Siso
Ebisu
Milenta

Say goodbye to boring lunches: Where to find the best workday eats in Auckland

In our experience, the easiest way to sweeten a workday is with lunch to look forward to (especially when easing back into the year). Should you need to land a deal, boost morale within the team or simply incorporate some food-based joy into your day, Auckland restauranteurs will always deliver. Next time you need to book a quick and easy corporate lunch, there’s an offering sure to impress from our definitive guide on where to find the most delicious weekday lunches in Auckland.

Harbour Eats
For something cheap and cheerful but always certifiably delicious, Commercial Bay’s Harbour Eats is a destination we return to time and time again. Offering a somewhat elevated take on the classic food court, Harbour Eats takes up the entire third floor of the Commercial Bay precinct. It features micro-destinations from your favourite purveyors like Fatimas, Bird on a Wire and Wise Boys, and lesser-known favourites like South American Oven and Sunny Town.

Gochu
If you’ve got time for a long lunch (this is one instance where we suggest making the time), Gochu’s ‘Leave it to the Chef’ lunch is a delightful way to treat yourself and your colleagues to a culinary adventure. With this menu option, you’ll discover why Gochu is one of Commercial Bay’s most popular eateries, as you indulge in dishes like the famed fried chicken sliders and the delicious crispy eggplant — the latter a dish that’s sure to change the way you think about vegetables.

Mr Morris
Corporate lunches often call for a bespoke menu — a notion in which Britomart’s Mr Morris is well versed. Rare are the times you’ll find three courses served in 45 minutes, but here, the kitchen’s understanding of a one-hour lunch break has this down to a fine art. If you let the team know when booking, you’ll receive a quick appetiser on arrival, shortly followed by a seasonal entree to share. This is followed by your choice of main, which comes with a divine seasonal side. The beauty of this menu is that it frequently changes, so you’ll never get bored.

Work Lunch Auckland: Gochu
Gochu

SPQR
Famously home to one of the City’s most beloved long lunches, with a sought-after vantage point of Ponsonby Road, SPQR is just as divine on a weekday as it is on the weekend. Its tailored working lunch menu allows you the time for two delicious courses (or three, should you be craving tiramisu for dessert), beginning at $50 per person. On this menu, you can choose your own entree and main from a curated selection of SPQR favourites (seared scallops with organic corn and chorizo and the vegan spaghettini, please), which makes it a quick, easy and always impressive choice for lunch.

Chur Bae
Since opening in level two of City Works Depot last year (where The Botanist once stood), Chur Bae has garnered a devoted following of local gourmands who adore its divine, Korean-inspired menu. If you can get your hands on one of the sought-after chicken sandos, it makes for the perfect lunch to go.

Huami
Yum cha has long been a favourite mode of communal dining, and with Huami’s elevated offering, we’ve never been more convinced. Available from Wednesday until the end of the week, this workday lunch option is an easy way to keep everyone in the group happy and encourage compelling table conversation. While Huami’s menu is expansive, it would be remiss not to order a few servings of the beloved dim sim (the squid ink and prawn are sensational) and the steamed barbecued chicken bun, too.

Deli de Bossi
An idyllic grab-and-go destination, Deli de Bossi (the younger sister to the delicious new restaurant Bossi next door) is a destination you’d do well to visit. With an authentic Italian offering, stop by for everything from fresh pastries and shaved meats to the sought-after meals to go.

Milenta
Since opening earlier this year to long-awaiting crowds, we’ve been impressed by everything coming out of Milenta’s kitchen, courtesy of Head Chef Elie Asaf’s inimitable talents. Lunches here are another affair and while rumour has it we should expect a new menu in the coming weeks, our favourites of the moment include the pork, paying homage to the restaurant’s Argentinian roots, and the ceviche, which is just as visually pleasing as it is utterly mouthwatering.

The Brit
Those seeking a casual long-lunch that could easily roll into a few afternoon drinks would do well to call into The Brit. The epitome of a good gastropub, the menu here focuses on pub classics done well — and an expansive drink offering to match. We’d recommend the Smashed Wagyu Burger if you’re feeling indulgent or the Green Bowl topped with grilled chicken for something more virtuous.

Work Lunch Auckland: Milenta
Milenta

The Store
This Britomart icon offers the best of both worlds — a deliciously easy restaurant where you can meet friends at a moment’s notice and a takeaway outpost at the back, always perfect for a coffee or sandwich on busy work days.

Ahi
Regardless of the occasion, Ahi is a restaurant set to impress. Over lunch, we suggest you opt for the set menu, which provides a concise offering of the revered cuisine for which this Commercial Bay restaurant is known. The Cambridge asparagus with bresaola, mushroom and hollandaise is a virtuous start to any meal, paving the way for Ben Bayly’s famed wild red deer striploin — one of our favourite game dishes in the City. Last but not least, we recommend you finish off lunch with the naked mallowpuff, sure you see you through any potential afternoon slump.

Taco Medic
The second Auckland destination for these beloved Queenstown tacos, Taco Medic on Quay Street is perfect for an inner-city lunch on the fly. Cheap and cheerful, but still totally tasty (and entirely gluten-free), it’s a delightful lunch for anyone within the Quay Street precinct.

Federal Delicatessen
From Al Brown, this CBD stalwart is Auckland’s answer to the classic New York deli. Here, food is simple, flavourful and utterly indulgent, and guarantees to offer a satiating meal at every sitting. We suggest one of the sandwiches or salads if you’re seeking something light, although a side of Montreal poutine never goes amiss.

