell crab burger. It might even be the best in Auckland.

Deep inside the concrete jungle, that is Auckland City, is a new hub for art and tea enthusiasts alike. We all love tea, and we love cafes that support this trend even more. This That on Lorne Street focuses on tea, more so than coffee. Thanks to T2, This That offers an extensive range of options for that steaming brew. What we love even more, is how this quirky little café offers gallery space for artists looking to exhibit their work. Tea and art, This That is really all that!

At first thought, Father Rabbit could be described as a homewares store. On second thought, it is so much more. Entering the door at Mt Eden's BLOC, is like falling down the rabbit hole into a world of organisation and modernity. Father Rabbit provides a range of organisational tools, kitchen necessities, home niceties, tiny clothes for those tiny humans in your life, and a never-ending array of items that you ‘need’ to purchase for your home. Immediately. 

Atomic Coffee, or Atomic bomb? It really doesn’t matter once your fatigue is smashed to smithereens, and you’re charging, ready for the day. Atomic Café & Roastery in Kingsland Kingsland offers a range of beverages and bean varieties to bewilder your brain. Whether you’re looking for a great start to the week, an afternoon pick-me-up, or to stock up the home coffee supply, Atomic Café & Roastery is the place to indulge in caffeination (or even decaffeination).

We just love a good shoe (who doesn't?) and when it comes to finding the perfect pair for that special occassion, Kathryn Wilson is a must-visit.  As one of New Zealand's fastest growing labels, there's stores in Britomart, Herne Bay, Newmarket and Devonport. Embrace the style and the sass of Kathryn Wilson's heels on your next night out, or pop on a pair of loafers for weekend comfort and trend. Hours are for the Herne Bay store, you can check your local by visiting Kathryn Wilson's site. 

Clean and green, Ecostore is all about making sure your home, body and baby are super-healthy and safe AND their products are good for the environment.  There's no nasty chemicals so you can use them with without worry. We've all seen them in shops around the country but their flagship store in Freemans Bay is worth visiting to get an idea of their full range - and to check out other environmentally friendly brands.

Sunglass Bar has been a staple on Vulcan Lane for the past 19 years and of course we love them - we're crushing on their brands. Think Yves Saint Laurent, Dita, Marc Jacobs, Dior Homme, Karen Walker. Just saying their names feels good. They also offer a full repair service for scratched and broken frames for those times you've had a tad too much to drink and forget to care for them in the way they sooooo deserve. 

Nestled in the heart of the big smoke, you’ll find The Store. Though the name may suggest a small corner dairy, it supplies something much more arousing to the taste buds. Whether it be a snazzy brunch, fancy fish n’ chips, or the best salted caramel ice cream outside of Italy (or at least the best in Auckland), The Store offers a tasty treat for all. Regulars will notice The Store’s upmarket spin on things with little touches such as linen napkins and complimentary sparkling water. 

Auckland cafe Richmond Road Cafe is a staple on, you guessed it, Richmond Road in Grey Lynn. The spacious deck allows an ever flowing stream of diners to bask in the sun while perusing a menu chock full of hip new seasonal meals, coffees, sweet treats and libations.

Tosca & Salome on The Strand in Takapuna is boho incarnate. Inspired by wanderlust, the Tosca & Salome collection is created by pieces from around the world. Gorgeous crochet, mystical prints and bohemian style adorn the collection, and inspire you to drop everything, slip in to one of their maxi dresses and go soak in the beauty of mother nature.

AS Colour was born out of demand for a better quality t-shirt. What started as humble beginnings has since burgeoned into a lucrative retail business around New Zealand that fills a very real need in the market: quality, innovative and colourful unbranded t-shirts.

On Customs Street West in the Viaduct lies Japanese Bistro Zen, a modern yet authentic Japanese restaurant with an eclectic atmosphere, making it incredibly attractive to groups of young and old alike who are keen for a more upscale evening out. The menu encourages sharing, and is organised into different bite-sized plates for tasting.

