Tables we love

A considered, all-day seafood-led restaurant on Tuawhiti Lane in Britomart — sustainably sourced from independent NZ fishers, farmers and growers, with a brilliant Steak Frites lunch deal weekdays and rotating Martini month specials. Attached to The Hotel Britomart.

"Palm Springs in the middle of Milford" — a restaurant and cocktail bar with a huge louvred outdoor dining area, vintage LA-style bar inside, and a retro motel aesthetic throughout.

A proper sit-down bistro inside Auckland Museum, open to all — no ticket required. Kiwi classics, woodfired pizza, local wines and the best Tuesday night deal in Parnell: $10 happy hour food and drinks every week from 5pm.

A consistently outstanding Andalusian restaurant in Britomart — wood-fire cooking, sharing plates, and one of the city's best Spanish wine and sherry lists. A slow, wine-soaked evening to plan around.

A buzzing Italian bar and grill right on the Viaduct Harbour waterfront — wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, summery spritzes and one of the city's deepest Italian wine lists. A perfect slow-sunny-afternoon spot.

North Shore institution since 2006, The Engine Room is a husband and wife-run neighbourhood bistro in Northcote Point serving seasonally driven, locally sourced food with genuine soul. The goat's cheese soufflé is legendary. Book ahead.

Multi-award-winning Filipino restaurant on Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. Bold flavours, sharing plates, signature lechon, and excellent cocktails — plus private dining for up to 50. Perfect for pre-show dinners before the Bruce Mason Centre.

A hidden basement bar tucked off Karangahape Road with a Filipino-fusion kitchen, exceptional cocktails and a rating of 18/20. The kind of place that feels like a discovery — and once you've found it, you'll keep coming back.

Herne Bay's legendary Chinese restaurant — iconic Peking Duck, red lanterns and the warmth of dining in someone's home.

Contemporary Japanese with a Peruvian twist in an iconic beachfront setting — one of Auckland's most special dining experiences.

Bold Asian fusion sharing plates inspired by Japan, Korea and China — one of Auckland's most exciting dining experiences.

Contemporary Vietnamese in a stunning heritage warehouse — authentic Hanoian street food meets the best of New Zealand produce