Faraday’s Bar
Intimate in its nature, at Faraday’s Bar, impeccable service is always guaranteed. The menu here is refined, allowing diners the freedom to choose without worrying about whether they’ll make their next meeting. Seasonally driven and always changing so as to incorporate the freshest ingredients, we are currently loving Faraday’s Bar’s smoked beetroot and avocado, but have to admit that the gnocchi with prawns, charred tomato smoked butte and ‘nduja is also utter perfection.

Onemata

Onemata
It goes without saying that one of our favourite parts of Park Hyatt is the inimitable food offering from it’s beloved dining outposts. Onemata, the crown jewel of their offering, has recently announced its Express Lunch menu, where diners can choose a starter and a main (or a main and a dessert) for a mere $55. This offering is available both Thursdays and Fridays, from 12pm until 2.30pm.

Sìso
This Remuera favourite offers one of the most delightful lunches on the block. From Wednesday until Sunday, you can make like the locals and devour some of Sìso’s most beloved dishes. Begin with a choice of crispy calamari or a spinach filo pie (which comes doused in brown butter sauce) before being treated to a grilled chicken salad or hand-cut linguini with Skull Island prawns and fermented chilli as the tour de force. Of course, like all good lunches, Sìso’s should be paired with a glass of wine.

Alma
This Britomart destination is one we find ourselves frequenting far too often, which is a testament to Chef Jo Pearson’s innovative Andalusian cuisine. Offering the same menu as its delicious dinners, we think it’s the perfect lunch option for when you’ve got a little extra time to spare.

Ebisu
Here, in the heart of Downtown Auckland, this Britomart stalwart offers an Express Menu for those needing a good meal in the midst of a busy day. Here, Ebisu offers a selection of its most beloved Japanese dishes, including a chef’s selection of fresh market sashimi and the seared Angus beef tataki to begin, before one of three hero mains (we can never look past the teriyaki chicken). Ebisu is our favourite for a reason — there’s no denying its greatness.

Work Lunch Auckland: Ebisu
Ebisu

Odettes
Should you need a quick catch-up with your team or somewhere to grab a swift bite to eat, Odettes is our go-to for more than just the convenient location. Its lunch menu is ideal for those busier days, with tasty bites and satiating options depending on what you are after. Truthfully, we would eat the buttermilk fried chicken savoury crepe with chipotle, peanut and chilli salsa all day if we could.

The Lodge Bar & Dining
As perfect for drinks and a light snack with clients as it is a three-course meal with friends, The Lodge Bar & Dining is a menu that’s always divine for a midweek lunch. With a burgeoning oyster menu, delicious pasta, and a 32-day dry-aged steak that’s genuinely unrivalled, we’d suggest this as your next lunch-date destination.

Williams Eatery
Lunchtimes at Williams are always delicious, with a menu that feels like a refined take on the all-day brunch. For a midday pick-me-up, we rarely look past the Eggplant Pita with chilli, tamarind and herbed tahini, but we have it on good authority that the Heirloom Tomato Gnocchi is absolutely to die for.

Andiamo
Another destination for a long lunch classic, Andiamo’s midday menu is delightful — and just the kind of lunch set to impress at this time of year. Offering their same beloved meatballs, pastas and pizzettes from evening service, everything is made with fresh and flavoursome, seasonal ingredients and is made all the more perfect when paired with a flute of Champagne.

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Settle in for an evening of streaming with 8 of the best new TV series to watch now

Now that the long days are waning, and we find ourselves back in routine behaviours of workdays and school pick-ups, we find ourselves seeking entertainment from home in the evenings. It seems that producers globally are aware of this too, and have been creating an impressive schedule of new TV shows that promise to keep us thoroughly entertained. From eye-opening limited series to binge-worthy new seasons, these are the new TV series in 2023 that everybody should be watching right now.

The Last Of Us

If you’re yet to hear about last week’s episode of The Last of Us, save any spoilers until you’ve started the series. Already hailed as one of the most remarkable screen adaptations of a video game among discerning critics, it is set in post-apocalyptic America after a global pandemic destroys civilisation. A little close to home? Don’t let that put you off. This is an absolute must-watch. Streaming now on Neon and Sky Go.

Break Point

Released at the height of the southern hemisphere’s tennis season, Break Point is the new docu-series that follows some of the most extraordinary talents in the sport across the grand slam circuit. Likened to Drive To Survive for tennis enthusiasts, it is as gripping as a final itself. Streaming now on Netflix.

Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street

If Jordan Belfort was the Wolf, Bernie Madoff was undeniably The Monster of Wall Street. This fascinating documentary chronicles the rise and fall of financier Madoff, orchestrator of one of the biggest Ponzi schemes in Wall Street history, who was ultimately exposed at the onset of the 2008 financial crisis. Streaming now on Netflix.

The Lying Life of Adults

Based on the best-selling novel by Elena Ferrante (My Brilliant Friend), this series takes us to 1990s Naples, where the brash and bold Aunt Vittoria helps her sheltered niece experience a different side of the city, leaving a trail of chaos in her wake. Streaming now on Netflix.

Shrinking

Featuring Harrison Ford at his very best, the new series Shrinking is a case against speaking the truth. Starring Jason Segal as psychologist Jimmy Laird who breaks all the rules by telling his therapy clients precisely what he thinks, this series is equal parts hilarious and moving. Streaming now on Apple TV.

