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You're guaranteed a good night out at Revelry. The Ponsonby bar prides itself on being the perfect combination of comfy and unpretentious yet sexy and intimate. And yup, it's fair to say they've got the balance down pat. Revelry has an extensive drinks menu featuring specialty cocktails, craft beers and wine from all four corners of the globe. Party here on the weekend or visit mid-week for the perfect date night with bae. Cozy up on the velvet couches as you work your way through the tapas menu—cute! 

Whenever a sporting event happens, this iconic Kingsland pub gets packed to the gunnels with punters looking to watch the action. Luckily, sport is exactly what The Kingslander caters for. You’ll find plenty of beer, hearty food plus pool tables and darts to keep you occupied before and after the game. Their extensive menu features burgers, pizza, grazing plates including sliders, pulled pork and cheese quesadillas. The Kingslander is also available for functions and they put on a mighty fine spread. 

The Poi Room Ponsonby is a Māori-owned Retail Art Gallery currently supporting over 100 local artists. The gallery specialises in Aotearoa-made goods including prints, Māori arts, glass, paintings, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, books and stationery, homewares, and beauty and is one of the best Pounamu stores in New Zealand. In addition to their online and Ponsonby stores, you can find their original gallery at 17 Osborne Street in Newmarket. 

If you’re ever in need of a burger in the wee hours of the morning, Andy’s your man. Located in SkyCity, Andy’s Burgers is open a whopping 24/7 so burgers fans can get their fix at any time. We can’t go past the cheeseburger or lamb burger served with smoked tomato mayo, charred sweet corn salad and feta cheese. While green beans aren’t something you’d often order at a burger joint, Andy’s Burgers douses theirs in garlic, lemon, smoked butter and crushed peanuts and they’re totally worth a try. 

IKA (pronounced ‘eeka’) is all about things from the sea. The Mt Eden seafood bar and grill prides themselves on serving up fresh, generous dishes that are not only delicious but also easy on the wallet—score! While the menu is ever-changing, you’ll often find the likes of scallops, oysters and fresh whole fish available for the taking. FYI they also do a bad ass chargrilled steak. 

If you’re after cocktails and Asian-inspired food on K Road, Madame George is your best bet. This eclectic yet welcoming bar is a spot quickly gaining traction for its delicious food, seasonal cocktails and friendly atmosphere. Serving crispy taro crisps, Taiwanese popcorn chicken and a warming, flavourful laksa, we’re sure Madame George will be a popular drinking den come winter. 

Papatoetoe’s Halo Hair Design has been around for more than two decades so the team here really know their stuff. Pop in for a haircut or a pampering wash and blow dry. If you’re after something more dramatic, opt to get your hair coloured or chemically straightened. Alternatively, show your hair some love with a keratin treatment. Whatever you’re after, the team will transform you from drab to fab and give you the pampering you deserve! 

Situated in Matakana (where the weekend markets take place) is The Village Bookshop, a boutique, independent bookstore with a wide selection of books, wrapping paper, cards and other bits and bobs. From New Zealand literature to eclectic and international reads, The Village Bookshop is the perfect place to pop into after hitting up the markets or grabbing a bite to at the Matakana Market Kitchen. Owner, Tracy and her staff will be more than happy to make a recommendation. 

If your hair is in need of some T.L.C., pay the friendly team at Kohimarama’s Schnips a visit. You’ll be treated like royalty at the modern neighbourhood salon as you sit back and enjoy a complimentary hot drink. Reinvent yourself with a stylish new haircut or go one step further and get your locks coloured. We’re big fans of their keratin services—especially their luxurious Kerasilk treatment that leaves you with smooth and voluminous hair that lasts up to 10 washes.

This hidden lane sandwiched between Queen Street and Fort Lane has cemented its title as a great place for coffee, food and after-word drinks in Auckland over the past few years. Imperial Lane is a welcome escape from the business of the city, offering breakfast, light bites and hot dogs. Pop in for a breakfast crumble or your classic scramble in the morning, or for evening nibbles and vino. 

