Positioned in an enviable spot in the heart of Britomart, Tyler St Sport is a new sports-focused bar and eatery bringing together great food and the thrill of live sport.
Developed by the clever creatives behind some of the country’s most iconic bars and restaurants, from Jervois Steak House to Somm Wine Bar & Bistro, Tyler St Sport celebrates sporting communities, offering a casual spot to enjoy a game alongside tasty food that goes well beyond the usual pub grub.
CHILLI PEPPER PRAWN TOAST
Culinary expert (and SOUL Bar & Bistro’s executive chef) Gavin Doyle developed the menu, and as such, you’ll find elevated yet casual fare that speaks to the location perfectly. From chilli pepper prawn toast with sesame and gochujang aioli, to cheeseburger spring rolls with burger sauce on the share plates menu, to the viral Irish ‘spice bag’ — pairing soy braised pork with chilli salt fries, peppers, and curry sauce, Korean fried chicken schnitzel with cos and a creamy caesar dressing, and a tasty take on a chop salad, with bok choy, radish, avocado, and yum yum sauce.
the viral Irish ‘spice bag’
CHAR SIU LAMB RIBS
There’s also a number of dishes cooked atop a manuka fire pit, from three delectable skewers (satay beef, fennel and black pepper lamb, and tandoori chicken), to flat iron steak, char siu lamb ribs, and charred cabbage. There’s also a decadent chocolate cake with sesame ganache for those with a sweet tooth.
The vision for the food menu is “unexpected, tasty, and a wee bit more cosmopolitan than your average sports bar”, Doyle tells us. “I wanted to create a menu that not only pairs well with a pint of beer and a sports game, but has dishes you can’t readily find in other New Zealand bars. For example, an Irish Spice Bag is hugely popular in my hometown, but I’m yet to find it anywhere here.”
FENNEL & BLACK PEPPER LAMB CHARGRILLED SKEWER + FLAT BREAD
B.L.T SLIDERS
On the drinks front, as you’d imagine, there are a number of tap beers on offer — nine, at present, with all of the usual suspects featuring alongside a rotating guest tap showcasing more unique brews. There’s plenty on the wine list, too, and an inventive cocktail list with something for everyone.
The interior leans into is its raw, industrial elements such as the sprawling heritage brick walls and lofty exposed ceilings, creating an airy yet welcoming space.
Kate Simmons, behind the creation of Somm Wine Bar & Bistro, tells us particular attention went into ensuring the venue didn’t fall victim to a typical ‘blokey’ sports bar. “A lot of effort went into opening up and brightening the venue. We wanted to create a space where women want to hang out too, and having an elevated cocktail offering is a good place to start.”
As for the new name; “Aside from being on Tyler Street, the name is a nod to a past occupant of this site — Tyler St Garage. Everyone has fond memories from that place,” Simmons tells me.
And Tyler St Sport is more than simply a venue featuring viewing walls. Geeling Ching, a hospitality stalwart, says of the wider vision, “We’re currently working with street culture expert Steve Dunstan on curated events around music and popular sporting culture. This will fuel our ethos of celebrating the sporting communities, not just playing the games live.”
Central to the bar and eatery is Tyler St Sports’ direct and authentic connection to local sport. The official home of the Auckland FC, the venue offers fans a true-blue experience outside of the stadium, with club members afforded discounts and exclusive game day offers.
There are also plans to open an elevated cocktail bar upstairs on the rooftop. Aptly named Portside, the convivial space — opening this November — overlooks the Waitematā, and promises a lively spot for sundowners.
Everything this clever team touches turns to gold, and we’re sure Tyler St Sport will be no different. This vibrant new local belongs on your radar.
Smooth, spicy, and a little complex — that’s surely how people describe me. Ironically, it’s also the perfect description for the classic American cocktail, the Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned.
We all have our drink of choice, and for me, that drink is an Old Fashioned. As a lover of all things of the whisky and bourbon persuasion, an Old Fashioned is the perfect libation to end the day, or kick off the night.