Kaleidoscope

Akin to the choose-you-own path Goosebumps books from our childhoods, Kaleidoscope is a more thrilling five-part series that viewers can watch in any order. Exploring the many different angles and stories behind a heist of $7billion, there are an astonishing 40,320 possible ways in which the show can be watched. Streaming now on Netflix.

Poker Face

This impressive new series ushers in a revival of the ‘case-of-the-week’ murder series, centred around Charlie Cale, a casino worker on the run following a suspicious death, encountering mysteries and solving homicides using her innate ability to detect lies. Streaming now on TVNZ+.

The Snow Girl

Based on the beloved Spanish novel of the same name, this six-episode series follows a young newspaper journalist determined to help two parents find their missing daughter Amaya, who vanishes from a parade in Málaga. Streaming now on Netflix.

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Wave goodbye to your boring work wardrobe with these sleek, office-approved pieces

With everyone well and truly back in the office for 2023, it’s high time we updated our work wardrobes. Gone are the days of mundane two-pieces, crinkled shirts and dull suiting. Here, we run through a few easy and sleek styles to incorporate into the weekday wardrobe, from power-dressing pieces to casually chic cuts, remembering that dressing for the office today is all about finding the perfect balance between comfort and style.

Tailoring

For women, current trends are taking the classic power suit to the next level. Elevate your office attire with a perfectly-cut blazer and add to the look with a waistcoat rendered in a similar tone. Sharp tailoring is an absolute must for its ability to give your casual, everyday pieces (a midi dress or a pair of jeans, for instance) a more formal edge.

Men, it’s time to swap out boring dress shirts and suit jackets for something a bit more considered and cutting edge. Embrace a fashion-forward look by opting for a double-breasted cut, or by trying something in a more oversized fit. There is a world beyond the suits and chinos you bought five years ago — time to explore it.

back to work style
From left: Helen Cherry Rae blazer from Workshop, The Garment Marseille vest from Workshop, Embossed Karakoram Pont Neuf jacket from Louis Vuitton, Single-breasted jacket from Prada.

Everyday Accessories

But it’s not just about what you wear, it’s also about the accessories you pair with your outfits. Women can elevate their look with a statement bag, or a piece of exceptional jewellery (Tiffany & Co.’s new Lock Collection has caught our attention for its more contemporary style, perfect for an everyday work look). Men can add a touch of personality with a sleek timepiece or ring.

back to work style
From left: Tiffany Lock Bangle from Tiffany&Co. , BVLGARI Lady Watch from Bulgari, Pure Alhambra earstuds from Van Cleef & Arpels, ECLIPSE Men Band from Sutcliffe, Piaget Polo Date watch from Partridge.

White Shirt

You can’t forget about the classic white shirt. For women and men, this is a timeless piece, fit for any occasion and able to be dressed up or down with ease. Whether you prefer a fitted, tailored look or a more relaxed, billowy fit, the white shirt is a versatile piece that is an absolute essential in any work wardrobe. Pair it with tailored trousers or a skirt for a sophisticated look, or dress it down with your favourite pair of jeans for something more approachable.

back to work style
From left: Blouse with ruffles from Christian Dior, Loewe Asymmetric shirt from Faradays, James Perse Standard shirt from Workshop, Short-sleeved shirt from Prada.

Office Denim

While denim has always been a staple of the weekend wardrobe, it has increasingly been making its way into the office environment too, with various iterations of everyday denim now very acceptable to wear at work. Whether you opt for a structured denim shirt or a stylish pair of jeans, denim will add a touch of ‘cool’ to any office outfit. Pair it with crisp tailoring for a more sophisticated look.

back to work style

From left: Isabel Marant Étoile Nea Jean from Workshop, Washed denim flare trousers from Gucci, Sandro jeans from Commercial Bay, Monogram Patch jeans from Louis Vuitton.

Loafers

Comfort is key when it comes to office footwear, and this season is all about the loafer. The ultimate combination of formal and casual (and the shoe that works with just about anything), the loafer is as chic when paired with womenswear as it is with men’s looks, and whether you opt for a classic black penny loafer or something more statement-making, there’s a style out there to suit every taste.

back to work style

From left: Boy Loafer from Dior, Isabel Marant Fayor Loafer from Workshop, Leather lug sole Horsebit loafer from Gucci, Major Loafer from Louis Vuitton.

Work Bags

Given that we spend whole days at the office, and a significant amount of time commuting, it’s imperative to have a bag that not only holds all of our essentials but that also doesn’t look out of place against our chic workwear ensembles. From structured totes to sleek satchels and practical crossbody styles, the options here are endless. Our advice? Choose a bag that balances functionality with form perfectly, and don’t be afraid to opt for something that stands out.

back to work style
From left: Acne Studios Musubi Midi bag from Workshop, Onthego GM bag from Louis Vuitton, Messenger Bag from Burberry, Leather tote bag from Prada.

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Left: Grace Atkinson photographed by Alexandra Nataf. Right: Decima blanket photographed by Dan McMahon

Meet Grace Atkinson — the Paris-based Kiwi creative designing exquisite textiles

Grace Atkinson grew up in the South Island before moving to Sydney, then London, then Paris, then New York before returning to Paris (where she has been for the last 10 years). It was her upbringing that inspired in her a passion for interior practices. “I’m really interested in how the objects we surround ourselves with inform how we live, rest, feel and interact,” Atkinson says below, “I love exploring form, texture and space.” A few months ago, she launched her brand Decima with a series of exquisite, one-off mohair and wool blankets, each in distinctive colours and patterns, created in collaboration with craftspeople from around the world. The brand has been steadily growing ever since, and recently, Atkinson’s creations were part of a group exhibition at Jacqueline Sullivan Gallery in New York. We recently talked to the up-and-coming creative to uncover what drives her unique vision. With a number of plans for the future, Atkinson is certainly one to watch, and her exquisite textiles are the perfect addition to any well-designed space.