Situated in Wairau Valley, Coffee Lab is a great café for really good coffee and a quick bite to eat. The focus here is the coffee. They roast their own beans and turn it into lattes, long blacks, drip coffee—you name it, they’ve got it. Coffee Lab’s food menu is small, featuring bacon butties, chia pudding, eggs bene and seasonal salads. A primo place to get your caffeine fix. 

Sunnynook’s best kept secret, Fact-Tree Café is a dinky eatery offering fuss-free, scrumptious fare seven days a week. Whether you’re an eggs bene fan, pancake person, or like to keep things fresh with salt and pepper squid, Fact-Tree has something for everyone. Don’t leave without trying one of their smoothies and grabbing a sweet treat!

If you’re looking for a casual bite to eat in Newmarket, Shaky Isles is a one of your best bets. This light, bright café on Kingdon Street offers a number of brunch and lunch item as well as a great selection of cabinet food. The haloumi bruschetta is always a standout, washed down with a smoothie for the ultimate midday meal. 

This café screams ‘Wellington’ more than Auckland and is a welcome retreat from the city madness. With books and mismatched picture frames lining the wall, Remedy Coffee gives off unpretentious vibes and makes an excellent flat white (they recently made the switch to Red Rabbit beans). They’ve also got free wifi and board games, so settle in for a while and munch your way through their delicious menu. 

Nestled down High Street, The Shelf is a trendy café offering refuge from the busy city. You’ll find all sorts of delicious fare including waffles, open sandwiches, salads and pasta as well as iced coffees, ‘ades’ and juices. It’s a great spot for freelancers or students to work for a couple of hours. 

For your suburban coffee fix, look no further than Brick by Brick in Onehunga. The neighbourhood café makes a deelish brew of Allpress coffee with a mouth-watering all-day-breakfast menu to boot. If you’re after something stronger, they also have a fine selection of wine, beer and even Japanese sake! Owner, Soichiro Hara, has Japanese origins and this can be seen in the menu with offerings such as chicken katsu, teriyaki salmon and shogayaki ginger pork.

The Fridge is renowned for their pies but they are foodie experts in so much more. This Kingsland café offers scrumptious breakfast, brunch and lunch fare, and is one of the best places to pop in for a bite to eat in the area. Tuck into eggs benedict on potato hashcakes or go for an ol’ favourite—savoury mince on toast. The Fridge also has a irresistible cabinet of salads, sammies, slices and other tasty treats. 

If you like to add a little variety to your exercise regime, head along to Studio 3 for a trio of your fave exercises—yoga, pilates and barre. This includes Xtend Barre™, which fuses dance, pilates and sculpting exercises at the ballet barre for a toned body—fast. Hop to!

For an oasis in the central city, head to Abundance for total nourishment of your mind, body and soul. Offering yoga, pilates and barre beautiful classes, all within a beautiful environment, Abundance is truly an escape from the busyness and stress of modern life. 

The Auckland Yoga Academy is a great location for both students and teachers alike. For overall health and wellbeing, unwind and de-stress with ashtanga and hatha yoga. There are also meditation/mindfulness classes and chanting. If you’d prefer a little more privacy, there’s also one-on-one session and if yoga is seriously your thing, you can even train as a teacher. 

If you’re big on all things meat, then make sure you pay Wildfire a visit. The legendary Auckland restaurant specialises in Brazilian churrasco (translation: their dishes are cooked to perfection over glowing coals). For one set price you can eat until your heart’s content. Expect to be served cuts of beef, chicken, lamb, pork and seafood and a variety of side dishes. If that’s not your thing they also do an à la carte menu featuring a selection of platters and burgers. 

