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.

I got high tea during their Christmas season, so the menu had some holiday touches with the food…read more I'll give a review of each dish below for any foodies. Atmosphere and service was good, very attentive and a good view. I also received some Manuka honey as an additional gift. Food review French earl grey tea: Very fragrant, light, and smooth with such a nice aroma. I highly recommend. Cured kingfish in puri: It was alright, not a lot of flavor but I could taste the coconut. Puri was not crisp but slightly chewy and the kingfish had a mild flavor. Prawn toast: One of the best savoury dishes, both buttery and savoury with a delicious touch of sour with the lime pearls that wasn't too overwhelming. Parmesan shortbread: A little dry, the ricotta did not balance the dryness of the toast enough but the pickled onions cut through the grease well. Wagyu sausage roll: Not a hit, the roll was dry and oily. The black garlic purée was nice but I did not like the flavor of the roll as a whole, I tasted a sour undercurrent that was not a good fit. Hoisin smoked chicken sandwich: Nothing spectacular, I could not taste much hoisin flavor and there's was a little too much sesame that it got everywhere as you ate. Christmas ham brioche roll: I was not that wowed, the roll was mediocre and no flavors stood out. The bread reminded me of something I could get at any Asian bakery. Scone: The scone itself was good but the whipped honey butter was too heavy with the dense scone, would have preferred clotted cream or more whip so that it was lighter. Christmas tree: The wafer was too sweet and made the whole dessert overly sweet since the mousse itself was already on the sweet side. Orange almond cupcake: it was alright, not dry and a refreshing fruit flavor. Too much cream though the bee was cute. Mango mousse: Beautiful presentation, mousse was light and I liked the sesame wafer. Cheesecake: My favourite as I liked the shape and the jelly was an interesting addition. Ice cream bon bon: very fun with the smoke Champagne: they offer a non-alcoholic version, which I opted for. Very delicious and bubbly.

Super nautical theme (in a good way) overlooking the water from the Hilton. We had the fish…read moresliders with fries and they were excellent. The staff was also very friendly and accommodating.

This is probably one of the best bars in the viaduct right now. There is a small outdoor seating…read morearea and a narrow entrance, which opens up into the main bar area, with a large u-shaped bar in the centre and seating all around. Behind that you'll find a big dance floor with a speaker-stack DJ booth in the corner. The drinks at Goldfinch are yum. The tunes are great, the crowd is older and sophisticated. It's a fun place to be on a Friday/Saturday night. Look out for the big neon sign on what looks like a cage next to Snapdragon.

I'll preface this by saying I don't remember everrrryyything about this night, (it was a biggie),…read morebut I remember the important things. I think... Goldfinch is right beside Snapdragon (another of my faves) in the Viaduct. It's much smaller, which is great for a night of dancing with a group of mates - and that is exactly what we did. The music was awesome, the drinks were yum, and the service was really helpful when we wanted to try out some new flavour combos. There are cool little booths that you can fill with friends and people watch till the wee small hours. That's another good thing about Goldfinch - it stays open super late. And it doesn't get awkward and quiet, it cranks. It's also not pretentious. Plonked smack bam in the middle of a great strip of bars and restaurants, Goldfinch is the perfect place to end the night on a high. ...Or at least that's what I remember..

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.

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.

Absolutely wonderful. First dinner in Auckland and it was a winner. Our server was Valentine...she…read morewas excellent. We ordered way too much food...it just looked so good. We ordered: Wood Fired King Prawn. The King Prawn arrived and it was beautiful and very large. It was served with a black peppered pancetta and a gremolata sauce of which both enhanced the grilled prawn. Not a drop was left. Mamma D's East Coast Beef Meatballs. They were big and filling. Some of the best meatballs served in restaurant. I thought they were packed a little tight. I loosely form mine when tends to ensure tenderness. The sauce was perfect and they went well the side dishes. Cacio & Pepe was served and it was the prettiest we had ever seen and probably the best we have ever had. Put it right up there with those served in Roma. Polenta - another winner and beautiful. It also went well with the meatballs. Creamy and delicious just wish we could have eaten the whole dish or had a kitchen where we were staying...that good. Baduzzi was hopping the night we were there. So glad that we had reservations...highly recommend booking.

Balduzzi is a spot I've been to twice. It's in Wynard Quarter in a cozy spot near the ASC building…read more It's even got an Italian three wheeled truck outside. The owner is from Italy and the care shows. The pastas are great and the highlight are the meatballs. They are huge so beware but delicious. We were yearly too full after the great bread to even think about the pasta but they were both great. There are two parts to the restaurant but we liked the patio area outside. Overall a nice spot for both lunch and dinner.

On our last day, it was just non-stop rain as we were killing some time before heading to the…read moreairport. We walked nearby our hotel to My Bar, a tiny place with more outdoor tables (although obviously not the best place to sit on a day like that). Heading inside, we were greeted with a cozy place; mood lighting, exposed brick, wood floors, and tiny table nooks along the wall. The bartender was friendly and got us some drinks. They have a full selection of hard drinks, but I was here for the beer. They have six tap handles, all from the larger breweries of the country. I chose a flight of three. We slowly sipped our drinks and listened to the rain. Prices were reasonable, it was definitely worth a few minutes for some drinks!

Great bar! Stopped here one night & sat outside. Relaxed, friendly service; beer was great. Had a…read moreramen dish from a restaurant next door. Liked it so much, went back the next night.

Loved it!!! Had our first meal at Depot after arriving in…read moreAuckland, New zealand. The food was absolutely delicious. Every bite is unexpectedly delicious. We had falafels and the roasted eggplant. The sauces are amazing. We ended up ordering more of the same dishes as they were so good. We are going back for dinner tonight with friends as we have to try more of their dishes. The service was warm and friendly. The atmosphere was relaxed and dining al fresco was great at lunch time.

One of the best meals that I had in Auckland! So good in fact that I went a second time!!! They…read moredon't take reservations but both times it was not difficult to get in. They do close early, 9pm, so show up earlier if you are American and like to eat out late. Great atmosphere and the staff are very friendly. Loved my experiences here. Food was amazing.

Stopped in around 9pm and was sat right away. Was a bit cautious due to some reviews however they…read morewere amazing. From start to finish. Orders the scallops and lamb chops and they were delightful. I wish I had more space to order another round of both. lol The gentleman who assisted me, informed me of a few items that were no longer on the menu from customer feedback and one item they were out of. The scallops were cooked perfectly and sooo juicy. The lamp chops had a great cook on the outside and lovely medium inside. The edamame along with paired nicely. I ordered the truffle mashed potatoes which also were seasoned well. I liked the Al La cart option since I wasn't going to do the all you can eat. Overall good experience and I'd return if in the area.

Fantastic service! The service was top tier, the only problem I had with this place was the food…read moresadly. Maybe it was a bad day or the kitchen was understaffed, but the meat was overcooked to more than well done for a medium rare steak and the oysters were not fresh at all. I think it was just a bad day because I have heard great things from them.

Exceptional cocktails. Exceptional service. Beautiful place to enjoy a fine drink…read more We tried 4 different cocktails. They have all the usuals and The Old Fashioned and Manhattan were beyond excellent. My partner had a rhubarb tequila concoction and a margarita which was truly truly delicious. The menu is extensive and I'm sure all delivered with precision and perfection. The staff were helpful and go the extra length to deliver and satisfy. Located down the wharf your get great views from the patio and a great place to watch the sunset.

Great place for whiskey. They have a lot of choice. Also cigar friendly out on the patio and they…read moredo sell cigars but ridiculously high priced. Would have given 5 stars otherwise.