Best Dining in Auckland during the Rugby World Cup 2011.

For some time Auckland has been a buzz in the build up to the 2011 Rugby World Cup. As a local who is into quality cuisine I have been observing who is doing what and which places may be the best experiences for a quality Auckland meal. The objective here is to convey where I would consider the ‘best overall dining experience’ to be.

To establish this I have some very simple criteria:

1. The food. 
2. The service. 
3. The decor and atmosphere of the restaurant. 
4. The location and the added value that surrounds. 

To cut to the chase... my findings are:

Number 1. Kermadec

Kermadec comprised of the 5 star restaurant, the brasserie, the tasting room and the trench bar. It has a focus on fresh seafood but also offers some ‘from the land’ selections. Kermadec has exceptional service, a moderate selection of wines which is acceptable due to which fantastic wines they have on offer. They have a comfortable decor, perhaps slightly dated however it works wonderfully because the atmosphere you step into is incredibly alive. They are proactive with their positioning and the atmosphere is often sparked by one of their live piano evenings, or wine matched chef designed set courses. Surprisingly Kermadec is reasonable value however the deciding factor that makes me place Kermadec in the top position is location. Kermadec is in the heart of it. Located on the upper level of the Auckland Viaduct it offers outstanding views and a prime position to over look all the vibrancy of Aucklands core. The location makes this the perfect spot to relax late evening and watch the sunset behind the masts of Aucklands many yachts. Carry your evening right through to an outstanding dinner and you can start to understand why Auckland is one of the greats. The location means you can step out the door after dinner and enjoy the nightlife hub that is the Auckland Viaduct.

Overall 100%

Bloggers Update: NZ Herald printed this article among others. IMPORTANT: Kermadec still has availability during the Rugby World Cup. The article may imply they are fully booked by the French for the Rugby World Cup. Kermadec have informed me the French have only booked approximately 35% of their capacity - great news for all those wanting to enjoy!

2. Clooney

Exceptional on all counts, Clooney is in my humble opinion the best restaurant in Auckland. The cuisine is incredible, service is perfection and the decor and atmosphere is sophisticated and very ‘slick’. This restaurant has a very ‘cool’ interior which upon arrival seems intimately dark. The tables are beautifully spaced and the whole space is separated by designer steel mesh curtains. Each table is part of a stylish booth fixture which offers a romantic touch however the true magic is in the lighting. It is as if the menu has an subtle angelic halo around it. And when your beautifully crafted plate/artwork of cuisine arrives it is enhanced by the most flattering food lighting I have ever seen, subtle and intimately classic. Clooney also has a great wine menu and extensive cocktail list. (I can highly recommend the Baby Grand.) The slick decor extends to their bar area and private downstairs function room. A truly outstanding fit-out. The only reason Clooney is not my top pick is location. It is fringe city centre but also located in a slightly industrial neighbourhood. This suits the restaurants ‘cool-soho’ style personality but does mean you are probably a $10 - $15 taxi fair from downtown. Not a huge amount of attractions or watering holes in close vicinity, although there is Sale St contemporary pub which is known for the live music acts it draws and it's outdoor beer garden. Yep, Clooney is as classy and likable as George.

Overall 98%

3. Britomart Country Club

BCC (Britomart Country Club) is somewhere that offers a different experience and a visually interesting decor. BCC has a grass floor topped with white furnitures and is surrounded by what appears to be shipping containers. The Space is technically ‘outdoors’ however is does have an automated louvre roof. There is definitely a golf theme running throughout the premises which is highlighted by the few minigolf course holes placed throughout the bar area. This has helped the popularity of this restaurant/bar as the golf holes have been a local work water cooler talking point. Upon an evening arrival you might be mistaken for thinking this is just a bar, however it’s strength is also it’s secret... The restaurant has spectacular casual food! shhhh. Very reasonably priced the Britomart Country Club offers great food (gourmet casual such as a Venison and Cranberry pizza) friendly service with a twist. The waitresses dress casually and come across as laid back, yet ensure they cater everything your experience requires one step ahead of you needing it. Although it is causal service, they absolutely nail it, freindly yet unintrusive. Food and service are both great, it is affordable and the decor is one of the most interesting as it offers something completely different. It is also in the area of Auckland that is ‘new-cool’... Britomart. This is minutes from the central train station doors and only a 5 minute walk from the Rugby World Cup Party Central waterfront base. BCC is a great option, vibrant (slightly noisy due to the bar element) and fantastic location. A must for anyone visiting Auckland wanting a different kiwi dining experience.