There’s no need to venture far and wide to experience the flavours of Africa. Overlooking Murrays Bay, you’ll find Serengeti African restaurant. The friendly folk here pride themselves on dishing up divine food with generous portion sizes. We can’t go past their mixed grill featuring flame-grilled boerewors, steak and a lamb chop served with pap and chakalaka. If you’re big on ribs, visit on Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday for their all-you-can-eat special. 

An oldie but a goodie, The Empire has been around since 1875 so they’re guaranteed to know a thing or two about being a local watering hole. Situated on Victoria Street West, The Empire plays host to a number of gigs, quiz nights and open mic evenings. On the food front there’s the Empire Staples— nachos, lamb gnocchi and fettucine, or opt for couple of tasty small plates and a pizza or two. If you’re just looking for a beverage, The Empire has plenty of beer, wine and cocktails to keep you hydrated.  

This institution has been the beating heart of Ponsonby’s bar scene for years, and judging by its unwavering popularity, Chapel is definitely worth checking out. Situated in a sunny spot on the corner of Anglesea Street, Chapel focuses on refreshing bevvies and fuss-free bar food—platters, burgers, pizzas and other delicious nibbly bits. Chapel is the dream pozze for a cheeky Sunday sesh or after-work thirst quencher. 

Escape the hustle and bustle of Auckland CBD at Hotel DeBrett Housebar. The art deco bar specialises in classically inspired cocktails, local wines and boutique beer. They have a strong bar food game with a delectable selection of platters and cheeseboards. Housebar is cosy and oh-so romantic. It’s your next date night go-to.

The friendly folk at The Village Winery in Mt Eden Village know a thing or two about wine—and beer, for that matter. The independent, family-owned alcohol store only stocks the best of the best. In order to make it on their shelves, their hand-picked wine must be of exceptional quality, value and character. They also stock an impressive collection of single malt whiskey and specialty beer. Cheers, The Village Winery!

Calling all wine lovers. Bacchus Upland Village is your one stop shop for fine wines, spirits and beers. The Remuera store stocks an extensive collection of fine wines from New Zealand, Aussie and further afield. They’re also big on spirits—especially Scotch single malt whiskey. Visit on the weekend and get amongst their free wine tasting.

There’s no need to venture far for delicious fare and great cocktails—in fact, you can get your fix in the heart of Mt Eden Village. Scarlett Slimms & Lucky is a gastropub with swag. The drinks list is divided into chapters with quirky titles such as ‘I could murder a drink’ and ‘cocktails to die for’. You can trust us when we say the Caribbean rum punch, featuring spiced rum, fresh lime and candied orange is—indeed—to die for. There’s a range of delicious eats including an extensive grazing menu and mouth-watering mains. Recruit your crew and devour their slider degustation in their conservatory-like terrace. 

Hello Friends + Allies is a buzzing café nestled down busy Great South Road in Epsom. With a focus on brunch, lunch and tasty takeaway food, Hello Friends + Allies is the perfect spot to pop in for a quick bite to eat or a lazy afternoon treat and coffee. The café is bright and airy, decorated with local artwork, old school Vogue’s and serves Coffee Supreme and fresh, modern Kiwi fare. 

For pastries that look just as amazing on the plate as they taste in the mouth, look no further than Parnell’s Vaniye. Known for creating some of Auckland’s best and most beautiful pastries, Vaniye brings a feeling of Paris to the streets of Parnell. This is a perfect place to pick up a piece (or three) for a special treat, or perhaps a deserved reward at the end of a walk through the domain or rose gardens. 

Paradise Indian Food is a firm Auckland favourite. Constantly bustling with people, the Sandringham Road restaurant and takeaway store specialises in cuisine from Hyderabad, India. Dine in the restaurant and feast on their signature rice biryani dishes or play it safe with their flavoursome butter chicken. We can’t go past their onion pakora (it’s the best in town!) and chicken madras. There are some more unusual dishes on the menu including a range of Indian Chinese dishes and their popular deep fried lollypop chicken. The adjoining takeaway store extends its hours by half an hour in the morning and evening, being open from 11am to 10pm. 

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.