There are few better ways to enjoy a leisurely afternoon than by indulging in a luxurious afternoon tea — better still when your venue of choice is Park Hyatt Auckland. Here, you’ll find one of the very best in the city, thanks in large part to Callum Liddicoat, the master pastry chef behind the destination’s immaculate treats. From small pastries to savoury treats to moreish sweet indulgences, Park Hyatt Auckland’s famed afternoon tea is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion, or simply while away a few hours in culinary bliss.
Park Hyatt Auckland has become renowned for its exquisite slant on the sweeter side of life, and for the month of November, it’s adding to its offering with the addition of the Rose at the Rose Afternoon Tea. This tantalising take on the venue’s already impressive afternoon tea invites diners to immerse themselves in floral decadence, with each course representing and conjuring a bouquet of refined flavours. Taking inspiration from the vibrancy of spring and the crisp, light and fruit-forward flavours of Château Roubine’s renowned Rosé wines, you can expect an exceptional selection of fresh and flavourful fare.
Strawberry confit with tart rhubarb cream and white chocolate, passionfruit curd brioche doughnuts, and kiwifruit, oabika and pineapple tartlets all feature — sure to satisfy those with a sweet tooth. For those more interested in the savoury delights, there are elevated clubs (the herbed smoked salmon and cream cheese iteration with confit lemon isn’t to be missed), and a selection of beautifully crafted bites including a goat cheese tart with pecan, cranberry and prosciutto and a deliciously light early summer gazpacho with basil and olive oil foam.
Even the most discerning diners are sure to delight in Liddicoat and his team’s latest creative selection. Park Hyatt Auckland’s Rose Afternoon Tea is available throughout November, running Thursday through Sunday from 12pm to 3.30pm. Make sure to book your spot now so you don’t miss out.
Michael Meredith’s impeccable new restaurant, Metita, has officially opened its doors, and the result is even more impressive than we imagined. Named for the Chef’s mother and inspired by his upbringing in Samoa, Metita is a comment on the richness of Polynesian culture, brought to life through Meredith’s incredibly elevated take on Pasifika cuisine — the first eatery of its kind in New Zealand.
Sitting pretty within the SkyCity precinct, Metita occupies the space formerly home to beloved Gusto at The Grand, and it’s fair to say that the newcomer is already living up to the iconic nature of its address. Here, the ethos is to offer an altogether new take on South Pacific cuisine, elevating traditional dishes with modern culinary techniques, inspiring a deeper reverence for our own heartland and connection to Meredith’s native Samoa, something he takes very seriously indeed.
Fire Roasted Tua Tua, Okra, Harissa
The space itself acts as a vessel for storytelling, taking its inhabitants on a journey through to the sights and sounds of the South Pacific — a vision cleverly realised by the team at CTRL Space. The brief was to honour the essence of Pacific culture with clever but subtle nods that speak to the significance of three fundamental aspects of daily life: connection to nature, a strong sense of community and storytelling. The lighting is a feature, subtly resembling fishing baskets and tropical flowers, while the palette reflects the ever-changing colours of the ocean and sky. A midnight blue ombre rendering on the walls draws the eye upwards, the colours becoming deeper on the ascension, leaving diners feeling as if they’re gazing at a resplendent night sky. Elsewhere, the link to the South Pacific continues with woven elements and lush verdant greenery.
Seating is a mix of cosy booths, flanked by a series of smaller tables, the layout giving the space a communal feel. This theme is continued elsewhere, too; in the kitchen, a bustling hive of activity where chefs are stationed around a large shared workstation, while at Metita’s entrance, a space it shares with SkyCity Grand, there are a number of tall tables where guests are encouraged to gather casually, be it for a quick bite or a knock-off drink with friends, in an in-between space that feels entirely part of the action. The culmination of all of these carefully considered elements is a restaurant that feels homely but elevated, striking a beautiful balance between modernity and informality — here, you can easily picture yourself enjoying a casual, solo weeknight bite or settling in with a group of friends to enjoy a convivial Saturday evening meal.