Decima Blanket
Photography by Dan McMahon

Tell me about your background. What took you from New Zealand to living in Paris?

I come from Timaru, but spent much of my childhood in Wanaka, which is now my beloved home base when I visit New Zealand. The immensely beautiful nature and isolation of New Zealand is part of what makes it so special, but as a teenager, I felt a pull towards big cities and everything they could offer in terms of culture, diversity and opportunities. Entering into the world of fashion, I did a stint in Sydney, before moving to London and then to Paris around ten years ago. Within that time there were a few years of constant travel to New York, Milan and other parts of Europe for shoots and consulting work. I spent a year living in New York, coinciding with a shift into art and design. Paris is absolutely my adopted home, but as a New Zealander, I don’t think I will ever take for granted the ease of travel to other countries due to being in such close proximity. It would be hard to give that up!

Where did the idea for Decima start? Why textiles?

Textiles are in my DNA, my Great Grandmother and Grandmother were costume designers and seamstresses and my Mother opened one of the first vintage stores in New Zealand called ‘Collage’ in the early 80s, specialising in pre-20th century pieces. Growing up, my parents had a flooring business so I was surrounded by rugs, carpets and hand-painted tiles from Italy. I have always had a strong interest in interiors and I wanted to engage in a practice where I could explore different ways of composing a home, through texture, form and space. I’m really interested in how the objects we surround ourselves with inform how we live, rest, feel and interact. With Decima I aim to create beautiful pieces that inspire a tender, nurturing and connected home. 

“Through Decima, I work with artisans around the world with the aim of preserving traditional techniques that are unfortunately in the process of being lost.”

Tell me about your creative process. What inspires your designs?

I try to remain curious and open everywhere I go, whether I am in the countryside or walking the streets of Paris. A beautiful colour palette will often show itself to me when I least expect it. My design process usually starts with drawing sessions where I will immerse myself in music and just let myself loose with no limitations. From there I do a lot of editing, and then refining, exploring possibilities in colour and scale. Decima is still a relatively new project so I try to leave a lot of space for my voice to evolve, which at this stage means my approach is quite intuitive and emotional. I only want to make things that excite me. 

Where are your Decima pieces made?

Through Decima, I work with artisans around the world with the aim of preserving traditional techniques that are unfortunately in the process of being lost. I am currently working with artisans in Ukraine, employing techniques developed in the 14th Century. It is such an honour working with these gifted women that continue forward with absolute strength despite the devastation they are currently facing. I am also working with a family-owned textile factory that was founded in Spain in the 1930s whose artisanal processes and techniques of this region date back to the 15th Century. 

Grace Atkinson  and her new brand Decima
Photography by Alexandra Nataf

Who are some creatives you look up to?

I recently designed some unique pieces for the debut show at Jacqueline Sullivan Gallery in Tribeca, New York. It was an absolute honour to have my work shown with such talented designers and artists as Isabella Toledo, Kristin Dickson-Okuda, Jordan McDonald, Valentina Cameranesi Sgroi, Natalie Weinberger and Christian + Jade. Also to work with such brilliant creatives that are dedicated to a singular vision, Jacqueline Sullivan, Ruby Woodhouse and Abel Sloane. 

Looking to the future, what can we expect from Decima next?

Through Decima, I will continue to explore textural possibilites for the home, with many more blankets, rugs, throws and giant floor cushions to come. 

DECIMA can be purchased online through its website. And through Jacqueline Sullivan Gallery.

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Join the celebration with these must-see events for Auckland Pride 2023

A worthy cause for celebration, Pride is a movement ensuring our LGBTQIA+ community is liberated, thriving and connected as they embrace their authentic identities. This month marks an opportune time to show our support for the community — there’s an exhilarating programme of events in Auckland offering everything from experimental live art to extravagant drag performances. Featuring some of Aotearoa’s best talent and emerging creatives, consult our definitive guide for everything to see, experience and do for Auckland Pride 2023.

Irregular Objects.

Irregular Objects

Drag and ballroom take over as some of the City’s finest performers feature in Irregular Objects, showcasing their most fabulous and authentic selves through performance art, vogue and burlesque. A breathtaking jubilee of self-expression, prepare to be wowed by this unforgettable night out. 
Saturday 18th February at Raynham Park, Karangahape Road. See here for details.

Show Ponies

Music lovers and literary enthusiasts alike will be delighted by Show Ponies, an indulgent evening where nine poets will take the stage, transforming into pop icons to perform their works while decked in fabulous costumes alongside bright lights, electrifying music, and backup dancers. Forming part of the programme for the Samesame But Different Literary Festival 2023, this is Auckland Pride 2023’s must-see spectacle, so hurry to secure your tickets. 
Saturday 25th February at Basement Theatre. See here for details.

Pride in the Square.

Pride in the Square

Open-air hub Aotea Square is set to host a multitude of varied performances showcasing queer excellence on Friday the 24th and Saturday the 25th of February. From a DJ set by the iconic Diesel to a screening of a local documentary series Queer and Here to a performance by takatāpui rock band Valkyrie, gather your mates and embrace the celebratory vibes of Auckland Pride 2023 late into the night. 
24th – 25th February. See here for details.

