The year is wrapping up and the silly season is just starting, no doubt that means every weekend from now until Christmas is filled to the brim with barbecues, staff dos and family visits. It’s also a perfect time to catch up with friends before everyone starts knocking off, so stretch your legs out from underneath your office desk and rendezvous at one of these eateries in the city centre.
On Princes Wharf is The Culpeper, an international style eatery perched at the water’s edge, with a great view of the harbour. The breezy seaside location is the perfect spot for a relaxed summer catch up. Kitted out to create a tropical vibe, enjoy the lavish BBQ and seafood menu with your dining companions.
The Culpeper
The Botanist is a hidden gem in City Works Depot. The luscious and chic space is surrounded with the decorative arrangements from the adjoining florist. The salmon bruschetta is a must have, and the café doubles up as a nifty place to grab a bunch of flowers for someone special too.
Along North Wharf is Miss Clawdy, a soul food haven with a bit of Southern magic. They are all about sharing plates and platters that are big on flavour, so is the perfect place to meet up with someone else who’s hungry. There’s a large open kitchen to watch the talented chefs whip up your tantalizing tacos, jambalaya and ceviche.
Miss Clawdy
Just down the lane is Baduzzi, a restaurant showcasing rustic Italian style, while serving up modern Italian cuisine. With the Auckland Fish Markets just around the corner, it’s no surprise that the chefs are big on seafood. The crayfish meatballs are delightful. Come here for your Italian food fix without needing to jetset all the way to Italy.
Baduzzi
Amano is a Britomart classic, serving up unbeatable flavours, focusing on provenance, quality and sustainability. For a quick breakfast catch up, there is a stunning range of pastries available to nab on your way to work. You won’t get bored if you need to come here often, with the seasonal menu changing everyday.
Amano
Queen’s Rise is your laneway-style dining destination. Take your taste buds on a trip around the world with a wide range of eateries that have you covered for any meal of the day. It’s the perfect place to meet at and fit in with busy schedules and time frames during the Christmas madness.
Queen's Rise
The Chamberlain is a hearty pub in the heart of Auckland city, and a great spot to catch up with mates for a drink and a bite. It has classic pub fare, and did we mention the 14 beers on tap? There’s also a special Christmas deal if you’re with a group of more than 4. For $35 or $40 (including dessert) you can settle in for an incredible spread of a classic Christmas feast.
The Chamberlain
For your Vietnamese fix head to Café Hanoi; fresh, vibrant food inspired by the tried and true cafés of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Being right next to Britomart means it’s the perfect spot for those who don’t live in the city to catch the train in too.
Cafe Hanoi