Pickled Pometia
When it comes to the food itself, as expected with Meredith’s resume in the mix, the results are exceptional. The concise, considered and experimental menu brings together a plethora of textures, flavours and techniques, calling on a unique ingredients list to deliver something truly groundbreaking. Anyone familiar with Pasifika cuisine will be delighted to discover that many traditional favourites take centre stage (pork hock, paua and taro all feature), but what truly makes these dishes stand out is Meredith’s inspired, modern reimagining of them.
Charcoal Margarita
Book in for the Toana’i Long Lunch and you’ll be met with a corned beef bun paired with lardo and caviar, or fried pork hock served alongside sapa sui (Samoa’s famed chop suey). Opt for the tasting menu and you’ll find the likes of paua served with ulu, paneer and burnt orange, fe’e (octopus), veal tongue with green papaya and panipopo (Samoan coconut buns) to finish. If you have the time, though, it’s the three-course sharing menu that we suggest. A gastronomical journey through the Pacific, the menu acts to highlight the very best of Metita’s offerings and is an experience that feels brand new. Here, everything is sublime, but the fire-roasted Tua Tua served with okra and harissa is a dish not to be missed.
Left: Pasifik Koko. Right: Clarified Piña Colada
Of course, the food is accompanied by an impressive list of cocktails, with a focus on the fragrant rums of the South Pacific, and an extensive list of New Zealand wines — much of which is on display in the deep mahogany shelving that lines the eatery. Metita’s signature clarified mai tai is a definite highlight, a treat for both the eyes and the palette, this lively libation is inspired by the vivid colours of the breathtaking To Sua Ocean Trench and as such, features a heady mix of light and dark rum, blue curacao, orgeat and lime. The clarified piña colada is another highlight, comprising five-year-old rum, pineapple rum, falernum, pineapple, toasted coconut and lime, and made to represent the bright yellow tones of the flag of Niue.
Elsewhere on the menu, the pickled pometia is the restaurant’s exceptional answer to a Gibson martini, replacing the drink’s typical pickled onion with pickled longan (an island lychee). And for anyone steering clear of the booze, we’d suggest turning your attention to the charcoal margarita.
Metita’s Private Dining Room
For those looking for a casual bite, Metita’s snack menu offers exactly that, featuring an inspired take on oysters (cooked in bone marrow), crisp lamb ribs, smoked eel with spiced banana, crab and puffed taro and king salmon housed in betel leaf, topped with pickled mango and roe. And for those seeking the opposite, when a special occasion is on the horizon and you’re looking for an intimate dining space to bring people together, look no further than Metita’s exceptionally well-appointed private dining room. The space seats up to 26, but can just as easily cater to small numbers, and brings the very best of Metita’s interiors into focus to create a space well worthy of your attention.
Adding to the cultural melting pot that is the SkyCity precinct, Metita gives Polynesian cuisine the stage it so deserves, bringing something entirely new to the Auckland dining scene that is a welcome addition indeed.
Opening hours Dinner: Monday to Sunday, 5pm until 9:30pm Lunch: Sunday, 11:30am until 3pm Bar: Monday to Friday, from 8am Saturday & Sunday, from 11:30am
Upon opening its doors late last year, Bivacco quickly solidified itself as the place to be for after-work drinks and leisurely weekend lunches alike, offering up views that span the iconic Viaduct Harbour, exceptional fare, an extensive list of libations and consistently good vibes to match. Now, adding to the list of reasons to visit, the beloved dining institution is taking things up a notch, adding regular DJ sessions to its remit.
Bivacco’s Sundown Sessions — running from now until the end of March — promise the perfect setting for summer satiation, with an ever-rotating lineup of DJs every Friday and Saturday and seasonal drinks specials (including a series of summer punches, but we’ll get to those shortly), best enjoyed at one of their long tables and shared with friends. Here, as the sun goes down, the volume goes up.
