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If you like a view with your meal, head to Sails Restaurant. Boasting glorious views of the Westhaven Marina, the restaurant serves up equally glorious dishes. Here, they’re all about seafood with the menu featuring calamari, oysters, mussels, crayfish, scallops and prawns… just to name a few! If you’re not into things from the sea, rest assured there’s also the likes of free-range chicken, premium beef cuts and vege-friendly dishes. It’s the perfect place to wine and dine your significant other.

Situated at the top of Jervois Road is a children’s paradise—the Dorothy Butler Children’s Bookshop. With a huge collection of quality books as well as a range of educational toys, puzzles, games, music and audio books, it is a great place to take the sprogs and inspire them into the world of reading. One of the best bookshops in Auckland, the Dorothy Butler Children’s Bookshop is a must-visit if you have kids or need to buy a gift for one. 

Expect long queues at Eden Noodles, such is its popularity as serving up some of the best dumplings in Auckland—but trust us, the wait is worth it. The dumplings come in one option—pork—swimming in your choice of sauce or soup, but there's also noodles and wontons that are deliciously fresh and tasty. 

A food store and wine lounge rolled into one, Dida’s on Jervois Road is an Auckland institution. Meaning ‘Grandfather’ in Croatian, Dida’s is a tribute to Jak Jakicevich, whose grandfather pioneered Glengarry Wines in 1940. Open for breakfast and lunch, you’ll find Spanish scrambled eggs, delicious salads and plenty of cabinet food to choose from. Later in the day, Dida’s Wine Lounge & Tapas Bar serves all sorts of nibbly bits (think cheese croquettes and venison meatballs) alongside an impressive list of wines. 

Epsom is home to One Tree Grill, a casual-meets-sophisticated restaurant with a focus on seasonal dining and cellared wines. One Tree Grill offers a refreshing change from the busy city restaurants and has a menu made to impress. Start with seared scallops with white almond, aged jamon, grape and parsley before enjoying a main of duck breast, carrot, smoked beetroot, kale and apple caramel—this is suburban dining done well. 

This Belgian beer café on Auckland’s historic Vulcan Lane is a firm favourite for inner-city workers. The Occidental offers a great selection of Belgian beers, an authentic pub food menu, and a constantly buzzing atmosphere. Sample their famous steamed mussels with creamy white wine and garlic, or tuck into a hearty feed of tender chicken schnitzel or venison pie. Traditional Belgian waffles are on standby if you have room left. 

Got a specific hankering for traditional Colombian-style barbecue? El Humero in Takapuna specialises in just that. The restaurant takes you to Colombia, where you can taste all sorts of mouth-watering dishes. From empanadas to charcoal grilled chicken, deep-fried pork schnitzel and tender beef short ribs, mopped up with a side of arepa flatbread, El Humero is a meat-lovers haven. 

Sitting in Fortieth and Hurstmere in Takapuna, Dante’s Pizzeria serves up some seriously delish Neapolitan pizzas. Creating a Dante’s pizza takes time. With four (yep, four) days to make the dough, hand-crushed tomatoes, and fresh Italian cheese, it’s no wonder that they’re some of the best pizzas in Auckland. 

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy lunch in Takapuna, Bird On A Wire is where you need to go. This store is known for its delicious rotisserie chickens served with fresh salads, in tasty sammies, soups or burgers—the perfect midday meal any day of the week. Bird On A Wire also offers a breakfast menu for hungry workers after something substantial to see them through ‘til lunchtime. Try their Chilli Salt Free Range Egg Box or house made museli with stewed fruit—yum! 

Top Café gets serious points in our book for their cooking style of their dumplings—perfectly steamed and lightly fried—and some of the best dumplings in Auckland. It’s a simple place—a short list of classic dumpling fillings, very simple interior and killer dumplings.

Established in 1898, it’s fair to say The Shakepeare Hotel and Brewery has stood the test of time. Perched on the corner of Wyndham and Albert Streets, the iconic pub prouds itself on serving the freshest beer in town—it’s brewed on-site! The Shakey also serves up hearty pub food. We’re talking mouth-watering burgers, pizza and steak. After all that drinking and eating, you’ll be keen for a wee kip in one of the 10 boutique hotel rooms.

