Directory Search

With it's flagship at City Works Depot and a recent opening near Wynyard Quarter, it's hard to keep up with the guys at The Food Truck with their third, yes  third, Food Truck Garage on Ponsonby Road! Being notorious for creating healthy fast food, you can be sure to catch the favourites such as their signiture beefroot burger, a range of salads and bowls and their renowned Froyos. Jelly tip, we're looking at you! 

Rosenthal® Facials is taking the skincare scene by storm with a natural approach to wellness & beauty. Michelle and her magic touch are located on top of Annie Boyd’s on Jervois Road. This product-free approach makes the radiant and anti-aging facials perfect for all those sensitive skinned beauties. Indulge in a deep, relaxing and rejuvenating facial releasing all that built up tension. Rosenthal is inspired by a natural approach to wellness and beauty using a facial massage tecnique that encourages blood flow and produces collegan, leaving you with that radiant glow we are all after. Michelle is available by appointment only. 

Who doesn't love croissants and freshly baked baguettes? The team at Paneton Bakery, have been producing and selling their French-style, baked goods for over 25 years. It's no wonder that they are masters of the trade. At their store, you can buy fresh, frozen and par-baked goods to take home and enjoy! How's that for covering all bases?! We can't go past their pain au chocolat (that's chocolate croissant to you and me!) for that buttery, flaky, French goodness! 

If you love whiskey, you'll love The Corner Store. Well if you're partial to fine selections of wine, fabulous cocktails and a great selection of imported and local beers, then The Corner Store is definitely a drinking spot to tick off. They have crafted a menu full of decadent and classic drinks with something to suit everyone's tastes. Tucked away in Mt Eden, The Corner Store is one to keep an eye on if you're ever around this part of town! 

Blue Rose is a quaint café sitting along Sandringham Road. The place is set up with all sorts of knick knacks including old school cake racks and blue rose wallpaper. Pop in there on a weekend or weekday morning and you’ll be greeted with a smile and great cup of coffee. From ham on the bone eggs bene to nachos and lovingly handmade sweet treats, there’s so much to loved about this Sandringham gem. 

If you like your sweet treats à la française, this is the place for you. Philippe's Chocolates is renowned for churning out some of the best French pastries in town, and their abilities don't end there.  They also have a wide assortment of cakes, chocolates, breads and other treats also available from the Grey Lynn dessert parlour.

Setting down roots in Mt Eden in 1955, Chapter Book & Tea Shop is a bookshop unlike any other. With walls upon walls of books and literally hundreds of tea flavours, you're sure to find something you'll love at this comfy bookshop-cum-cafe. Cosy vibes and a snug setting make this the perfect place to settle in for some peace and quiet and venture off into a wonderland of zen at Chapter Book & Tea Shop—one of the best cafes in Mt Eden.

Juices, smoothies, breakfast, oh my! For all you Insta-foodies out there, Town Mouse is definitely worth a visit. Perfectly plated, with a shabby, chic aesthetic, you'll be sure to snap the perfect pic. That said, they certainly don't skimp on flavour, with offerings such as homemade waffles, authentic pho and vegan and veggie options too! With rustic packaging and sandwiches wrapped in string, you'll feel every bit cute whilst curing your lunchtime cravings. 

If you are in the Glen Eden area and need a good, honest breakfast fix, then Humbug Cafe has got your back. With a small, yet satisfying, breakfast and lunch menu on offer, you've got all the classics and more to see you through. With eggs bene, mince on toast and french toast all on hand, and not forgetting all your coffee and tea requirements, Humbug is an easy stop off. 

Friend of the Farmer has it all: lush, natural seating outdoors with a magnificent book shelf wall inside (cue major wall envy), along with deli-style food to satisfy all hungry tummies. With home-baked goodies galore and ever-changing breakfast and lunch menus, you'll be truly spoilt for choice. Kick back and relax with a coffee in hand and be sure to pick up one of their homemade treats to match. Ginger crunch, we're looking at you. 

