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Shokuzen is a Japanese restaurant on Ponsonby Road, well known by the locals for its relaxed atmosphere and affordable yet delicious fare. Shokuzen is a popular destination for BYOs in the area, with punters drinking sake and manoeuvring chopsticks most weekends, all while sitting under traditional Japanese cherry blossoms. Also, do yourself a favour and try Shokuzen's Karaage Chicken (and their fresh sashimi while you're at it). 

Icing on the Cake, located on Jervois Road in the heart of Herne Bay, creates bespoke cupcakes and cakes for any occasion. The confections at Icing on the Cake are all lovingly made-to-order using the freshest and most high-quality ingredients on the market.

Melanie Roger Gallery works with and represents some of the best contemporary artists in New Zealand. The artists are both established and emerging, and Melanie Roger Gallery strives to support these artists and develop their careers, both within New Zealand and internationally. 

Eighthirty is one of the city’s most renowned coffee roasters, brewing what is undoubtedly some of Auckland’s best coffee. Eighthirty’s newest location is nestled on busy High Street, and is already the city workers go-to café to grab a cup of early morning fuel, in the form of creamy, hard hitting caffeine. The High Street joint has also got super tasty cabinet food you can grab and go, just in case you’re feeling a peckish.  

A pain au chocolat is the perfect breakfast in its simplicity and indulgent factor. Whether you’re after some stunning Parisian pastries or some seriously mouth-watering bread, La Voie Francaise has you covered. As one of Auckland’s best French bakeries, La Voie Francaise offers shelves of authentic and delicate delights all made in house. Go ahead and pick up one of their gorgeous pastries, and I dare you to attempt to resist the smell and not walk out with one of their baguettes fresh out of the oven. 

Long, lean limbs are a goal for all of us, and Barrefigure will help us to achieve that with their effective 60-minute workouts. Hot on the heels of the popular barre fitness movement, the classes at Barre Figure help us to achieve that ballet dancer body without needing any dancing or coordination ability! You’re in great hands at Barrefigure—the experienced team of instructors is lead by Marysa who danced with the Royal New Zealand ballet for seven years.  

For one of Auckland’s most exclusive jewellery experiences, book yourself an appointment at Culét Diamonds. You’ll get the absolute star treatment as you work with the jewellers who design and hand craft each individual piece. The impeccable service at Culét Diamonds includes an intimate consultation room where you can enjoy a whiskey or fine wine while your custom work of art is discussed. Saturday and Sunday is by appointment only. 

As Auckland’s first luxury fitness studio, The Form Room turns exercising into a seriously indulgent activity. From the moment you walk into the gorgeous studio, you’re met with luxurious details everywhere, from the gorgeous interior to the very best equipment. The Form Room specialises in bespoke nutritional and physical programmes in an intimate and private setting and will get you that beach perfect bod in no time! 

Honey Café is the perfect shopping break after a long slog at the Department Store. Offering up some of Auckland’s best cabinet food, they do have a full menu, too, if you can look past the tempting goodies on display. The coffee is great, and the service is attentive and friendly. Honey also has one of Takapuna’s best outdoor seating areas to enjoy lunch in the sunshine—perfect for a cheeky vino while pondering those shopping options. 

Ladies, this is one name you’ll want to casually slip into conversation as much as possible—maybe one day he’ll get the hint. Purveyors of some of Auckland best jewellery, Naveya & Sloane offer a wide range of gorgeous designs whether it’s for a special occasion or a treat to yourself. Naveya & Sloane also specialise in creating bespoke designs, which will give you the personalised result you’ve been dreaming of.

Now you can get your hair done while sipping on beautiful tea AND get those talons into shape all under one roof. Located at Dry & Tea in City Works, Pop Nails’ owner Imogene Bevan is a true nail artist, creating a masterpiece on your fingertips. Whether it’s elaborate nail art you’re after or subdued pastels for a wedding, Pop Nails will nail it. 

Bollinger with brunch? Sounds like the perfect way to spend a Sunday! Soak up the gorgeous view with impeccable service and fabulous food at Auckland cafe, St Heliers Bay Café and Bistro. One of Auckland’s best destination cafes, St Heliers Bay Café and Bistro is perfect for a special occasion brunch. The pizettes are perfect little tasters and great to share; not to mention useful for soaking up that champagne!