For those days when you just need to punch something, Boxing Central is where it’s at. With instructors who are former and current fighters, these guys know exactly what they’re doing, to push and motivate you to get in the best shape possible. They hold classes such as Boxfit, Probox and Crossbox, to BoxOffice Basics, Oni Stretch and Zero as well as Hero—perfect for those who still want a raging workout but aren’t in any rush to get in the ring. There’s one thing you can be sure of—Boxing Central will have you burning fat and toning those muscles in no time. 

Take a leisurely drive through the countryside to Soljans Estate Winery in Kumeu. Sample award-winning wines at the cellar door before heading to Soljans Café to grab a bite to eat. Open daily for lunch and with breakfast available on the weekends, the café serves Mediterranean-style food with a New Zealand twist. The family-friendly café also has a dedicated children’s menu as well as an outdoor playhouse to keep the little ones entertained.

Visit Auckland's highest cafe for a totally unique experience. On the 50th floor of the Sky Tower, the Sky Cafe serves up a delicious selection of Kapiti ice cream and cheese with a fantastic selection of wines and cocktails—all with truly magnificent 360 degree views over the City of Sails. With the view, the eats and the wine, the Sky Cafe is one of the best cafes in Auckland. 

Beer brewed onsite and hearty food to go with it, Deep Creek Brews & Eats can be found in Browns Bay, where it has become a favourite for locals and beyond. This welcoming bar brews everything from pilsners and brown ales to IPAs and porters, which diners can enjoy alongside tasting platters, tacos, BBQ ribs and other delicious fare. 

Self proclaimed creators of ugliest bagels in town, Best Ugly is a bagel joint with a rep for making some of the best in Auckland. Their Newmarket store is a pit stop for people to get their morning PB &J fix, a filling cream cheese and salmon bagel for lunch, or to meet with mates and work through the entire menu. Founded by Al Brown, Best Ugly is inspired by the chewy, crispy bagels of Montreal. 

Since opening late 2015, Fokker Bros has been churning out casual eating for the people of Auckland. Situated on the Customs Street West end of the Viaduct, Fokker Bros focuses on classics done well—burgers, hotdogs, fries and shakes. If you’re feeling game, opt for The Kiwi Blackburger. Served in a charcoal black bun with angus pure beef, cheddar, free-range egg, Fokker sauce and kiwifruit relish. Wash it down with a shake spiked with tequila, Frangelico, vodka, whisky or rum (big kids only). 

Walk upstairs of Wyndham Street and you'll discover a taste of Spain right in the heart of the city. The Black Hoof is a popular spot for after-work drinks, it is also a great place for tapas and cured meats. Enjoy the wine and sherry from Spain, or stick your tried and true fave Kiwi craft beers and vino. There's a great vibe in the evenings and is often busy, so if you're going for a meal, make sure you book in advance.

Eat pasta, drink wine, be merry—that’s what Kingsland’s little Italian gem, Venosa specialises in. Walking into Venosa, you’ll be welcomed by Dave, the owner, and the comforting aromas of home cooked Italian food. Much of what chef Colin cooks has been passed down from Dave’s grandmother, who is from the small town of Venosa in Italy. Expect authentic dishes such as arancini, prosciutto e melone, carbonara, and a ridiculously delicious rigatoni with nonna’s slow cooked pork ragu. There are also seasonal specials that are worth checking out (and Italian denso hot chocolate may be making an appearance in winter!). 

For an American-inspired brunch or dinner, Johnny Barr’s your man. This Wynyard Quarter restaurant serves breakfast burritos, waffles as well as the favourites of eggs bene and muesli in the morning. Then when the sun goes down tuck into lamb shanks, beef wellington bites and French onion soup dumplings before finishing with banana fosters or NY cheesecake—yum! 

Sitting right on Wynyard Quarter for your people-watching pleasure, The Conservatory serves up brunch, lunch, and it's famous 18-inch pizza for your dining pleasure. Expect great service with a stellar alcohol menu—a cocktail is pretty much a must-have when there. Almost always full, it's a good idea to make a booking. The Conservatory has a great vibe and is a perfect weekend go-to spot. 

Oysters and steak with a view? Seriously, what's not to love? Oyster & Chop opened in October of 2015 and if you think an oyster is merely an oyster, you're wrong. At any one time there are up to ten varieties available, all ready for your shucking pleasure. There's also plenty of hearty meat options for the carnivore-loving folk, as well as a great wine list. Great food, great service and a great location. A must visit.

