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What do you get when you mix fine dining with a dash of theatre? Kazuya restaurant, of course! Head chef and owner Kazuya Yamauchi brings Japanese and European cuisine together in a wondrous fusion at his Eden Terrace restaurant. The dishes are so delightfully presented, they almost look too good to eat… almost. Enjoy a seasonal five or seven course set menu or go all out and indulge in Kazuya’s nine-course degustation menu. Whatever you decide on, we promise you’ll leave Kazuya with a belly full of goodness and a smile on your face.

We love any excuse to visit Takapuna and Jam Organic is that perfect one. The friendly cafe is located along Hurstmere Road and opens onto Hurstmere Green. Because the sun is always shining in Takapuna, Jam Organic offers plenty of outdoor dining—and we all know good food tastes even better when it’s enjoyed in the sun! If we could offer you one piece of advice, it would be to order Jam’s signature eggs—it’s the best version of eggs benedict you’ll ever wrap your mouth around. You can thank us later.

If there’s one thing Italians know how to do well, it’s food. And Italian food at Gusto at the Grand is among the best in Auckland. Situated amongst the line-up of eateries on Federal Street, Gusto at the Grand serves up rustic Italian dishes showcasing classic flavours and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Gusto at the Grand allows you to get your Italian fix for breakfast, lunch at dinner. Oh, and make sure you save room for dessert because the menu offers all the best sweet Italian gems. Strawberry and rhubarb panna cotta, anyone?

The décor is simple but the taste is not—Settebello Pizzeria Italiano has pizza is to die for.  Located in New Lynn, they have a wood fired oven imported directly from Italy to cook the pizza, giving it the authentic and scrumptious taste. The staff are friendly, the prices are reasonable, but be sure to book because SetteBello is a popular pizza spot that fills up quickly!

Get your social on at The Glass Goose in Auckland’s CBD.  The food is seriously delicious and made to share—think meat boards, chilli wagyu beef lettuce cups, eggplant chips with pistachio dip and crumbed pork belly and pancetta. It also offers raw kitchen dishes. Although The Glass Goose can be a little hard to find (down an alley off Federal Street and up some stairs) there’s plenty of seating inside and a rooftop bar that’s buzzing after work. 

Tyler Street Garage, Britomart’s dearly beloved inner-city bar has had a bit of a revamp, and we’re digging it. Once an old parking building, the space has been transformed into TSG, and is set to be one of Auckland’s new hotspots. With a focus on gigs, seriously delicious square slabs of Italian street-style pizza, and alcoholic bevvies, TSG is practically made for mates looking for a feed, a boogie, and a good time.

One of Auckland’s best independent bookstores, Time Out in Mt Eden offers an eclectic range of books for both adults and kids.  Well-known for their friendly and knowledgeable staff, this award-winning bookstore also hosts book launches and other bookie events. Make sure you check the table past the front desk for both pop favourites and more unusual reads recommended by staff.

The Shelter is Ponsonby's one-stop shop for clothing, homewares and jewellery from big fashion names and up-and-coming designers alike. It's also home to the wonderful Source Cafe. The on-site cafe has mouth-watering cabinet offerings and hot brews. Pair your shopping with a charcoal latte and you'll be away laughing.​

For a total Italian experience, it’s Gina’s all the way. Stop in for lunch, but in the evening get ready for some seriously good food, entertainment (you can book a topless host who organises games should you be so inclined) and Italian hospitality.  There’s pasta, risotto and mains but when in Italy…it’s pizza all the way and Gina’s has some of the best pizza in Auckland.  Organise some mates for their set groups menu and all through the night eat, drink and be merry. 

Up the stairs to a spacious loft overlooking St. Patrick’s Square, Heavenscent is all about the pies…glorious, mouth-watering, warming pies.  Forget the traditional mince or steak and cheese, instead try beef and blue cheese wrapped in the pastry goodness from Heavenscent pies. While the pies are the highlight of Heavenscent, there’s plenty more on offer if they’re just not your thing – protein loaves, warms salads and muffins fresh from the oven each morning and lots more to satisfy those cravings. 

If you’re about to get your health buzz on, we recommend you take a trip to GAINZ. The Princess Wharf eatery (short for Grow and Inspire New Zealand) is one of the best healthy cafes in Auckland and will fill your belly with pumped up pancakes, healthy burgers, and nutrient-packed bowl food. Each GAINZ meal comes with a protein, carbs, fat, and calories breakdown (in case you’re keen to get shredded), and their shakes perfect for gym junkies on the go. 

