Having published and edited some of the most influential lifestyle magazines both in New Zealand and in New York, it’s little wonder Claire has an excellent ability to create inspiring editorial content. As Denizen’s Editor-in-chief, she is firmly placed at New Zealand’s authority on the art of living well. In addition to The Denizen (website and magazine), Claire also publishes and edits New Zealand’s leading design magazine and website Design Folio, and is widely regarded as an authoritative figure in the design community.
The first stop on the Spring/ Summer 24 collections circuit, New York sets the pace for fashion month ahead. This season saw the highly anticipated revival of 90s favourite, Helmet Lang under the stewardship of new creative director Peter Do. While New York favourites Khaite, Proenza Schouler and The Row continued to wow the fashion cognoscenti with their sublime interpretations of understated, timeless luxury.
Khaite
Shop the brand
KHAITE Grizzo Jacket in Archer with Studs from Muse
Leaders of luxurious later living, Northbrook continues to expand its visionary approach to retirement with their latest release. Fresh off the heels of the successful sales launch of Northbrook Wānaka, Northbrook Launch Bay Hobsonville Point has secured resource consent, marking a significant milestone as the fourth out of the initial five exclusive locations.
Nestled within the established waterfront enclave of Launch Bay Hobsonville Point, Northbrook Launch Bay exudes sophistication and promises a life of serenity for its residents. Those lucky enough to reside here will not only revel in the splendour of their private residences and amenities, but also enjoy the vibrant lifestyle options on offer at nearby Catalina Bay. Set on the waterfront, Launch Bay residents will have direct access to the network of boardwalks and shared walkways that seamlessly connect them to the wider Hobsonville Point community.
Northbrook Launch Bay Aerial View
Spanning an impressive 8,474 square meters, Northbrook Launch Bay comprises four distinct buildings accommodating a total of 214 units. Among these are 160 Northbrook Residences and 54 Serviced Apartments and Northbrook Care Suites. What makes this development particularly captivating is its architectural homage to the past. The design ingeniously incorporates the historic Catalina Hangar, which traces its origins back to the 1930s when it was a vital hub for maintaining Catalina Seaplanes at the air force base. This unique piece of history enriches the very fabric of Northbrook Launch Bay.
Integrating the Catalina Hangar into the Northbrook design pays tribute to the character and heritage of yesteryears. Yet, it does so while offering a contemporary setting for the opulent facilities and amenities that form the core of Northbrook Launch Bay. All conveniently situated on the ground floor, residents will relish fine dining experiences, unwind in resident lounges and gardens, explore leisure spaces such as the potting shed and workshop, and access a suite of amenities promoting daily wellness, including a fitness centre, yoga studio, pool, and spa.
Northbrook Launch Bay
With Northbrook’s impressive flagship show apartments already open for viewing in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter and now Wānaka, those interested in learning more about Northbrook’s groundbreaking vision for upscale luxury later living can experience firsthand the luxurious, meticulously designed residences of uncompromising quality by visiting the display suites.
If lines are a testament to a restaurant’s success, then there is none more successful than Auckland’s Eden Noodles. The 2022 Hospo Heroes winner of the Cheap & Cheerful category is a household name across Auckland, adored by those who appreciate the authentic art of hand-pulled noodles and the crafting of their famous and undeniably delectable dumplings.
With such a devoted following in the suburbs, it was only obvious then, that Eden Noodles would stake their claim in Auckland’s CBD. A new Commercial Bay outpost within Harbour Eats has fans already swarming for their flavourful fix. As legend has it, the staff at Eden Noodles have been known to handcraft thousands of dumplings today, and with lines already forming at the Commercial Bay spot, we hazard a guess that their daily dumpling output is set to increase dramatically.
If you are yet to try the wonder of Eden Noodles, consider this a sign to do so now. With an opening special that includes a limited-time ‘Super Mixed’ dumpling order, you have no excuse but to head to Commercial Bay and sample the goods for yourself. Start with the pork and chive dumplings in spicy sauce, and follow with the wide noodles in soup and dan dan sauce. Don’t forget to freshen your palate with a side of cucumber salad — you will not be disappointed.