Il Buco in Ponsonby serves up over 30 different varieties of fresh pizza by the slice, the traditional Roman Pizza al Taglio way. Choose your slice and enjoy it at Il Buco while Ponsonby people-watching, or take it home and savour the traditional Italian fare with a bottle of wine and Netflix.

Nothing is more irresistible than a piping hot and bubbling New York pizza pie, crafted with love by a tried and true New Yorker with Italian roots. That, our friends, is the magic behind Epolito’s Pizzeria in Grey Lynn.

Nestled beachfront at Little Oneroa Beach on Waiheke Island is Dragonfired Pizza, a takeaway joint known for its use of local, organic and nutritional ingredients to create artisan, woodfired food. 

Auckland cafe Rosie, located by the Parnell Rose Gardens, is lauded as the Prime Minister’s go-to café - and for good reason. It comes from the same people who brought you Takapuna Beach Café, Ortolana and St. Helier’s Bistro. Rosie’s menu is unusual in the best way possible and offers innovative and seasonal plates that stray away from traditional breakfast and lunch fare; think kefir fermented oat porridge with tamarillo and chia seed crisp, or ox tongue, bone marrow and egg dust.

Graham Street is becoming quite the hip and happening spot for some of Auckland’s best cafés. Elk Eatery is one of the new kids on the block, and has already won us over with its gorgeous, fresh food, and friendly atmosphere. Wander on down for Elk’s salads of the day, next level cabinet food, and primo flatties (flat whites, that is). 

Relax in this country-style Auckland café and enjoy all the yummy goodness of the Matakana Market Kitchens. Using the freshest ingredients and produce they find, there is a brunch and dinner menu and the kids are well catered for. The staff are super-friendly and, if you manage to get a table outside, you’ll be soothed by the stream as you enjoy the scrumptious food.

Morning, noon and night, the Onehunga Cafe is feeding the locals a delicious and varied menu. In the heart of a bustling suburb, Onehunga Cafe has a loyal following and it’s no wonder when the staff are just so damn friendly and welcoming. Dropping by this cute Auckland cafe feels a bit like visiting an old friend.  

If you’re in Epsom and craving fish n’ chips, Greenwoods Fresh Catch is not to be missed. Especially if you’re in the mood for out-of-this-world chippies.

When the overwhelming hankering for beer-battered fish and chips strikes, look no further than FishSmith on Jervois Road in Herne Bay. Magic happens in the kitchen of this modest joint that sets itself apart by offering a less conventional menu than your average fish and chippery.

Top Ten Thai in Sandringham is a humble joint—it may be small, but it’s known around the city to serve up some of the best Thai takeaways. It’s a gem of a restaurant and is constantly buzzing with activity, no doubt due to its quality Thai cuisine and budget friendly prices. Always generous with their servings, you’ll be able to have Top Ten Thai leftovers the next day. Win! 

Marigold Thai is the real deal. Tucked away in Food Alley on Albert Street is an unassuming shop in which three Thai ladies serve up authentic cuisine from Thailand’s north. 

Shokuzen is a Japanese restaurant on Ponsonby Road, well known by the locals for its relaxed atmosphere and affordable yet delicious fare. Shokuzen is a popular destination for BYOs in the area, with punters drinking sake and manoeuvring chopsticks most weekends, all while sitting under traditional Japanese cherry blossoms. Also, do yourself a favour and try Shokuzen's Karaage Chicken (and their fresh sashimi while you're at it). 

Icing on the Cake, located on Jervois Road in the heart of Herne Bay, creates bespoke cupcakes and cakes for any occasion. The confections at Icing on the Cake are all lovingly made-to-order using the freshest and most high-quality ingredients on the market.

Melanie Roger Gallery works with and represents some of the best contemporary artists in New Zealand. The artists are both established and emerging, and Melanie Roger Gallery strives to support these artists and develop their careers, both within New Zealand and internationally. 

Eighthirty is one of the city’s most renowned coffee roasters, brewing what is undoubtedly some of Auckland’s best coffee. Eighthirty’s newest location is nestled on busy High Street, and is already the city workers go-to café to grab a cup of early morning fuel, in the form of creamy, hard hitting caffeine. The High Street joint has also got super tasty cabinet food you can grab and go, just in case you’re feeling a peckish.  