Given the nature of this arguably simple drink (with typically just three ingredients) the choice of whisky or bourbon to construct the perfect cocktail is paramount. My personal choice is always Woodford Reserve. The sultry, amber-hued bourbon is rich and silky, with all of that toffee sweetness bourbon is so famous for but also with a level of refined complexity enhanced with gentle notes of cinnamon and spice, resulting in what is the perfect Old Fashioned.
For those unfamiliar with the classic Old Fashioned, Woodford Reserve presents the annual Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Month celebration. Across the month of November, expect a plethora of iconic bars and restaurants Woodford Reserve’s complex and sophisticated flavours taking this favourite cocktail to new heights. Having started in Paris, France in 2015, Old Fashioned Week is now a global event.
Here in New Zealand, as part of this year’s Old Fashioned Month, Woodford Reserve has partnered with a series of bars throughout the country with mixologists at each location invited to create their own signature iteration of this famed libation.
Below you’ll find our edit of the finest bars and restaurants to savour a Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned.
art direction — Amber Armitage/ Marigold Photography — Wendy Fenwick/ Flash Studios
Adding depth, contrast, and an unexpected hint of warmth to our interiors, deep, rich, chocolate brown hues are dominating the colour sphere this year — offering a novel take on neutral that’s anything but ordinary.
Walls painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Rebel
The versatility of this particular shade allows for endless possibilities, and, as always, it’s to the experts at Resene that we turn for advice and inspiration. Here, the colour professionals suggest pairing opulent cocoa tones like Yogi and Scoria with plush furnishings and textiles to create a sophisticated scene, bringing an elevated ambience into living spaces.
Walls painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Rebel. Floor in Resene Walk-on tinted to Resene Tua Tua
Or, if it’s a more contemporary and pared-back vibe you’re looking to cultivate, look to the dark chocolate shades of Sambuca and Chocolate Brownie, perfectly complemented by earthy accents such as wood and stone to create a cosy, organic feel.
The office wall is painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Yogi. Floor in Resene Walk-on tinted to Resene Tua Tua
And while chocolate browns can be used to striking effect in lounges and dining spaces, the deep tones are particularly perfect for giving bedrooms a comforting, intimate edge.
With some of Auckland’s biggest race days back in full force this summer, from the Barfoot & Thompson Twilight Summer Night and SkyCity Christmas Carnival in December, to the TAB Karaka Millions in January, and Champions Day featuring The Ned Prix de Fashion in March, this racing season is set to be one of the best yet. And, given that this year marks 20 years of Prix de Fashion, going all out is not only acceptable, but encouraged.
But, while the races are ultimately an opportunity for a fun and fashionable day out, there is a certain protocol associated with these elevated events that should be adhered to at all times. Don’t fret if you’ve forgotten — those that need a refresher course on the race day rules of engagement can consult our handy guide below.
Race Day Etiquette
10 Rules of Engagement
01. Dress the Part (or Risk a Fashion Faux Pas)
While the events themselves don’t have a strict dress code, within the hospitality precincts, effort is encouraged, so go all out — or risk being judged.
02. Mind Your Wins (and Your Wallet)
Bragging about your winnings? A massive no-no. Discretion is a lady’s (or gentleman’s) best friend — along with a carefully curated betting budget. No one likes a boastful bettor.
03. Keep Your Cool
Rubbing shoulders with society’s finest? Whether you’re a seat away from a well-known figure, or just some very well-dressed strangers, don’t let the champagne do the talking. This is not your moment to regale the who’s who with tales of last night’s escapades.
04. Sip, Don’t Guzzle
Yes, the champagne is tempting, but no one looks classy stumbling across the lawn before the first race. Slow and steady wins this race, too.