Quaint little Queenies Lunchroom sits in Freeman’s Bay covered in ivy and brings a serious nostalgic charm to your Sunday brunch or weekday lunch date. The retro décor and small touches like the unique retro teaspoons only add to Queenies’ allure. The simple menu offers lots of great options and something you’ll all enjoy. Make sure you try the Turkish Eggs with babbagonoush and yoghurt, one of Auckland’s best brunch dishes. Don’t resist the temptation to pick up one of Queenies home baked oat cookies—it’s worth it. 

Café Monet sits behind busy Newmarket and serves up some of Auckland’s best all-day breakfasts and substantial, seasonal salads. The French food also shows Italian influences with plenty of Mediterranean flavours; perfect to enjoy in the sunny courtyard. Don’t listen to a word spoken about French rudeness—the friendly staff at Café Monet certainly suggest otherwise!

While wandering around Wynyard Quarter, or taking a break from a summer event, Gelatiamo is the perfect pit stop. Gelatiamo is known for having some of Auckland’s best ice cream, and recently won the top gelato and sorbet prizes at the New Zealand ice cream awards with their Banana Gelato and Grapefruit Sorbet, along with 8 other gold and silver awards. Gelatiamo also offer more serious dessert options, showcasing that award-winning ice cream with waffles and banana splits, alongside a fabulous affogato. 

Take a step into the antique emporium that is Auckland cafe, The Apothecary, and you’ll be delighted by the food and drinks also available in this unique and quirky space. The Apothecary in Howick village is one of Auckland’s finest neighbourhood cafes/bars. The eclectic décor at The Apothecary sets the scene for the licensed café in the day, and the adjourning bar stays open til late so you can enjoy their great craft beers right into the evening. 

Auckland bakery, La Boulange is the real deal, offering some of the best croissants and macaroons in the city. La Boulange’s Herne Bay store is great to stop by to grab an authentic French filled baguette and fantastic coffee for a lunch on the run. With every item baked fresh every day, using only the best ingredients, La Boulange represents French simplicity at its finest. 

Jordan Rondel aka The Caker bakes some of Auckland’s best and most photogenic cakes. These beauties are often adorned organically with edible flowers. Each piece by The Caker is truly a work of art and ideal for any special occasion you may have coming up. The is an emphasis on healthier ingredients including unrefined sugars and spelt flours which are lower in gluten and easier for digestion. Pop into The Caker’s tiny K-Road flagship store, or stop by her convenient window on Vulcan Lane to grab a slice or to order and pick up full cakes.

20 minutes may seem like a long time to wait for pancakes, but trust us these bad boys are worth every second. Domain & Ayr offers what are quite possibly Auckland’s best pancakes; light and fluffy, topped with berry compote, maple syrup and mascarpone. If you’re a slightly more health-concious breakfast or lunch person, Domain & Ayr certainty caters with their fresh, organic food menu and healthy smoothie and juice options. 

For Auckland’s best coffee and croissants with a view, get to The Store on Kohi for a quick takeaway fix! Great coffee and fabulously light and buttery croissants are the perfect fuel for that stroll down Kohimarama beach. The Store on Kohi also does fabulous gelato in fabulous flavours including cherry, coconut and coffee. 

Little Nuffield is one of Auckland’s cutest little coffee spots. It was Little Nuffield’s colourful tiles, great branding and quirky interior details that saw this tiny spot short-listed for the British-based Restaurant & Bar Design Awards. Perfect for whether you live in the area, or frequently partake in Newmarket’s favourite sport (shopping), check out Little Nuffield’s great value prepaid coffee cards that give you a hefty discount. 

@Bangkok brings a little slice of Thailand to the Kingsland shops. Thai food is often incredibly westernised, but at @Bangkok you’ll get the real deal and have the opportunity to eat some of Auckland’s best Thai food. It's BYO so you can get a bit silly, but the décor is stylish enough to be a worthy date destination. Try the amazing penang curry with duck or the on-point spicy seafood “yum” salad, and you won’t leave disappointed!

If you find yourself in Grafton, make sure you pop into Welcome Eatery for a bite to eat. Welcome Eatery is – you guessed it – very welcoming. It’s the kind of place you’d feel quite comfortable setting up your laptop and passing the day away whilst drinking copious cups of Supreme coffee. The café serves wholesome and tasty options for breakfast and lunch. The seasonal menu is sure to delight but the real standout here is the ever-changing cabinet brimming with sandwiches, salads and delightful sweet treats. Anyone for a pavlova donut?