A pain au chocolat is the perfect breakfast in its simplicity and indulgent factor. Whether you’re after some stunning Parisian pastries or some seriously mouth-watering bread, La Voie Francaise has you covered. As one of Auckland’s best French bakeries, La Voie Francaise offers shelves of authentic and delicate delights all made in house. Go ahead and pick up one of their gorgeous pastries, and I dare you to attempt to resist the smell and not walk out with one of their baguettes fresh out of the oven. 

Long, lean limbs are a goal for all of us, and Barrefigure will help us to achieve that with their effective 60-minute workouts. Hot on the heels of the popular barre fitness movement, the classes at Barre Figure help us to achieve that ballet dancer body without needing any dancing or coordination ability! You’re in great hands at Barrefigure—the experienced team of instructors is lead by Marysa who danced with the Royal New Zealand ballet for seven years.  

For one of Auckland’s most exclusive jewellery experiences, book yourself an appointment at Culét Diamonds. You’ll get the absolute star treatment as you work with the jewellers who design and hand craft each individual piece. The impeccable service at Culét Diamonds includes an intimate consultation room where you can enjoy a whiskey or fine wine while your custom work of art is discussed. Saturday and Sunday is by appointment only. 

As Auckland’s first luxury fitness studio, The Form Room turns exercising into a seriously indulgent activity. From the moment you walk into the gorgeous studio, you’re met with luxurious details everywhere, from the gorgeous interior to the very best equipment. The Form Room specialises in bespoke nutritional and physical programmes in an intimate and private setting and will get you that beach perfect bod in no time! 

Honey Café is the perfect shopping break after a long slog at the Department Store. Offering up some of Auckland’s best cabinet food, they do have a full menu, too, if you can look past the tempting goodies on display. The coffee is great, and the service is attentive and friendly. Honey also has one of Takapuna’s best outdoor seating areas to enjoy lunch in the sunshine—perfect for a cheeky vino while pondering those shopping options. 

Ladies, this is one name you’ll want to casually slip into conversation as much as possible—maybe one day he’ll get the hint. Purveyors of some of Auckland best jewellery, Naveya & Sloane offer a wide range of gorgeous designs whether it’s for a special occasion or a treat to yourself. Naveya & Sloane also specialise in creating bespoke designs, which will give you the personalised result you’ve been dreaming of.

Now you can get your hair done while sipping on beautiful tea AND get those talons into shape all under one roof. Located at Dry & Tea in City Works, Pop Nails’ owner Imogene Bevan is a true nail artist, creating a masterpiece on your fingertips. Whether it’s elaborate nail art you’re after or subdued pastels for a wedding, Pop Nails will nail it. 

Bollinger with brunch? Sounds like the perfect way to spend a Sunday! Soak up the gorgeous view with impeccable service and fabulous food at Auckland cafe, St Heliers Bay Café and Bistro. One of Auckland’s best destination cafes, St Heliers Bay Café and Bistro is perfect for a special occasion brunch. The pizettes are perfect little tasters and great to share; not to mention useful for soaking up that champagne!

Quaint little Queenies Lunchroom sits in Freeman’s Bay covered in ivy and brings a serious nostalgic charm to your Sunday brunch or weekday lunch date. The retro décor and small touches like the unique retro teaspoons only add to Queenies’ allure. The simple menu offers lots of great options and something you’ll all enjoy. Make sure you try the Turkish Eggs with babbagonoush and yoghurt, one of Auckland’s best brunch dishes. Don’t resist the temptation to pick up one of Queenies home baked oat cookies—it’s worth it. 

Café Monet sits behind busy Newmarket and serves up some of Auckland’s best all-day breakfasts and substantial, seasonal salads. The French food also shows Italian influences with plenty of Mediterranean flavours; perfect to enjoy in the sunny courtyard. Don’t listen to a word spoken about French rudeness—the friendly staff at Café Monet certainly suggest otherwise!