05. Arrive Early, Breakfast Well
A solid breakfast isn’t just wise — it’s essential. Think a full English, because, while there is plenty on offer at the events, it’s a long day and drinking begins early (and no one likes a hangry, or boozy, punter).
06. Compliment Wisely
Guys: Compliment her fascinator (that strange bird-like headpiece). Ladies: Applaud his betting prowess. Either way, charm is as important as luck.
07. Cheer (with Style)
A winner? Fantastic! Go ahead and cheer — but keep it classy. Screaming like a banshee might grab attention, but not the kind you’re seeking.
08. Keep Your Betting in Check
Stick to the cash you brought — credit cards and racing don’t mix. There’s a fine line between fun and financial ruin.
09. Beware the Shoes
Ladies, if you haven’t broken them in, don’t even think about wearing those new heels. Blisters and bare feet by midday is far from chic. Ballet flats in the bag are your best bet.
10. Plan Your Escape
Pre-book that taxi, Uber, or minibus. Trust us, wrestling with thousands of fellow punters for a ride home is not how you want to end the day.
When & Where: From 3pm on December 12th, Ellerslie Racecourse
After a four-year break, Ellerslie’s electric evening races are back. Known for its buzzing crowd and top-tier people watching from the hospitality precincts, with six thrilling back-to-back races, this season starter is a must-attend event.
The fashionable amongst us will have the chance to be recognised for their efforts, with a style spotter award determined by roaming judges (no runway necessary), and those partial to a party will find it post-races, as the evening heats up with the renowned Birdcage Bash, featuring Sweet Mix Kids.
Glamorous and action-packed, it’s a raceday like no other— perfect for those looking to welcome the season in fitting fashion.
When & Where: Running across Boxing Day and New Year’s Day from 11am, Ellerslie Racecourse
Boxing Day Races featuring Fashions in the Field
While Christmas Day is for family, Boxing Day is for friends, and there’s no better way to mark the silly season than at Ellerslie’s iconic SkyCity Boxing DayRaces. After a few years on pause, this beloved event is making its much-anticipated return and it’s time to get it back on the calendar. With its signature carnival atmosphere, Ellerslie transforms into a vibrant sea of colour and energy as racegoers celebrate the end of another long year. Whether you’re looking to kick back and soak up the vibes, or wholly embrace the party, this is the place to be.
The Paddock in association with The Grand Tour is set to be the go-to spot for under-30s on Boxing Day, with all-day beats from the likes of Beccie B and Bon Tempo keeping the party live. Meanwhile, satorialists will have their time in the spotlight at the ever-popular Fashions in the Field. Even if you’re not entering for the sash or the prize pool, it’s a prime opportunity to up the ante on your outfit and snap some enviable shots.
Families, who enjoy free admission for under 15s, will find a day of delight, as a dedicated space is transformed into a children’s paradise, with games, entertainment, a bouncy castle, and tasty food.
Whether casual or glamorous, Ellerslie is the perfect Boxing Day destination.
New Year’s Day Races
Kick off 2025 with the return of the iconic SkyCity New Year’s Day Races at Ellerslie. New Year’s Day at Ellerslie is always a thrilling affair, with acres of lush green spaces offering a perfect spot to unwind — whether you’re shaking off the night before, or just looking to relax while the kids enjoy the free entertainment.
At this event, the vibe is easy-going yet convivial, perfectly suiting the day and thrill of the racing action. Speaking of racing, the SkyCity Christmas Carnival promises a stellar lineup of top tier racing events — 10, in total. The roar of the grandstand is infectious, and there’s nothing quite like the rush when a new winner crosses the finish line.
Known as a highlight of Auckland’s holiday calendar, this event offers top-tier racing, family fun, and exceptional hospitality for those looking to elevate their New Year’s celebration.
When & Where: From 3pm on January 25th, Ellerslie Racecourse
The sell-out TAB Karaka Millions is back, blending high-stakes racing with unrivalled glamour, and with millions in prize money up for grabs, it’s New Zealand’s richest night of sport. Last year’s hospitality sold out in days, and it’s easy to see why. The evening boasts three $1M+ races, attracting the elite of the racing world and Auckland’s social set.
