There are few design luminaries whose influence is as ubiquitous as that of Pierre Paulin. Known for his innovative work that revolutionised everyday furniture, Paulin’s hand has crafted some of the most iconic furniture designs in history. Many of his works, despite being released over half a century ago, remain as coveted today as they were then — a signifier of his unbridled vision.
Born in Paris in 1927, Pierre Paulin drew early inspiration from his two uncles, a vehicle designer and a sculptor, who instilled in him an early appreciation for the beauty of objects.
Initially studying ceramics in Vallauris, followed by stone carving in Burgundy, Paulin set out to become a sculptor, following in his uncle’s footsteps. After an injury derailed his plans, he enrolled at the École Camondo in Paris, where he joined the brilliant post-war furniture designer Marcel Gascoin’s workshop. Initially serving as an apprentice, he honed his craft and discovered an early interest in Scandinavian and Japanese design, before travelling to Scandinavia and the United States to begin a career in furniture design.
Pumpkin Armchair (left) from Ligne Roset and Mushroom Chair (right) both by Pierre Paulin
Eventually going on to become one of the most known masters of his field, Paulin’s early career saw him join the team at Dutch manufacturers Artifort, where he shot to global fame following the release of his Mushroom chair in 1960. His work, characterised by the prioritisation of comfort over aesthetics, stood out for its organic form and sculptural shape, changing the face of seating forever.
During the 70s and 80s, Paulin was invited to decorate and furnish several places of significance. Notably, the designer redecorated the living, dining, smoking, and exhibition rooms of the Elysée’s private apartments for Pompidou in 1971, conceiving, as part of the project, one of his most widely revered and iconic collections — his Pumpkin seating. Reissued in 2008 in collaboration with Ligne Roset, Paulin’s Pumpkin seating evokes, as the name suggests, an oversized pumpkin — drawing on its organic form to welcome the user with a protectively voluptuous shell.
Pumpkin armchair by Pierre Paulin from Ligne Roset
In a similar style, the Alpha sofa is a masterpiece of modern design originally conceived in 1970, defined by its sculptural silhouette and deep, enveloping comfort.
10 years after first joining forces with Ligne Roset (and nine after the designer’s death), the family-run company which seeks to preserve Paulin’s great legacy reissued three designs in 2018 with Roset: Bonnie, Gavrinis 3, and CM 131. The designer’s Bonnie seating was dreamt up in 1975 — a cocoon-like sculptural seat made of foam that hugs the body just so.
Another iconic design — only released following the designer’s death, the Dune Ensemble modular sofa is more a landscape than a piece of furniture, its undulating peaks and valleys adaptable to any space and lifestyle, empowering a home’s inhabitants to be the architects of their own space.
Dune Ensemble by Pierre Paulin
Paulin’s Groovy armchair epitomises Space Age design, its fluid, legless form — sculptural yet ergonomic, remains a coveted icon of mid-century avant-garde design. While his series of rugs explores organic abstraction, taking on a fluid, sculptural form, echoing the contours of a hand-drawn sketch.
Groovy Armchair by Pierre Paulin
Despite always shying away from the spotlight, today, Paulin’s legacy stretches far and wide. His work stands in the homes of some of the world’s foremost collectors, and his designs can be found in contemporary art and design collections around the world, from MOMA to the V&A and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, solidifying his standing as one of history’s most influential designers.
Pierre Paulin’s most iconic designs are stocked locally at Ligne Roset.
As the school holidays draw to a close, there’s a familiar parental brief: find somewhere that keeps the children entertained without dulling the adult experience. Easier said than done. Unless, of course, you book a table at Bravo at Cracker Bay.
Winton’s waterfront newcomer at Cracker Bay has quietly positioned itself as one of the most considered family dining destinations in the city. Not in a saccharine, soft-play sense, but in a way that feels genuinely intelligent.
Yes, there is an outdoor playground. But the real drawcard sits just inside, where a fully realised games room offers arcade options, from nostalgic classics to modern favourites. It is the sort of detail that shifts the entire dynamic of a meal. Children disappear into play. Parents exhale. And importantly, nothing else is compromised.
