Tucked down a Cross Street staircase, Bar Magda feels like a sultry secret — a low-lit lair where Aotearoa’s seasonal bounty meets Filipino soul. Chef Carlo Buenaventura’s menu is inventive and indulgent: smoky kare-kare beef cheek with peanut sauce, market fish ceviche brightened with calamansi, and countless dishes that deliciously fuse East and West. Cocktails feature tropical fruits and local botanicals, perfect for sipping under a neon glow. Staff are exuberant and knowledgeable, matching Magda’s fun-loving energy. Equal parts cocktail bar and experimental bistro, Bar Magda is K Road’s worst-kept secret for a reason.