Oh maaaannnn…it’s time to get your American on and visit The Federal Delicatessen, better known as the ‘The Fed’. This is Al Brown’s take on an old-school NYC Jewish delicatessen and it does not disappoint. The Fed has retro décor, waitresses in vintage dresses and a menu that screams ‘America’. Think pastrami, poutine and pumpkin pie (or NY cheesecake). Wash it all down with a coffee or, enjoy a stiffer drink—beer, wine, cocktails, it’s all here. The Fed is one of Auckland’s best restaurants, and with no option to book, be prepared to wait for a seat. 

With its rustic décor and organic food and coffee, Federal and Wolfe is a hipster’s dream come true and one of the best cafés in Auckland. In the heart of the CBD, it delivers gate to plate food, made daily. Breakfast offers organic, free range eggs and a range of breads, and lots of other homemade guilt-free goodness. There’s a variety of lunch offerings including Spanish rice or an organic steak sandwich for those with a bigger appetite. Enjoy one Federal & Wolfe’s smoothies or if, you prefer, a glass of beer or vino.

Meaning ‘lucky child’ in Japanese, Fukuko is undoubtedly one of Auckland’s hotspots for shochu cocktails, Mexico-meets-Japan tacos, and other delicious nibbly bits. Rock up to the Tyler Street bar during lunchtime for donburi bowls, or head there after work for fried chicken, plum wine, or a Fukuko cocktail or two—the Midowray Sipper (Midori, Wray & Newphew rum, Cointreau, and lime) will go down a treat. 

When it comes to unforgettable Italian food, Coco’s Cantina knows what’s up. To step into Coco’s Cantina, we imagine, is like stepping into a nonna’s home—welcoming and slightly hectic, with meatball aroma wafting in the air. This K Road eatery is run by Renee Coulter who has whipped up a hearty, soul-warming menu, featuring pasta dishes, melt-in-your-mouth crumbed veal, and possibly the best polenta chips you’ll ever try.

Forget having meals prepared in the kitchen—at Daikoku Victoria Street food prep is all about entertainment. Watch as the talented Daikoku’s Teppan-yaki chefs shoot flames in the air to sear your meat or attempt to catch an egg (and yes, it’s raw). You’ll laugh, you’ll be just a little bit scared and in awe of the talent. But, if the excitement seems all too much, then there’s always delicious traditional Japanese cuisine and mouth-watering Ramen. Daikoku Victoria Street is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Auckland that you don't want to miss!

With views of the ocean, friendly staff and all the cheesy goodness of a pizza - really, what better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than at gastropub Jack Tar? In the heart of buzzing Wynyard Quarter, there’s plenty of people watching to be done while chatting with friends and family. Enjoy Jack Tar's bar food, or opt for a more substantial meal. Either way, this is one of the best bars in Auckland and you won't be disappointed. 

The Object Room is all about unique, Pinterest-worthy bits and bobs to dot around your home. Luke McCarthy and Timond Chu flung open the doors in 2011, and have since been stocking their Ponsonby store with an aesthetically stunning yet functional collection of objects.

After eating their way through the States in 2011, Sarah and Otis Frizzell decided it was time that Auckland was properly introduced to two wonderful things: tacos and food trucks. The Lucky Taco has been cruising the streets of Auckland since May 2013, with the Frizzells popping back to California and Mexico to expand their taco knowledge. From marinated skirt steak to lambs brain and tiger prawns, The Lucky Taco is a godsend for taco lovers and those interested in dabbling in Mexican cuisine. 

No matter where your level of fitness is sitting (we have a tendency to choose donuts over dumbbells), the CrossFit North Harbour community will push you to your limits in their Wairau Valley gym. Believers that fitness should be fun, CrossFit North Harbour will have you swinging from pull up bars, throwing kettlebells around, and jumping about—all in the name of getting fit fast.

Saturday mornings have never been this good! Ditch the cleaning and head north to Matakana Farmers’ Market for a delectable feast of fruit, veges, artisan baking, fine wines and more. Enjoy live music while eating fresh whitebait fritters sitting by the stream. 

Takapuna Beach Cafe is a firm favourite with Takapuna locals, and with stunning views of Rangitoto and the Waitemata Harbour, it’s where you want to be on a sunny morning.

Bringing a whole new meaning to the word ‘bakery’, Olaf’s in Mt Eden is an artisan delight of fresh breads, scrumptious breakfasts and sweet treats. One of the best bakeries in Auckland, Olaf is a German baker, pastry chef and chef with more than 20 years’ experience, and it shows in every, delicious mouthful. Be sure to stop by for their Auckland famous danishes or a leisurely brunch of black truffle scrambled eggs and buckwheat porridge. Their pizzas are worth a try, too. 