Full of new pieces, iconic designers and inside looks at some of the most incredible private homes in the world, from Manhattan to Melbourne, this year’s Denizen Modern Living is delivering all the design inspiration you seek for the seasons ahead. Here, our Editor-in-Chief gives her perspective on the shifting tides of international design and speaks to the trends worth buying into.
As I reflect on my 20-odd years as an observer and commentator on the worlds of architecture and design, it is clear that while directions continue to evolve, what’s become most important is what truly defines a space as both timeless and au courant.
Unlike fashion, architecture and design don’t undergo constant seasonal changes or flash-in-the-pan fads. From the very outset, furniture, textiles, hard materials, fixtures and finishes should be considered too enduring to update frequently.
When you design a home, you should be committed to living with it for a long time. So as we continue to navigate strange times, finding interior solutions that are kind to both our sanity and the planet feels more crucial than ever. But holding to a sense of permanence is critical to understanding which way the future is headed.
In this issue of Modern Living, we explore the enduring appeal of earth tones, which have only increased in popularity since the pandemic years. Their calming effects and associations with nature continue to captivate our senses and create harmonious spaces. Three years into the decade, earth tones still reign supreme, reminding us of the power of nature in our daily lives.
Elsewhere, marble and natural stones remain at the epicentre of any great design. Having taken rightful ownership of our kitchens and bathrooms with a sense of deserved permanence, these raw and unique materials give each project a sense of true individuality, thanks to their organic and one-of-a-kind nature.
Meanwhile, gold, bronze and silver accents are still having their time in the spotlight. Because who can deny their captivating shine and texture? They lend an everyday sophistication to any space, infusing it with a touch of elegance that is both timeless and contemporary.
In a nod to the past, certain design hallmarks from previous periods are making a comeback. After the dominance of laid-back, Mid-century Modernism in the aughts and teens, formal accents are now resurfacing. And — a little more controversially, perhaps — Brutalism is back, albeit with a modern twist. Concrete floors and architectural elements reminiscent of the movement are finding their way into contemporary interiors, but always with a touch of warmth to soften the aesthetic.
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the environmental impact of our choices, the fast furniture trend is thankfully being left behind. An environmentally conscious approach to interior design is always in style. We now understand the importance of investing in quality pieces that will stand the test of time in terms of both durability and aesthetic appeal. It’s about creating spaces that tell a story and are built to last.
In the pursuit of a better outlook and a positive mindset, we find ourselves drawn to elements that bring us joy and happiness. Cocktail cabinets that move and rotate, furniture designed for convivial gatherings, and playful, glamorous and dramatic accents are on the rise. Our spaces are becoming a reflection of our desire to have fun and celebrate.
While luxury remains a vital aspiration, there is now a shift towards a more relaxed take on sophistication. We seek grand yet approachable spaces where we can walk around barefoot without worry. The living room may dazzle with wow-factor designs, while the media room embraces less formal, edgier and more comfortable materials and textures. This reflects a broader societal change as we discover that intelligence and style can coexist without strict formality.
In the pages of this year’s Modern Living, you’ll find inspiration and ideas to curate spaces that stand the test of time that embrace a vision of interiors that balance enduring appeal with contemporary sensibilities. Spaces that bring joy, inspire connection and embody a sense of permanence in this ever-changing world.
Tom Dixon is a British designer who has made a name for himself in the world of contemporary design with his innovative and unconventional approach. With a career spanning over three decades, Dixon’s work encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including furniture, lighting, accessories and interiors. His designs are known for their sculptural forms, bold use of materials, and attention to detail. Drawing inspiration from industrial processes, Dixon creates pieces that are both functional and beautiful, with a distinctive aesthetic that is all his own. From his iconic S Chair to his latest collection, the glass-blown Melt lighting, Dixon continues to push the boundaries of design, cementing his status as one of the world’s most influential designers. Tom Dixon is in New Zealand this week with local design haven ECC (where his brand has long been stocked) and sat down with our Editor-in-Chief to share some of his most important life lessons.
