Cocoro is a zen-like haven of Japanese fine dining tucked away off Ponsonby Road. Chef Makoto Tokuyama delivers a kaiseki-style experience celebrating the best of land and sea with exquisite balance. Opt for the multi-course degustation and be dazzled by course after course of artistry — from the famed “Texture” sashimi platter (each bite a different seafood surprise) to seasonal dishes like miso-glazed eggplant or Wagyu tataki with truffle. Service is formal yet warm, and each dish is like a peaceful ceremony. With a name meaning “heart and soul,” Cocoro lives up to it, offering one of Auckland’s most refined and heartfelt dining journeys.