From thrilling races to stylish celebrations — with an epic style spotter prize up for grabs, it’s a night not to be missed. And, after the horses have had their moment, the real party begins. The epic afterparty, hosted by The Grand Tour and featuring crowd favourites Sweet Mix Kids, is one for the books. Tickets are disappearing fast — secure yours now.
When & Where: From 11.30am on March 8th, Ellerslie Racecourse
Featuring the $3.5M NZB Kiwi and The Ned Prix de Fashion, the inaugural Champions Day is set to be a standout in New Zealand’s racing calendar. This brand-new spectacle introduces a game-changer for New Zealand thoroughbred racing: the sport’s first-ever slot race, the NZB Kiwi, with a jaw-dropping $3.5 million in stakes on offer.
But the NZB Kiwi is just the beginning. The day also boasts a stellar lineup of top-tier races, including the time-honoured Trackside New Zealand Derby and the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup.It’s an event that’s set to attract international attention, fast tracking its way onto the must-attend list of racing enthusiasts and social butterflies alike.
But it’s not just about the thrilling, high-stakes races ‚ the event also plays host to the prestigious The Ned Prix de Fashion — the national final of New Zealand’s fashions in the field competitions. This is where the country’s most stylish racegoers compete for the ultimate title — New Zealand’s answer to the Melbourne Cup’s most stylish fashion moments.
With unmissable racing, premium hospitality, free children’s entertainment, and an epic afterparty, Champions Day promises a racing experience like no other.
When it comes to skin protection and anti-ageing, SPF is the single most important step. And, with summer firmly on the horizon, now is as valuable time as any to reflect on the virtues of sun protection and find the perfect sunscreen to keep you shielded — regardless of whether you love to soak up the summer rays or prefer to remain safely in the shade. To steer you in the right direction, we’ve uncovered a natural yet efficacious new SPF that suits every and any skin type.
Setting a new benchmark for facial sunscreens, Antipodes’ new Supernatural SFP50+ Ceramide Silk Sunscreen is 100% natural origin SPF that shields skin whilst guarding against premature ageing — all while offering a glowy, luminous complexion.
Antipodes Glow Pack
The next generation zinc oxide sunscreen has undergone rigorous testing, coming up trumps as both an efficacious broad spectrum protectant, and an ultra hydrator. Delivering a luminous finish with no white cast, the innovative formula sits beautifully under makeup, and naturally fosters and even skin tone.
Harnessing the potent power of anti-ageing ceramides and nourishing plant oils, this multi-functional formula helps protect the delicate skin barrier and smooth the skin in tandem, offering a natural skin saviour we can’t get enough of.
shop the Brightening range
Glory Vitamin C Triple-Action Glow Toner from Antipodes
Forever the fashion favourite, denim is the wardrobe gift that keeps on giving, this season finding its way onto bags, blazers, bell bottoms, and everything in-between.
When it comes to keeping our homes spick and span, anything that simplifies cleaning is a win — and Shark’s Cordless Detect Pro With Auto Empty System much fits the bill. With four ultra-intelligent deep cleaning technologies that detect and react to a variety of household messes, this clever vacuum optimises cleaning based on surface type and illuminates hidden debris, automatically boosting power on hidden dirt, and increasing suction on edges and corners.
The handy Auto-Empty System charges and empties your vacuum and keeps the unit smelling fresh thanks to its Odour Neutraliser technology, which, when combined with all of the appliance’s innovative technology, delivers an overall better, quicker, and simpler clean.
Poliform’s Shape Kitchen combines considered functionality with a sleek, ultra-contemporary aesthetic, offering a modern riff on a traditional kitchen that has been enhanced with elements and accessories designed to improve the user’s everyday experience.