When I was young…
… I worried far too much about what other people thought. I was quite a lovely, yet shy boy. Getting into the music business was ultimately what toughened me up. Being in a band, you have to learn to fight for yourself on stage, you need to perform, and perform well. So I guess you carry those traits with me now, that experience was what got me out of my shell.
I’d like to be known for…
… original thinking, while I’m not particularly bothered by what people think. If I can still have some original products or some original thoughts, then I feel like I’m on the right track.
There is still so much potential…
… for me to expand into other areas. I’ve really just touched on a small sector of the design world, and there are so many more things that are available to plunge into. I’ve not done a lot of fashion, I’ve never done a bridge, I’ve never designed any electronics or transport. And design is a fascinating way of sticking your nose in other people’s business, whether that’s manufacturers or different sectors — fundamentally, everything is designed.
The most important lesson life has taught me is…
… not to listen to too many opinions, and to find your difference.
A common misconception about me is…
… that I am grumpy, I have a ‘resting bitch face.’ But I think that it’s probably just my sarcasm — a defence mechanism of sorts.
Design should always be…
… improving stuff. You know, sometimes it’s just a tiny improvement, like a change of colour. But in principle, it should be improving something. Maybe it’s just through using more economic materials that deliver more efficiency or more sustainability, or maybe it’s making something more beautiful, or even simply better — more functional.
The pandemic forced me…
… into the countryside, where I was making things just for the fun of it. I got myself a kiln and started throwing pots and just getting back to the basics of making things for enjoyment. Working with clay is such a universal and old material that you can convert it into something truly beautiful. I also got back into welding and toying with random materials from bamboo to broken glass. It was a really enjoyable time for me personally.
I am super interested in…
… how things hold up. I love structural engineers. I don’t think they get the respect they deserve. You know, if I think of heroic engineers like Buckminster Fuller or some of the great sculptors they would have been amazing to work with.
I think that the rules…
… in general, are meant to be largely ignored.
My process is…
… chaos theory. You just pick up a lot of stuff, you know, ideas, prototypes, dust, and then over time, you play with it and see what materialises. Having practised design for so long now, the experience of continual practice of my craft is so important. You know, a ballet dancer does five hours a day to get better. And so for me, it’s the idea that if you do something a lot, a pattern will emerge.
I still feel like I’m at the beginning…
… of my career, at the very beginning of an adventure, it really feels like I have plenty of unfinished business. It’s a shame not to be a teenager anymore.
I’d love to do…
… more things that have a real purpose. While I’ve certainly created a lot of products, quite a lot of things I have created are not necessary. So I’d like to put myself into a position where people understand that they can use me to do other, more important and impactful things.
The best advice I can give is…
… find your uniqueness. But I think that’s a very difficult thing to do right now. We’re constantly assaulted with images, ideas and information, which makes it very hard to find something new. So it’s trying to avoid digesting too much and finding your own way. I think this is much more difficult than when I first started out in my design career.
In the final instalment of our Editor-in-Chief’s regular column, she embraces her long-held passion for dining, sharing the unexpected, fascinating and delicious experiences from restaurants, bars, pops-up and cheap and cheerful spots all across the country. Here, she shares the best casual dining outlets in Auckland.
Last year saw a steady, but impressive growth in our casual dining scene. As such, these are the places that I found myself returning to regularly.
Carmel, De Nada
De Nada
A much-loved weekend favourite of the Kraus family, Mount Eden establishment De Nada is a casual yet comfortable Mexican eatery. Here, start with some excellent spicy margaritas and micheladas (a drink that’s similar to a Bloody Mary, but includes beer) before launching into the main event. Think tacos, nachos and larger comidas that are true to the Mexican tradition.
Carmel
Originally founded as a pop-up by New Zealand-born, Israel-raised Carmel Davidovitch and her partner Tomer, Israeli street-food spot Carmel found fans at every market it frequented. But earlier this year it put down permanent roots in Eden Terrace, and I couldn’t be happier about it. Serving handmade, fantastically fluffy pita bread with fresh fillings, Carmel’s moreish creations are of exceptional quality and full of flavour. Only open from Thursday to Saturday, 9am until 2:30pm (although keep your eyes on Carmel’s Instagram for any opening-hour updates) I recommend getting in early to avoid the crowds. If you have to wait, I promise it’s more than worth it.