The hospitality destination’s dedication to aperitivo hour will never change. In fact, if you’re looking to push the boat out (no judgment here), Friday evenings will see this elevated further, inspiring you to celebrate the end of the working week in style. Running from 4pm to 6pm (as it does Monday through Thursday), Bivacco welcomes punters to delight in an array of champagne, cocktail, Peroni (and now, punch) specials, accompanied by complimentary bites.
One of the best spots in the city to make the most of the longer, warmer nights, Bivacco’s extensive list of drinks has something for every taste and proclivity, and the addition of three new, summer-focused punches is a welcome one. The Frutta sees wild strawberries muddled with pineapple, orange, lemonade and a healthy splash of vodka, while the Tazza Di Whisky is Bivacco’s take on an elevated whisky & dry, pairing Glenmorangie, rose vermouth, lime, mint and ginger ale. The Passione Fragola came up trumps for us, though, as citrus, strawberry, grapefruit and passionfruit are blended with vodka to create the ultimate taste of the tropics. If punch isn’t your thing, the margs are a modest $15 and there’s four to choose from: coconut, chilli, passionfruit or original.
When it comes to the food, look no further than their beloved selection of flavourful pizzas. From classic Margherita to mushroom, to spicy salami and a delightful goats cheese iteration, the concise menu features something for everyone’s tastes.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better perch from which to watch the sun go down this summer season. With a stunning vista, an impressive host of drinks specials, fantastic fare, and now, the addition of rousing DJ sets every Friday and Saturday from 4pm – 6pm at Bivacco’s Sundown Sessions, there’s only one thing for it. Make your booking here.
Adding to an impressive laundry list of achievements — including the recent success of their first joint venture, Duo — hospitality maestros (and husband and wife) Sarah and Jordan Macdonald are bringing an impressive new eatery, Osteria Uno, to Birkenhead.
Those residing on the North Shore can now add this delightful Italian spot to their regular dining rotation, as Osteria Uno opens its doors on Birkenhead’s main strip this coming Thursday. Here, the focus is on elevated but approachable Italian, and diners can expect to be met with simple, seasonal fare where fresh, handcrafted pasta is the star of the show.
Left: Creste di Gallo. Right: Crayfish Maritozzi
The pair’s take on a traditional Italian osteria is inspired, which isn’t altogether surprising given their past endeavours. Jordan is who we have to thank for CBD haunts Culprit, Lowbrow and Little Culprit, while Sarah can count Chef at Woodpecker Hill, Culprit and Fed Deli and Masterchef contestant as strings in her bow. The pair opened Duo in March last year and have since solidified the neighbourhood spot as one of the city’s best for elevated brunch and dinner in a relaxed setting.
Left: Rigatoni
Left: Arancino. Right: Strawberries with Yoghurt Mousse
Building on this, quite literally, the team have now taken over the space directly adjacent to Duo, transforming it into a modern Italian eatery. With a vision to create something paired-back but truly unique, Sarah and Jordan engaged Architect Kirsty Mitchell for the fit-out. Having already worked on Duo, Culprit and Lowbrow — she was the obvious choice. Her approach was simple: to marry the building’s existing heritage elements with contemporary touches and create something time-honoured, sophisticated and non-pretentious. She certainly met the brief. Mitchell opted to keep the somewhat scrappy original stained glass windows and brick tile walls (painstakingly stripped back over many attempts by Jordan), adding rich sanguine banquette seating, dark mahogany tables and a heavy marble bench to the space, resulting in a relaxed setting where you can easily imagine yourself spending a leisurely Saturday evening.
Left: Casarecce. Right: Tiramisu
Grilled Courgette
In Osteria Uno’s kitchen, distinguished Chef Gleber Chaparro (formerly Lilian, Amano, Depot and Sugar Club) is at the helm, having recently returned from a stint at Michelin-starred Disfrutar in Barcelona. Pasta making is an art Chaparro takes seriously (anyone who has visited Amano during his tenure will concur) and the quality here is unparalleled. Standout iterations include the casarecce with asparagus and cavalo nero pesto and the bucatini with mussels and fermented chilli butter. For those opting to skip the pasta in favour of a selection of smaller bites, there’s whipped fish roe with crisps, beef tartare pizza fritta with pecorino, or raw market fish crudo with Clevedon Buffalo curd and Sicilian olive. To finish on a high note, the macerated strawberries with buffalo yoghurt mousse is a must.
