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Charlie & George is a killer brunch spot in Stonefields. The interior design is fresh and innovative, just like their baked goods! If a stack of buttermilk cupcakes with a cup of Kokako coffee doesn’t entice you then we don’t know what will. They also offer a wider range of sweet treats and savoury goodies in the cabinet.  

Need a beverage fix, but can’t seem to pinpoint that exact liquid craving? Sip Kitchen in Mairangi Bay can help you out. With their heavy focus on wholefoods sourced locally and naturally, Sip creates smoothies and juices from heaven—Three C, Ginger Ninja and Berry Immune to name a few. Sip also provides guilt-free vegan goodies that you’ll want to stock up on. 

With inspiration from Mumbai, Urban Turban combines old recipes with fresh flavours to introduce a new and exciting type of Indian Cuisine. Urban Turban encourages you can bask in the sun of at their North Wharf restaurant, while enjoying some of the best Indian food in town. Don’t leave without trying the Tandoori Prawns!

The world is your oyster when you dine at Eight. The Langham Hotel’s on-site buffet restaurant has eight unique kitchens for you to choose from. The best part? You can enjoy as many courses as you like! Here you’ll find an American-style grill, Asian noodle and dim sum kitchen, a fresh seafood bar, authentic Indian curries and—our favourite—a dessert bar complete with a chocolate fountain. Eat all the food.

Pssst Aucklanders, we’re going to let you in on a little secret here. It’s to do with your new favourite watering hole and place for, well, stuffing your pie hole. We’re talking about none other than Apéro, a cosy yet chic wine bar and eatery propped up on Karangahape Road. Taking its name from the urban French tradition of enjoying a quality drop and bite in good company, it comes as no surprise that Apéro is one of best French restaurants in Auckland.

Henderson is home to a café as sweet, yet as naughty, as a little sister. Little Sister has all sorts of goodies, including the notorious donuts (available in custard and cream and jam). Kokako Organic Coffee is on offer, alongside a South East Asian inspired menu. And the donuts, you can’t forget the donuts. Honestly, if you haven’t got the jist yet—go try the goddamn donuts.

Known for some of the best contemporary Japanese fare in town is Ebisu, a funky restaurant on Britomart's Quay Street. Ebisu’s teriyaki chicken, seared sirloin steak or daily market fish bento boxes are always a hit during lunch, loaded with karaage chicken, tuna sashimi salad, perfectly pickled pickles, and the obligatory miso soup. For dinner, crispy soft shell crab is an absolute must, and the miso glazed eggplant will rock your world. 

Kingsland’s Habitat For Fitness is exactly what it says it is—a habitat for getting super duper fit, and having fun while you’re at it. Group training is the main focus at Habitat For Fitness, with heart pumping, endorphin inducing classes such as Tabata, Barre Attack and TRX. 

Dominion Road’s Cereal Killa does a fantastic breakfast on a strip more famous for its dumplings than its eggs. The menu is short and sharp, offering some of Mt Eden’s best breakfast options. The simple avo on toast is fab, but the coconut porridge with pear, ginger, rhubarb & coconut caramel seems to be the local favourite judging by how many fly out to the tables. For more substantial fare, the big ’un will just allow you to roll yourself out the door. 

This little gem is the perfect spot to meet your Japanese cuisine needs. Yokoso offers a street-side window to select your dream takeaway or head inside for a relaxing respite from the busyness of Dominion Road. We can’t get enough of the black rice tempura prawn sushi and their bento boxes go down a delicious treat.

The Remuera Local really is ‘the local’, because there aint no place we’d rather be. The Remuera Local is a hub buzzing with activity, with a menu to feed the masses. The food on offer, is a little bit of everything, a little bit of everything French inspired. The perfect place for a group outing or hungover brunch, as there is bound to be a dish to tickle everyone’s fancy. The Remuera Local also supports the locals, by pouring glasses of New Zealand’s finest drop. 

If you’re a self confessed burrito connoisseur, make your way to The Mexican Cafe. This inner-city Mexican restaurant specialises in generous portions of classics, and a few twists (Devil Nachos are a favourite). The Mexican Cafe will have you leaving satisfied, without robbing your bank balance—perfect justification to spend more on some serious margaritas, as they boast 80 types of tequila. Oh, and the best part? They’re not stingy on the guac! 