Parade, Swings
Parade
Having taken up a permanent residence on Ponsonby road, Parade has risen to stratospheric heights in terms of its demand. If you haven’t tried Parade’s burgers I can assure you they’re unlike anything else. The epitome of indulgent eating, each burger is served in a house-made pretzel bun, with decadent fillings that have been known to include fried chicken with macaroni and cheese or a smashed beef patty with nacho chips, cheese sauce and salsa. The Parade team is never afraid to try something new or push the boundaries of what’s expected from a burger.
Swings
Located opposite Albert Park (just a short walk from the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki) Swings is a cool drop-in from the brains behind Ponsonby eatery, Ockhee. Here, you’ll find perfectly-brewed coffee, natural wines and a menu of delicious Korean toasties and flavoursome bites, all to be enjoyed in a light-filled space. Swings offers an escape from the bustling City (despite being in its heart).
Schapiro’s, Swashbucklers
Swashbucklers
A decades-old legend of the Auckland dining scene, Swashbucklers simply cannot be passed up on a sunny day. Stop in for a seafood platter or a cold beer on the deck overlooking the marina. It’s a winning place for both young and old when all you want is something simple and good. The stories that have been shared over the decades within the walls of this stalwart establishment are those of the ‘largest fish I’ve ever caught’ category, and an afternoon spent here is the best precursor to a good night out.
Schapiro’s
It’s hardly surprising how popular Schapiro’s has been since opening as a dedicated sports bar in Eden Terrace last year. Now, it is a sought after spot for casual dining (and drinking) in Auckland. Conceived by Otis Schapiro (co-owner of and head chef at Lilian), Schapiro’s has filled a gap in the local hospitality scene by offering a classic, American-style sports bar experience. Inside, find sports memorabilia, large screens that play popular live sports and a delicious, diner-style menu, suited to every taste. Think classic burgers, fried chicken and St. Louis pork ribs alongside radicchio salad, whole flat fish and steamed mussels. There are also 12 regularly-rotating beers on tap as well as a comprehensive wine and cocktail list to boot.
When the storied New York-based jewellery house, Tiffany & Co. releases its annual Blue Book, admirers and, most importantly, collectors of fine jewels the world over take note. Having first launched its now widely-lauded tome in 1845 with a focus on engagement rings, Tiffany made history as the first direct-mail catalogue to bring its fine pieces into the homes of Americans.
Over the years, the release of each new Blue Book has been met with great anticipation by a growing number of celebrities and collectors of rare and exquisite jewellery alike, evolving to become an incredible document on a vast array of the house’s creative wonders. Among them coveted pieces by legendary Tiffany & Co. Designer Jean Schlumberger, whose fanciful creations won over the likes of Babe Paley, Jayne Wrightsman and Audrey Hepburn back in the day. The annual release has seen Tiffany become globally-renowned for the way in which it successfully bridges the gap between its heritage and more modern appetites, successfully moving with the times, while still paying homage to its past.
Victoria Wirth Reynolds Chief Gemologist and Vice President, Tiffany & Co.
In September 2022, Denizen’s Editor-in-chief, Claire Sullivan-Kraus was invited to Tokyo for the unveiling of the third and final expression of Botanica: Blue Book 2022, a collection that brought a new excitement to existing floral themes from The Tiffany Archives. This final iteration drew inspiration from flora such as wisterias, magnolias and orchids, in addition to a number of Jean Schlumberger’s masterpieces.
Embracing the much-admired and collectable Louis Comfort lamp that became an iconic addition to desks and tables throughout the Art Nouveau period and beyond, Tiffany’s artisan’s re-envisioned the petals of a wisteria with hand-carved chalcedony, pear-shaped fancy sapphires and diamonds nestled amongst the petals.
“Wisteria is a homage to the archival Tiffany & Co. flower that also honours Louis Comfort, Tiffany’s colourful leaded-glass creations,” said Victoria Wirth Reynolds, Chief Gemologist and Vice President of Tiffany & Co. “The hand-carved chalcedony petals have these beautiful, translucent hues with an intentional gradation of colour.”