The mission is simple: to create healthy fast-food that both children and adults will love and the Food Truck Garage delivers the goods. Located in the City Works Depot, it is a permanent spot for lovers of the roaming Food Truck to grab a tasty lunch or an after work burger, without the guilt. 

Take a tour of Asia without leaving Auckland at Monsoon Poon, which has been serving up the best of South-East Asian cuisine since 2005. Firmly established as one of Auckland’s favourite restaurants, it deservedly has a loyal following who enjoy the dark and loud atmosphere. Great for groups of friends and family to dine at a reasonable price. 

There’s an air of mystery in The Gypsy Tea Room. With distressed walls, darkened atmosphere and fairy lights it’s the perfect spot to meet with friends and lovers alike. Warm and inviting, The Gypsy Tea Room prides itself on its considered wine list and range of beers but if your tummy is rumbling, there’s a simple yet delicious bar menu to hit the spot. 

Craft beer, we love you. And luckily The Lumsden Freehouse does, too! As the home of craft beer in Newmarket, The Lumsden Freehouse is stocked with 15 taps (they rotate between local beers), a whopping 120 craft beers, and one of the most impressive bourbon selections in Auckland. The Lumsden is laidback and welcoming, attracting an awesome mix of people, and you’re 100% guaranteed a good feed, sweet, sweet tunes, and lots of brilliant banter. 

With the kind hearted offerings of $10 lunches and $4 pizza (between 12-2pm and 7-7.30pm) everyday, what’s not to love about Freeman & Grey? Ponsonby’s very own local turns out to be a super chill, friendly bar with great food, drinks and people.  

There may be no yellow brick road, but Brickhouse Espresso Bar paves the way to quality caffeinating—the best destination of them all. Symonds Street is no longer devoid of options for our favourite brown beans, with Brickhouse’s experienced baristas serving classic cups with delicious food. 

A far cry from its overpopulated same-named sister festival, Laneway adds a bit of spice to the Remuera bar scene. An extension to the ever popular restaurant The Local, Laneway provides the cosy corners and cocktails we yearn for throughout the chilly season.

If you tend to fantasize about bathing in chia seeds, Greenleaf Organics Café—Kingsland’s brand spanking new café—is here to cater to your nourishment needs. Extending their empire built upon delivering (yep, no movement necessary) their kick-ass smoothies and cleanses, you can now make a day of it at their café. The Greenleaf Organics Café menu is crammed with the best of all things organic, guilt-free, and fuelled by quinoa. No trade off of health benefits for taste either, as their sweet treats leave salivation levels high.

Change the lyrics of ‘Diamonds and Rubies’ to ‘Champagne and Oysters’ and you have summed up Rockerfeller, which takes pride in serving us (exactly) these favourite things. This new addition snuggled on Fanshawe Street serves its signature oysters both fried and natural, with Leigh Fisheries hauling in fresh ones for our consumption every morning. Nothing suits fresh like a lil bit of fancy, which is in the form of Rockefeller having over 40 types of champagne to choose from—pinky out please!

After reeling in the Ponsonby locals with their baked delights, the Little Bread & Butter duo decided it was time to up the ante. So, they welcomed Bread & Butter Bakery and Café in Grey Lynn. The café sits behind Farro Fresh and is serving up the same irresistible bread as it’s little brother, as well as a delicious menu of breakfast and lunch options.

The Asian eateries of Dominion Road can be a bit of a labyrinth. New Flavour Restaurant, however, is one of the goodies, serving up dumplings, noodles, and other scrumptious Chinese dishes. We can’t go past New Flavour’s sizzling beef, or stir fried broc and garlic. 

Michael Dearth’s Baduzzi is Italian food done right. Casual dining, with a whole lot of oomph, this Wynyard Quarter restaurant provides sensational meatballs, pasta, and a bunch of other unforgettable Italian dishes (they also serve lunchtime takeaway sandwiches) to the lovely citizens of Auckland. From the feels-like-home interior, to the gorgeous stained glass window and Mother Mary salt spoons (available for purchase), it’s clear that Baduzzi comes from a love of of family, friends, and mighty fine Italian cuisine. 

Bad day got you down? Orakei café Good Day will fix that. Run by Dizengoff’s former managers, Jacqui Crichton and Dan Shaw, this Coates Avenue coffee shop serves no-fuss, damn delicious brunch and lunch fare (smashed peas or sardines on five grain will hit the spot), and Supreme coffee, alongside a well-stocked cabinet of Good Day noms for those on the go.