Sen—Vietnamse for 'lotus flower'—signifies purity and the potential for enlightenment, which is what Sen Kitchen & Bar is all about. Sen Kitchen & Bar is adamant in using the same everyday ingredients available to ordinary Vietnamese to build a menu that embraces the vibrancy and colour of traditional Vitenamese cuisine. You'll find generous use of lemongrass, Vietnamese mint, coriander, fish sauce, shrimp paste and lime in thier dishes—all of which are dedicated to capturing the honest flavours that are found in the streets and alleyways of Vietnam. We love Sen's wok seared shaking' beef and the clay pot caramalised pork belly. You'll also find a spectacular cocktail list to go hand in hand with the vibrant Vietnamese cuisine. 

This Auckland institution has been serving mezze goodness since 1992. With its warm, ambient atmosphere and central location, Mezze Bar is the perfect spot for after work eats and drinks. When it comes to food, the more the merrier so be sure to order patatas bravas, Spanish meatballs, chicken liver pate and ceviche, among other scrumptious sharing dishes. Mezze Bar are also open for brunch with huevos flamencos, Moorish eggs, and Turkish-style savoury French toast.  

Island Gelato Co. is a better reason than many to head on over to Waiheke Island. Situated in a fairy-light adorned shipping container, these gelato experts are famed for their artisan approach to this sweet treat. Always using fresh, local produce, they create amazing flavours such as rhubarb, raspberry and pistachio, apple and baklava and fig and ginger! Vegans, don't worry, they have your back too! With dairy-free options, you'll be able to jump onto the gelato train too!

Barkers have been creating men's fashion for a long time now and are always on top of their game. Not only are they on top of their game in fashion, they have created an espresso bar in their Auckland flagship store. Sophisticated and super cool (as expected), Burrs & Grind have teamed up with eighthirty roasters to bring you a swanky coffee experience. With specials every week, you won't be able to resist the clothes or the coffee! 

Research a'plenty has been conducted to ensure that Brew On Quay can be a one-stop, drinking spot for all. With the decor changing from room-to-room, to the extensive drinks list, the three guys behind the Brew on Quay have gone above and beyond to deliver the goods. Priding themselves on the friendly atmosphere, good food and exceptional ales, they really should be proud of this waterfront drinking jaunt. 

Crêpes A Go-Go are a must when visiting Ponsonby Central. Proudly French with a Kiwi twist, the pair behind Crêpes A Go-Go certainly know what they are doing. With a huge choice of either sweet or savory options, you will be undoubtedly spoilt for choice. A personal favourite of ours is the French Toast. Served with maple syrup, banana and of course, bacon, there's no surprise why we can't get enough! 

Andrew Andrew is an intimate inner city bar nestled up on Princess Wharf. On the drinks menu, you'll find New Zealand craft beer, an ample wine list and classic cocktails, while food the menu is made up of bar snacks and shared platters. Afternoons at Andrew Andrew are cosy and casual, perfect to pop by for an after work drink, before things get heated as the night goes on. 

Celebrating the strength and individuality of women, Lonely designs clothing, lingerie and swimwear that is embraces and empowers every lonely girl. Just off Ponsonby Road, their beautifully designed Auckland flagship boutique stocks all your Lonely favourites. A marble wall strategically placed in front of the store window keeps the store private from passing pedestrians, and this privacy continues inside with sizable fitting rooms providing plenty of space for customers to try on whatever takes their fancy.

When wanting a quick bite, look no further than Fatima's. One of our favourite take out spots in Ponsonby, the menu boasts a wide range of Middle Eastern delights including pitas, chawarmas and salads, all fresh and full of flavour. With gluten-free and vegan options as well as a meal designed just for the youngins, there's something for everyone. And remember, no trip to Fatima's is complete without ordering a side of the potato koftas with aioli, crunchy bite sized pieces of pure goodness.

Looking for a K Road drinking haunt? 69 is the place to go. This cocktail lounge is open six days a week from 3pm to 3am, so you can drink until the wee hours of the morning. There’s 18 cocktails to choose from, and a shared food menu that will keep tums nicely lined. Nibble on gourmet hot dogs or fresh fish Kokoda while you look over the pink cycle path or find a cosy corner to spend the rest of the night in. Whatever you do, we’re sure that 69 will have you coming back for more. 