Left: Pizza Fritta, Fish Crudo & Burrata. Right: Spaghettini
Italian varietals fill Osteria Uno’s wine list, with a few New Zealand and French additions, and the Italian-inspired cocktails are a delight — the limoncello pomelo spritz is the ultimate summer satiation. For beer lovers, you’ll find ice-cold Peroni on tap.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 4.30pm until late
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Soul Bar & Bistro. Sure to be an instant sell-out, the final Soul Punch Sunday of the year is set to be full of festive cheer, sashaying us into the silly season in style. The lights will be twinkling, the bells will be jingling and Soul Bar & Bistro will be serving up a day of unmissable mingling as the viaduct stalwart is transformed into a grotto of fantastic festive fun.
Taking place on Sunday the 26th of November from 12pm until 6pm, Soul Punch’s Christmas-themed affair will certainly be a party to remember. Tickets are $125 per person and will include a flute of Mumm Grand Cordon on arrival, a delicious three-course set menu, cocktail tasters and, as always, an exceptional line-up of DJs. Rock around the Christmas tree to sets by Fabio Bataglia, Brotherhoodjz, DJ Venetia and surprise special guests, sure to get the party well and truly started.
Kick off the silly season in style with the ultimate Sunday session at Soul. Tickets for Soul Punch are available now — be sure to secure yours here before they’re gone.
Somehow, we’ve blinked and it’s October. Labour Day is upon us, and with it comes the final long weekend of 2023. Luckily for those spending a leisurely few days in the city, there’s a host of fabulous food-related goings-on to fill the days. From the best local openings to where to take the kids to dine for free, Denizen has rounded up where to celebrate all things foodie and frivolous in Auckland this Labour weekend.
Ahi steward Ben Bayly’s much-loved TV show is about to air its third season, and once again the esteemed Chef has drawn on his learnings and discoveries whilst filming to bolster the restaurant’s already impressive offering. The result is a new tasting menu that pays homage to Aotearoa’s natural resources; pairing exceptional local ingredients with produce grown at Ahi’s organic gardens to create something truly unique. The concise menu, aptly dubbed ‘The New Zealand Food Story’, is exactly that: a tale of Aotearoa’s abundance, from the land to the sea and back again. Here, there is a focus on underutilised ingredients, think long-finned eel and yellow foot queen pāua served alongside the likes of Coromandel mussel bhaji and ever-changing seasonal salads. The tasting menu, available now and indefinitely, includes four snacks and four courses, plus an additional two koha items. At $165 per person secure your spot here.
Make your long weekend plans with the kids extra special and treat the whole family to a meal at Commercial Bay’s magnifique French destination: Origine. Serving consistently delicious French fare with spectacular views to match, Origine has solidified itself as a go-to spot for elevated dining and family outings alike. With a menu boasting French favourites from faux foie gras (a delectable truffle and duck liver pate) to steak haché (a classic French minced eye fillet steak with green peppercorn sauce & fries), to pinot braised boeuf bourguignon and les moules (an earthy-sweet saffron broth brimming with green lipped mussels and scampi), there’s something for everyone — including the mini gastronomic connoisseurs amongst us. The kids’ menu is a delight, featuring butterfish gougers with buttery peas and fries, fresh-handmade, buttered pasta with new-season asparagus, lamb vol au vents (a scrumptious French pie) and more. The clincher? Kids aged 12 and under now dine for free on the weekends. Merci beaucoup!
A tasty new offering is landing at Somm just in time for the long weekend. Now, every Sunday, Somm is offering two for one on their utterly delicious pizzas — perfect when paired with a crisp drop from their extensive cellar. Somm takes their pizza making seriously, with a 72-hour poolish dough that would delight even without the considered list of toppings. When it comes to choosing flavours, however, the potato, truffle, thyme and smoked brie is a sensation not to be missed, while the raclette, ‘nduja, honey and rosemary is a delightfully failsafe crowd pleaser. Somm’s menu has been carefully crafted to go hand-in-hand with any number of the exquisite wines on offer (pizzas included), so be sure to consult one of their trusted wine stewards who are on hand to ensure you’re selecting the perfect pairing. Sunday satiation has never looked better.