Post-work iron pumping isn’t everyone’s idea of a fun time. Aracnation Aerial Fitness in St Marys Bay, however, will see you suspended in the air by two pieces of silky fabric, using your strength and flexiness to create wraps, poses, swings and drops—trust us, it’s not a scary as it sounds. An Aracnation Aerial Fitness workout targets every muscle, and since you’re using your own weight, it’s the perfect way to lean out your bod.

So you love a piece of cake, but your body’s niggly dietary needs don’t? Cake & Co have got you covered. The Ponsonby store team know the secrets to whipping up sumptuous cupcakes and cakes without gluten, dairy, or refined sugar! Whether you’ve got a wedding in the works, or want to wow your guests with a pretty edible creation, Cake & Co knows exactly what to do. They also offer decorating lessons, silky Supreme coffee, and a delicious range of low-sugar treats. 

Macy Home in the heart of Ponsonby is a one-stop shop for all your giving needs, without any of the stress. Whether it’s a coveted item of jewellery for her, a geo cone ring holder for him or Citta Design Marcel and Madou dolls for the sprogs, there’s something for everyone. Macy Home offers contemporary, classy gifts that we’d gladly receive.

Escape from the city and head to Artisan Winery and Restaurant in Oratia, just 25 minutes from the Auckland CBD. Sit at one of the large outdoor tables and soak in the rural atmosphere with delicious platters of cheese, cured meats and fresh bread, washed down with Artisan’s award-winning wine. There’s a delicious lunch menu that changes with the season available from 11am until 2.00pm and a shop to take your favourite vino home.

Anyone who’s fond of brunching and munching in Ponsonby will be familiar with Dizengoff. This Ponsonby Road café has scored itself quite the fan club over the years, and for good reason, too. Dizengoff always manages to deliver on stellar food, cheery service, and the coffee of your dreams, seven days a week, 364 days a year—that’s what we call dedication.  

The Vintage Love Shop is for lovers of stuff. It’s prominent neon pink building in Pukekohe only hints at the treats inside—think quirky, bright, retro delights for the home, kids, parties and crafts. The Vintage Love Shop is all about the happiness and simplicity of a by-gone era which can be recaptured and treasured at an affordable price. We’re feeling the love.

Since taking over a heritage building in Parnell, 46 & York has morphed into welcoming neighbourhood bar. It’s the kinda place we’d like to spend a lazy arvo, sipping on cocktails and sampling their well-executed menu. 46 & York’s Kentucky Spiced Crumble cocktail made from bourbon, apple liqueur, and gingerbread syrup makes our tastebuds sing! 

Nestled in the back roads of Oratia, Just Plane Interesting is exactly that - interesting. Priding itself on the ability to find the strange and the wondrous, it is filled with retro telephones, old army uniforms, skeleton rings, lamps and more. To one side is a small, darkened room with earthen floor and walls that houses a mummy and monster for those brave enough to enter. One of the Auckland’s best kept secrets, Just Plane Interesting is a must-visit spot.

If you’re ever desperate for a ‘gram worthy, drool worthy Auckland cafe snap, go to L’oeuf in Mt Albert. This lovely neighbourhood café knows how to transform the humble egg into something spectacular. If eggs aren’t your thing, do not fret! L’oeuf offer delicious exotic dishes such as The Cambodian (sticky black banana rice), The Geisha (light, fresh soba noodles), and the ever-popular Banh Mi.

You know your pizza is in good hands when an Italian is at the helm. Ponsonby local favourite, Farina, is owned by Napoli-native, Sergio Maglione who's created a gorgeous, airy restaurant with a menu full of traditional Italian dishes and legendary metre-long Toto pizzas—genius!

Chuffed cafe in Auckland's CBD is a welcome recluse for coffee lovers, pouring cold-drip and batch brew as well as your traditional espresso and flat white. Tucked down a corridor off High Street, Chuffed is easy to miss, but you'll be glad you made the effort 'cause they're dishing up one of the best breakfasts in the CBD. Menu highlights include an epic cheese toastie stuffed with provolone, gruyere, and pickle; vanilla bean porridge with berry compote and honey walnuts; and house-made crumpets served savoury or sweet. Brekky bliss.

Beautifully fit out, Odettes Eatery has a menu of share plates to die for: think spiced beef short rib, and wild mushroom with whipped Persian feta, basil, and doughnuts. Yep, mushroom and doughnuts. Trust us, it works.

If you’re rocking about in Newmarket and the burger cravings hit, hoon on over to Osborne Lane. You’ll find Burger Burger waiting to construct one of the best burgers to ever pass your lips. Their Savannah grass-fed beef burger comes with a special saaauce, pickles, tomato jam, mustard, and mayo, while the Burger Burger #SpecialsSpecials burger (they switch it up regularly) is always especially epic. Bring your stretchy pants! They also have a dessert bar, specialising in Kohu ice cream sundaes, splits and cookie sandwiches.

