Key Takeaways
- Burnt Butter in Avondale is a top recommendation for brunch food in the city.
- Blue, a café-wine bar in Ponsonby, is a favorite spot for dinner with friends due to its lovely crew and amazing chef.
- Karangahape Rd is a great place to take visitors, with a variety of bars and restaurants to choose from, including Open Late, The Frog, and Apero.
- For cocktails, Deadshot and Caretaker are highly recommended, while GoGo Music Café is a unique and delicious spot for late-night skewers.
- Open Café, Bestie, and Daily Daily are top picks for coffee, and the Piha RSA is a great spot for fish and chips after a hike or surf.
- Kitekite Falls is a favorite trail for a hike, with a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole, and the Whammy / Double Whammy / Wine Cellar / Public Bar combo is a top venue for live music.
Introduction to Auckland’s Food and Drink Scene
Auckland is a city with a vibrant food and drink scene, and according to Jonathan Thevenard, a chef and co-owner of Pici and Ooh-fa, there are many great spots to explore. From brunch to dinner, and from coffee to cocktails, Auckland has something to offer every taste and preference. Burnt Butter in Avondale is a top recommendation for brunch food, with a menu that is sure to satisfy any craving. For dinner with friends, Blue, a café-wine bar in Ponsonby, is a favorite spot due to its lovely crew and amazing chef, Katie.
Dinner and Drinks in Auckland
Blue, the new café-wine bar at the top of Franklin Rd in Ponsonby, is a must-visit for dinner with friends. The crew, including Eve, Karl, and Jo, make you feel special, and the interior, designed by Ophelia, is chef’s kiss. For a night out with friends, Karangahape Rd is a great place to start, with drinks at Open Late, The Frog, or Number 7, followed by dinner at Apero or Tempero. These restaurants offer amazing French and Brazilian cuisine that is sure to impress. After dinner, Deadshot is a top spot for cocktails, with a unique and delicious menu that is sure to round off the evening.
Coffee and Brunch in Auckland
For coffee, Open Café, Bestie, and Daily Daily are top picks, with a range of blends and brews to suit every taste. These independent spots are a great addition to the Karangahape Rd scene, and are perfect for a morning pick-me-up or a casual brunch. Speaking of brunch, Burnt Butter in Avondale is still a top recommendation, with a menu that is sure to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, Burnt Butter has something for everyone.
Outdoor Activities and Live Music
For those who love the outdoors, Kitekite Falls is a must-visit, with a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole that is perfect for a hike or a picnic. The trail is a couple of hours return, and is usually deserted in winter, making it ideal for those seeking solitude. In summer, the water hole at the base of the falls is a great spot for a swim, and the surrounding area is perfect for a hike or a BBQ. For live music, the Whammy / Double Whammy / Wine Cellar / Public Bar combo in the dungeons of St Kevin’s Arcade is a top venue, with a mix of local underground acts and larger performances.
Unique Spots and Hidden Gems
For a unique and delicious dining experience, GoGo Music Café is a must-visit, with its country-and-western-themed Chinese restaurant and live performances from the owner. This hilarious and brilliant spot is a great place to grab late-night skewers and enjoy some live music. For a bargain, Smoove on Karangahape Rd is a top pick, with a great range of vintage clothes at good prices. This independent store has been serving the community for over 20 years, and really knows how to pick the good stuff.
Giving Back to the Community
Jonathan Thevenard and his teams at Pici and Ooh-fa are not only passionate about food and drink, but also about giving back to the community. As participants in DineAid, an annual fundraiser that helps feed those in need, they have collectively raised over $4800 for the City Mission. This worthy cause is a great example of how the food and drink industry can make a positive impact on the community, and Jonathan and his teams are proud to be a part of it. With 100% of the funds raised going to the City Mission, DineAid is a great way to make a difference, and Jonathan and his teams are top fundraisers, coming in as a top 10 fundraiser in 2024.