One of the best outdoor eating spots in Auckland, The Tasting Shed is perfect for a day trip out of the city. It has a seasonal menu and a substantial, global wine list to tickle the palate—be prepared to step outside your comfort zone here.

Although the location is not so secret anymore, Amy’s Secret Kitchen on Brown Street in Ponsonby is still revered as a treasure. What started as a passionate hobby of sisters Amy and Charlotte, has blossomed into Amy’s Secret Kitchen, which officially launched in 2012. The girls are on a quest to create the most delicious and gorgeous confectionary in New Zealand.

L’Escabeau French Kitchen is a café on Richmond Road run by two incredibly friendly French women who churn out a delicious array of French delicacies for the Ponsonby and Grey Lynn neighbourhoods. Whether you sit down for a bite to eat or grab something to takeaway, you can rest easy knowing you are going to be served high-quality French fare.

Amongst Parnell’s Jubilee Building is Foundation on George, a tranquil café with an innovative and modern interior and a cabinet full of home-made sweet and savoury treats to fuel your guilty indulgence. Diners also have the option for prepared to order food which can be enjoyed in the natural light of the spacious interior. All in all, Foundation on George provides a serene café setting with traditional fare for locals and visitors alike.  

It’s not everyday that you are able to wine and dine amongst blossoming flowers and greenery. The Botanist in City Works Depot is the collision of a café, wine bar and florist, so your options are endless. With a team made up of restaurateurs, florists and sommaliers, the experience you get at The Botanist is truly inventive and invigorating.

4&20 in Remuera is owned by the masterminds behind Zarbo food store in Newmarket. Inspired after their European travels, husband and wife Andy Tse and Deborah Chait returned to New Zealand to emulate the classical methods of bread-making found overseas. Using just three ingredients of organic flour, sea salt and filtered water, the dynamic duo churns out artisan, naturally leavened breads inspired by European tradition. 

Flowers After Hours, located in trendy Parnell, has been bringing joy to Aucklanders for the past 25 years. The specialized team of florists behind Flowers After Hours consistently create unique bouquets and arrangements that are a beautiful way to complement any occasion, from corporate events and product launches to dinner parties and special gifts.

Equipoise Spa, located on Jervois Road in Ponsonby, is a place of tranquillity where customers can relax, rejuvenante and restore mind, body and spirit. At Equipose Spa, the focus is on enhancing the soul, which therefore enhances outer beauty and directly affects overall wellbeing. The menu of services at Equipoise Spa includes facials, body treatments, massage therapy and manicures + pedicures, among many other offerings.  

About Face has been voted New Zealand’s favourite beauty clinic and it’s no surprise why. Following their mantra “Great looking skin for a lifetime, without extreme measures”, About Face delivers the best in beauty in the form of facials. Auckland’s most comprehensive range of facials, it also offers an array of other offerings including massage and spa treatments, laser hair removal and manicures and pedicures.

The Elephant Wrestler is an institution in Takapuna, conveniently located on Hurstmere Road. It’s a versatile gastropub good for any occasion, from a birthday party to a work function and anything in between. The weekly rituals make the Elephant Wrestler a staple any day of the week and include Friday’s catch of the day and Tuesday Trivia.

Located conveniently on Ponsonby Road towards the K-Road intersection lies Tartine Café, up until recently known as Café People. The full service café is known for its French inspiration, drawing from the French word 'Tartine' which literally translates to 'a slice of bread.' French Tartines au Beurre, Charcuterie Platters and Oeuf & Boeuf are some of the French influenced items you will find on the menu at Tartine Café.

Cats and coffee? Why not! Auckland's BaristaCats is situated in the heart of the CBD and visitors can pay to pop in for an hour and pet cats to their hearts content while sipping on a complimentary coffee provided by Auckland roasters Be.Specialty and a bite to eat if you’re keen. 

