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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. 

Winter Special

Fort Greene have made us get into sandwiches in a big way. With seasonal ingredients and super fresh bread, Fort Greene are building wickedly delicious sammies, full to the brim with yummy bits and bobs—think fish fingers and mushy peas, lamb kibbeh pattie, or cheesy fried halloumi. Fort Greene’s hand-cut cassava chips (complete with aioli) are also a must order. 

Want a workout but don’t wanna slave away in a gym? Check out ActivZone in Glenfield. In case you couldn’t guess, it’s a zone where you get active! Here you can get amongst inline and roller skating, table tennis, indoor soccer, inline hockey, bike polo and more! The space can also be hired for private events so if you’ve always wanted to host a roller disco, now’s your chance! 

With a creative and vast range of sushi and hot food, Umi and Umiya Japanese Cuisine is a great place to enjoy Japanese food. It’s a pick-your-own style of food, so you can create your ideal combination of flavours. Fresh and tasty, the sushi rolls are a hit, particularly at just $1 each!

This Northcote Point bistro is an institution, far away from the busy Auckland city. Sitting on a corner on Queen Street (Northcote, not CBD), The Engine Room hums away with the noise of its patrons devouring twice-baked goats cheese soufflé, veal schnitzel, and duck confit, among other irresistible items. The service is sharp and friendly—the kind when you’ll never find your water empty and any indecision will be put to rest by their willing menu advice. So listen to them when they suggest the profiteroles.  

Saigon Crafts on Jervois Road in Ponsonby is a conduit for Vietnamese culture here in Auckland City. Working directly with Vietnamese crafts people and artists, Saigon Crafts imports hand-made quality gifts that truly are one-of-a-kind.

Som Tum on K Road dishes up a host of Thai and Vietnamese dishes that are sure to satisfy your craving. Som Tum has gathered a cult-like following, and its location in Mercury Plaza adds to the overall ambiance and gives restaurant-goers a food hall experience. 

Head back to the 1950s and visit Ellice Road in the heart of the CBD.  A bright and airy social lounge it’s decorated in vintage style and rather than just sit around drinking, you can play pinball, shoot some darts or play some pool. Serving street food – think burgers, wood fired pizza, and foot long dog – and craft beer, Ellice Road is a great spot to unwind after work. 

Snuggled in amongst the Herne Bay shops is Five Loaves Eatery, a constantly bustling, white-tiled café chock full of mouth-watering cabinet food and a full kitchen for those opting for hot, cooked fare. The coffee is consistently delicious, and the ever-changing offerings in the cabinet keep the locals coming back to check out the new items.

Café on Kohi—another Hip Group café that truly lives up to Auckland hospitality royalty’s reputation. One of the city’s best cafes to enjoy ocean views, Café on Kohi is a café and bar rolled into one. Offering a fresh, exotic café menu during the day and an interesting bar menu at night – we could be tempted to stay for a fair few hours! Grab yourself the Provenance Plate filled with the sustainably farmed meats from their Kumeu butcher, and a bottle of something delicious from the extensive wine list and you have yourself a perfect day in the sun. 

Take the name of this establishment as a social direction and grab all your friends, as this is not the type of place you want to dine solo! Non Solo Pizza has all the ambience and flamboyancy of your traditional Italian restaurant (the only thing missing is a chef tossing the pizza base in the air). With 10 sections to this novel of a menu there is so much more than pizza, with gnocchi and delectible fish options coming at you from all angles—get amongst your Parnell evening Italia style.

Woodfired pizzas are Stumpy’s speciality, made with thin crispy bases, fresh ingredient, and a whole lotta love. Located on Mt Eden’s never-ending Dominion Road, Stumpy’s does delivery, or catch them at one of Auckland’s events in one of their food trucks. Salty Sailor and Tom & Cherry are some of the best pizzas in town. 

This city’s got soul and Soul Bar And Bistro is the best place to lap it up. Located on the Viaduct, this bar and restaurant is for Aucklanders who like a bit of elegance, but don’t take themselves too seriously. From snazzy business lunches over seafood and Sav, to after work cocktails and even big nights on the town, Soul is sure to impress. 

Al Volo Pizzeria is authentic Italian pizza at its finest. Run by a Italian family in Mt Eden, this pizza spot is one of Auckland’s best restaurants for everything cheesy, carb-laden and delicious. Traditional pizza lovers can’t go past the ‘Al Volo’ pizza—buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, fresh rocket, olive oil and parmigiano, and the Calzone Ripene with smoked, cured ham, spinach and shaved photo is an absolute treat. 

