Starks is named after Freda Starks, the famous (and somewhat infamous) Kiwi dancer who liked to…read moreperform for Second World War troops wearing little more than a lick of gold body paint. She was also outed as lesbian while testifying in a scandalizing court case. Who better to name a bar after? Starks has a lovely, art deco feel, and serves a nice selection of local and European beer and wine. They also do a decent coffee and offer simple bar snacks. It's a pleasant place to drop in any time, but it really comes alive during show times at the Civic Theatre. Pop a cork and toast to Freda.

Very good coffee here - and good, quick service. I dropped in for a quick brew one Saturday…read moreafternoon before heading to a performance at the Civic Theatre. I expected it to be packed, as it's relatively small, but it was fine. Plenty of tables outside also. I'd come back here.

FUN FACT: This adorable wine bar used to be the local butchery…read more Now it's owned by a charismatic local who doesn't mind a yarn and if you're lucky will even play you a tune on the piano! Man of many talents. We came here recently for Book Club and sat on their long table outside. It was chilly but they have heaters and wind down awnings so it was bearable. Considering it was only a Tuesday, it was pretty busy. Obviously Grey Lynn locals don't mind a drink and to be honest, I don't blame them. If I had a cool wine bar down the road I'd be doing exactly the same. The wine list here isn't huge but it does features some interesting options, including a number of European reds. We settled on an Italian red that was full bodied and only $9 - absolute steal! They also have a short menu featuring easy to share crowd pleasers. Think sliders, cheese & charcuterie platters and the like. All in all a great spot for an after-work drink tipple - fun & friendly atmosphere without the rowdy drunks.

For whatever reason, this place has chosen to occupy the premises of what was once a local…read moreinstitution, rename themselves and run an entirely different sort of business, but confusingly and inexplicably allow for the previous business' signage to remain stationed above the store front. So it is with Frieda Margolis and their quizzical "West Lynn Organic Meats" sign. Luckily for Frieda, they do a good job, and once you've been there for a drink once, you'll likely want to return. Great selection of craft beers from Wellington and a charming little eats menu. Four stars.

Excellent food in this classic Auckland restaurant…read more Vegetable spaghettini was delicious with charred asparagus, brocollini and olives. Creamy portobello fettuccine mmm. Delicious raspberry and vanilla creamer brûlée. Rich decadent sour cherry chocolate dessert. Great people watching, classy friendly service and a good wine list.

Lovely for the most part, we had a reservation but arrived at 6pm Friday to largely empty…read morerestaurant. I must say the Diamond Clam entree was "Off the charts" incredible! This is a must have dish! We also were fans of the Saltimbocca and Carpaccio that came with prosciutto. The pizza was decent but not a "have again". The most curious of dishes was the Linguine with Scampi. The scampi served in shell and halved were deliciously sweet. Unfortunately the scampi pasta appeared to be prepared earlier and just warmed for serving. The linguini was crispy, hard, dry.

Fantastic happy hour for Bonvoy members (which is free to join). I was able to score $10 glass of…read morewine and $10 bar bites! We had the pork belly sliders and the chicken bites. Both were delicious and great for the price. After HH, I stayed for a Margherita pizza and more wine. The pizza was thin crust and tasted fresh. Only thing that was interesting to me was the inability to order the same HH wines after HH. The selection switches out. Service was really great and friendly. It started off rather quiet for HH but began to fill as time went on. Plenty of seating options and trendy decor.

VISIT: end of February 2020…read more This was a pleasant surprise as we ate here probably every day of the 3 that we were in town. I typically shy away from restaurants that are in the hotel because they tend to be pricey. We felt, for Americans, that this was decently priced and that each time we ate here, we got a different meal FOOD WE TRIED: - Chicken and vegetable dumplings - Prawn and chive Gyoza - Arancini - 55 day aged beef brisket sliders - Seafood Risotto - Spaghetti with mussels, snapper and prawns The sliders, gyoza and spaghetti with seafood was VERY good. I wouldn't order the dumplings again, but I always forget that chicken dumplings just aren't the same as pork and/or shrimp. The Arancini was a bit disappointing in flavor, maybe just a touch more salt would have been helpful and same thing with the flavor of the Risotto. The seafood was cooked perfectly, but the sauce on it just wasn't as flavorful as I would have liked, for a risotto. Service was always great with the staff always helpful with recommendations. We were very happy to have access to this restaurant during our stay the Four Points

This place is on Aotea Square, and was really nice with a whole wall of windows to see the action…read moreoutside. The day we were there, there was an ice skating rink set up in the square. My girlfriend and I got the special, which was a pint and a pie for $20NZ, which was not bad at all! The pie was venison, and while I have only ever had it once before, it tasted great today. I also had a couple of ciders, which were cold and delicious. The meals that everyone else had looked great and tasted good too, according to my friends. The interior is very spacious; even though it wasn't super busy while we were there, I think that at peak times there would be plenty of room to walk around unencumbered. With reasonable prices and a great location, I'd come back next time in Auckland!

Chicken and beer. This place knows what it is and knows what it isn't. Green turf on the ground and…read morebig windows that open to reveal the outside square give it a feel of sitting somewhere far away from the city. On a sunny day, it's a great place to grab a pint - and a bite - to people watch. Local selection of beers on draft - not plentiful, but good.

A lovely little hotel bar with excellent service, tasty drinks, and a beautiful view. We were…read morestaying in the Rendezvous Hotel (where this bar is located), and came here twice. They have a nice selection of hard liquor, as well as beers and wine. I love that you can order food from the hotel's Japanese restaurant or room service to the bar. Ordered some oh so good Hendricks and tonics with cucumber each time we visited. On one occasion, I ordered the feijoa daiquiri and it was much too sweet for me. I don't recommend. The one strange thing was that the bar didn't have any limes... This did put a damper on my gin and tonics, but the cucumber save it. If you're nearby and want a drink, come and check this place out. You'll be pleased you did!

From the owner: Located in Grand Millennium Auckland's beautiful atrium, where you can be sure to relax and enjoy…read morecocktails, a light snack, a sumptuous meal or the full beverage menu.

Finally an awesome bar in town…read more I'm just a hipster Australian looking for a cool place to drink a beer god damn it! This place is rad, i love it.

Cool atmosphere, great service, good beers. Mr brother and I both especially liked the raspberry…read morelemon cider.

A wonderful bar at the first floor, at bit difficult to spot the entrance, but once you are there…read moreit's gin heaven. The selection of the gins they have here is rather impressive, including quite a lot that I already know and even more that I don't know. There is a lot of expertise here, so if in doubt, just ask. They are more than willing to help you out. In case you don't like gin, they also have cocktails based on other alcohols.

This place was great when we went in Dec 2018 but we could Lok s not find it last night. I think…read morethey are closed.