Thai Street on Jellicoe Street in Wynyard Quarter has set the bar for an authentic Thai street food experience. People from all over the city venture to Wynyard Quarter to be transported to the streets of Bangkok for the evening, where they enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, and lest we forget; authentic Thai street food.

One of the best places to grab sushi during your lunch break, Sushi Pac offers a range of options for you to mix and match your ideal meal. Whether you love salmon, chicken, beef, prawn or tuna sushi, you’ll find it at Sushi Pac. We also love the crayfish seafood mix.

They may have been around for a hundred years, but The Teps are still as popular as ever. With two pools, spa and sauna facilities, as well as a fitness centre, The Tepid Baths are a one-stop health location. Not only this, but there’s also an on-site café for your caffeine fix post-workout. Get up bright and early for a swim before work or pop by for a dip after work. 

When the temperature is on the colder side, nothing beats a steaming bowl of ramen. Ramen Do in Eden Terrace makes authentic Japanese ramen as well as dons and sides. Start with a plate of takoyaki—Japan’s favourite snack before trying their famous miso base ramen. Ramen Do make their noodles fresh everyday and import ingredients for Hokkaido in Japan. 

One thing we’ve never understood is the saying ‘you can’t have your cake and eat it too’. If we’re having cake, then we are devouring the entire lot. And at The Bake Pod its far too hard not to. In fact it is pretty hard to resist much at The Bake Pod with its outstanding selection of pies, jars of palm-sized cookies and more slices than your gran knows how to make. The Bake Pod is the perfect pit stop for a nourishing breakfast, coffee, or for lunch on the go.

Summer is coming and we all have one thing on our mind—swimwear season. Truth be told, the one thing we should all have on our mind is BodyTech. Unlike any other gym in Auckland, BodyTech specialises in High Intensity Training (HIT) which is bound to make your body feel like it’s been hit by a train the day after. With supervised training, classes and a pool, BodyTech will sculpt you into that bikini bod. 

Take a store and name it after a jewel. Take a designer and create some beautiful clothes. What do you have? A shop-sized wardrobe with more magic than the one that leads to Narnia. Little girls dream of dressing up like princesses and young women dream of wearing dresses from Ruby. Located in Newmarket, Ruby is set amongst shopping sophistication. Ruby is the place to go when in need of a dress for that special occasion, a gift for that special someone, or even a glossy new diary for that glossy new you.

Jolin Shanghai fulfils our love of xiao long bao, known as soup dumplings, these liquid filled steamed beauties are a joy to eat. Sitting on Dominion Road, Jolin Shanghai serves up some seriously delicious Chinese food to quickly become a firm favourite. 

Major Sprout has changed hands to become YUN. We haven't had a chance to visit yet but we'll update here when we do!

Ima means ‘mother’ in Hebrew, and this Auckland restaurant might just be a better stop than your mother’s place—but you better not tell her that. Ima has joined the food-sphere that Fort Street and is offering up something a little different. Menu items include shawarmas, falafels, couscous and various other culinary delights that represents authentic Middle-Eastern and Israeli street food. Ima is home-cooked, nutritious and delicious—just like any mother’s cooking.

Pah Gallery is part of Pah Homestead, located in Hillsborough. The carefully selected exhibitions are astounding and complex. Pah Gallery’s unusual location, and unique exhibitions are inspiring to even the most un-artistic of us. Alongside Pah Gallery is its very own gift shop, showcasing talent from all over New Zealand, with a large proportion from Auckland. There's plenty of gifts and products on display—handcrafted, exquisite and always changing. 

Sprout, sprouted out in an old petrol station along New North Road, and has been providing strong coffees and innovative food ever since. An Asian influence can be duly noted at Sprout with menu items such as bahn mi or sticky rice with ginger and palm sugar. With a brunch menu that packs a punch and being located on the edge of the Mt Albert market, looks like Sprout makes for a great Saturday morning out.

Superette is super. Superette, Newmarket is one of our faves. The store itself is a beauty, decked out in delightful ornaments and prints—a pleasure to the eye. Glass cases show off some of our favourite New Zealand designer’s work, which is something we love about Superette. Supporting local designers in their dreams to leave an impression on the fashion world, has left an impression on us. We love supporting our fellow Kiwis, and we love that Superette supports them too.