Te Tīmatanga

A festival honouring the takatāpui community and their legacy, resilience and lived experiences, there’s a dedicated hub at Albert Park Caretaker’s Cottage where workshops and events will take place. You can also experience the festival in the heart of the City, where art installations and artist talks will take place at the Britomart and Viaduct Harbour precincts. 
1st – 26th February. See here for details. 

Everything Everywhere All At Once actress Michelle Yeoh.

Silo Cinema Pride Edition: Everything Everywhere All At Once

If we didn’t need yet another reason to watch this queer masterpiece, we were delighted by the recent news that leading lady Michelle Yeoh secured an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Screening on Friday the 10th of February at Silo Park, we suggest you make a night of it, with a DJ, food trucks, and bar operating from 5pm. 
Friday 10th February at Silo Park. See here for details.

Pride March

Underpinned by values of solidarity and celebrating all identities, this family-friendly march is a highly-anticipated event on the Auckland Pride 2023 calendar. The march will start on Lorne Street and finish at Takutai Square, Britomart, where food trucks and music await, allowing the community to connect and celebrate in a relaxed atmosphere. 
Saturday 18th February. See here for details. 

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Celebrate love and book your table at Auckland’s best restaurants for Valentine’s Day

The simplest but most effective way to show that you care this Valentine’s Day is by treating your significant other to a night out at one of Auckland’s most romantic restaurants. Despite the occasion still being a few weeks away, we have it on good authority that tables are already filling up fast, so now is the time to book your spot — lest you miss out. From set menus that will set hearts racing, to the perfect ambiance for the occasion, here’s where to celebrate on the 14th of February.

Valentines with Mor at Roses Dining Room

In this highly-anticipated event, Karl and Ophelia Bayly of Roses Dining Room will be welcoming Laura Metcalf and Kelsie Culpan, the duo behind Mor Bakery, to collaborate on a very special, romantic dinner. The carefully-crafted degustation menu will meld Bayly’s unique culinary touch with Metcalf and Culpan’s expert patisserie skills in a series of utterly delicious dishes. There will be two sittings on the night, one at 5:30pm and one at 8pm, and tickets are $150 per head (for the food only) or $220 per head (for the food and drinks pairing). Set to be hugely popular but with only very limited seats available, this is one we suggest booking in immediately.
See details and book your table here.

Left: Mor Bakery. Right: Movida.

Pasture, Alpha, Boxer

For all the foodies out there, the clever culinary minds behind lauded institutions Pasture, Boxer and Alpha have created a special Valentine’s Day dinner in which some of the most sought-after signature dishes from all three venues will be on offer. This is a ‘best of’ menu like no other and will see diners able to enjoy dishes like aged wagyu, lobster, caviar, truffles, grilled cheese, summer puffs and more. With four sittings across the three venues available but tickets already almost sold out, this is a one-off event you really won’t want to miss out on.
See details and book your table here.

Culprit

Set to charm all the Valentine’s Day punters with its innovative culinary offering, Culprit will be putting on a special seasonal Epic Menu for $114 per person. The menu will include a range of the restaurant’s signature flavourful fare which, due to the restaurant’s focus on seasonal ingredients, tends to change often. That said, those who want to take things up a notch can upgrade their dinner with oysters and Champagne for just $41 per person. And really, is there any other way to celebrate the universal day of love?
See details and book your table here.

MoVida

Take Valentine’s Day to new heights at MoVida, where a low-lit ambience and a special set menu will make for a seriously memorable celebration. For $135 per person, MoVida’s four-course Valentine’s Day menu includes housemade sangria on arrival, mouthwatering aperitivo like Jamon Iberico, (aged 24 Months) or lightly-cured Big Glory Bay salmon with beetroot gazpacho and caper berries, a range of tapas including croqueta with lobster, leek, seaweed and sesame salt, a duo of satiating mains (one fish, one lamb) and some very appealing dessert options.
See details and book your table here.

Movida.

Sid at The French Cafe

If you’re looking to do something super special, why not secure a table at Sid at The French Cafe? There, the team has created an indulgent, five-course degustation menu which will kick off with rosé and snacks before delving into a feast fit for celebrating love.
See details and book your table here.

Faraday’s Bar

As far as Valentines is considered, there are few ways we would rather celebrate than by indulging in Champagne and caviar — and we’re yet to find an experience as indulgent as Faraday’s Bar. If you are seeking a celebration over something sweeter, this offering is pure escapism. Enjoy a half bottle of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs and two perfectly paired desserts (of your choice) for $120, an affair that feels fit to end on.
See details and book your table here.

Andiamo

Celebrate with your significant other at this Herne Bay stalwart, where a special, three-course menu will be on offer for $105 per person from 5pm. There, expect Andiamo’s signature warm service and a raft of delicious dishes that capture the kinds of Italian and Mediterranean flavours we have come to expect from this beloved spot. Think starters like rose veal meatballs with marsala emulsion and shaved mushrooms, followed by mains like First-Light wagyu bavette with fregola, salsa verde, parmesan, rocket or ricotta agnolotti with zucchini, peas, burnt butter, pecorino, mint, and desserts like a chocolate torta with seville orange and apricot marmalade and lot 8 citrus olive oil.
See details and book your table here.

Left: Andiamo. Right: Siso.