From a fully equipped, cantilevered sink within the worktop, to the chic, slim-profile range hood with a luminous extractor unit, to the integrated breakfast bar, here, every little detail is considered — resulting in a modern masterpiece that will slot seamlessly into any design-led home.
If you’re embarking on a long weekend road trip and seeking inspiration for tunes or a new podcast to pass the time, look no further than our round up of some of the best new and noteworthy podcasts and albums to listen to now.
British It-Girl Suki Waterhouse’s new album is a mirror image of her life as a consummate creative, artist, actress, model, and mother. Memoir of a Sparklemuffin is “a masterful slab of exuberant, emotionally vulnerable pop,” offering a sonic palette of folky Americana, nineties alternative, turn-of-the-century indie, and hand-crafted, otherworldly pop.
Song to start with: Supersad
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
Wild God
Across ten tracks, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds offer a deeply joyful record full of secrets in Wild God. Dancing on the borders of convention and experimentation, the rich imagery and emotion in Cave’s soul-stirring narratives is on full display — veering from the revered storyteller’s usual solemn melodies towards an exuberant, heartwarming lightness.
Song to start with: Wild God
Jamie xx
In Waves
Nine years after his debut solo album, London producer Jamie xx has not only eclipsed the heights of its predecessor, but swiftly cut between sub-genres and decades, manipulating tempo, rhythm, and pitch, to create a journey of bliss, heartbreak, and introspection — instantly transporting listeners to the shadows of the dancefloor.
Song to start with: Baddy on the Floor
Coldplay
Moon Music
Iconic British rock band Coldplay’s tenth studio album, Moon Music, follows closely in it’s predecessor’s footsteps sonically, while breaking new ground sustainably. The world’s first album released as a 140g EcoRecord rPET LP, each copy is made from 9 recycled PET-plastic bottles recovered from post-consumer waste.
Song to start with: Good Feelings
New Podcasts
Doing it Right, Season Four
Starting out as a platform to bolster the launch of her fascinating book on navigating contemporary chaos, Doing it Right with Pandora Sykes, within which the revered journalist, podcaster and cultural commentator discusses the myths, anxieties and trends of modern life with experts, is now in its fourth season, and every bit as illuminating as the first.
The Pink House
Hosted by five-time Grammy winner Sam Smith, The Pink House — named for the artist’s childhood home, is about the people and places that make us who we are. Smith sits down with good friends and queer icons to explore how they navigated early struggles, found chosen families, overcame adversity, and ultimately found their place in the world.
Style-ish
Three stylish women, Anika Joshi-Smith, Maddison Sullivan-Thorpe and Joanna Flemming — each from different facets of the fashion and beauty industries, come together to discuss all things brand, business, fashion and beauty — from the lure of Rhode to how to invest in luxury fashion, and a veritable spectrum of topics in between.
How I Made It
A fortnightly podcast featuring stories from inside the Australian Financial Review’s Rich List, with some of the country’s most-known heavy hitters divulging how they built their wealth from the ground up. From property tycoons to social media superstars, software developers to hospitality maestros, these are the stories of how they made it.
When it comes to plant-based eating, there’s a growing local scene dedicated to vegetable-focused fare. Whether you’re a full-time vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, or dining with someone who fits the aforementioned criteria, these are the best plant-focused eateries in Auckland, from cafes and bakeries to restaurants and bars worth a visit.
Inner-city restaurant East is an entirely vegetarian venture, with 75 percent of the menu dedicated to vegan dishes. A bold concept that was originally brought to life in 2021, thanks to a team of passionate experts, East’s modern Asian menu is a flavourful marvel from start to finish, filled with vibrant and complex pan-Asian dishes that taste as good as they look. And if that all wasn’t enough, recently, East launched Auckland’s first ever vegan Yum Cha service, held every Sunday at the restaurant from 12pm until 3pm. There, diners can delight in all the classic Yum Cha dishes, reimagined with a tasty, plant-based twist.