Ponsonby has always been the neighbourhood of all things stylish and new. Superette does nothing but compliment this hip suburb with its alternative interior and fashionable attire. You can count on Superette to have the latest and greatest for both men and women, including but not limited to; shoes, clothing and jewellery. Superette never fails at having something that catches the eye, and what else can you expect when they sell some of the best designer brands in New Zealand.

Sunny Taka is slowly developing its shopping hub, and Superette sits top of the list. Walking into Superette is an outing of its own, beautifully designed items displayed so perfectly that you almost don’t want to buy them. But you do. Because you’re in Superette and everything is so carefully, artistically and lovingly produced. If you’re in the mood to spend a pretty penny, then you know where to go.

Spring Trees New Sichuan is said to be one of the best Chinese restaurants in Auckland. Specialising in Sichuan style cuisine, and doing it well, it’s vital to book in advance as its always bustling inside. Spring Trees New Sichuan combines authenticity and modernity within a bold and often spicy menu. We recommend venturing out, trying something new and heading to Spring Trees New Sichuan. For an explosion of flavour, try the cucumber and spicy fish.

You win some, you dim sum. Who doesn’t like a good feast of dim sum amiright? We reckon the real decider of great dim sum is the pork bun. The Bun Hut knows all about what makes a delicious pork bun. The Bun Hut can be easily misconceived as a bakery from its exterior, but inside it represents the life and soul of Chinese street food. The Bun Hut is a pure delight to pork bun lovers of Auckland, providing an extraordinary array of pork buns, and various other buns. They sure got buns, hun.

Symonds Street sushi lovers, look no further! Bian Sushi rolls up some of the best sushi in Auckland. Whether you’re wanting to fill a tray to the brim with your favourite rolls, or craving donburi for lunch, Bian Sushi won’t disappoint. 

The old Ponsonby fire station is home to Mary’s, a neighbourhood café serving up a sizeable and scrumptious menu for breakfast, brunch and dinner. The high ceilings, stained glass windows and exposed bricks add a lovely look and feel to the place, perfect for early breakfasts, leisurely lunches and coffee dates. Favourites on the menu include vegan sticky black rice, tuna nicoise and the halloumi and tofu toasted sandwich (with the avocado rose) you see all over Instagram. They also have delish baking made on site. 

With the country burbs filling up by the day, The Village Bar & Kitchen is a renowned spot that the folk out south can go to for decent feed without having to mish it up the motorway. Situated out in the quiet Patumahoe, The Village offers a casual dining experience with both good vibes and an extensive gastro menu. Rain, hail or shine, patrons can enjoy a brew or two either indoors or in the all-weather garden bar. The kitchen is well known for their authentic Italian home baked breads and sourdough pizza bases, with the pizzas being a favourite amongst regulars.

Mojo Coffee is the heart and soul of Wellington’s caffeine scene, and a little bit of that quirk, coffee and great service has found itself in Newmarket. Mojo Carlton Gore focuses on simplicity and plays on the rustic ambience of the garage, it has so cleverly occupied. With an all-day brunch menu and magic Mojo beans, Mojo Carlton Gore plays on the heart strings of the best of us.

Caffeine cravings can hit everywhere and anywhere. If you just so happen to be in Parnell at the time, stop by Long + Short, an Atomic espresso bar serving excellent coffee. This dinky hole-in-the-wall has small selection of goodies from Atomic’s Kingsland HQ, but the focus here is the coffee. Whether you want it iced, black or in a silky flat white, Long + Short’s coffee is among of the best in the area. 

If you’re all about them burgers, get on down to Burger Queen in Mt Albert. The humble takeaway shop serves up an impressive 35 different burgers. Yup, you read that right—35 burgers! Choose between the likes of beef blue cheese and chicken camembert with cranberry. If you’re feeling particularly game, tackle ‘the beast’. The burger is stacked high with beef, chicken, steak, bacon, egg, pineapple and salad. May the odds be ever in your favour. 

