Aucklanders take their eating seriously and there is no shortage of wonderful
restaurants
(as detailed in Mark Graham's
Auckland Restaurants: the Rough Guide
), with ever more adventurous places opening all the time. They may only be following the trends of Australia or California but they're close behind and easily as good. If you're after a more casual eating experience, don't overlook the
pubs
, many offering a decent meal for under $10.
For several years, the best areas for grazing have been the inner-city suburbs, chiefly along
Ponsonby Road
, Auckland's culinary crucible;
Parnell Road
, the other main eat street; and
Devonport
, with a more modest but still tempting selection. In the wake of the 2000 America's Cup defence the
city waterfront
has been rejuvenated, with about fifty eating places opening up in six months: just how many can last the distance remains to be seen. The full range of culinary styles is represented, though many serve excellent seafood.
Central Auckland and Viaduct Basin
The centre of Auckland is undoubtedly the best place to grab something quick during the day with dozens of places geared up to cope with the
lunchtime
press of office workers and bank staff. Among the most popular are the
food halls
...
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Parnell
Parnell's eating places split into two camps; established
restaurants
with the accent on fine dining, and trendier, cheaper places catering to younger devotees, and backpackers from the nearby hostels.
Antoine's
, 333 Parnell...
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Newmarket
Newmarket is rapidly heading the same way as Parnell, with interesting new places opening up all the time, though unless you are staying nearby it isn't worth making a special effort.
Bodrum
, 2 Osborne St. Boisterous Turkish restaurant open...
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Tamaki Drive: Okahu Bay and Mission Bay
If you find yourself peckish while visiting Kelly Tarlton's, roller blading along Tamaki Drive or just out for a swim at Mission Bay then head along to one of Mission Bay's cafés;
Hammerheads
is best saved for a more formal lunch or dinner.
...
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Ponsonby, Herne Bay and Grey Lynn
At the cutting edge of Auckland's foodie scene is Ponsonby Road, a street where devotion to style is as important as culinary prowess. But don't be intimidated; the food is almost invariably excellent and though prices are generally a notch above those in...
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Devonport
Devonport's range of places to eat is rapidly catching up with Auckland's major foodie hangouts with plenty of worthwhile
lunch stops
and a several quality restaurants for
evening dining
.
The Cod Piece
, 26...
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