The menu remains firmly in grown-up territory, with seasonal, contemporary dishes and a strong showing of local seafood, alongside a thoughtful kids’ offering that goes beyond the predictable. The Ayrburn wine range is well represented, cocktails are confidently executed, and the setting, with its north-facing aspect over Westhaven Marina, does most of the heavy lifting as the afternoon slips into evening.
It is this balance that Bravo at Cracker Bay gets right. It does not pander, nor does it exclude. Instead, it understands that modern dining often involves multiple generations, each with their own expectations.
So, as the final days of the holidays tick down, consider this your answer. A long lunch that turns into an early dinner. A table by the water. Children are entertained without negotiation. A glass of something excellent in hand.
Everyone leaves happy. Which, in itself, feels like a small miracle.
Honey Springs, the new café in Onehunga, has the kind of interior that stops you mid-sentence. Terracotta floors, blush-pink cabinetry on rounded bubble feet, curved white countertops, and a retro Palm Springs palette that makes even a Tuesday morning feel like a holiday.
The menu matches the energy: generous, unpretentious, and built around the kind of brunch dishes that earn a loyal following fast. The soufflé Benny, fluffy pancakes piled with crispy bacon, fried eggs, and a cascading river of honey mustard hollandaise that pools across the plate like it owns the place.
The Flight delivers house-made potato waffles with Nashville chicken lacquered in sticky hot sauce, a fried egg with a yolk so orange it borders on theatrical, and a blanket of melted cheese. It is, by any reasonable measure, a lot. In the best possible way. The showstopper, though, is the signature Hokey Soufflé with hokey pokey cream noodles, golden maple ice cream, drizzled in delicious honey.
The cabinet deserves its own mention. Supplied by Kokoro Bakes, it is the kind of display case that derails even the most disciplined order. Glazed lemon cakes topped with citrus slices and pink petals, thick slabs of banana loaf with swirled cream cheese frosting and edible violets, and golden loaves crowned with blueberries and orange flower petals.
Drinks lean into the café’s namesake with honey-maple signatures (the Honey Maple Iced Latte with its cold foam is the one to order), a dedicated speciality matcha section with six options deep, and a Yuzu Tonic Espresso for the person who has already had their first coffee and simply wants another excuse to stay.
Opening hours: Monday –Friday, 7am to 3pm Saturday –Sunday, 7.30am to 3pm
Stretching on for 7.3km from Mount Eden to Mount Roskill, Dominion Road boasts an array of cafes and restaurants. And with so many options available, simply choosing one place to go is an almost impossible task. As such, we have rounded up a list of some of our favourites, whether you’re in search of a morning coffee, a lunchtime drop-in, or a delicious dinner and drinks.
Keep in mind, however, that while we’re sure you’ll find something you’ll like at one of the places we recommend, spontaneity and taking chances are two key factors to getting the most out of Dominion Road. So just as we underwent a process of trial and error, if you come across an off-the-beaten-track spot that you want to try, we encourage you to do so. The real beauty of this road is that it contains some of the most delightful hidden gems in the city.