Broke Boy Taco, the hugely popular pop-up serving epic, cult-status birra tacos, has laid down roots in Mount Albert and we’re sure the loyal legions will flock. This long weekend, be one of the first to frequent what will undoubtedly soon be a mainstay in Auckland’s casual dining scene, and indulge in any number of chef Sean Yarbrough’s impressive signature tacos.
To mark Veuve Clicquot’s 250th anniversary, Bivacco has this week unveiled its very own interpretation of the classic Veuve Clicquot x burger pairing, drawing inspiration from the iconic 1964 New Yorker ad which saw a burger and glass of Clicquot dubbed the (un)official après l’Opera snack. Celebrating the storied wine maison and its unmissable yellow label, Bivacco has crafted a burger that borrows tasting notes from the signature crisp freshness of Clicquot. The result? A delightful scallop and prawn patty dressed with guindilla mayonnaise, topped with a handful of crisp lollo rosso to add a touch of crunch, all housed in a pillowy soft bun. Bivacco’s perfect pairing is available at the bar only, for a limited time so book your spot for the long weekend here now.
Mount Eden has just welcomed a cute new spot serving up delicious Korean-style doughnuts that deserve a place on your long weekend menu. Korean-born Chef, Eunsun Jung, is who we have to thank for Small Mercies’ delectable offering, which heroes Kkwabaegi (a traditional twisted Korean doughnut) and features experimental takes on local Korean delicacies such as Chapssal (glutinous rice doughnut balls) and Yakgwa (deliciously sweet, syrup-soaked biscuits) – all equally delicious. Small Mercies has all the makings of the perfect spot to come together with friends and indulge this weekend and beyond.
The newest bar and eatery from the maestros behind Ponsonby’s ever-popular Lucky 8 and Mount Eden’s Mr Hao is Jungle 8, and as the name may suggest, it’s a sight to behold. Taking inspiration from the bustling, fast-paced cities and countries of Southeast Asia, Jungle 8 offers not only a modern take on authentic Vietnamese street food, but also a space that brings the ‘organised madness and explosive energy’ of Southeast Asia to life. Set to be firmly on the radar of anyone looking to enjoy an evening of cheap and cheerful eats in an entirely immersive setting, Elliot Stables’ newest resident is sure to draw a crowd this summer season. Secure your spot for the long weekend ahead (while the masses are out of town) and experience the very best sights, sounds and flavours of Southeast Asia.
In the second instalment of its pop-up series in collaboration with Crayon, this long weekend Annabel’s is once again serving up an evening of jazz, great wine and delectable fare. Returning from a two-year hiatus, the Turtlenecks trio will be jamming out front of the neighbourhood wine bar from 8-9.30pm, so head there early to secure your spot at one of the outside tables, grab a glass from the carefully curated wine list, and ease into the long weekend in style.
Jervois Steakhouse’s hotly anticipated new seasonal menu has landed just in time for leisurely long weekend dining; the host of new dishes a delicious representation of the vibrancy of spring. A sharing cut of savannah rib eye served on the bone has been added, much to the delight of frequent diners, while zesty, Asian flavours sing in the gochujang glazed calamari. The Ponsonby institution’s much-loved West Coast whitebait fritters are back, the lemon butter sauce drizzled over top so irresistible that we considered taking a sip, and the French-inspired market fish du jour with petits pois and pancetta is the embodiment of spring fare. Secure your table for the weekend here, and enjoy the very best of the current season.
Otto hour has landed at Andiamo this week, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend a languorous long weekend afternoon. Otto translates to lucky number 8 in Italian, and lucky it is indeed, with an elevated selection of drinks during Otto hour priced at a modest $8. Running the happy hour from 4-5pm daily was a considered choice, timed to inspire locals to make like the Italians and take a moment of repose to enjoy the warmth of the late afternoon sun. Open throughout the long weekend, we encourage you to perch at one of Andiamo’s highly sought-after outdoor tables surrounding their Jervois Road post and live la dolce vita. Book here.