The unveiling of this iteration of the Botanica collection in Tokyo provided many outstanding moments, with each piece more show-stopping and intricately detailed than the next. But perhaps one of the most impressive examples of the maison’s ability to honour tradition and celebrate modernity, was via its interpretation of the orchid. The Orchid Curve necklace beautifully captures the essence of this much-loved flower, but does so in a way that doesn’t necessarily replicate it. Instead the necklace is artfully crafted in a uniquely curved shape with over 38 carats of diamonds set in platinum. In keeping with the new movement towards more versatile, transformable pieces, the undulating necklace even has a removable sapphire, an extraordinary gemstone that can be added for occasions that call for a little va-va-voom.
According to Reynolds, “honouring the botanical splendour and organic curves of an orchid flower, our designers and master craftspeople collaborated to re-envision the flower’s distinctive profile. This theme’s intriguing silhouettes and rhythmic pattern of diamonds modernise the orchid motif while honouring its significance to our heritage, making the two indelibly intertwined.”
The Orchid Curve necklace is one of the most exceptional designs of the Botanica: Blue Book 2022 collection,” Reynolds explains. “The process of handcrafting it was perhaps the most technically challenging, however, and the result is an incredibly innovative work of art. This necklace is sculptural, with organic curves and clean folds. As a necklace, it needs to have flexibility and movement; it needs to be both beautiful and comfortable. We achieved this by custom-cutting hundreds of diamonds to fit each setting. Each diamond has its own movement, and the artisan must conceal the mechanisms that facilitate the organic motion of the diamonds.”
“The designation of “High Jewellery” is reserved for the best of the best in terms of design, rarity, workmanship, and value.”
The designation of ‘High Jewellery’ is reserved for the best of the best in terms of design, rarity, workmanship and value. The natural origin of diamonds and gemstones is essential for any piece to be considered High Jewellery. Reynolds says, “Sourcing gemstones for our collections is a quest to find the rarest, most beautiful, and unusual gemstones in the world. My team and I travel extensively in search of these miracles of nature, and every single diamond and coloured gemstone is selected by hand. As we searched for the perfect coloured gemstone for the Orchid Curve necklace, we were fortunate to find a rare unenhanced sapphire of substantial size with exceptional colour and clarity. Its beauty cannot be overstated.”
One of the most popular pieces on display from the famed French visionary, Jean Schlumberger, and inspired by his work in The Tiffany Archives, is the legendary ‘Bird on a Rock’ brooch, set with a vibrant array of gemstones that gave a new dimension to Schlumberger’s masterful creations. While the original ‘Bird on a Rock’ — which highlights Schlumberger’s deep love of nature and movement — was designed in 1956 with the iconic Tiffany Yellow Diamond, the brooch has since been recreated with some of the world’s most incredible coloured gemstones. Every coloured gemstone for each ‘Bird on a Rock’ is hand-selected and hand-set by Tiffany’s artisans. Intriguingly, ‘Bird on a Rock’ has fast become a desirable and collectable lapel brooch for men, as Sullivan-Kraus witnessed at the Botanica: Blue Book Gala held in Tokyo, where many of the male guests were spotted donning their sparkling new acquisitions proudly upon their tuxedo lapels.
The Empire Diamond necklace, and The Empire Diamond converted into a ring from Tiffany & Co.
But in a room filled with exquisite glimmering stones, and delicate craftsmanship, it was hard to ignore the presence of the incredible ‘Empire Diamond.’ A recent acquisition for Tiffany, the 80-carat oval shape, D colour and internally flawless diamond and its design, make it the second most expensive (after the legendary 128.54-carat Tiffany Diamond, which is not for sale and has been labelled as “priceless”) ever created in the jewellery house’s history, and said to be in the vicinity of $USD30 million. The show-stopping necklace was a reimagined version of the 1939 World’s Fair Necklace and features the 80-carat Empire Diamond as the centrepiece of its flexible necklace. But the most interesting part is that it can also, rather brilliantly, be converted into a diamond ring, with an 80-carat centre stone, in a platinum setting, again making it uniquely transformable. “This twist to the Tiffany Empire Diamond allows the wearer to adapt it to their personal style and enjoy the diamond in multiple ways. The transformability is a testament to Tiffany’s incredible skills and modern engineering capabilities,” says Reynolds.