Luckily for those on the shore, Mamak Malaysian Street Food has now opened its doors north of the bridge, and serves up some of Auckland’s best Malaysian street food. It’s often a go-to in Takapuna when Madam Woo is inevitably full and promises an hour-plus wait, but Mamak is certainly a deserving destination in its own right. The flavours at Mamak are seriously authentic and you cannot leave without trying those superlative satays! The chicken sambal is equally as good and the tissue roti towers over your table in a cone of delicate, flaky goodness. 

If you’re into your chocolate in a big way this may just be your new favourite place. Dedicated to producing some of Auckland’s finest chocolate-y goodness, Chocolate Boutique Café offers amazing retail products that make the perfect gift—if you can bear to give them away! Enjoy in-house with superb coffee or choose from the list of exotic and luxurious hot chocolates. There’s also cakes and a dessert menu with a list of sundaes to die for! 

If it’s barbeque you're after, then look no further than Ponsonby Central's El Sizzling Chorizo. Hailing from Argentina where barbeque is more of a lifestyle than a meal, these guys do meat, and they do it well. The vibe at this joint is as zesty as their flavours, with spicy chorizo and tender pork belly being menu favourites. With all the meats grilled over slow-burning coals, flavour is something El Sizzling Chorizo serves up in bucket loads. We highly recommend arriving with company in tow and ordering the Orejano Platter to experience all this place has to offer. 

Next to Marvel Grill down at North Wharf, you'll find a street food operation that takes inspo straight from the south of the US of A. Using fire and wood, Fireworks cooks their meat low and slow, producing smoky and tender meat that melts in your mouth. Choose your meat (pulled pork shoulder, beef cheeks...the list goes on) and add your choice of trimmings and you'll be away laughing—or should we say eating? If the above process seems a bit of work, a selection of lunchboxes are on offer as well as the option to have your preferred meat served in a bun. Whether you choose to park up in the eatery's outdoor seating or grab you order and go, this joint is sure to please.

Nestled amongst the cosy vibes of Elliot Stables, Delectable Desserts is the perfect place to finish the night with some much needed sweetness. Doubling as an art gallery, this dessert destination has a unique charm like no where else. With names like  da Vinci and Picasso, their offerings do not disappoint. The delectable menu ranges from the kiwi classic cream and fruit covered pavalova to devine dark chocolate soup.With regular exhibition nights, Delectable Desserts is a great place to take in some art and wash it down with an indulgent treat.

Nestled away in Aotea Square is this heavenly dessert kitchen. Offering up an array of mouth-watering dessert options, OKO Dessert Kitchen will definitely not disappoint. The cabinet contains goodies from mousses to cheesecakes while the chef's desserts take things to a whole new level with the Signature Volcano served shrouded in steamy goodness. OKO also serves a delectable menu of dessert-influenced cocktails along with a selection of wine and craft beers that are sure to keep you hanging around this joint late into the night.

A rustic bistro that has made itself right at home amongst the superb eateries in Victoria Park Market. From dinner with the fam to after work drinks, The White Rabbit on the Park is your go-to in Freemans Bay. As each season rolls into the next, so does the menu, but what remains consistent is a range of classic dishes infused with modern techniques that will leave you pleased as punch. Tuck into two styles of duck, kingfish sashimi and cured salmon before treating yourself to a hearty meals of aged beef short rib or lamb rump 

Formerly Flight 605 is now 605 Morningside Drinkery.

Blink and you might miss this cafe that is a favourite among locals in this lowkey Auckland suburb. Out in the residential streets of Ellerslie, this place is a savour for those who are wanting a decent coffee without having to mish it across town.

In the industrial area of Takapuna, you’ll stumble upon Blind Basket. The white and bright café knows a thing or two about serving up delicious—not to mention nutritious—dishes. The menu has a Japanese-influence with sushi, bento boxes and ramen all starring on the menu. You’ll also discover dishes such as house-made muesli, green eggs bene (Dr Seuss fans rejoice) and a divine soft shell crab burger. Wash down your meal with a perfectly brewed Supreme coffee and grab one of their delish sweet treats from the cabinet before you leave.