Easily one of Auckland’s best restaurants, dining at The Grove is an experience not to be missed. The staff are attentive and friendly, the setting beautiful (we love sitting at the tables outside in St Patrick’s Square) and the food, under the hand of Scott Denning is sublime. Opt for The Grove's nine-course degustation for the ultimate treat. 

When oily, MSG Chinese takeout isn’t doing it for you, head to Artwok in Takapuna. This modern-meets-authentic Chinese restaurant focuses on fresh yet flavoursome dishes, from raw seafood and street food-inspired nibbles to tender wagyu beef and crispy pork, you’ll find something to obsess over at Artwok. 

When the comfort of a curry is all you’re craving, head to Oh Calcutta in Parnell. This restaurant has been making some of the best Indian food in Auckland for 21 years. Tuck into an array of lip-smackingly good tandoori delights and entrees before the main event—curry. Oh Calcutta standouts include Prawn Malabrai, Punjabi Saag Ghosht, and their famous Butter Chicken—mopped up with delicious fresh naan, of course. 

Ponsonby just welcomed its very own Japanese restaurant, Namo. The Ponsonby Road space, formerly Thai Me Up, has been transformed into a beautiful eatery, where you can watch head chef Takashi Shitamoto create and plate gorgeous dishes. From sashimi and maki sushi to chicken nanban a.k.a white sauce sweet and sour chicken, plus fresh Ceylon prawns, there is something at Nomu to please all tastebuds. 

If you're big on a meal with a view, SkyTower's Orbit restaurant is your one-stop shop (or, in this case, restaurant). The 190-metre high dining room rotates once every hour, providing 360-degree views of the city, Hauraki Gulf and beyond. The Kiwi-inspired a la carte menu features a range of vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free dishes. We recommend going all out and opting for the three-course set menu. Visit during the weekend for the ultimate high (hah) tea.

Bagels and coffee go hand-in-hand, and there’s no better place to get your fix of the two than at Roost in Ponsonby’s Vinegar Lane. Roost is run by Vulcan Lane Bagel’s Ruben Maurice, a man who knows a thing or two about the perfect bagel. Him and his two business partners, Wayne Schuler and Shaun Marlo have created a minimalist space for Ponsonby workers to pop in for a delicious lunch on the go. 

From its Belmont beginnings, Little & Friday has come a long way. The recently relocated Newmarket café is a bright, beautiful space offering the same goodies Little & Friday fans have come to know and love. Whether you’re after a wonderful filled roll, an afternoon doughnut, or a dose of caffeine in Newmarket, Little & Friday is sure to impress. 

Scratch Bakers HQ can be found on Graham Street for whenever you need an afternoon pick-me-up, coffee or lunch on the go. All their goodies—be it scones, pies, tarts or brioche—are made by hand crafted daily using fresh ingredients and produce.For those who would rather eat in, Scratch has a small but delicious food menu featuring hot cakes, pork belly omelettes and slow-cooked scrambled eggs. Scratch Bakers also provide baked goods for some of Auckland’s best cafes. 

Urban Ashram believes that everyone can benefit from practicing yoga, and their Ponsonby studio is definitely the place to do it. With classes to assist you in being strong, centred, aligned and mindful, Urban Ashram is a welcoming environment to relax and unwind in. Every Thursday night, the Yoga Lab hosts workshops, master classes, events and guest teachers to help you deepen your yoga practice. 

Nestled in Grey Lynn is one of Auckland’s best yoga studios. Yoga Ground is perfect for beginners and those wanting to find balance in their minds and lives. The studio is flooded with natural light and helps you find your flow one class at a time. Yoga Ground also hosts retreats in the Coromandel and Bali.

Golden Yogi in Takapuna understands that everyone has a different yoga style and practice it for different reasons. From vinyasa, yin yoga, kundalini (deep meditation) and align and flow, to restorative, kids and pregnancy, Golden Yogi has classes for every age and ability. Keep an eye out for events as they host regular workshops, retreats and talks. 

Situated in Stonefields, OM Yoga Studio will help you breathe, move and flow without aches and pains in no time. With a focus on yin, vinyasa and locating trigger points, OM offers classes for every level of fitness and flexibility. 

Located in Kingsland, The Centre is a serene yoga studio run by some of Auckland’s best yoga teachers and natural health therapists. They offered yoga, meditation, naturopathy, massage therapy and hypnotherapy as well as a number of different health services. The Centre lives on top of Little Bird Unbakery—the perfect place to pick up your post yoga snack. 