After a rather long stint in the shadows, the iconic Victoria Park Market has been returned to its former gorgeous self. It’s looking shiny and new, but with the exposed brick and community feel that made Aucklanders fall in love with the place all those years ago. Victoria Park Market’s re-development has seen a number of stores move in as well as some great bars and restaurants, old and new. 

Urban farmers market, gourmet kitchen, florist, and ultimate playground for anyone who loves local, artisan food, Scarecrow on Victoria Street West might just be the one of city’s coolest openings this year. Scarecrow stocks over 120 products from the best artisan producers in the area—we’re talking chocolate, wine, bread (three of life’s guilty pleasures) and heaps of other goodies that you’ll want to get your hands on. Scarecrow also has an excellent menu, or pick up a sammie and enjoy it next door at Albert Park. 

Relax and ease the stresses of the world at East Day Spa in the heart of the city. As part of SKYCITY, there’s food packages to enjoy or visit for all your beauty and relaxation needs. East Day Spa is the go-to spa for local and visiting celebs is one of Auckland’s best spas with everything you need. 

Whether your appetite knows no bounds, or you’re simply after an authentic German feed, Der Metz in Kohimarama has got you covered. This German restaurant has developed a reputation for dishing out traditional fare including sauerkraut, schnitzel, currywurst and pork hock. Everything is mammoth in size and full in flavour so there’s no chance of leaving hungry. Just make sure you finish your Der Metz meal with a traditional apfelstudel. 

18 years strong and O’Connell St Bistro has still got it. With a refurbished street, they now have outdoor seating for up to 20 people, restaurant and private dining space, this is one of the best restaurants in Auckland. With an award-wining wine menu and one of the few places in New Zealand you can buy a Cristal champagne by the glass mixed with one of the finest menus created by Mark Southon, O’Connell St Bistro is a must visit. 

Presentz on Richmond Road in Grey Lynn likes to do things a bit different. Like it’s name, the gifts inside are equal parts quirky, fun and New-Zealand inspired. Presentz is one of those gift shops that you look forward to visiting because the offerings are an eclectic amalgam of things that you never knew existed but somehow always wanted.

Housebar is a bit of an Auckland institution, and after a recent restoration, it’s looking rather snazzy. You’ll find this bar located on the first floor of Auckland’s Hotel DeBrett in all its art deco glory, so sit back with a cocktail and soak up the history. 

Killer cocktails are what Red Bar is all about. Located at the top of Pitt Street, Red Bar is a community-focused spot that pumps out drinks, great chat, and music by guest DJs from Thursday to Saturday. The crew behind the bar know their cocktails, so just name your tipple and they’ll whip up something spectacular. 

When all you want (and need) is a stiff drink at a proper bar, Coley & Punch is where you should go. This newly opened bar on Princes Wharf is named after Ada Coleman, the legendary bartender who wo-manned the Savoy Hotel’s bar in London during the early 1900s. 

Beretta Pizzeria combines two fundamental pillars of happiness—pizza and wine. Although their margherita pizza is more than tempting to order alongside copious quantities of sangria, Beretta Pizzeria is an absolute underdog for producing some of the most divine small plates. Go on a slightly inspired Italian journey through the likes of polenta chips and crispy calamari, and you'll be sure to leave in a state of 'Berettabliss'. 

An Auckland institution, Swashbucklers a.k.a Swashies has been providing the views and the brews since 1997. Situated right on the edge of Westhaven Marina, Swashbucklers are experts in seafood, and it’s a spot where people from all walks of life convene for a ­drink or two by the water. 

Head to Britomart’s Racket Bar when you’re craving a slice of Cuba. This laidback Auckalnd bar has got shabby chic down pat, and is known for its impressive rum collection, live music, and wicked atmosphere. Racket Bar is tucked away in a somewhat dingy lane, but don’t let that sway you—it’s an absolute gem and one of the best bars in Auckland. 

La Zeppa is one of those places where you’ll rock up for an afternoon drink in the sun, and end up staying ‘til the wee hours of the morning. Located on Drake Street, behind Victoria Park, La Zeppa has an outdoor fireplace, tasty tapas, and plenty of room for you and your whole crew. The food is made for sharing, so order a bunch of different plates and get stuck in, because this La Zeppa is one of the best bars in Auckland.