While wandering around Wynyard Quarter, or taking a break from a summer event, Gelatiamo is the perfect pit stop. Gelatiamo is known for having some of Auckland’s best ice cream, and recently won the top gelato and sorbet prizes at the New Zealand ice cream awards with their Banana Gelato and Grapefruit Sorbet, along with 8 other gold and silver awards. Gelatiamo also offer more serious dessert options, showcasing that award-winning ice cream with waffles and banana splits, alongside a fabulous affogato. 

Take a step into the antique emporium that is Auckland cafe, The Apothecary, and you’ll be delighted by the food and drinks also available in this unique and quirky space. The Apothecary in Howick village is one of Auckland’s finest neighbourhood cafes/bars. The eclectic décor at The Apothecary sets the scene for the licensed café in the day, and the adjourning bar stays open til late so you can enjoy their great craft beers right into the evening. 

Auckland bakery, La Boulange is the real deal, offering some of the best croissants and macaroons in the city. La Boulange’s Herne Bay store is great to stop by to grab an authentic French filled baguette and fantastic coffee for a lunch on the run. With every item baked fresh every day, using only the best ingredients, La Boulange represents French simplicity at its finest. 

Jordan Rondel aka The Caker bakes some of Auckland’s best and most photogenic cakes. These beauties are often adorned organically with edible flowers. Each piece by The Caker is truly a work of art and ideal for any special occasion you may have coming up. The is an emphasis on healthier ingredients including unrefined sugars and spelt flours which are lower in gluten and easier for digestion. Pop into The Caker’s tiny K-Road flagship store, or stop by her convenient window on Vulcan Lane to grab a slice or to order and pick up full cakes.

20 minutes may seem like a long time to wait for pancakes, but trust us these bad boys are worth every second. Domain & Ayr offers what are quite possibly Auckland’s best pancakes; light and fluffy, topped with berry compote, maple syrup and mascarpone. If you’re a slightly more health-concious breakfast or lunch person, Domain & Ayr certainty caters with their fresh, organic food menu and healthy smoothie and juice options. 

For Auckland’s best coffee and croissants with a view, get to The Store on Kohi for a quick takeaway fix! Great coffee and fabulously light and buttery croissants are the perfect fuel for that stroll down Kohimarama beach. The Store on Kohi also does fabulous gelato in fabulous flavours including cherry, coconut and coffee. 

Little Nuffield is one of Auckland’s cutest little coffee spots. It was Little Nuffield’s colourful tiles, great branding and quirky interior details that saw this tiny spot short-listed for the British-based Restaurant & Bar Design Awards. Perfect for whether you live in the area, or frequently partake in Newmarket’s favourite sport (shopping), check out Little Nuffield’s great value prepaid coffee cards that give you a hefty discount. 

@Bangkok brings a little slice of Thailand to the Kingsland shops. Thai food is often incredibly westernised, but at @Bangkok you’ll get the real deal and have the opportunity to eat some of Auckland’s best Thai food. It's BYO so you can get a bit silly, but the décor is stylish enough to be a worthy date destination. Try the amazing penang curry with duck or the on-point spicy seafood “yum” salad, and you won’t leave disappointed!

If you find yourself in Grafton, make sure you pop into Welcome Eatery for a bite to eat. Welcome Eatery is – you guessed it – very welcoming. It’s the kind of place you’d feel quite comfortable setting up your laptop and passing the day away whilst drinking copious cups of Supreme coffee. The café serves wholesome and tasty options for breakfast and lunch. The seasonal menu is sure to delight but the real standout here is the ever-changing cabinet brimming with sandwiches, salads and delightful sweet treats. Anyone for a pavlova donut?

Late night food can be pretty average, but not at Fort Street’s Velvet Burger! We swear this place is never closed and that’s a great thing when you’ve had a few cheeky bevvies and just need a burger to finish the night off. We can’t go past their signature burger stacked high with venison, grilled pineapple and salad with lashings of chilli mayo and relish. And, as an added bonus, Velvet Burger has a beer and wine menu so you can wash things down with a nightcap.

