Hugo’s has perfected the art of being many things without ever losing its identity. The Shortland Street bistro moves seamlessly from early-morning coffee and breakfast to business lunches, afternoon drinks and sophisticated dinners. Head chef Alex Llewellyn takes a lighter approach to classical European cooking, using exceptional New Zealand produce and an open charcoal fire to bring depth without unnecessary complication. Market fish, vegetables, premium meats and seafood move through a menu that changes with the seasons, while the kitchen bar offers a front-row seat to the action. Polished but never stiff, Hugo’s remains one of the CBD’s most dependable all-day addresses.