The showcase in Tokyo was a true reflection of Tiffany & Co.’s legacy of innovation and creativity, while the pieces within the Botanica: Blue Book 2022 collection marked the arrival of a new era of transformative, high jewellery designs — pointing to jewellery collectors’ growing calls for magnificent pieces that can be worn every day.
In this regular column, our Editor-in-Chief embraces her long-held passion for dining, sharing the unexpected, fascinating and delicious experiences from restaurants, bars, pops-up and cheap and cheerful spots all across the country. Here, she shares her never-fail restaurants that can always be relied on to deliver.
It is comforting to know that there are a raft of eateries and restaurants in Auckland that offer consistently delicious food, great service and a buzzing atmosphere, every single time. These are my failsafe, go-tos for those times when only the best will do.
Andiamo Always dependable and reliable, from its comforting interior, to its sunny, street-side tables that take in all the local action, to its delicious Italian-inspired cuisine and its friendly staff (most of whom know their patrons by name), Andiamo is a stalwart in every way. It is the sort of destination that those who live in the Eastern Suburbs are willing to move across town to be nearer, and for those in the Herne Bay neighbourhood, is an institution.
Left: Andiamo. Right: Amano.
Amano There really is not much to say here other than, if you haven’t visited what is quite possibly the City’s most loved eatery, then are you even an Aucklander? Amano continues to deliver exceptional quality food, drinks and service, year after year. There is no other eatery in town that you’ll find as busy for breakfast as it is for dinner. A testament to the creative genius at play both in the kitchen and on the floor, it is nothing short of a gastronomic symphony, by which all other eateries should be measured.
Hello Beasty Another gem in Viaduct Harbour’s glistening gastronomic crown, Hello Beasty draws inspiration from Korean, Japanese and Chinese cuisine, and boasts a menu that will take your tastebuds on a journey of discovery. Each dish offers a complex medley of flavours. The potsticker savoy cabbage, water chestnut and tofu dumplings with crispy garlic and soy red chilli dressing are simply exceptional, as is the prawn toast with wagyu.
Left: Alma. Right: Hello Beasty.
Alma Located in Britomart, Alma was opened by Jo Pearson (previously of Amano fame) who created an Andalusian-inspired menu that centres on small plates or tapas. While the style of the food here makes it possible to pop in for a quick snack and an extremely delicious tomato, manzanilla, vodka and chilli martini, it’s the long languid meals enjoyed over hours that are my personal favourite. Start with Olasagasti anchovies and tomatoes on toast, some Iberian ham and a mussel escabeche with kohlrabi; follow it up with crayfish tail cooked with tarragon and samphire, a rabbit empanada with cucumber and toum (a type of garlic sauce), and maybe finish with some lamb chops or a rib eye steak. Perfection.
The Blue Breeze Inn A Saturday stalwart in the Kraus Haus, The Blue Breeze Inn delivers what young and old desire in the form of exceptional dumplings; crayfish crab and tiger prawn, steamed soup with pork and black truffle, har gau, roast duck and chive… through to a vast array of larger sharing plates that are bursting with flavour — all courtesy of the talented culinary mastermind, Chef Che. Denizen held the opening party for The Blue Breeze Inn almost 10 years ago, and I’m proud to see one of the City’s greatest restaurateurs, Mark Wallbank, still holding court at this one-of-a-kind establishment.
Left: Blue Breeze Inn. Right: Baduzzi.
Baduzzi A weekend family favourite, largely because my children simply love the butter pasta. Comprising handmade, thick strips of pasta doused in butter and a sprinkling of parmesan cheese, I challenge you to not scoff the lot yourself, (if the little people let you near their plates, that is). Michael Dearth has done a wonderful job here of keeping the food and the atmosphere consistently good, which is why we return week after week.
