North Island, NZ: Where the locals dine

North Island, NZ Insider
Our Insider will guide you to top-end dining, Kiwi-style. (Photo: Martin Vincent Robinson / Lonely Planet Images)
Find out all about the not-to-miss restaurants on North Island NZ. Our Insider will guide you to top-end dining, Kiwi-style.
Michael Meredith of Meredith's has earned accolades for the individual flair he brings to his food — plus he's young, intense and has the sexiest tattoo in town, wearing his art of his sleeve — literally. The scene of the last supper is framed by frangipani and hibiscus on his right arm, while his left arm bears the traditional tattoos of his Samoan heritage. But back to the food: it's "modern New Zealand", with an experimental edge but without the freaky factor. Book well in advance and if you enjoy kitchen as theatre, request a table close to the action.
At The Grove, picking up where Meredith left off, Sid Sahrawat has taken his charge on a more blatantly experimental journey — traditionalists best stand aside. It's a roller-coaster ride of flavours and textures with surprise twists and turns. Let the owner/sommelier Michael Dearth guide you with his passionately compiled list.
The French Café wins awards time and time again, and for good reason — they get it right; spot-on almost all the time. Simon Wright, the chef, and owner with his wife Craighan (front-of-house), published a cookbook about a year ago — it's a work of art, which should come with the warning: "Don't try this at home". This shouldn't put you off his food — artful, contemporary, immaculate — just enjoy it prepared by the master himself.
Clooney was all dressed up but didn't go far until exec chef Des Harris came on board. Imagine all the frustration of that sexily clad designer dining room attracting the wrong kind of attention and earning a bad reputation! Now everyone is fawning over Clooney for all the right reasons. Mwa mwa!
Bowman's chef/owner Carlos Atkinson is an innovative but under-the-radar chef who is gaining well-deserved recognition for his considered, contemporary food. Great neighbourhood restaurant.
Best beach side cafe: Anything the owners of Takapuna Beach Café touch is blessed with top-notch style and substance, and is delivered with smart service. It's all in the detail and after years working in the hotel industry, the couple that runs the show has it nailed. Their others — Rosehip, Richmond Road and Café on Kohi — all have their merits, but Takas has the best setting and gelato in NZ.
A quick stroll from the Ponsonby Road strip, Good One serves possibly the best coffee in Auckland. It's quirky — with industrial walls lined with issues of National Geographic dating back to the '20s — and cool without the wanker factor. And the sardines on toast will wow you with simple perfection.
Tucked away in Grey Lynn shops Monterey Coffee Lounge serves a slice of contemporary Kiwiana with homemade brioche, pastries and organic coffee. Similarly, the very new Queenie's Lunchroom will draw you in with its gorgeousness and straight-from-the-kitchen goodness.
Altezano is renowned in equal measures for its fab food and super-friendly service — prepared and delivered with a touch of love. For a classic Kiwi touch, go to Duchess Home Bakery (circa since forever), just down the road — you'll come away with change.

Got any more local dining suggestions? Have your say using the comments form below.

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