Balance Kitchen is all about livin' la vida healthy and has all sorts of yummy meal options to help you do just that. Open seven days, this organic and paleo-friendly cafe serves breakfast that will help you kick-start your day along with lunch to re-fuel! You can even build your own breakfast or lunch meal here by choosing from a bunch of meat, veggies and carbs options to create your perfect meal. Of course, you can wash all of this down with a freshly prepped espresso or squeezed coconut water juices!

The Sawmill Brewing Company is the perfect addition to the beautiful Matakana village. Just when you thought this small town, famous for its farmer’s market and organic ice cream couldn’t get any better, we now have a boutique brewery in the mix. Originally located in Leigh on the site of an old timber mill, the Sawmill team have been in the business since 2004. The new brewery (which took eight months to make) comes complete with a beer garden to enjoy great food, conversation and, of course, really good beer. Stop by on the weekend for flounder with mandarin and watercress straight from Leigh’s waters, smoked sardine pate or the miso and seaweed-smoked goat. The menu showcases the best of Kiwi produce and has been matched to compliment Sawmill’s beer. 

Corner Burger have opened up a second joint in Mt Eden and we are not complaining. The burger line-up is a pretty tasty one, with the Classics and (more lavish) Icons menus providing options that will have you struggling to pick just one. An impressive selection of sides are also available, with the option to load your fries with the topping of your choice (pulled pork's our pick, just sayin').

Skin Boutique in Browns Bay is your go-to for specialist beauty therapy and skin rejuvenation treatments. The caring therapists are dedicated to providing the best in service and individual care. In fact, if you can't seem to find a treatment that suits your needs,  your Master Therapist will create the perfect treatment just for you. All areas of beauty are covered—from personalised facials to the usual grooming admin—and are provided by highly trained therapists who are dedicated to delivering the uttermost in care.

Located in the heart of Mairangi Bay, you’ll find FaceTime Skin Clinic. The oh-so modern salon specalises in all things skin, offering treatments to reverse premature skin aging as well as managing problematic skin. They have a range of facials and skin treatments (think corrective peels, dermal skin needling and light therapy) as well as classic beauty services.

Show your nails a bit of love with a visit to Verdo Nails in Parnell. Book in for a quick shape and polish or treat yourself to a 60-minute deluxe spa manicure—go on, you deserve it! The boutique salon also offers eyebrow waxing and tinting, eyelash tinting and spray tanning. We’re particularly fond of their four-week make-up courses that teach you the basics of getting your make-up looking amazing. 

If you need to up your lash game, call on the friendly team at Lash Noir. Located in City Works Depot, this salon is dedicated to all things lashes—perming, tinting and lash extensions—as well as brow services. One of their popular treatments is ‘feather touch brows’ that involves tattooing small hair flicks to transform your brows from drab to fab—it’s perfect for those with over-plucked brows.

In the heart of Mt Eden Village is a little brick building that is home to luxurious beauty therapy and skincare treatments. With more than a decade of experience in the beauty industry, owner and founder Lisa Morris is committed to providing the best in beauty. Loft Beauty Boutique has a wide array of treatments on offer including customised facials, waxing services, microdermabrasion, eye treatments, massage, spray tans, skin peels, manicures and pedicures. You can expect Individualised service, superior technologies and forever-evolving treatments, all in a warm and friendly environment. Loft Beauty Boutique has got all your beauty needs down pat.

If you a) love cupcakes and b) live on the Shore, you’ll be pleased to hear that Petal Cupcakes has found a home in Takapuna. Having built up a rep for making delish cupcakes out of their Newmarket store, Petal Cupcake’s expansion will make it even easier to get your cupcake fix. With flavours such as salted caramel, lemon tart and balsamic strawberry, and delivery within three hours of ordering, Petal Cupcakes Takapuna is a great addition to the shore. 

While most of us shudder at the thought of waxing, the promise of pain-free, quality waxing at Bare Waxing & Skin Centre in Belmont has us thinking otherwise. Using the best waxes available, Bare is dedicated to providing clients not only with great results but also a relaxing waxing experience from start to finish.