I have heard a rumor that the owners of this property also own Agents and Merchants (A&M), Racket, and 1885. All of which are a 1 minute walk from BCC and are some of the best bars in Auckland.

Overall 95%

4. Snapdragon

Snapdragon is in the Auckland Viaduct on the ground floor beneath my top pick Kermadec. Snapdragon is a great destination for a few drinks but also boasts delightful cuisine. The half Crayfish at NZD$36 is reasonable value but insanely wonderful flavor! They offer short western style menu, but as any short menu has to be, each dish reads beautifully. Being ground level Snapdragon is a fun ‘people watching’ position however their viaduct outdoor area is limited. That said, the interior is stylish and mixes elegance with retro. The space is divided by square shelves housing vinyl records and the decor is laiden with lush detailing. The one design element that is very eyecatching is the restaurant singage. A ‘broadway bulb’ style sign that looks like it’s been there since the 50’s. On top of the awesome signage (yep brand guy remember), Snapdragon is only an 8 minute walk to the new Wynyard Quarter (aka North Wharf) which is where there are newly installed Trams for the Rugby World Cup. Service at Snapdragon is excellent! Very professional, friendly and knowledgable. The staff I have experienced here have extensive wine knowledge and have been well versed in the subtleties of the menu. Makes for a more interesting cuisine selection journey when they know their stuff. Snap dragon has great food, fantastic service, stylish decor with  exciting atmosphere and buzzing location.

Overall 95%

5. NSP (Non-Solo Pizza)

An Italian restaurant that over delivers is always a big ask, yet Non Solo Pizza will definitely put a smile of satisfaction on your face. NSP (Non Solo Pizza) has been a long standing restaurant on the Auckland dining landscape. Located in Parnell ($20 taxi from downtown) this restaurant has stood the test of time. In recent years Parnell has gone through some big changes but has started to truly shine again in the last 2 years. NSP is still there and still as good as the day it began. Founded on italian passion (for food) this restaurant has developed a thriving following and for just cause. Although it is hard to find (down a narrow little foot alleyway off Parnell Road) from the moment you arrive it feels authentic. It feels like a restaurant that has been there a long time and is still busy doing things right. I have never seen this place quiet, but even when it is busy it seems at ease. The menu is extensive and largely italian influenced. It caters to a large array of appetites and preferences. The quality of their cuisine is nothing short of amazing and the freshness of their ingredients makes the experience all the more delightful. The decor is classic. However what has impressed me time and time again about this restaurant is the service. Knowledgable, efficient, approachable and humble. The kind of service you are really happy leaving a tip for and makes you want to tweet happy emoticons! (joking about the emoticons)  Non Solo Pizza delivers on every element, great fresh authentic italian food, amazing service, beautiful decor and quaint location. It is a little bit away from party central however not too hard to get to from Eden Park as you can get their without venturing into the heart of Aucklands city centre. Definitely worth a visit when in Auckland.

Overall 95%

If there was a short list it would read:

• Merediths (city fringe but VERY close to Eden Park) 
• Euro (Viaduct, Masterchef Judge Simon Gaults flagship restaurant) 
• Jervois Steak House (Ponsonby, another Gault restaurant - Best Steak in Auckland) 
• Dine by Peter Gordon (central, Skycity Casino) 
• The Grove (central) 
• The French Cafe (central). 

In an attempt to offer a little context to those reading from outside Auckland, the city is fairly spread out. The greater Auckland would boast one of the highest calibre selections of food in the world. Many of Aucklands restaurants are independents or part of smaller (2 or 3 porperty) chains. This is quite a contrast to cities such as London or Los Angeles. This vast selection however means it is wise to have a little ‘on the ground’ guidance, hence this review.

We have 4 central key zones that are known for dining. The Viaduct (and now the close walk Wynyard Quarter aka North Wharf), Britomart, Ponsonby, and Parnell. Worth noting is that the CBD is also only a 35min ferry ride to Waiheke Island which is a goldmine of wineries and top notch cuisine also.

New Zealand (in particular Wellington and Auckland) have incredible food selection compared to most other places I have travelled (a lot of Asia, Europe, USA, Canada) the most notable difference has to be our service. And not in a good way. Many tourists find our service sub-par and I can concur this is an overall issue. Therefore in my findings (the top 5 and the shortlist) you can be rest assured they all have exceptional staff who are well trained and deliver fantastic service.

If you are lucky enough to get to one or more of the restaurants above, come back and comment, let me know your thoughts. If you are on your way here it is worth knowing this review is completely unbiased and all based on real experience by me, a real person who loves fine food and fine wine.