Whether you’re a yoga novice or as limber as can be, the team at beautiful new studio EastWest Yoga Newmarket will take you on a yogic journey through Vinyasa, Yin, Yoga Nidra, Ashtanga and Yin Yang. The 22 classes a week range from 60 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on your fitness level and lifestyle. Joining the sister studio in Ponsonby, an EastWest membership now gives students access to both sites.

Keen to embrace yoga but don’t know where to start? EastWest Yoga in Ponsonby will help you learn the basics and get a killer workout at the same time. Located on Ponsonby Road, this yoga studio specialises in hot hatha, power vinyasa and yin classes. You can opt for different packages depending on your lifestyle. 

What better way to enjoy Japanese cuisine than overlooking stunning Takapuna Beach? The food at Tokyo Bay matches its spectacular location. We love the spicy fresh tuna and panko tiger prawn sushi, duck dumplings shumai, or opt for one of their teppan-yaki meals—your tummy will be thanking you for days.

Serving Pan Asian cuisine, Big Fish Eatery is inspired by bold Asian flavours, beautiful produce and fresh ingredients to create authentic and delicious dishes. Whether you love sweet, salty, spicy or sour, there’s something for everyone—and there’s take away and delivery available.

*Update: Now an online offering only.*

Opening in 1984, Hard To Find bookstore was first located in an Onehunga basement. Making it—yup, you guessed it—hard to find! The second hand bookstore was located on Onehunga Mall, making it MUCH easier to find and now it has moved to St Benedicts Street! Give yourself at least an hour (but probably more like half a day) to browse the treasure trove. Every single nook and cranny is stacked high with books and you're guaranteed to find some gems. 

Bang smack along Dominion Road, The Dominion is the perfect stop for pre-game drinks or feed with mates. Serving tasty lunch fare from 11am and dinner till late, The Dominion serves fare you wouldn’t expect to find in a bar. We’re talking almond-crusted pork schnitzel, Asian style pork belly salad, and Neapolitan risotto. Make sure you hit up one of their quiz nights—the perfect excuse to gather your mates for a few brews.  

Ponsonby Road icon Conch Kitchen And Bar has announced today that it will be closing for good tonight, March 28, 2024, after 26 years on the strip.

Whether you like your coffee darker or lighter, sweeter or stronger, Birkenhead’s Coffee General have your back. These guys take coffee seriously—and we mean seriously. The café serves up speciality coffees made from roasted New Zealand beans in a glorious fashion. They also sell tools of the trade including coffee makers, filters, drippers and jugs.

For a tasty ramen fix look no further than Mt Eden village’s Zool Zool. The restaurant is the brainchild of Toru Hirae of Soi restaurant and Kazuya Yamauchi of Kazuya restaurant so it’s no wonder Zool Zool has got it goin’ on. Their ramen menu is divided into broth and non-broth options with flavours including teriyaki chicken, beef cheek and pork mince. There is also a range of Japanese-style tapas such as edamame, octopus fritters, tempura veges and chicken katsu. Zool Zool has Orion Japanese beer on tap and a selection of sake and wines.

While The Leigh Sawmill Café is a bit off the beaten track, we promise the trip north will be worth it! The restaurant and bar is known for their gourmet pizzas and fresh fish. We’re big fans of their gratuitous pizza topped generously with fresh fish, shrimps, capers, aioli and lemon—oh my! There’s also an on-site brewery so you can be sure you’re sipping on the freshest of fresh craft beers. 

OhSO is a Grey Lynn neighbour favourite. The café is known for their great food, service and, of course, coffee! The café also as an outdoor deck and free wifi so it’s the perfect setting to write that novel of yours. It’s also licensed so you can have a cheeky bevvy when writer’s block sets in. We’re big fans of their build-your-own breakfast menu that allows you to have things just the way you like it! 

One of the tastiest, fuss-free lunches in the city is a bagel from Best Ugly. The brainchild of celeb chef Al Brown, Best Ugly in City Works Depot hand rolls Montreal-style bagels on site. Favourites on the menu include the Yodi—pastrami, habanero mustard, grilled Swiss and a pickle, and the Holey Smoke made with smoked fish, crème fraiche, lemon zest rocket saunce and parsley. You can also pick up a bag of bagels and take them home! 

Whenever you’re in need of a healthy yet tasty sweet treat, lunch or juice on the go, Ethos Café can help you out. This New Lynn café and bakery specialises in vegetarian, seasonal and organic food to cater for every taste and dietary requirement. Pick up a vegan cream cheese bagel and a smoothie made with only the good stuff. Ethos Café also serves up organic and ethically traded Flight Coffee and make some of the best cabinet salads in Auckland. 