Aotea Square just got a whooole lot cooler and tastier. Auckland’s legendary square is now home to Aotea House, a gastropub that’s a mighty legend in its own right. This place dishes out hearty pub food with a distinctly kiwi twist using plenty of local ingredients—we’re talking smoked eel croquettes, sautéed paua with gnocchi and raw fish and good ol’ hokey pokey ice-cream. Of course, being the epic gastropub they are, Aotea House has plenty of top-notch drops on hand. From fresh tap beers to local liquors and wines from both NZ and over the globe, there’s no reason for your glass to be empty here. It’s the perfect place for a pre show tipple or casual group get together.

Mt Albert’s own slice of Italy comes in the form of Sal Rose, a buzzing restaurant with a focus on welcoming hospitality and hearty, home-style food. Start your Sal Rose journey with antipasti (calamari fritti, bruschetta and chicken liver pate) before getting amongst the risotto, pasta and pizza dishes. Their marsala mushroom veal scaloppini is something special as is the Mamma Mia Pizza. Round things off with a tiramisu, just as any good Italian meal should. 

Since 1999, Blitza Pizza has been serving pizza, steak, pasta and seafood to the people of Birkenhead. This buzzing restaurant will have you feasting on Mediterranean delights such as souvlaki, moussaka and scaloppini alongside their gourmet pizzas. Our pick is the Blue Vein Tropicana—smoked chicken, red onion, mango and blue vein cheese or get amongst a big bowl of creamy fettuccine. Whatever your taste buds gravitate to, you’ll be impressed with what Blitza Pizza has to offer. 

Urban Soul is, in our opinion, quite the place to be in Manukau. There’s a plentiful morning menu full of tasty dishes that are sure to help you kick your day off just right. If you’re on the hunt for a brekkie crepe, a fry up or some quality eggs then look no further than here! As for your lunching needs, they have you covered for this too—there’s all kinds of things that will be sure to make your belly very happy from the classic BLT to salads, soups and burgers. This place is super kiddie-friendly too, with a super selection of tasty little morsels that our little buddies will love. Better yet, it’s open seven days so you can get a mean feed errday of the week.

Sheds are a dime a dozen out in the country but when one is bright red and immersed amongst a stunning garden setting, you know it's not your usual. Red Shed Palazzo, an award-winning café in Karaka, gets its namesake from the shed it operates from and offers a dining experience you just won't get in the big smoke. Both dog and kid friendly, the eatery is the perfect place to relax if you have a furry friend or little one in tow.

Smack bang in the middle of Manukau’s industrial district is The Artisan, an unexpected but welcome gem. Quirky decor, homemade food and consistently friendly staff make this place is a favourite amongst Wiri’s working folk and it’s not hard to see why.

It was time Atomic had their own base in our beloved Ponsonby, and what has appeared is nothing short of a caffeine addict's dream come true. The store has been designed with the chrome styling of the Rocket espresso machines as muse and the Atomic brand identity comes through the sleek black interior thought up by the Izzard Design team. Good coffee isn't the only thing on the menu though, with a stocked-up cabinet giving coffee connoisseurs more reason to grab a table and take five rather than getting their flat whites to go.

Manukau’s much-loved Urban Soul café has become so popular that they’ve open a second site in Karaka. The homely café and bistro has everything you love about the sister site—and more! It’s the kind of place you could quite happily spend a few hours. Expect to find a fireplace, comfy banquette seating, walls lined with art and a cosy mezzanine area.

Taking inspo from the backstreet tapas bars of Spain, Tasca will send you on a culinary adventure to The Mediterranean. Come for breakfast and feast on baked Moorish eggs and arroz con leche—a Spanish vanilla rice pudding with apricots and pistachios. Lunch is all about Casablance mussels and pizza, while dinner offers flavoursome mains and an extensive range of tapas—think patatas bravas, panfired chorizo, dolma and grilled haloumi. Visit on a sunny day at wine and dine the hours away in the gorgeous courtyard. 

