One of the few silver linings of 2020 and the pandemic was the fact that I was stranded abroad in New Zealand for 6 entire months. Based in Auckland, I had the incredible fortune of wandering about once lockdown was lifted and enjoying the many fabulous restaurants the city has in store. Entrusted with a sacred list of must-eat-at venues from trusted F&B connoisseur friend Martin and former wanderer Fergus, resident Kiwis, I was absolutely bedazzled with the culinary scene in Auckland and variety of options. Here are all my favorites.

GOODNESS GRACIOUS CAFE

Grab your morning bagel and cuppa Joe from Goodness Gracious Café on Mt. Eden. Was staying a stone’s throw away from this place and it’s safe to say I tried almost all their creations. I still think about their Vege Bagel from my bagel-less kitchen at night. What’s in it? Avocado, tomato, haloumi, rocket, aioli, tabasco & tomato pesto.   

SUMTHIN DUMPLIN

Sumthin dumplin is sumthin special. Their Lorne branch is right by Albert Park where you can enjoy the dumplings with a view – if you make it that far without inhaling them.  The premium beef and great white (chicken) are both fantastic options for a relatively quick and filling meal. The premium beef pairs superbly well with the Sumthin Sesame sauce or the Sriracha Mayo.

SOUL BAR & BISTRO

A lovely spot overlooking the Viadact Harbor, Soul Bar & Bistro is a great place for lunch or if you prefer, a louder dinner. Everything from the décor to the food was beautiful. The 15 year old in me was immediately drawn to the macaroni and cheese dish, a Soul classic which was exceptional. The beef short rib ragù with pappardelle, chilli, and torched raclette was also divine.

AMANO

Don’t you just love it when you walk into a restaurant that you’ve heard plenty of hype about, and it’s even better than everyone’s described? That’s Amano in Auckland’s Britomart. Gorgeous venue and food. Great pasta dishes. Also, hands down, best kumara potatoes 🥔 in town which is NZ's best kept food secret. They're basically a type of heavenly sweet potatoes. My greatest regret is not going twice. Requires a table reservation in advance.

BADUZZI

Baduzzi is nothing short of fabulous. Great atmosphere and friendly service.  The food is perfection and Mamma D’s East Coast meatballs are a must. As is their flat iron steak tagliata and their saffron tortellini. Everyone should go. Tables are small and the vibe cosy. Perfect place to bring an out-of-town guest.

DEPOT EATERY & OYSTER BAR

Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar is a place that ticks many boxes. Unpretentious, cool décor, and really great food are just a few. It’s a predominantly seafood restaurant with a few other non-seafood dishes to enjoy. The lamb ribs were phenomenal and the portions generous. It’s located on a pedestrian way and right opposite the Sky Casino so also a nice spot for people watching. Walk-ins only.

FEDERAL

Federal is another favorite, right adjacent to Depot and even more casual. They’ve got the New York Deli vibe on point, with some Poutine borrowed from their Canadian neighbors. I personally didn’t think salad and sandwich should be in the same sentence, but their Chicken Salad Sandwich with gravy dipping proved me wrong. Delicious and filling. Warning: you’ll need to make room for dessert. Their banana and toffee pie with caramel popcorn is heavenly, with potential diabetes on the side.

HELL PIZZA & SAL’S

If there was ever a year for comfort food, 2020 was it. During the pandemic’s early months, think March/April, when NZ went into one of the world’s strictest lockdowns, restaurants were closed for delivery, so we spent countless hours cooking, eating in, and washing dishes. So when PM Jacinda announced the return of deliveries, I swear we ate pizza for a few weeks straight (unbox, eat, throw box away). So as a self-proclaimed NZ pizza connoisseur, I can wholeheartedly say that Hell Pizza and Sal’s are the best 2 options. Throw in some cheesy garlic bread from Dominos (don’t @ me) and you’re good for life.    

GIAPO

Giapo is not your ordinary ice cream shop. It’s where you go to indulge your sweet tooth in a world sprinkled with sugar and pure imagination. Upon entering, you get a degustation menu where you get to try 9 different flavors to help you decide which to order. Then you pick your cone from a list of creative options such as the Colossal Squid or Selfie Cone. What you’ll end up getting is a delicious work of art. Make sure to order their hokey pokey flavor. It’s to die for. Here’s my 2 fils on Giapo and a sneak peek video from their ‘behind-the-scenes’ experience.  

MIANN

Miann Chocolate Factory is this incredible chocolate haven, where they make all of their own chocolate from bean to bar. I found out that the word ‘Miann’ is derived from Gaelic and actually means to crave which couldn’t be more fitting. They offer this awesome Wintergarden Glasshouse experience at the Morningside branch where you can pop in for some afternoon tea or a plated dessert experience and trial their delicious desserts. Just don’t forget to wear your loosest pants!