The Best Auckland Restaurants

SidArt: Located on Ponsonby Road, this hidden gem is very small in size, but makes up for it in taste. Come and enjoy a four course a la carte menu that offers some of the most unique tastes in the city. Start with scallops or one of the many other appetizers, then move to lamb loin and then the veal with a rabbit. Finish up with a dessert such as a Passionfruit Parfait. The different tastes and textures are unique to SidArt.

Cocoro: This is considered by many to be the best restaurant in all of Auckland. It is a Japanese style restaurant that offers fine dining and great interior design. Choose from a selection of perfectly cooked food such as belly pork to sea food with caviar to Angus beef with poached egg. This gem can get packed at night, but the service always remains excellent and the prices are reasonable.

Coco's Cantina: This restaurant is a mixture of everything from a tapas bar to wine bar to 1970's American diner and even a cocktail lounge. It offers some of the best Italian food in Auckland. Be sure to sample the calamari. The service is excellent and the pork in a pasta dish is also a meal that should be tried. There are many Italian restaurants in Auckland, but this one tops them all.

The Grove: This wine bar and restaurant offers some of the best local produce and seasonal food. The prices are very reasonable and the menu includes quail and pheasant terrine. All the dishes are carefully constructed, including the pork dish that has more flavor than anything else on the menu. The pasta is also very tasty and the salad comes fully loaded with all the toppings.

French Cafe: Considered one of Auckland's top restaurants with award-winning French cuisine. Try a six course meal that may include asparagus soup to start before moving on to squid and lamb pate. Some steak for the main course will be the perfect way to prepare for the chocolate trio or other great deserts French Cafe has to offer. The service is excellent and the prices are also not too bad.

After your meal, head down the street for a night cap a fun bar or club.