5 Can't Miss Foodie Experiences in Auckland – Restaurants or Cafés
By: Patricia

By Angela Pearse

For a smallish city at the bottom of the world, Auckland certainly has some top restaurants and cafés. And you don't have to pay the earth to get good value for money either.

Here are a few of my favourite places to eat in Auckland. Why not check them out next time you’re visiting?

Industry Zen – Japanese tapas

A restaurant that's had rave reviews is Industry Zen on the Viaduct Harbour. A group of us dined here recently for a friend's birthday to see what all the fuss was about. When my seven tapas mix arrived in a four storey Japanese house when my friend's oysters came perched in a bonsai tree we had to laugh.

Industry Zen is quirky, and while you might pay a little more than usual for tapas, they are delicious and the care that goes into the presentation makes it worthwhile. The décor is also very authentically Japanese. You might be forgiven for thinking you've been transported to rural Kyoto when you creak open the large wooden door.

104D Customs St W

Viaduct

Auckland City

Winehot – French-style cuisine

Metro magazine's Bar Bistro winner for 2010, Winehot offers affordable a la carte dining in Kingsland. Most notable is the décor which features an all black room, complete with matching furniture.

After your eyes adjust you can sample the large selection of NZ wines, and order French-styled cuisine. If you speak a little French the waiter will be delighted. If not, he'll still be delighted. The attentive service at Winehot is outstanding.

We devoured a cheese and pate platter and steaks cooked perfectly for our main. Yes, we were too full for dessert!

605 New North Road

Kingsland

Auckland

http://www.winehot.co.nz

Elliott Stables – Epicurean village

Located in Elliott Street just off the main Queen Street drag, Elliott Stables is an old 1800’s warehouse that has been refurbished into an epicurean village. With cobbled alleyways and an intimate bistro setting it’s a food hall with sophistication.

On offer is a choice of French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese or German cuisine all at reasonable prices. I recently dined here and enjoyed a delicious, and very filling, chicken risotto from Deniro, one of the Italian restaurants. I find Elliott Stables an enjoyable and ambient international dining experience.

During the day the specialist artisan shops sell organic meats, cheeses, wine, cakes, liqueurs and whisky.

39 Elliott Street

Auckland CBD

http://www.elliottstables.co.nz

Tanuki’s Cave – Yakitori & saki bar

One of my favourite Auckland restaurants is Tanuki's Cave or 'The Cave' as it is known, due to the descent down into a dimly lit, steamy room full of mouthwatering aromas.

Tanuki's Cave is the place to go if you're wanting a quick bite before a movie or are catching a show at the Comedy Club. Known for its tasty yakitori (grilled skewers) and good selection of saki, The Cave makes for an intimate dining experience as you perch on a stool round a u-shaped bar and bump elbows with your neighbour.

It pays to get there early, as The Cave can fill up especially when there are special events on in Auckland.

319B Queen Street

Auckland CBD

http://www.sakebars.co.nz/cave.html

The Fridge – European deli and café

Situated in Kingsland, The Fridge is one of Auckland's top café's. In 2008 it won Metro magazine’s Top 50 Best Café Award and judging by the queues of people out the door when I dropped by last weekend The Fridge is still just as popular.

The large rustic dining area and outdoor courtyard makes it a great place to meet a group of friends for brunch.

Recommended: Their generous serving of eggs benedict is great value for money.

507 New North Road

Kingsland

Auckland

About the blogger:

Angela Pearse is an Auckland-based travel writer. Also, if you are looking for great information and news about Italy, be sure to check out her website.

Website: http://www.bellaitalia.co.nz

Blog: http://bellatravel.wordpress.com

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