Sìso

The intimate, warm dining space of this exceptional Remuera restaurant is the perfect place to celebrate love this Valentine’s Day. There, you and your paramour can indulge in Sìso’s delectable Mediterranean fare before finishing the evening on a high note via a special Valentine’s Day dessert created by Sìso’s Head Chef. Designed to share, the dessert is a Champagne- and rose-whipped panna cotta with macerated strawberries and pomegranate.
See details and book your table here.

Pōni

What better way to woo your significant other than with a delicious meal overlooking the sparkling waters of the Waitemata Harbour? For Valentine’s Day, Commercial Bay restaurant Pōni will be putting on a four-course menu of delectable, Asian-inspired dishes, complete with perfectly-matched wine pairings, in an affair that is really not to be missed. Here, you can take your Valentine’s Day celebrations to new heights in more ways than one.
See details and book your table here.

Esther

Head down to Viaduct Harbour’s QT Hotel and settle in at its lauded restaurant Esther for a night of romance. Putting on a specially-designed Valentine’s Day menu for those looking to celebrate, Esther will be offering starters like Mangonui line-caught Kingfish crudo with anchovy essence and Calabrian chilli, and chargrilled Golden Queen peaches with stracciatella, as well as a mouthwatering main of pistachio-herbed lamb rack served with red wine jus, butternut pumpkin, barrel-aged feta and duck-fat potatoes with garlic and rosemary. To finish, the dessert on offer is Sean’s chocolate vacherine, served with hazelnut gelato. Delicious.
See details and book your table here.

Esther.

Bivacco

Take your Valentine’s Day celebrations down to the waterfront and secure one of the best seats in town at Bivacco. Gaze across the beautiful Viaduct Harbour while enjoying a range of delicious dishes from this restaurant’s special Valentine’s Day set menu. For $135 per person, diners will be treated to a drink with oysters and caviar mozzarella sticks on arrival, followed by a selection of antipasti like beef carpaccio and Wairarapa crayfish mafaldine with bisque and black pepper sauce, and then enjoy mains of either barbecue Wagyu beef tongue or seared Big Eye tuna, before finishing with a selection of desserts (including Bivacco’s famous tiramisu).
See details and book your table here.

Non Solo Pizza

Park up at this Parnell institution for an evening of love like the Italians do. Non Solo Pizza will be putting on a special a la carte menu for Valentine’s Day which will include a drink on arrival (a flute of Veuve Clicquot, a Peroni or an Aperol spritz), followed by your choice of entree, main and dessert. Dishes will include burrata with roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, croutons, vin cotto and basil, butternut squash risotto with almonds, balsamic, pecorino, crispy sage and truffle oil, beef fillet with oyster mushrooms, vine tomatoes, garlic herb butter and porcini mushroom cream and chocolate cake or tiramisu for dessert. The dinner is $135 per person with the option to add fresh oysters or a formaggio platter (with delicate cheeses, seasonal chutneys and crispy ciabatta) to your dining experience for extra.
See details and book your table here.

Bar Magda

One of the cosiest spots in Auckland to while away a romantic evening, Bar Magda is the perfect place to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year. There, diners can choose from two special menus on offer: ‘A Seafood Affair’ or ‘A Meat Lover’s Delight’. The former is $175 per person and entails a three-course sharing-style menu that is set to include a whole crayfish. The latter, on the other hand, is $120 per person, and being a three-course sharing-style menu will hero Bar Magda’s award-winning lamb ribs alongside a few more hearty delights. Both menu options will afford diners two aperitifs and one cocktail per person, or a bottle of wine to share. If last year’s Valentine’s Day affair at Bar Magda is anything to go by, this will be popular, so book now.
See details and book your table here.

(It’s worth noting too that this month sees the return of Bar Magda to its usual operating hours, after a necessary pause for summer reprieve.)

Bar Magda.

Kingi

Head to this beautiful downtown restaurant at the base of Hotel Britomart for a three-course affair this Valentine’s Day. The menu has been designed to highlight some of kingi’s signature dishes and will feature a selection of antipasti to share (including green-lipped mussels with nduja and fromage blanc roulade with radish and herbs de Provance) followed by a choice of main and a special dessert for $80 per person.
See details and book your table here.

Ebisu

One of our favourite Japanese stalwarts is putting on a special Valentine’s Day set menu for either $135 per person, or $170 for premium sake pairings with your food. Kicking off with a flute of Veuve Clicquot on arrival, the dinner will run through a series of delicious starters and a fresh sashimi platter, before launching into dishes like scampi tempura, beef tatami nigiri, salmon and avocado maki rolls, seared duck breast and pan-seared Big Glory Bay salmon. There is even the option for diners to upgrade their culinary experience with a special A5 Kagoshima wagyu for an additional $88 per head. Finally, a delicate dessert platter for two will round off what is set to be a seriously tasty affair.
See details and book your table here.

Azabu Mission Bay & Ponsonby

Both of Auckland’s Azabu locations will be putting on delightful set menus for Valentine’s Day. Designed as tapas-style banquets, the menus will highlight some of the best dishes from Azabu’s lauded a la carte offering, and will see diners treated to drinks on arrival (either an Asahi Super Dry, a flute of Mumm Champagne or a Sakura Blossom Rose spritz) followed by four delicious courses. Expect dishes like coconut kingfish ceviche, California lobster rolls, chicken tsukune with Sancho pepper and garlic mayo and Nikkei steak with braised shiitake, ponzu butter and spring onion. If you want, you can upgrade your Nikkei steak to Japanese wagyu for an additional $32 per person.
See details and book your table here.

Gastronomy

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Thai Village Remuera.
Prawn Pad Thai.
Red Duck Curry.

