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Tag: michelinstar

Auckland’s Most Delicious Restaurants

Written by Amira Hashish on . Posted in Food, Latest, Lifestyle, Travel.

By Amira Hashish

As New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland has garnered a reputation for delicious food that champions the country’s fresh produce. From a Lebanese tasting menu to yummy yakitori and European inspired dishes, the multi-cultural cuisine is a feast in every sense. Here we choose some of our favourite spots for unearthing the best of Auckland’s restaurant scene…

Ada 

Under the arches of a nunnery turned hotel (aptly named The Convent), Ada is the kind of buzzy, light-filled restaurant you dream of when planning a long, leisurely lunch. Beautifully designed to make the most of the high ceilings and architectural details, this is a hearty slice of Spanish-Mission in Auckland’s quiet Grey Lynn neighbourhood. The focus is on Italian food with pasta hand-rolled on the dining tables during service. For a taste of some of the most delicious offerings book in for Sunday lunch. Kick off proceedings with a glass of Prosecco before enjoying a five-course shared feast. If you fancy making a night of it, check into one of the thoughtfully styled boutique rooms in what could easily scoop the title of chicest small hotel in Auckland.

Book: adarestaurant.co.nz, theconventhotel.co.nz

Gemmayze Street

In the centre of Auckland’s hip K’ Road lies the Twenties built St Kevin’s Arcade. The original Art Deco facades are now home to shops, restaurants and bars which make for a thriving gathering spot in the evenings. The must-visit is Gemmayze Street, the Lebanese-inspired restaurant owned and operated by chef Samir Allen whose family have lived in New Zealand for over 130 years. Despite living across the other side of the world they have kept their Middle Eastern culture alive through this vibrant eatery with the most delectable menu of food, wine and cocktails. We would recommend sampling a bit of everything with the $90 per person Jeeb (Arabic for “to bring”) menu. From the signature hummus to the falafel and Arnabeet roasted cauliflower, you will not go home hungry. 

Book: gemmayzestreet.co.nz 

kingi

In the mood for seafood? Make a beeline for kingi which celebrates sustainably caught seafood fresh from New Zealand’s oceans, dunes, river mouths and reefs. On the ground floor of the heritage Masonic House, underneath the strikingly designed Hotel Britomart, the restaurant is open all day but we would recommend dinner for wood fired dishes and a well curated wine menu. The most popular dish comes in the form of Buttermilk Blue Cod Wings, with blue cod caught by a third-generation family of fishers in the Chatham Island. 

Book: kingibritomart.com

Amano 

Part of a collection of acclaimed restaurants under New Zealand’s Savor group, Amano is a big, bustling and warmly designed ode to Italian cuisine. Produce is seasonal, sustainable and local from the country’s growers and farmers. Opposite Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour and spanning Britomart’s historic Altrans and Quay buildings, the bakery and restaurant is a staple for anyone seeking wholesome food and a great vibe. Be sure to book in advance as tables get snapped up quickly.

Book: savor.co.nz/amano 

Daphnes 

We have a soft spot for the Ponsonby district when it comes to dining, drinking or shopping. Awash with independently owned spots, it is a fabulous place to meander the day away. Despite being spoiled for choice with great restaurants in the area, we were especially taken by Daphnes. Run by husband and wife team Clare and Joost van den Berg, this place was inspired by their travels to Greece and Europe in 2018. The modern taverna captures the Mediterranean spirit with an impressive interior designed by Clare. Dim lighting and dark rich tones of wooden furniture alongside rich burgundy and navy upholstery make for quite the setting. The small but perfectly formed menu lives up to the surroundings with highlights including sourdough flatbreads, brussel sprouts and Agria potatoes. 

Book: daphnes.co.nz 

Barulho

What started as a humble tapas bar has evolved into a solid Spanish restaurant in the Parnell area. Signature dishes such as paella, empanadas and patatas bravas are accompanied by some more experimental options. The cocktail list is strong too with the Caipirinha proving to be a hit. It is also worth popping into the neighbouring Faradays concept store for a truly luxurious fashion and interiors experience. 

Book: barulhoparnell.com

Omni

Centering on yakitori cooked over binchotan (low-smoke white charcoal), Omni is a small and considered offering in Mount Eden. For the best value, we recommend the “feed me” option, which is priced at $65 and lets you try over half the menu. Just make sure the crunchy prawn toast wings its way to you. Low-intervention wines from small scale producers make excellent pairings.

Book: atomni.co.nz

Top 5 Valentine’s Day Meal Kits

Written by Jenna Jones on . Posted in Food, Latest.

If donning your glad rags and visiting a fine dining establishment isn’t quite making your heart skip a beat this Valentine’s Day, we’ve got just the (meal) ticket for you!

Since the start of the pandemic, restaurants up and down the country have been mastering the art of the meal kit with options for at-home dining now bigger, better and more delicious than ever. So whether you’re spending it with your partner or getting the gals round for the night, take your pick from our list of the top 5 tasty meal kits for the ultimate Valentine’s evening in…

Ding Dong Dim Sum

If you want to enjoy delicious dumplings from the comfort of your own home then opt for a delicious feast from Ding Dong Dim Sum. Each box includes dumplings, gyoza, sui mai, bao buns, sticky rice, salad and dips all packaged up and ready to be cooked in the super easy biodegradable steamer provided! All you need to bring to the party is a saucepan, some boiling water and a big appetite! We recommend the mouthwatering Veggie Patch for Two featuring mixed wild mushroom gyoza and spicy tofu and vegetable dumplings.

Borough Market Recipe Boxes

Bring the charm of Borough Market straight to your door with one of their fresh and tasty recipe boxes. Featuring the finest ingredients, customers can choose from starters and mains that rival restaurant quality. From globe artichokes with lemon herb butter to seared beef with asparagus stir fry and confit duck leg tacos, each delectable dish is packed full of indulgent tastes and flavours for an extra special night in.

Bocca Di Lupo

For an Italian feast you won’t forget in a hurry head on over to Bocca Di Lupo. Created especially for Valentine’s Day, the San Valentino Feast for 2 is a gastronomic tour of the world’s most romantic country. Expect creamy burrata, lobster risotto, suckling pig porchetta and ganache filled chocolate profiteroles, all washed down with a refreshing pomegranate martini. As you can see, it’s not called a feast for nothing!

Arabica

If your taste buds are craving some middle eastern spice then the Vegan Feast from Arabica is sure to fit the bill. The vibrant flavour-fest of seasonal, restaurant quality, plant based meze combines exotic flavour combinations and gentle spicing techniques to really bring the vegetables to life. Each freshly prepared meal kit also includes an Arabica music playlist to enhance the at home experience!

Hawksmoor at Home

If steak is the way to your heart then Hawksmoor at Home has you covered. We recommend the indulgent Fillet 2 Course Box which includes prime fillets of beef, ultimate oven chips, creamed spinach, garlic mushrooms, peppercorn sauce and sticky toffee pudding to finish. You also have the option to upgrade your box to include sour cherry negronis or a delicious bottle of Rioja. Hawksmoor at Home kits also come complete with a How to Cook the Perfect Steak guide and a QR code link to masterclass videos with Executive Chef, Matt Brown.