Although Dominion Road is renowned for its varied options when it comes to Asian cuisine, it’s also home to one of the best French bakeries in Auckland. La Voie Francaise has become a destination spot with punters lining up out the door on weekend mornings just to get their pastry fix. This bakery is also one of the rare ones in town that makes a kouign-amann, which is a croissant that has been coated in sugar and caramelised to provide the ultimate crispy, buttery experience. 875 Dominion Road
Dominion Road locals swear by Forage Cafe because apparently, the baristas at this place brew the best coffee in the neighbourhood. This spot also has a variety of sandwiches, sweets and savoury dishes on offer that change regularly, and seasonal salads that can be served with a choice of spiced lamb, shredded chicken or halloumi. 90 Dominion Road
Try something different and have a Chinese style breakfast at Bunhut. Rather than falling back on the classic eggs on toast, step out of your comfort zone and opt for a jian bing guo zi. It’s a Chinese savoury crepe made from a light batter and fried egg, slathered with hoisin and chilli sauce and then filled with shredded vegetables and a fried bread stick. If you’re wanting something sweet, however, a simple red bean steamed bun accompanied by a warm glass of soy milk will do the trick. 563 Dominion Road
Should a craving for excellent Turkish food hit you, we recommend you hot-foot it to Paasha Turkish Kitchen, stat. Prioritising high quality ingredients and truly mouth watering grill techniques with their shish kebabs, hot flat bread wraps, pita pockets and more, this spot is the place to go for some of the best Turkish takeaway in town. 261 Dominion Road
Noodles are, after all, what most people come to Dominion Road for and Chongqing is one of the best places to get them. The broth of these noodles is less oily than other places we have tried but still contains the same amounts of spice and flavour. The rice noodles with braised beef is a dish you can never go wrong with. The beef is so tender that it melts in your mouth while the chewy texture of the noodles contrasts against the soft, succulent meat. 215 Dominion Road
Opening during lockdown adjacent to their stalwart eatery on Dominion Road, Cazador Deli — much like the eatery itself, stands out for its incredible game offering. Unsurprising, then, that the deli also knows a thing or two about the makings of an epic sandwich. There’s plenty to choose from, and the options are ever-changing, and the best bit is you can grab some tasty supplies for dinner while picking up lunch. 854 Dominion Road
There are dumplings and then there are soup dumplings, otherwise referred to as xiaolongbao. Restaurants that serve this delicacy are hard to find in this city due to the fact that making them requires a high level of skill. Filled with rich meat soup, usually made from pork, the little xiaolongbao pockets from Jolin Shanghai are freshly made to order and boast thicker skins than traditional soup dumplings which imbues them with a chewier texture. 248 Dominion Road
Upon first glance, you might think that Tasca is just a little cafe. What you don’t see, however, is that this Spanish eatery has an olive garden and spacious courtyard out the back, making it the perfect spot for a long lunch. In terms of food, while there are many flavourful and delicious options, be sure to order the calamares — you’ll thank us later. 338 Dominion Road
Another delicacy that has people driving to Dominion Road is spicy dumplings. Sha Xian Snack’s dumplings are unique because diners are given the option to change their dumpling filling instead of having to settle for predominantly pork. Sha Xian Snack also serves an oyster pie which is a deep-fried morsel packed with pickled vegetables and a juicy oyster — truly a one-of-a-kind dish. 285 Dominion Road
Those seeking a buzzing, local spot in Mt Eden needn’t look further than welcoming gastropub The Bridgman, having taken over an iconic site in April last year. Opened by Sean Lee (with business partner Andy Barnett) The Bridgman is just what Dominion Road needed for a long time, and offers an elevated bar and bistro experience that has made it a popular watering hole for locals. With a delicious menu of satiating dishes (think a fresher take on traditional pub fare) and a comprehensive cocktail and drinks offering, this gastropub is the perfect drop-in for drinks with friends or an after-work bite. 234 Dominion Road