Seafood lovers, unite! If you’re a fan of all things from the sea, you need to visit The Oyster Inn on Waiheke Island. Helmed by celeb chef Josh Emett and situated in the beachy village of Oneroa, the restaurant’s menu is inspired by coastal classics and made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Take a seat on The Oyster Inn’s ocean-view verandah and savour Te Matuku oysters followed by a main of grilled market fish served with asparagus, baby spinach and hollandaise. The Oyster Inn also offers small luxury boutique accommodation, making it the perfect weekend getaway.

KK Malaysian Cuisine is small, but certainly makes up for it in flavour! Trust the queues outside and join the masses for what is arguably Auckland’s best and most authentic Malaysian restaurant. Grab a group of friends and head to KK Malaysian so you can try a variety of the generous family-style shared dishes. The Assam fish is liberal with the tamarind and is served as a whole snapper—an absolute steal at only $32!

Calling all foodies! Situated in Three Lamps, Ponsonby, Sidart is a dining experience like no other. The restaurant is the brainchild of one of New Zealand’s most progressive chefs, Sid Sahrawat. Sidart is Auckland fine dining at its best. The dishes are exquisitely presented and the often-surprising melange of flavours is guaranteed to delight your taste buds. Be warned: Sidart will ruin your dining experiences for life – nothing will ever compare to this unique Auckland restaurant.

The tiny Angie’s Kitchen has been serving authentic, home-style Malaysian cuisine from within the university campus forever, feeding hungry students and others who want great food for little coin! You’ll find most of your favourites here including mee goreng and roti canai, but the owners’ Nyonyan heritage shows in the lesser-known menu options. Try Angie’s Kitchen on Sundays for the amazing rice dish nasi kandar. Make sure you leave room for Angie’s sago pudding! 

Auckland has a new contender for the best burgers in town. Introducing Ralph’s Bar and Eatery on Dominion Road. The American inspired diner serves up all the best things in life: big burgers, curly fries, deep fried pickles and beer... need we say more? The animal lovers amongst us will be pleased to hear Ralph’s offers a vegan-friendly sloppy Joe – there’s even vegan mayo for your fries. Ralph's covered courtyard is the perfect place to sink a bevvy on long, summer evenings.

Bros and brews—they make a fine pair. Brothers Beer is a craft beer lounge and brewery in Auckland’s City Works Depot, with 18 taps and over 200 bottles of beer. It’s a rad spot (possibly the best craft beer bar in Auckland), so rally up your craft enthusiast mates, and head down for a pizza and a couple of cold ones.  

Established in 1986, it’s fair to say Ponsonby Road’s Prego has stood the test of time. The Italian restaurant is like an old friend – it’s faithful, reliable and you can always count on Prego for a good time. If you haven’t already, make sure you try one of Prego’s signature pizzas or their classic zuppa di pesce seafood soup. Come summer, you’ll find us enjoying a long lunch in the afternoon sun of the gorgeous courtyard. 

Is there really any better partnership than beer and barbecued meat? The answer is no, and when you need your fix, Brothers Juke Joint BBQ has it sorted. Tucked away at the far end of Mt Eden’s Akiraho Street, Juke Joint is the Brothers Beer lads second hub (the first being City Works Depot), and set to come the best summer sesh spot.  

We love a restaurant with personality and Miss Clawdy has got it going on. The North Wharf eatery is inspired by the late Lloyd Price’s 1952 New Orleans single ‘Lawdy Miss Clawdy’ and serves up finger-lickin’ Southern American food. The dishes are designed for sharing and are hella big on flavour and damn tasty. We can’t get enough of the guajillo chilli braised pork belly with mixed greens and olive salad served on a butternut squash and apple puree. The key lime pie with torched meringue is a must-try dessert.

If you’re serious about good food and liquor, you’re gonna want to check out Matterhorn eatery in Victoria Park Market dining precinct. Matterhorn prides itself on ‘fine dining with your shoes off’ hospitality, serving up incredible food and cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. Their ‘duck Wellington’ served with beets and mascarpone gives a nod to the restaurant’s Wellington roots and is a must-try dish.