Bric-a-brac fills every cluttered corner of Junk & Disorderly’s massive, musty warehouse and is a dream for Auckland’s hoarders, collectors and decorators. While some of its offerings are a new take on the old, most are second hand. Whether you're after props for sets, one-of-a-kind pieces for the home or a forgotten childhood book, Junk & Disorderly has something for everyone. Expect to spend at least half a day—and some dollars!

Ask any burger fanatic where the best burger in Auckland is and you’re 100 per cent guaranteed to be met with a passionate “BURGER BURGER!” response. Sitting in Ponsonby Central is the Burger Burger flagship, flipping some of the tastiest burgers in town since 2014.

If you think healthy food is just a load of kale and kraut, then you should hit up Ripe Deli on Richmond Road. This gorgeous Grey Lynn nook features cabinets jam-packed with homemade, wholesome, takeaway food. Brioche, muffins and scones are freshly baked in the Ripe Deli oven each morning, and breakfast bowls and smoothies make for a scrumptious on-the-go breakfast.

The craft beer trend continues to skyrocket, and Wynyard Quarter’s 16 Tun is pouring the goods. 16 Tun are passionate about all things beer, and since they’re a ‘free house’, they can stock as many different beers from as many different breweries as they’d like! (They have around 100 at the mo). As the ultimate inner-city post-work hangout, 16 Tun offers a selection of tasty bites to pair with your brew. Paua fritters, crispy calamari, ribs, fancy fish n’ chips…you get the idea. 

Cocktails and meatballs?! Sounds like one helluva pairing. And Ponsonby Central’s Bedford Soda & Liquor specialises in just that. Taking inspiration from the oh-so-cool bars in the Big Apple, Bedford Soda & Liquor has a dedicated meatball menu featuring subs, sliders, and anything else you might need (they hand you a laminated menu and marker pen, so you can tick away to your heart’s content).

Bambina is a one of Ponsonby’s longest standing (and best) cafés. Opened by Peter and Sarah Wren in 1996, Bambina is known for its great, honest brunch and lunch food, superb coffee, and friendly service. If you’re after a simple yet delicious morning feed (Mediterranean eggs or corn fritters, anyone?), then Bambina is the place to visit. There’s footpath seating, so feel free to bring your pooch along. 

Ponsonby Road’s Flotsam and Jetsam is a treasure trove of old and new, and is one of Auckland’s best retro stores. The place is stocked with vintage glassware, mismatched cutlery and other quirky knickknacks (the kind you’d find at your nana’s). Whether you’re on the hunt for some Kiwi memorabilia, or a print or two to vamp up your walls, you’ll find it at Flotsam and Jetsam. Grab a fresh Little & Friday donut while you’re at it—they get delivered to Flotsam and Jetsam daily. 

Pros at coffee, cabinet food and inject-your-own donuts, Foxtrot Parlour is a great little café hidden in Ponsonby central. The coffee is Supreme, and their breakfast/brunch menu is full of intriguing dishes such as coddled eggs, black sticky rice, and peanut parlour pancakes. Foxtrot Parlour spills out onto the street, so grab a book, a Foxtrot Parlour treat, and soak up the sun. 

Food stalls are popping up all over the city, but Judge Bao continues to be a solid standout, and one of the best bao-making peeps in Auckland. Combining traditional flavours with a modern twist, Judge Bao duo, Jamie and Debbie sandwich hand-rolled, steamed bao between gorious fillings. We love their 'Black Betty' creation starring black vinegar-braised pork with sesame and spring onion—yum! They jump from place to place, but you can find them popping up at markets, restaurants and festivals. You can check out their weekly schedule on Facebook and Instagram.

The Crab Shack crew are seafood fiends, and know exactly how to do it justice. The Crab Shack has recently moved around the corner, find it in the spot that was previously The Culpeper and tuck into an all-new menu including $2 oysters and $5 beers and wines between 4pm and 7pm every day of the week. Get a taste of the ocean via fish, prawns, mussels, lobster, and giant pots of crab—grab yourself a bib and prepare to get messy!

Named after the Bolaven Plateau (where the French first planted coffee in Laos), Mt Eden’s Bolaven showcases the best of Laos cuisine in their breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Start your day with a Loatian cured salmon bagel, or Grandpa’s Pho, their speciality. Eighthirty coffee is in the grinder, and the maak-lesang (wine) is a mix of international wineries. Dinner includes tofu spring rolls, bing moo pork skewers, and mok pa, steamed lemongrass fish parcels.