Take a break at casual eatery and bar, Ralph’s. With a variety of Parrotdog beers on tap, a wide selection of Garage Project brews and an impressive snack and burger menu, Ralph’s is the go-to spot for a quick refuel. The jalapeño poppers and curly fries are both absolute must-tries, but if you’re wanting more of a meal, make a beeline for the Easy Cheesy Wagyu beef burger. 225B Dominion Road
Despite being one of the newest kids on the block, esteemed chef Gleber Chaparro’s Parro has already carved out a solid reputation for serving up some of the city’s best eats. Mediterranean-inspired, Parro’s succinct, inventive menu comprises show-stopping mains and small plates for sharing, alongside an excellent wine list of predominantly natural wines, curated to perfectly accompany the tasty bites on offer. 359 Dominion Road
An intimate space that elevates the idea of the classic pizza parlour, Ooh-Fa is the second spot from the culinary minds behind Pici and has been perpetually popular since opening. From its comfortable, warm atmosphere (thanks to the woodfire oven and low lighting) to the considered menu of delectable pizzas and sides, this 22-seater restaurant is the perfect neighbourhood spot to drop into and catch up with friends over a slice or two and some delectable wine. We recommend booking to secure your spot. 357 Dominion Road
Plabita Florence’s intriguing, plant-based restaurant reopened it’s doors last year, much to the delight of local gastronomes. Serving an array of groundbreaking, plant-based cuisine that uses unexpected flavours and unique ingredients to harness the potential of vegetarian food in a way that no one has before, Florence’s Forest is a feast for the senses, and promises a culinary experience unlike anything else in the city. 243 Dominion Road
This iconic spot hardly needs any introduction, but if you haven’t visited Eden Noodles Cafe, we suggest you ask yourself what you’ve been doing this whole time. With locations now in the CBD and in Albany, diners city-wide can enjoy the signature sichuan-laced dishes from Eden Noodles — but we always love visiting the bustling Dominion Road outpost (provided the queue isn’t too long). Sign us up for some thick noodles with dandan sauce, some vegetarian dumplings in spicy sauce and, of course, a cucumber salad. 105 Dominion Road
Nestled smack bang in the middle of Dominion Road, Kookoo is a delicious dining destination serving authentic Korean cuisine with a few tasty twists. There are a number of inventive dishes worth indulging in, but the hero of the menu is without a doubt the Korean-style whole chicken, marinated for 24 hours to ensure tenderness and flavour and served with sticky rice. Best enjoyed with an ice-cold beer and great company, and perhaps a side of kimchi fried rice. 245 Dominion Road
You don’t know what spicy food is until you’ve sampled the highest spice level at Hot & Spicy Pot. At this restaurant, what goes into your dish is all up to you. Just grab a stainless steel bowl, some tongs and get creative. With a variety of vegetables, noodles, meats and seafood on offer, all you need to do is pick and mix your favourites, tell the chefs how spicy you want to go and let them do the rest. Be warned though, that even the medium level of spice at this restaurant has been known to leave people teary-eyed, so you can only imagine what the effect of the top tier might be. 605 Dominion Road
Cheap and cheerful is the best way to explain Gogo Music Cafe. Although it has a few branches around Auckland, the one on Dominion Road is the original, the biggest and quite frankly, the best. Take a big group and order a bowl of the spicy chicken casserole with hand-pulled noodles, the $1 lamb skewers and some Tsing Tao beer. Devoured among Gogo Music Cafe’s loud and buzzing atmosphere, it’s a fun and memorable experience. 559 Dominion Road
Having joined the line-up at the start of last year, Mr Hao offers authentic bursts of Shanghai-inspired flavour with dishes such as the Numbing Chicken, a dish which sees gently fried chicken drowning in a delicious sea of chillies and numbing Sichuan peppers. Inspired by Shanghai’s late-night bar scene, Mr Hao is just the place for a relaxed get-together. Alongside the infamous Numbing Chicken, you’ll find a range of tasty skewers, noodles and irresistible grilled seafood, plus a refreshing tea cocktail on tap. 365 Dominion Road
This place is one of Dominion Road’s hidden gems and one that hasn’t failed us yet. Wang Wang Spring Pancake specialises in pancake wraps, similar to the ones used for Peking duck. But here, diners are given the freedom to order whatever meats and vegetables they want to fill their pancakes with. While everything is delicious, we recommend the stir fried shredded potato, the dry fried green beans with pork mince, and the fried eggplant with mushrooms and tofu. 704 Dominion Road