Ponsonby Road Bistro has earned a name for itself as one of the city’s top fine dining restaurants. With a knack of creating fresh, modern cuisine using seasonal ingredients, Ponsonby Road Bistro has dished up some sublime food over the last few years. Their current food menu features the likes of five spice crispy duck, chipotle-marinated lamb rump, and their irresistible warm Valrhona chocolate pudding—the perfect end to what is likely to be a perfect meal. 

New Lynn’s hottest new eatery, Bodrum Kitchen is your one-stop shop for Turkish and Greek-inspired fare in West Auckland. Tuck into fresh dips (think tzatziki, taramasalata and hummus), nibbly mezze bits, souvlaki and kebabs. Bodrum Kitchen also has a delicious lunch menu featuring Turkish mince, Fasulye beans and their twist on a classic eggs bene. Finish your meal with baklava and you’ll be one happy diner. 

Northcote is home to The Flaming Onion—a gourmet burger joint flipping some of the best burgers in Auckland. From classic beef to beer-battered fish burgers and everything in between, The Flaming Onion does takeaways and home delivery. They’ve just introduced premium wagyu beef burgers and gluten-free buns. An order of their kumara fries is a must. 

Andiamo is a neighbourhood bistro that has been serving up fine food to the people of Herne Bay for 30 years. The menu is a mixture of reliable favourites, seasonal and trending dishes prepared with honesty and ‘simplicity done well’ in mind. Andiamo classics include their chicken liver pâté, Caesar salad and next-level delicious confit fennel duck leg. Enjoy alongside Andiamo’s famous negroni from the barrel (smoky flavours for the win!) and finished off with a classic crème brulee. 

You can’t call yourself an Aucklander until you’ve cut shapes on the dancefloor at the Longroom. The Ponsonby bar and bistro has been creating fond memories since way back when. They have a DJ dropping beats on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights—but you already knew that. What you might not know is the Longroom has deelish brunch, lunch and dinner menus. Enjoy a long lunch in the sunny courtyard and make your way through the extensive drinks menu.

If you like to heat things up a bit, then head to Britomart for some bikram yoga. A series of 26 hatha yoga postures, combined with two pranyama breathing techniques, it’s designed to help you have an invigorating yet rejuvenating yoga experience. The Bikram Yoga Britomart studio temperature is kept at 40 degrees for the optimum workout. 

For more than 40 years now, Fort Street’s Angus Steak House has been dishing out some of the biggest steaks in town. They only use prime New Zealand-breed Angus beef and lamb racks, pork chops or venison, all cooked to your liking. Put in your steak order and then tuck into the impressive salad selection with a couple of sides—the jacket potatoes are our fave. If you’re a sweet tooth you’ll want to save room for their classic creations. We’re talking pavlova, apple strudel, chocolate mud cake and lemon tart. Oh yes!

Almost too pretty to eat, the sushi at &Sushi is colourful, fresh and seriously inventive. Light and airy, it is a great lunch break spot for workers and those in need of a break from shopping. There are plenty of options to tempt your taste buds, including their delicious range of dessert sushi.

Leah Light is pretty much every Aucklanders dream when it comes to finding the perfect spot to get your nails done. Leah has been in the industry for decades and strives to provide 'something special' on those days when you want to feel like a star. While her Parnell business also does waxing and tanning, nails are where it's at—celebs like Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Lorde have all had their nails done by this talented woman. 

Home to some of the best pies in Auckland, Muzza’s Pies in Mt Albert is a hot spot for those who truly appreciate a good pie. The pies are made with fresh, flaky pastry filled with all sorts of genius flavours. Favourites include the classic steak and cheese, Mexicani, chicken and apricot and chilli beef and sour cream as well as blueberry, apple and custard for those with a sweet tooth. Word of warning, let them cool down before devouring—fresh batches are constantly whipped up and come out of the oven piping hot. 

Fresh pasta made daily, sauces made from scratch and a tiramisu to die for, Covo Italian Bistro is an inner-city Italian fave. Located down Fort Street, Covo offers a range of Italian culinary delights including gnocchi, risotto, Roman-style pizza, and scaloppina—best devoured with a glass of fine Italian red. It’s an Auckland institution with food and service that will never let you down.