Giving us yet another reason to park up at one of Depot’s tall tables, Al Brown and his team have introduced a small selection of new dishes to the menu just in time for the weekend ahead. Capitalising on the height of asparagus season, Depot has added a ‘nduja and ricotta iteration that sees the hallmark of spring produce grilled to perfection. Elsewhere on the menu, wood-fired Cloudy Bay tua tua are paired with chorizo butter; melt-in-the-mouth kahawai is served spiced alongside smoky baba ganoush and tart pickled capsicums; and a braised leek flatbread with pickled fennel and beurre hblanc is a must-try. And as is the case with all of Depot’s offering, each of the new dishes are best when shared, so round up your friends and venture into the city this long weekend. There’s free parking for SkyCity patrons for the month of October, too.
Thanks to the Southeast Asian cuisine’s fresh and fragrant flavours, Vietnamese food has earned its place on our weekly rotation year-round, and in Auckland, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to world-class Vietnamese fare. From authentic, Hanoian takes to modern fusion offerings, these are the places turning out the best Vietnamese in town.
For some, Otahuhu may be a bit out of the way, but for us, it’s well worth the journey to Try It Out (literally). The eatery’s rare beef phở is some of the best we’ve tasted in the city and we are not the only ones who think so. The restaurant is always packed with locals as well as patrons from all corners of Auckland who have made the essential journey to satisfy their Vietnamese-specific cravings. If you’re wanting something a little different, step outside of your comfort zone and try the rare beef with tendons. It lends the phở an addictive bite and some are sure they can never go back to traditional beef phở after experiencing this authentic take.
Jungle 8 is Auckland’s newest Vietnamese joint turning out exceptional fare in an entirely immersive setting that brings to life the countries and cities of Southeast Asia. Unsurprisingly, the classics take centre stage at this inner-city eatery — from aromatic wagyu phở, to Vietnamese mainstay, pork bánh mì, to crisp spring rolls brimming with soft crab and spiced pork (some of the best we’ve tasted); served alongside modern takes such as crispy, subtly spiced eggplant, hot and sour salmon and a show stopping young coconut and prawn salad, all accompanied by an impressive list of cocktails that conjure heady southeast streets.
A self-proclaimed ‘melange of heady flavours and aromatic spices’, Ponsonby Road’s Le Vietnamese Kitchen is renowned for having some of the tastiest modern Vietnamese in the city. The eatery has earned a reputation for its considered offering and inspired take on the classics. Make like a Viet local and opt for the crispy half duck with aromatic salt and sticky orange ginger glaze or the cult-status popping prawns, or branch out and order our pick — the kaffir lime and lemongrass chicken, perfectly paired with coconut and a chilli satay sauce.
Turning out fantastic, authentic Vietnamese food in the heart of Devonport, Cafe Hung Viet is one of the city’s hidden gems. With chefs hailing from Hanoi, the fare is a take on Hanoian classics. Here, the beef phở is exceptional, brimming with fragrant, fresh herbs and paper-thin strips of tender rare beef. The Vietnamese locals also specialise in the classic bánh mì, where chicken liver pâté is paired with either crisp pork belly, grilled chicken or lemongrass tofu, topped with fresh chilli and coriander. Outstanding.
It would be remiss of us to round up the city’s best Vietnamese eats without including the utter institution that is Cafe Hanoi. This Britomart-based eatery has consistently served up elevated, modern, Hanoian-style Vietnamese to city dwellers for over a decade, and continues to deliver on all fronts. Recently moving sites to occupy the chic, two-level space opening into the laneway of The Hotel Britomart, the restaurant lends itself to both formal and casual dining, with a menu that caters to any and every need. Aside from the infamous phở ga, which is always a must, the fresh rice paper rolls – in particular, the tofu, pineapple and crisp sesame cracker iteration, must not be missed.