The chilli fried boneless chicken served here has made quite a name for itself and after you taste it, you’ll understand the hype. The chicken is seasoned with a copious amount of chilli and is perfectly cooked so that once you sample it for the first time, you’ll be addicted for life (seriously). The fried rice is also an excellent dish and is elevated to new heights when pork hock is added, seeing a thick, tasty sauce poured over the bed of fluffy rice. 557 Dominion Road
Forget being one of the best restaurants on Dominion Road, Cazador is one of the best spots in Auckland full stop. This restaurant serves unique dishes that showcase ethical ingredients and sustainable cooking principles by making use of all parts of the animal being served, instead of only offering cuts like the breast or belly. The menu changes depending on the availability of ingredients but the charcuterie platter is a staple and for good reason. Combined with its seamless service and lush ambience, Cazador is a must for any Aucklander. 854 Dominion Road
A cosy and compact Japanese eatery, Udon Works is home to some of the best noodle soups in town. Simple yet delicious, a big bowl of their warming broth with some thick udon noodles will leave you feeling like all is right with the world. Udon Works also has a menu of cold noodle dishes and delicious donburi with rice, with a variety of vegetable, meat and seafood options available — plus some of the best tempura we’ve tried. 633 Dominion Road
Take a trip to Meet Fresh for a Taiwanese take on dessert. Taiwanese desserts tend to be lighter, less sweet and lean more towards the refreshing side rather than being too sugary. The mango shaved ice is a fruity delight but if you want something more decadent, the freshly made waffles are always a good idea. 533 Dominion Road
Despite what the name of this bakery might indicate, it is certainly not your run-of-the-mill cake shop. The Gateau House specialises in South Korean pastries which include red-bean-filled buns that are topped with cookie crumble alongside a wide variety of delicate cakes. Our favourite is the kumara cake — a light and fluffy sponge layered with whipped cream and sweet potato mousse. 375 Dominion Road
Few things have the power to shift a room and a mindset quite like a compelling piece of art. Here, we round up a selection of works that have caught our eye this month, from emerging local talent to established names, each one worthy of a place on your wall and your wishlist.
Huia Brooch, Hunter Hills by Fiona Pardington, 2025 $25,000 Inkjet print on Hahnemühle paper, framed in hand-lacquered black Goldie moulding with AR70 non-reflective museum glass 1400 x 1760 mm From Starkwhite
Lié à un Autre Temps by Grace Wright 2025 $18,000 Oil on linen 1460 x 1140 mm From Gow Langsford
Rain Lilies (Gold) by Briana Jamieson 2026 $4,600 Oil on canvas, beech frame 1200 x 1000 mm From Sanderson
Douglas Stichbury 2020 $12,500 Dry brush oil on linen 1420 x 1170 mm From {Suite} Gallery
LIT by Mickey Smith 2024 $5,750 Archival pigment print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Edition 2 of 10 1200 x 800 mm From Sanderson
Kahurangi by Andrea Bolima 2025 $4,200 Oil on canvas 1000 x 1000 mm From Föenander Galleries
Milling Whakaangiangi by Dick Frizzell, 2025 POA Oil on canvas 1795 x 2900 mm From Gow Langsford
Felt Matter by Sam Loe 2025 $4,800 Woollen blanket & acrylic spray paint 2120 x 1840 mm From Sanderson
Sottobosco I (Susu) by Liam Gerrard 2025 $10,800 Charcoal & pastel on paper 810 x 1120 mm, framed From Sanderson
Mustafa by Jess Swney 2025 $2,500 Hand-tufted wool on monks cloth 770 x 770 mm framed From Föenander Galleries
If the runways are any indication, autumn’s most compelling story is one of contrasts. Technical layers meet refined tailoring, alpine shades sit alongside warm neutrals, and utilitarian details are elevated to a point that feels anything but rugged. This is adventure dressing at its most refined.
Commercial Bay has quietly become one of the city centre’s most reliable destinations for a well-timed treat, with a roster of sweet options that go well beyond the obvious. Here’s where to direct your afternoon cravings.
There’s a reason the queue at Gloria’s never quite disappears. The cookies, baked fresh daily in flavours that range from burnt butter dark chocolate to caramelised white chocolate macadamia and triple choc, arrive warm, soft in the centre, and dangerously easy to finish before you’ve reached the escalator. Sharing is technically an option, though not one we would recommend.