Remuera stalwart, Thai Village, reopens a with a chic new look and fresh menu to match

In the hearts of the discerning diners of Remuera, Thai Village holds a special place. Amid a sea of Asian-fusion restaurants, this iconic establishment stands out for its steadfast commitment to traditional Thai cuisine. And, after 16 months of renovations, the doors have again opened, revealing a stunningly chic interior and a breathtaking glass pavilion just waiting for sunny summer days (which are hopefully on the horizon).

Thai Village: Lamb Rack & Mook Fish Salad
Left: Lamb Rack. Right: Mook Fish Salad.

The menu remains much the same as it has for the last 15 years, with generous portions and a flavour profile unmatched in the area. Fans will be delighted to find all their old favourites alongside a number of new classics. The tender grilled lamb rack with Chef Savang’s special sauce, the Mook Fish with its crumbed market fish, Thai herbs, orange and lemon dressing, and the Red Duck Curry are all must-order dishes. And remember to pair your meal with one of the playful cocktails from the bar, like the Pandan Colada, a unique take on the tropical classic.

Thai Village Fresh Spring Rolls
Left: Thai Village interiors. Right: Fresh Spring Rolls.

Lunchtime at Thai Village is just as enticing, with its Bottomless Brunch adding a touch of sophistication to the dining experience. This refined offering showcases some of the restaurant’s most beloved dishes alongside an array of celebratory drinks, perfect for a leisurely Saturday in the gorgeous glass pavilion, designed in line with the new 1050 precinct.

Thai Village
Left: Signature Cocktails. Right: Thai Village Glass Pavilion.

But for now, whether it’s a comforting weeknight meal you’re craving (to offer delicious respite from this terrible weather) or you are simply planning a dinner with friends, the new-and-improved Thai Village delivers on all fronts.

Opening hours:
Monday — Sunday, 5.30pm until 10pm.
Wednesday — Sunday (lunch service), 12pm until 3pm.

Thai Village

10/415 Remuera Road,
Remuera, Auckland

www.thaivillagerestaurant.co.nz

Gastronomy

Pizza lovers, there’s a new slice in town — Meet Brave Pizza
Skip the stress this festive season with the City’s most enticing Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining events
Skip the socks and give your Secret Santa the gift they actually want this Christmas with a personalised bottle of Glenfiddich whisky

How to help during the Auckland flood emergency

As record-breaking downpours wreak havoc around Auckland, the need for relief in the form of essential items, food, clothing, toiletries and more continues to grow. If you’re wondering about the most effective ways to help, we have rounded up some key resources and charities that continue to work around the clock to support the individuals and families most affected by the Auckland floods. We will continue to update the list throughout the day.

Nurturing Families

(Formerly Mummies In Need)
Providing essential items, foods and items for families, children and babies, Nurturing Families is taking donations of toothbrushes and toothpaste for adults and kids, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, soap and deodorant, colouring and entertainment items for children and non-perishable and snack food items such as biscuits, chips, cookies and crackers. They are also taking clean blankets and pillows. Drop-offs can be made to 6/42 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson Valley. If donating items is not doable for you, the easiest way to support is via a donation into the charity’s bank account (details in the Instagram below). Or, you can reach out to volunteer your time and help with sorting through donations and running deliveries. See more on their website.

Kindness Collective

As per the Kindness Collective’s Instagram, they are still taking donations of food items like cereals, canned fruit, coffee, tea, sugar, bread, spreads, cookies, muesli bars, rice, potatoes, canned corned beef, bananas and more. They are also accepting toiletries, clean blankets, towels and pillows and clothing and new socks for kids. Or, you can make a donation. See details on their Instagram below.

Auckland City Mission

The best way to support the Auckland floods relief efforts of the City Mission at this time is via monetary donations.. With the support of the AM Show, and an anonymous donor matching all donations up to the value of $150,000, Auckland City Mission is raising money for its relief fund via a Givealittle page, here. Money will go towards filling thousands of food and hygiene parcels to be distributed throughout the Auckland region, as well as daily hot meals and outreach care for those experiencing homelessness.

Koha Apparel

Having long provided much-needed clean clothing to the most vulnerable in our community, Koha Apparel is welcoming donations of clean, quality clothing and footwear to support anyone who has been affected by the floods. If you have clothing you want to donate, start by filling out Koha Apparel’s donation form on the website, here. You can also make a monetary donation that will support the charity’s efforts.

The ARK Collective Emergency Hub at Wesley Primary School

A Community Emergency Hub has been set up at Wesley Primary School by a local charitable group the ARK Collective (Act of Roskill Kindness). There, teams of tireless volunteers are offering support for community members affected by the floods via food parcels and essential items and services (they have a van equipped with washing machines, dryers and a shower that anyone who has been displaced can use). It is a safe space for people who need it. You can help by donating your time or donating essential items directly to the hub. Be sure to follow both The ARK Collective’s Facebook page and Wesley Primary’s Facebook page for updates throughout the coming days.

Student Volunteer Army

The helpful resource that is the Student Volunteer Army (SVA) is ready to mobilise to help anyone in Auckland with the clean-up that many will have to undertake over the next week or so. If you’re willing and able and are looking for a practical way to get out there and help the community, why not volunteer for the SVA? See more information here. For those needing any non-urgent assistance and clean-up support, simply fill in the form on the SVA website, here, and they will be in touch.