Melba Manukau is the latest addition to the Melba family and this joint does not disappoint. The massive glass windows that line the walls and high ceiling create a light, open space and complete with sleek wooden and metal interior, Melba oozes a modern charm that will make you make you feel right at home.

From the man who brought us Ebisu and Lucky Lucky Dumplings, comes Yukio Ozeki’s new venture, Azabu. Located at the K-Road end of Ponsonby Road, Azabu also boasts a saké and cocktail bar by the name of Roji—the perfect place to sink a few bevvies before sitting down for a meal. The menu combines Nikkei flavours (a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines) with Tokyo-style dishes. 

Sitting pretty between Longroom and BurgerFuel on Pons Road, Santos café has morphed into a new and improved spot: Long Shot. The same excellent coffee wil be served but you’ll now find classic breakfast and lunch dishes with a sprinkling of oomph. There’s a brilliant Scotch Egg, badass wagyu burger and other dishes made for sharing. We think it’s going to be a goodie. 

With her products available in more than 1000 stores worldwide, there seems to be no stopping Karen Walker. Luckily for us, one of our most successful fashion exports has her own spot on one of our favourite shopping strips in town and oh my, she's a wee beauty.

At the Harbour Bridge end of Westhaven Marina, you'll find Buoy cafe—your go-to venue when you want to a bite to eat with spectacular views. The bright and breezy venue serves up simple, healthy and fresh breakfast and lunch. Enjoy their wholemeal buttermilk crepes with baked apples, vanilla creme, caramel sauce and toasted walnuts or for lunch options include seafood chowder, soup of the day or fish in Lion Red Beer batter fish and chips the tartare sauce. Or, if you're in a rush grab a bite from the fridge.

This Grey Lynn gastropub is is on the home run to becoming the local go-to watering hole. Previously Malt Bar, Malt Public House is now revamped and refurnished with a brand-spanking new interior that oozes a perfect combination of cosy and classy. Offering classic pub feeds with a sophisticated touch, there’s everything here from light grazing to hearty mains. You’ll find the likes of polenta chips and Peruvian style ceviche to start you off, as well as a selection of hearty burgers and perfectly grilled meats. Oh and did we mention there’s a rotating pie of the week!? You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting a fresh pint or glass of wine and the friendly and oh-so-knowledgeable staff are happy to help you make the perfect pick. Offering lunch, nibbles and dinner 7 days a week from 11 until late, there’s no reason not to pop by Malt Public house for a fabulous gastropub experience.

Relive the joys of your trampoline days at Avondale’s Uptown Bounce. This supersized trampoline park has more than 50 interconnected trampolines—some of which are angled so you can literally bounce off the walls. You’ll also find a trampoline dodgeball area, Olympic trampolines, rock climbing wall and a battle beam where the loser falls into a foam pit. Book in for a one-hour session or sign up for one of their trampoline exercise classes (yes, it’s a thing).  

Herne Bay is starting to up its culinary game and Jervois Road Wine Bar & Kitchen is one of the key players. Sitting along (you guessed it) Jervois Road, this neighbourhood bar aims to provide a relaxed place for locals to drop in and catch up over sharing plates of cured meats, mini burgers and chicken liver parfait, curated wines, beers and tea-based cocktails. Leading the charge is Benjamin McManus who injects his love for all things food and beverage into this venture. 

Quintessential Indian dining can be found at iVillage in Victoria Park in Auckland. This restaurant takes you through a journey of Indian cuisine starting with tandoori, chilli scallops and kababs before progressing to the main course. There you’ll be treated to Goan fish curry, handi paneer (cottage cheese) and lamb saagwala as well as their special raan mussallam—a marinated leg of lamb in a spicy masala prepared and cooked over a 24-hour period.  

The people of Auckland take their early morning coffee fix very, very seriously and that’s why coffee joints such as Criminal Grinds exist. Open Monday to Friday, this hole in the wall caters to the CBD working folk looking for caffeine and tasty takeaway food. There’s homemade treats (muffins, slices and biscuits), chia pods, bagels, pies and sammies as well as great coffee.