If you’re the kind of person who likes a generous dose of awesome with your ice cream, then Giapo is the place for you. There’s no trace of rainbow sprinkles or magic shell at this Gore Street joint. Giapo, the gelato making whizz behind the store, is responsible for the ridiculously epic looking (and tasting) creations.

Stephen Marr’s Lucy and the Powder Room is the ultimate haven for beauty lovers, and the perfect getaway for a girl’s day out. Head into Newmarket and indulge amongst the beautiful and feminine décor and offerings. The menu of services at Lucy and the Powder Room includes waxing, makeup application, facials and spray tans.  Allow yourself to be pampered, and in the lap of luxury at Lucy and the Powder Room.

Auckland isn’t short of excellent noodle establishments, but Ponsonby’s Chop Chop is one of the best noodle-centric restaurants in town. Chop Chop is another joint venture by restaurateur Mark Wallbank and chef extraordinaire, Che Barrington. Get your booty on a stool at the Chop Chop bar and order a bowl of steaming hot ramen, or crispy fried chicken with crazy hot sauce. 

Celeb chef Nic Watt was on to the good thing when he opened MASU Japanese bar and restaurant in the Federal Street dining precinct. At the heart of MASU is a robata grill. Here, the contemporary Japanese dishes are cooked in a traditional style over the hot coals of the grill and served up right before your eyes. The menu includes a selection of smaller dishes designed to be shared with mates and dates. You can’t leave MASU without trying the highly praised lamb cutlets with gochujang hot pepper, pickled onions and carrot. Trust us on this one.

There’s not much we can fault Fred’s Espresso on. This Ponsonby Road café and soda bar is full of yum, honest food, great coffee, slurpingly good milkshakes, and some of the friendliest staff you’ll encounter in the area. Stop by Fred’s for an early morning feed, or afternoon catch ups. 

Grills AND Shakes? Yes please! This Kingsland gem of a restaurant specialises in charcoal chicken, flatbreads, and flame-grilled skewers, plus just a casual 69 milkshake flavours. Located in a home-like building on New North Road, a night a Grill & Shakes must start with cheesy mozzarella dippers and finish with a shake or two. 

The Espresso Workshop bunch are serious about making really great coffee. Their Britomart café is full of coffee enthusiast baristas who spend their days creating beautiful, smooth-as-silk coffees. Pop into Espresso Workshop for your cold brew fix and a bagel. 

Coffee lovers, you’re spoiled for choice at Grey Lynn’s Postal Service. Using their own beans, Kokako is all about helping people find their favourite brew, be it espresso, filter, cold brew, or the trusty flat white. Stop in for a light lunch of broccoli, cumin feta, and quinoa fritters (drizzled in cashew aioli—yum!), or grab an energizer sandwich, one of our favourite loaded sammies. 

Coffee from a Kombi? Genius! Takapuna’s hospitality hub, Forteith & Hurstmere, is home to our favourite quirky coffee spot, Kombi Coffee. The 1966 Kombi serves some of the city’s best coffee, milkshakes made from all-natural flavours, homemade pies (coconut and kumara is uh-mazing), and other irresistible treats. Pop in and say hello. 

Ramen is having a moment, and there’s no better place to get on board the buzz than Ramen Takara in Brown’s Bay. They have soul warming, noodlelicious bowls of ramen, made fresh daily using local ingredients as well as all our Japanese favourites—edamame, karaage chicken and beef tataki. Hands down one of the best ramen spots in Auckland, and won’t break the bank. 

Ice cream is one of life’s most decadent pleasures, and Sweet Val’s Ice Cream hits the sweet spot. Their Pop Up Ice Cream Parlour is a New Zealand first, with the Sweet Val’s peeps churning made-to-order ice cream from scratch. Using liquid nitrogen and no egg, gluten or dairy (vegan options, too), Sweet Val’s flavours include hazelnut hokey pokey, chocolate coconut rough with cocao nibs, and coconut and vanilla bean, amongst other delicious flavours. Turn it into a sundae with “Chocolate Fush” or Popcorn & Salted Caramel Sauce—two of our favourites.

Depot Eatery is many things—a cracking bar, an oyster-lovers paradise, and one of Auckland's best restaurants. Perched high on the hill in Auckland's CBD this little all-rounder is a warm and welcoming recluse for wine lovers and foodies alike. Freshly shucked oysters are the star of the show, but it's hard to put a foot wrong when ordering from the epic share plates. Chef Al Brown has created a seasonal menu with a strong focus on New Zealand produce, and the result are pretty darn delicious. Depot also does breakfast with a tidy little menu including beignettes, bacon and egg doonas, and coffee served from 7am.