If you have been affected, a helpline has been set up by Auckland Emergency Management for anyone who needs accommodation: 0800 22 22 00.
There are also three Civil Defence Centres now open and offering safe places to go:
– In Kelston at Saint Leonard’s Road School — 15 Leonard’s Road
– In Randwick Park, at Manu Tukutuku — 32 Riverton Drive
– In Albany, at the Massey University Albany East Precinct — Gate 1/Main Entrance off the Albany Expressway SH17. The centre is set up in the Sir Neil Waters Theatre
.

Culture

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Splore.

February Culture Guide: Discover the best shows, events and exhibitions happening this month

With February (yes, it’s February already) comes an abundance of new cultural inspiration and events to inspire your creativity. After all, we could all use a little entertainment to ease the heaviness of this last week. From sporting events to music festivals, and all of the Pride celebrations and gallery exhibitions in between, our February culture guide rounds up the most exciting of what’s on the horizon. Here is everything to add to your calendar now.

February Culture Guide: Flume
Flume.

Flume

After recently taking out Triple J’s Hottest 100 for a second time (and being the second artist ever to do so), the Australian electronic darling brings his one-off headline show to Auckland this month. Celebrating the release of his third studio album, Palaces, expect a show-stopping experience that captures the essence of his latest music alongside renditions of the chart-toppers we all know and adore.
Thursday 23rd February, Spark Arena. Tickets available here.

The Heartbreak Choir

With live theatre now well and indeed returned, we’re advocates of this kind of entertainment. To kick off the season, Auckland Theatre Company presents The Heartbreak Choir — a story of challenges and unity in rural Australia. With a hilariously funny cast (and a musically talented one, too), this is a show for those seeking lighthearted joy.
Season begins Thursday 16th February. Tickets available here.

February Culture Guide: NZ Polo Open
NZ Polo Open.

NZ Polo Open

February sees the return of one of our favourite sporting events of the season, the NZ Polo Open. On Sunday the 19th of February, celebrate the final of this legendary competition with an afternoon of horses and other convivial affairs. With two years of covid-related restrictions preventing the event from going ahead, this year’s Open is a cause genuinely worth celebrating.
Sunday 19th February, Auckland Polo Club, Clevedon. Tickets available here.

Summer in the Square

To soften the blow of a return to the office, Auckland Live has made the CBD a little more joyous with the launch of its annual series. Over the four weekends of February, discover Fiesta in the Square, Beats in the Square, Circus in the Square and Pride in the Square. These all offer an agenda of live music and performance, food trucks, outdoor films and DJs. More information about Summer In The Square can be found here.

Splore.

Splore

While crowd-favourite Splore is always poised to sell out, and this year was no exception, many tickets are still available on the authorised ticket-reselling platform Tixel. This year’s line-up sees the likes of Future Islands and Drax Project take the stage for this family-friendly event. With tickets a hot commodity, we suggest nabbing any you can find before they disappear again.
25th — 26th February, Tapapakanga Regional Park. Resales available here.

Auckland Pride Celebrations

February marks Pride — an extravaganza celebrating our queer community and the history that endures. We thought this year’s line-up is as expansive as ever and, as such, deserving of its own article, in addition to our February culture guide. Here you’ll discover the best of this year’s Pride calendar.

February Culture Guide: Rangitoto
Rangitoto cast.

Rangitoto

Experience the rich, vivid tales of Kiwi bach culture in the changing landscape of New Zealand with Rangitoto, the latest theatrical production from multi-talented Geoffrey Clendon. This highly anticipated play transports audiences to the picturesque Rangitoto Island during the Great Depression, as two diverse families come together for a festive holiday. Following the island’s bach community, this comedy-drama explores the lives of its eclectic characters as they navigate the shifting societal norms of the era. With an all-star cast that includes Geoffrey Snell, Joseph Wycoff, and Elizabeth Tierney, Rangitoto promises to be a true tour de force.
Season begins Thursday 23rd February, The PumpHouse Theatre. Tickets available here.

Ed Sheeran

Bringing his highly-anticipated The Mathematics Tour down under for his first return since 2018 (which ended up being the highest-selling tour in history), pop royalty Ed Sheeran is coming back this month, and we couldn’t be more excited. Set to perform songs from his latest album, alongside crowd-favourite hits from across his career (Thinking Out Loud, The A Team, Lego House), this tour promises to be Sheeran’s most ambitious and most spectacular yet.
Friday 10th February, Eden Park. Tickets available here.

Leonardo DiCaprio as Jack Dawson in Titanic.

Titanic 3D

Celebrating 25 years of this heartbreaking epic, Titanic will return to the larger-than-life screen this month in a remastered, 3D addition. Everyone knows the tragic tale, and most audiences are familiar with how this fictionalised story ends, but it will not stop us from embarrassingly sobbing at the cinema this season.
Premiering in cinemas Thursday 9th February.

Iliza Back In Action Tour

Rounding out the February culture guide, comedian Iliza Shlesinger is making her highly-anticipated return to the stage with Back in Action, set to grace New Zealand audiences with her humour and timeless wit for a one-night-only performance this month. A multi-talented powerhouse, Shlesinger has made a name for herself as an award-winning comedian, actor, writer, producer, and author. Her devoted fanbase and five highly-acclaimed Netflix stand-up specials add to her name.
Tuesday 7th February, Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre. Tickets available here.

Culture

Faraday Street is the place to be this evening, where you’ll find a curated collective of objects & art
With SailGP debuting in Auckland next month, we sit down with Pete Burling to chat racing at home, the evolution of sailing, and winning the Cup once again
Summer in the City — These are the season’s must-attend events taking place in Auckland