Bluebell’s cupcake of the month is a Biscoff affair, and a persuasive one at that. A vegan chocolate base comes filled with Biscoff spread, topped with a cream cheese icing that leans heavily into that distinctive caramelised spice, and finished with a biscuit crunch and a shard of dark chocolate. Plant-based, yes. Restrained, absolutely not.
Doe Donuts has made a name for itself by turning familiar desserts into doughnut form, and doing it with real finesse. The current roster includes a crème brûlée number with torched sugar shell and vanilla crème pâtisserie, alongside an Oreo cream edition that leans into everything you want from that combination. Each one is handcrafted, generously filled, and gone far too quickly.
What started at a Christchurch farmers market over 14 years ago has become one of New Zealand’s most reliable macaron destinations, and their Commercial Bay outpost brings a genuine taste of Parisian pâtisserie to the waterfront. The classics hold their own (Salted Butter Caramel and Bitter Chocolate are as good as you’d hope), but it’s the seasonal creations that keep regulars coming back: think Feijoa Custard Crumble and Sticky Date Pudding. The hazelnut, espresso and milk chocolate cookie is also well worth your attention.
The mini doughnuts at Burger Burger deserve more attention than a side-order billing suggests. Warm, soft, dusted in cinnamon sugar, and served alongside salted caramel sauce and whipped cream for dipping, they’re the kind of sweet afterthought that quietly becomes the highlight of the meal.
For those who prefer their sweetness with a little less theatre, Best Ugly delivers. Raspberry jam and cream cheese layered into a freshly baked bagel, simple, satisfying, and the sort of thing that proves you don’t need a pastry case to qualify as a proper treat.
If you’ve never had a fried Oreo, this is your moment. Good Dog Bad Dog takes the biscuit, batters it, and fries it until the outside is golden and crisp while the centre goes soft and molten with chocolate. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t require justification, just commitment.
For something on the lighter, brighter end of the spectrum, Mokki deals in ceremonial-grade matcha and organic soft serve açaí bowls packed with antioxidants. The classic matcha latte is a study in calm energy, while the strawberry matcha, made with real fruit puree, leans into something more vibrant. For those after a genuine treat, the Matchamisu Latte is worth the detour. Nourishing, refreshing, and a welcome counterpoint to everything else on this list.
Since its founding in 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels has been captivated by the celestial vault. Constellations, zodiac signs and planetary ballets have long shaped the Maison’s poetic imagination, translating astronomy into adornment with rare finesse. The latest evolution of the Sous les étoiles High Jewellery story continues that dialogue between heaven and hand, offering a ring and earring suite that feels both steeped in patrimony and strikingly contemporary.
The étoile ring, with its generous, rounded silhouette, follows in the tradition of the bold volumes imagined by the House in the 1960s. Its hammer-finished yellow gold surface is achieved through lost-wax casting, an ancient technique that sculpts form from molten metal with remarkable precision. The exterior retains its tactile relief, while the interior gleams with the Maison’s signature mirror polish, perfected since the 1920s to intensify light and comfort alike.
Across its dome, diamonds are set within finely engraved stars, scattered with studied irregularity. Van Cleef & Arpels selects only stones graded D to F in colour and IF to VVS in clarity, each subjected to a dual verification process and examined under magnification to ensure absolute purity and fire.
The accompanying earrings echo this astral narrative. Hammered gold spheres shimmer with star-set diamonds, each arranged differently to create subtle asymmetry, one of the House’s quiet signatures. Openwork at the reverse reveals glimpses of concave volume and the backs of the stones, allowing light to circulate freely.
The result is a composition that captures the poetry of stargazing while remaining resolutely grounded in technical mastery. It is jewellery that does not merely reference the cosmos, but interprets it with discipline, radiance and enduring grace.