Having re-opened in a new spot on Dominion Road mid-way through last year, vegetarian favourite, Forest, is back and better than ever before. Helmed by clever chef Plabita Florence, this delicious and innovative spot pushes plant-based cuisine beyond your wildest expectations. At Forest, diners will find a more traditionally structured, a la carte menu that marries mainstay dishes with seasonal specials and still plays into Florence’s experimental, exciting and exceptional culinary approach. From entree-sized snacks like ‘Upside-down Broccoli’, which sees the vegetable lightly-battered, fried and served head down in a pool of green-olive mayo, to larger mains that are designed to share and a number of mouthwatering sides and add-ons like Florets Bakery sourdough served warm with ‘old wine butter’, which Florence explains as “wine dregs reduced to a tasty syrup and whipped through with warm, salty butter,” the food offering at Forest is, as expected, a gastronomic journey.
Originally a food truck, Wise Boys has been serving its mouth-watering vegan burgers to the masses since it opened a brick-and-mortar store in Grey Lynn in 2019 and a Commercial Bay outpost a few years later. With a menu of banging burgers featuring the likes of crispy fried ‘chicken’, smoky ‘bacon’ and BBQ jackfruit alongside a range of tempting sides, shakes and soft-serve sundaes, the hardest part is choosing what to order.
This off-the-beaten-track cafe makes for a cheap and cheerful lunch. Water Drop Vegetarian Cafe is situated in Flat Bush at the impressive Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, and no walk around the grounds is complete without a steaming laksa, BBQ bun or wonton noodle dish — all meat-free, of course.
Lovers of health and raw foods will appreciate Olivia from Breakfast Babes’ selection of delicious raw treats available online and at select retailers country-wide (including newly-opened boutique fitness studio, Redroom). If you find yourself craving a 3pm, guilt-free pick-me-up, you’ll certainly find a moreish treat sure to satiate your cravings.
Next time you find yourself in Ellerslie, follow the queue to Richoux Patisserie, the low-key bakery serving award-winning meat and vegan pies. With clever vegan renditions of mince and cheese pies, sausage rolls, doughnuts and custard tarts (to name just a few), this beloved bakery puts the utmost care into every one of its creations.
There’s always a line outside Sandringham’s Paradise, and for good reason. Whether you dine in, takeaway or peruse the buffet, there is plenty to satisfy vegetarian appetites. Choose from delights such as the vege manchurian, which sees dense vegetable dumplings fried and coated in an irresistible sauce, bagarey baigan with eggplant cooked in a tamarind gravy, or wholesome daal tadka with lentils, cumin and red chillies.
With big, bold flavours and a special vegetarian and gluten-free menu to boot, Hello Beasty ticks all our boxes for dining out with dietary requirements. The KFC (Korean fried cauliflower) gives the real deal a run for its money, plus dishes like the grilled mushroom pancake and charred broccolini can easily be tweaked to suit a vegan appetite.
Middle Eastern restaurant Ima has plenty to satiate non-meat-eaters throughout its delicious all-day menu. For lunch, we’d recommend the sabich pita. Described as the ‘king of sandwiches’, it’s filled to the brim with smooth hummus, charred eggplants, slices of fried potatoes, boiled eggs, tahini and amber, a fragrant Iraqi condiment. The vegetarian Middle Eastern platter for two will also hit the spot, comprising falafel, hummus, labneh, salad, pickles, olives, Lebanese cauliflower and spanakopita with pita.
With locations in Ponsonby, the CBD, and Milford, Khu Khu is an entirely vegan Thai restaurant that doesn’t skimp on flavour and finesse. Owner Michael Khuwattanasenee found himself struggling to find plant-based options when dining out, particularly in Asian eateries given their proclivity for not just meat, but also animal-based ingredients like fish and oyster sauces. Khuwattanasenee took matters into his own hands, reinventing the classics to create tempeh pad thai, kumara spring rolls, ‘duck’ drunken noodles and warming curries.
