Future Food Director, Francis Loughran shares his favourite foodie experiences of our North island next door neighbour, Auckland.

City: Auckland
Trip: September 2016
Experienced by: Director, Francis Loughran

Whilst Wellington may be the capital city of New Zealand, I personally feel after travelling to the City of Sail for more than twenty-seven years, that Auckland rightfully deserves the title food, fun and hospitality.

If you’re looking for diversity in dining experiences, Auckland is a melting pot of cultures which means you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants. Dine on Pacific-Rim cuisine and fresh seafood, get fancy with French, indulge in Italian or enjoy flavour-filled Asian, Middle Eastern and Indian dishes. You can find great coffee everywhere at places likes Vulcan Lane to the waterfront’s Mojo Café within The PWC Tower. Same goes for great food at places like O’ Connell Street Bistro, and or Latino-infused Cava Latino down at Ponsonby Central. And I can’t forget to mention Chop Chop - my favourite for the big bowls.

The culinary-choices across the city and the suburbs is constantly evolving. There’s a modern mix of old and new cuisines and its not all about fine dining. If you’re looking for delicious food that won’t break the budget, get the inside scoop from Metro magazine’s Cheap Eats Top 100 for 2014. Gourmet burgers, delicious dumplings, ethnic street food, spicy curries, tasty tacos and some of Auckland’s best fish and chips are all on the list.

The future of drinking in the city and suburbs (Including Takapuna- Auckland’s north shore suburb) is all about great food in pubs with Auckland having some of the nicest gastropubs including Garrisons at Sylvia Park or Sweat Shop Brew & Kitchen

Hospitality is now defined by many an the “experience” - Auckland’s F&B offers are satisfying this definition with experiences within town, at wineries just moments out of the city or within the beautiful restaurants and cafes of Waiheke Island, a boat ride off the shore of the mainland.