Hopewood, by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects, an 11th-floor Darling Point apartment, was built as a blank canvas for a duo of reasons. Firstly, the renovation was completed with the intention of selling, so the future inhabitant was unknown. Secondly, the north-facing space possesses some of the finest views in Sydney, with 270-degree vistas stretching panoramically from the Sydney Harbour Bridge across to North Head and around to Rose Bay.
The space, two apartments that had been merged by a prior owner, comprised a series of small, jumbled rooms. The early stages of the project revealed that the only structural necessity was the building’s concrete exoskeleton, which laid the foundation for a full opening of the space, removing the interior walls that blocked the expansive view, and creating an open-air space that flows seamlessly from kitchen to living and dining, and takes full advantage of the vista beyond. The balcony was integrated with the space to design a room that blurs the lines between indoor and out. At the same time, the use of delicately reflective Scarpa travertine mosaic tiles from Surface Gallery on the floor evokes a sense of floating inside the horizon.
“Removing the interior walls that blocked the expansive view, and creating an open-air space takes full advantage of the vista beyond.”
Fixed elements of the design, like the apartment’s entry space and central steel column, are given as much creativity and attention, with the former being anchored in Breccia Pernice marble to mindfully centre guests as they enter the space and the latter being expanded with integrated storage to create the perfect wall for a statement piece of art.
Given the requirement for on-sale appeal, the focus for the interiors was to create a home that felt cosy and warm, while still allowing the future purchasers the freedom to make it their own. The solution was found in earthy hues and natural materials such as travertine, timber and rich marble that, in line with the incredible views, brought the outside in. Curved lines and soft materials were a focus for the furnishings, such as the cantilevered MR10 chair by Thonet and the leather Le Mura sofa by Tacchini, which help to bring a relaxed, lived-in, yet high-end air to each room.
“The focus for the interiors was to create a home that felt cosy and warm… the solution was found in earthy hues and natural materials.”
Marble architraves are used on the entryways to forge a sense of continuity as you move through the instinctively designed floor plan. Each space has its own merits, from the custom Navona travertine bath, to the American oak joinery in the walk-in wardrobe, while still centring around the apartment’s north star; its defining view.
Originally from the Slovakian town of Nové Zámky, Peter Zahradnik grew up immersed in the rhythms of hospitality. His father, a chef and restaurateur, ensured his earliest memories of the trade involved washing glasses and tackling the thankless jobs few others wanted. It was a practical apprenticeship that quietly forged both resilience and a healthy respect for the machinery of a busy restaurant.
Seven years ago, Zahradnik moved to New Zealand, bringing with him a distinctly European sensibility for service. Today, he runs the bar at the always busy waterfront hotspot in Westhaven Marina, where the drinks flow as steadily as the boats drift in and out of the harbour. The bar attracts a lively mix of sailors fresh off the water, neighbourhood regulars and city workers chasing the restorative power of Zahradnik’s expertly crafted cocktails.
Working alongside hospitality veteran Judith Tabron has sharpened both Zahradnik’s technical precision and his appreciation for the theatre that makes a great bar hum. His expertise in steering a fast-paced service while ensuring the atmosphere remains relaxed, convivial and always fun, is part of what makes First Mates, Last Laugh one of Auckland’s most beloved eateries.
After Hours — Peter Zahradnik
Bar Manager, First Mates, Last Laugh
“When I finally get the chance to eat out, one of the first places that comes to mind is Pocha. After a late shift, you’ll often find chefs and hospitality staff from nearby restaurants there as well, which gives it a great after-hours energy. The Korean fried chicken is hard to beat.
I also really appreciate restaurants where the setting becomes part of the experience. Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant is one that always stands out. Sitting there with a glass of wine, looking out over the gulf, is special. I’ve had similar experiences at Amisfield Restaurantand Craggy Range Restaurant. The food is excellent, but it’s the way the landscape frames the meal that really stays with you.
Closer to home, Hello Beastyis somewhere I keep going back to. The atmosphere is always lively, the food consistently delivers, and the service is spot on. It’s simply a fun place to spend an evening.”
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