Omni This chic yet approachable operation offers a succinct, tasty and original menu alongside an excellent wine list of predominantly natural wines, sake and specialty spirits. Inspired by the concept of an izakaya where eating and drinking go hand in hand, Omni is not tied to a particular cuisine per se, but its menu comprises both a selection of yakitori and small sharing dishes that offer original twists on Japanese and Korean flavours. Fresh and deceptively simple, a raw fish dish sings with its base of creamy, slightly tangy white soy spread. You’ll gobble up the katsu sando with its juicy, handground, panko-coated chicken patty, while the steak tartare bowl is flavoured with ‘nduja and served with gnocco fritto-style crisps. There is also a selection of vegetable-focused dishes, which evolve with the seasons, and a set menu which allows diners to leave the ordering to the experts and try a selection of the full offering.
Left: Azabu Mission Bay. Right: Omni.
Azabu Yet another resolutely reliable eatery from Savor Group, Azabu, in both Ponsonby and Mission Bay offer Japanese-Peruvian food at its absolute best. Everyone has a favourite dish or two here, with the eateries so popular many diners (like myself) don’t even need to see the menu to know what to order. A tostada (or two), the Dynamite roll, the spicy gyoza and the lamb chops. There is comfort to be found in consistency, after all.
In this regular column, our Editor-in-Chief embraces her long-held passion for dining, sharing the unexpected, fascinating and delicious experiences from restaurants, bars, pops-up and cheap and cheerful spots all across the country. Here, she reveals the best of Auckland’s rooftop bars to visit.
Things are looking up when it comes to Auckland’s rooftop scene, where elevated views are the name of the game, capitalising on what can often be unused space on top of buildings. It would seem we’re taking our cues from the world’s biggest metropolises like New York and Tokyo with a plethora of stylish and supremely cosmopolitan outposts popping-up all over the City, each offering unobstructed views of our sparkling harbour and the islands beyond.
Sunset Inspired by rooftop bars around the world and created with a desire to celebrate the spectacular beauty of Auckland’s unique and varied landscape from above, Sunset was designed as a place to which us city-dwellers could escape after a long day. Here, satiating drinks and tasty food collide in a sumptuous setting designed by the renowned team at CTRL Space, who paired inviting pastel shades and tactile touches of timber, tiles and stone with curved ceiling details and banquettes — a nod to the 1970s although with a distinctly contemporary feel.
Palmer Bar Whether you’re seeking a cosy, after-work drink or a convivial catch up with friends, Palmer’s inviting interior gives way to a sweeping terrace that provides the perfect al fresco spot to revel in a beautiful afternoon. And even as the sun goes down, a roaring fire takes centre-stage outdoors, offering night-long warmth for those who choose to indulge in another round.
HI-SO An early proponent of Auckland’s burgeoning rooftop bar scene, HI-SO opened back in 2019 at the top of SO/Auckland. The east-facing bar is complete with an outdoor terrace which takes in a stunning view of Rangitoto and the Hauraki Gulf, while the design is a showcase of the creative talents of Marcel Wanders and his eclectic Moooi furniture and lighting brand. Expect light bites and delectable cocktails served with the upbeat sounds from regular DJ sets at this perfect-for-after-work-drinks spot.
Bar Albert Proudly carrying the title of the highest bar in the country, located thirty-eight floors above Auckland, Bar Albert is proof that the best bar of this kind considers all elements of its offering, its focus firmly on what Auckland’s thirsty punters are really there for — a tempting list of cocktails and delectable snacks. The expansive outlook across the City is just a bonus. Bar Albert’s cocktail menu finds inspiration in the recognisable streets below with cocktails like Napier Street, Chancery Street, and Market Place, or the signature Eden Crescent cocktail, featuring The Roots dry gin, yellow chartreuse, house-made pistachio and rosewater orgeat syrup and a spray of rhubarb bitters, served in a coupe glass and garnished with dried rose petal. It truly is a delicious tipple.
Rooftop at QT Positioned to take in the afternoon sun, and with a panoramic view across the bobbing boats of Viaduct Harbour, the Rooftop at QT has fast become a popular haunt on a beautiful day. An extensive cocktail menu and delicious bar snacks make this the ideal spot to soak up some sun. And if you stay for a nightcap you’ll get the added advantage of witnessing the City as it magically transforms into a twinkling urban landscape.