This Burswood favourite heroes beef phở, and take their craft very seriously, providing a grand total of nine different variations of the Vietnamese delicacy. At Saigon Kitchen, the deluxe phở is the way to go. The deep bowl is filled with every cut of beef you can imagine, from the flank to the tendon and even tripe. Vietnamese beef meatballs are also added to the dish and the medley of meats creates a melange of textures and flavours that make every bite enticing. For dinner, Saigon Kitchen opens its famed Steamboat Buffet, where you can pick and choose an unlimited amount of vegetables, wontons, seafood and meats to add to the large boiling pot of broth on your table, making Saigon Kitchen the go-to place for large groups seeking a sensational feast.
If you’re in a time crunch and need a quick fix, Nam Nam in Takapuna is one of the top lunch spots on the North Shore. The beef and chicken phởs are undeniably delicious, but it’s the vegan mushroom and tofu phở that has the locals hooked. The mushroom lends the broth a deep yet pure flavour, similar to mushroom dashi, and pairs perfectly with the vegan tofu summer rolls. Nam Nam is also popular for its bánh mì, and while the tofu iteration is tasty, the lemongrass pork sausage variation is the hero. The juicy, marinated pork is enriched with house-made mayo and pâté which goes down a treat when followed by sips of the palate-cleansing broth from the phở. Nam Nam also offers catering, which we can confirm is equally as delightful.
A favourite amongst city-dwellers, Hello Mister is a local take on Vietnamese with a particular focus on fresh, fast and insanely tasty grab-and-go fare, and the concise menu has been crafted with this in mind. Here, you’ll find only the classics: bánh mì, rice paper rolls, phở, bún, and a slightly more indulgent deep-fried spring roll iteration. The perfect spot for a light weekday lunch, Hello Mister is firmly on our radar.
Taking inspiration from the bustling, fast-paced cities and countries of Southeast Asia, Jungle 8 is the newest venture from the team behind Ponsonby’s ever-popular Lucky 8 and Mount Eden-based Mr Hao. Paul Wong, Julian Diprose, and Lucas Boucly have set out to create an entirely new offering in Lucky 8 — shaking up the downtown dining scene with not only a modern take on authentic Vietnamese street food but a space that brings the ‘organised madness and explosive energy’ of Southeast Asia to life.
First impressions are everything, and the newly transformed space within Elliot Stables packs a punch. Upon entry, patrons (or party-goers, depending on when you visit) are transported directly to the streets of the southeast. Carefully crafted to emulate the feeling of stepping out of an airport, into the vibrant atmosphere of a frenetic Asian metropolis, Jungle 8 is an immersive, neon-lit, plant-filled oasis.
A series of roof-mounted LED screens envelop the space, playing a loop of jungle-inspired scenes, while a stalking tiger illuminates the long, greenery-dressed bar. Cosy, concave booths line the rustic, exposed brick walls which are adorned with a host of jungle creatures, while tall tables fill the central space for those looking to truly get in on the action.
In keeping with the theme of 8 (the number associated in Chinese culture with generating wealth — and that it will) most dishes and drinks are priced at a modest $8.88, meaning tasting everything on the concise and considered menu is entirely plausible.
Of course, the classics take centre stage — from aromatic wagyu pho, to Vietnamese mainstay — pork Banh Mi, to crisp spring rolls brimming with soft crab and spiced pork (some of the best we’ve tasted); served alongside modern takes such as crispy, subtly spiced eggplant, hot and sour salmon and a show stopping young coconut and prawn salad, all accompanied by cocktails that conjure heady southeast streets. The bar’s signature libation, aptly named ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, is a perfect mix of guava nectar, triple sec, spiced rum, tart lime and Tabasco, topped with crisp chilli guava chips, while its espresso martini iteration — made with traditional Vietnamese coffee and condensed milk — is the perfect post-dinner pick-me-up.
A true feast for the senses, boasting cheap and cheerful fare in a setting sure to delight, Jungle 8 is set to be the new go-to destination for casual eats and good times. Secure your spot now to get in on the action.
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