Since opening, the days where this plant-based patisserie hasn’t completely sold out are few and far between. Here the croissants are buttery and flakey, the delicate pastries perfectly made despite being entirely vegan, and the ‘ham’ and ‘cheese’ offering a personal favourite of the Denizen team.
Morningside’s Kind Cafe has been serving its delicious ‘mostly vegan’ menu since it opened its doors in 2018, with delectable breakfast and brunch sure to tempt even the most staunch meat-eaters to sample something a little different. With the likes of the plant-based Korean spicy sambla tofu burger, a big breakfast with vegan sausages and sambal tofu, and a tasty breakfast burrito, there are options aplenty.
If you’d like to chow down on some meat-free fare alongside a fellow steak-loving diner who wouldn’t be seen near a leaf of spinach, you’re both bound to find something to love at Devonport’s Vondel. The all-day eatery caters to both preferences, with a vegan crispy ‘chicken’ burger sitting next to a Wagyu beef burger on the menu. No need to compromise here.
The original raw, organic, vegan eatery, Little Bird is still going strong. Pop into its humming Ponsonby spot for the likes of the famous Bird Bowl, kimchi pancakes, dahl dosa and kumara hotcakes, or one of its utterly satiating smoothies and shakes — and make sure you don’t leave without a raw sweet treat.
Not only is this inner-city haunt home to some of the city’s most beloved vegan food, it serves up authentic Thai dishes without the addition of fish sauce or shrimp paste. At Sunflower, flavour isn’t compromised either, the joint famously serving up some of the most sought-after ‘prawn’ fried rice in town.
Infamous for its mac and cheese with ham off the bone, Soul Bar & Bistro offers a vegetarian version of this dish as well. In fact, Soul offers a wholly vegetarian menu, filled with meatless renditions of its regular dishes. For vegetarians, the spinach and mascarpone filled tortelli with asparagus, brown butter, and ricotta salata is too good to miss, while vegans can try an irresistible take on Soul’s ever-popular green goddess salad.
For those in the know (and vegans often are about these things), Jervois Road’s Janken has been touted as one of the best destinations in the country for plant-based foods. Offering a modern slant on traditional Japanese flavours, here the vegan offerings are plentiful, with ramen, sushi, and even a vegan Benedict breakfast.
At SkyCity’s Cassia, those who shy away from meat will find plenty of flavoursome dishes to dive into on Sid Sahrawat’s lauded menu. From the roasted carrot with ghost chilli and macadamia to the mushroom with green chilli cream and truffle, Sahrawat has always been known for the innovative and utterly delicious ways in which he reimagines vegetables on his menus. In fact, Cassia even has a dedicated vegetarian tasting menu, perfect for if you’re gathering a group together for a special dinner.
For those who want to eat plant-based but still treat themselves, Tart Bakery’s sweet and savoury treats are the pinnacle. With two locations — its flagship Grey Lynn bakery and a spot in Commercial Bay’s Harbour Eats, right next to Wise Boys — the bakery’s delicious European-style bread, pasty, pies, doughnuts and sandwiches are made fresh every day and all its food is vegan and free of animal products.
Having only opened its doors last week, Bowler has already become a fixture on Team Denizen’s weekly rotation, and for good reason. Serving nutritious and delicious salad bowls that you’ll actually want to eat, with plenty for both vegetarians and carnivores alike, alongside acai bowls and epic smoothies, this drop-in is well worthy of your attention.
St Kevins Arcade’s beloved Lebanese eatery, Gemmayze Street, is the perfect spot for vegetarians and non vegetarians to come together in culinary bliss, with plentiful options for both. Here, the hummus is famous and an essential order, as is the babaganouj which pairs smokey eggplant with cumin and pomegaranate, and vegetarians shouldn’t look past the jazar roasted carrots with cashew, fennugreek, and spiced granola. Simply sublime.
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