In this regular column, our Editor-in-Chief embraces her long-held passion for dining, sharing the unexpected, fascinating and delicious experiences from restaurants, bars, pops-up and cheap and cheerful spots all across the country. Here, she details the best city hotspots for summer celebrations.
‘Tis the season, but then again, celebrating life, in general, should always be encouraged. Gather a group of your nearest and dearest and head to one of these tried and true establishments that always deliver a rollicking good time.
Left: Soul Bar & Bistro. Right: Sìso.
Soul Bar & Bistro Celebrating 21 years in operation, and arguably the heart and soul of Viaduct Harbour, I can’t think of a time when I have visited Soul without celebration in mind. In fact, it’s the type of place where even if you’re not celebrating, you leave feeling as though you did. The food is always on point, the drinks — thanks to the restaurant’s experienced new Bar Manager, Katie Cramphorn, and exquisite new cocktail menu — are delightfully sassy, but it’s the service, led by one of the most beloved hostesses in town, Liv Carter, that makes every visit here a truly memorable one. No one knows how to throw a fun-filled extravaganza quite like Soul, and I’m always here for it.
Sìso Neighbourhood eateries may not be your usual destination for a celebration, that is until you try Remuera’s Sìso. Since opening in 2020, Sìso has consistently drawn the attention of local crowds for all manner of celebrations. Whether it’s dinner for two, or a booking in the private room, known as ‘The Sauna’, Sìso is the Eastern Suburbs’ answer to a fun night out.
Left: Onslow. Right: Faraday’s Bar.
Onslow When dining out, one of the most important aspects of any well-rounded offering (aside from the culinary element) is heart. So when much-loved chef Josh Emett and his wife (and business partner) Helen opened Onslow, that’s just what they brought to this truly elegant space. The food is refined, but not overly complicated or pretentious, and in true Emett form, the menu is dedicated to quality and provenance. But it’s the warm attentive service that makes Onslow feel special and worthy of a celebration any day of the week.
Faraday’s Bar Did somebody say Champagne and caviar? If you are anything like me, then this is the ultimate way to celebrate, well, anything really. Ensconce yourself within Faradays’ beautifully-designed bar (conceived by the eternally talented team at Cheshire Architects), and embrace your suitably sumptuous surroundings. Order a bottle or two of vintage Krug or Ruinart Blanc de Blancs along with 50g of Sturia vintage caviar and settle in for a truly elegant afternoon.
Left: Milenta. Right: Jervois Steak House.
Milenta & The Shy Guy While the food from the woodfired grill is nothing short of exceptional at Victoria Park’s Milenta, it’s the ability to host the celebration of a lifetime in its semi-outdoor pergola, or move things into sister venue The Shy Guy, that will turn your seated dinner into a night of dancing. Guaranteed to both satiate your hunger and fuel you for a night on the dancefloor, this restaurant-bar duo is your one-stop party shop.
Jervois Steak House There are steak houses, and then there’s JSH. A stalwart of the Auckland dining scene, this iconic eatery is guaranteed to be filled with people celebrating some sort of occasion pretty much every night of the week. With a private room, and two floors of dining, there’s a myriad of options for small to larger groups, and it is destined to leave every guest entirely satiated with its truly exceptional menu.
The Engine Room.
The Engine Room I always feel at home at Northcote Point establishment, The Engine Room. With the ever-friendly owner Natalia Schamroth running the front-of-house, and her husband Carl Koppenhagen in the kitchen, there’s a level of familiarity here within its chic yet comforting interior (refreshed by Fearon Hay Architects) that draws my husband and me back time and time again. The menu of crowd-pleasing dishes including the (now infamous in these parts) twice-baked goat’s cheese soufflé — which has become an icon in its own right — guarantees a successful celebration every time.
For more exclusive access to what the city has to offer, engaging content, excellent imagery and thought provoking commentary on the life that surrounds you, subscribe to Denizen magazine now.
