What to see and do in Auckland - Part 5

DINING

Auckland’s cuisine is inventive and incredibly diverse as it represents such a multitude of cultures because of the make up its population. The city always has a wealth of fresh seafood at its disposal due to the coastal location of Auckland. This means that there tends to be many seafood restaurants around the area. Tipping is not normally expected here, however if you feel you have received very good service, it is appropriate to tip 10 percent of the bill in a restaurant but this is not needed in a counter service café.

As there are so many good restaurants around it is hard to single out a few so I have tried to include a full range.

RESTAURANTS

Harbourside

Harbourside is a chic restaurant with stunning views and delicious seafood. You can enjoy the freshest of New Zealand’s seafood with à la carte dining. You can eat both inside or outside on the sheltered balcony which has breath taking views.

Dine

Top New Zealand chef, Peter Gordon returned to his roots to establish this restaurant. It has made its name serving International fusion creations. These are his unique blend of Asian, Pacific and traditional European dishes. A private dining room is also available.

Orbit Restaurant

Orbit Restaurant offers a superb views of the city, 190 metres above the ground. The restaurant is situated at the top of the SkyTower building and the dining room rotates once every hour.

Sails Restaurant

The restaurant is situated in the heart of the New Zealand’s largest marina, Westhaven, so every table looks out over thousands of yachts. A luxurious interior compliments the breath taking views in this award winning restaurant.

Gion Japanese Restaurant

This is a stylish and elegant restaurant in the trendy Parnell area. Traditional sushi and modern Japanese cuisine is served here. On the menu you will find dishes like squid ring tempura, beef teriyaki and salmon sashimi.

Soul

Top Auckland chef Judith Tabron is the owner of Soul. The open air style dining is very popular for local business luncheons and international guests. Her signature treatment of fish is the highlight at Soul, offering hapuku, scampi, South Island salmon, snapper, yellowfin tuna and flounder cooked four ways.

The French Café

The French Café is consistently rated as the best fine dining restaurant in Auckland. The décor is intimate and sophisticated, and the food demonstrates owner and Chef Simon Wright’s total dedication to detail and quality. Contemporary European cuisine with fresh New Zealand ingredients and the wine list encompasses the best local labels as well as fine French wines.

Continued in part 6