Late night food can be pretty average, but not at Fort Street’s Velvet Burger! We swear this place is never closed and that’s a great thing when you’ve had a few cheeky bevvies and just need a burger to finish the night off. We can’t go past their signature burger stacked high with venison, grilled pineapple and salad with lashings of chilli mayo and relish. And, as an added bonus, Velvet Burger has a beer and wine menu so you can wash things down with a nightcap.

Seafood lovers, unite! If you’re a fan of all things from the sea, you need to visit The Oyster Inn on Waiheke Island. Helmed by celeb chef Josh Emett and situated in the beachy village of Oneroa, the restaurant’s menu is inspired by coastal classics and made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Take a seat on The Oyster Inn’s ocean-view verandah and savour Te Matuku oysters followed by a main of grilled market fish served with asparagus, baby spinach and hollandaise. The Oyster Inn also offers small luxury boutique accommodation, making it the perfect weekend getaway.

KK Malaysian Cuisine is small, but certainly makes up for it in flavour! Trust the queues outside and join the masses for what is arguably Auckland’s best and most authentic Malaysian restaurant. Grab a group of friends and head to KK Malaysian so you can try a variety of the generous family-style shared dishes. The Assam fish is liberal with the tamarind and is served as a whole snapper—an absolute steal at only $32!

Calling all foodies! Situated in Three Lamps, Ponsonby, Sidart is a dining experience like no other. The restaurant is the brainchild of one of New Zealand’s most progressive chefs, Sid Sahrawat. Sidart is Auckland fine dining at its best. The dishes are exquisitely presented and the often-surprising melange of flavours is guaranteed to delight your taste buds. Be warned: Sidart will ruin your dining experiences for life – nothing will ever compare to this unique Auckland restaurant.

The tiny Angie’s Kitchen has been serving authentic, home-style Malaysian cuisine from within the university campus forever, feeding hungry students and others who want great food for little coin! You’ll find most of your favourites here including mee goreng and roti canai, but the owners’ Nyonyan heritage shows in the lesser-known menu options. Try Angie’s Kitchen on Sundays for the amazing rice dish nasi kandar. Make sure you leave room for Angie’s sago pudding! 

Auckland has a new contender for the best burgers in town. Introducing Ralph’s Bar and Eatery on Dominion Road. The American inspired diner serves up all the best things in life: big burgers, curly fries, deep fried pickles and beer... need we say more? The animal lovers amongst us will be pleased to hear Ralph’s offers a vegan-friendly sloppy Joe – there’s even vegan mayo for your fries. Ralph's covered courtyard is the perfect place to sink a bevvy on long, summer evenings.

Bros and brews—they make a fine pair. Brothers Beer is a craft beer lounge and brewery in Auckland’s City Works Depot, with 18 taps and over 200 bottles of beer. It’s a rad spot (possibly the best craft beer bar in Auckland), so rally up your craft enthusiast mates, and head down for a pizza and a couple of cold ones.  

Established in 1986, it’s fair to say Ponsonby Road’s Prego has stood the test of time. The Italian restaurant is like an old friend – it’s faithful, reliable and you can always count on Prego for a good time. If you haven’t already, make sure you try one of Prego’s signature pizzas or their classic zuppa di pesce seafood soup. Come summer, you’ll find us enjoying a long lunch in the afternoon sun of the gorgeous courtyard. 

Is there really any better partnership than beer and barbecued meat? The answer is no, and when you need your fix, Brothers Juke Joint BBQ has it sorted. Tucked away at the far end of Mt Eden’s Akiraho Street, Juke Joint is the Brothers Beer lads second hub (the first being City Works Depot), and set to come the best summer sesh spot.  

We love a restaurant with personality and Miss Clawdy has got it going on. The North Wharf eatery is inspired by the late Lloyd Price’s 1952 New Orleans single ‘Lawdy Miss Clawdy’ and serves up finger-lickin’ Southern American food. The dishes are designed for sharing and are hella big on flavour and damn tasty. We can’t get enough of the guajillo chilli braised pork belly with mixed greens and olive salad served on a butternut squash and apple puree. The key lime pie with torched meringue is a must-try dessert.

If you’re serious about good food and liquor, you’re gonna want to check out Matterhorn eatery in Victoria Park Market dining precinct. Matterhorn prides itself on ‘fine dining with your shoes off’ hospitality, serving up incredible food and cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. Their ‘duck Wellington’ served with beets and mascarpone gives a nod to the restaurant’s Wellington roots and is a must-try dish. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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