Pinot Plus is a cozy wine bar in Tapauna that seems to understand that "a meal without wine is…read morelike a day without sunshine." The decor is somewhat typical of European wine bars with its softly lit interior and deep red feature wall. I love the large blackboard and the old wine barrels with bar stools in their street-side seating area. A sommelier is always on hand to offer advice and help you find the right wine to compliment your meal so it is pretty standard to start your dinner with a little wine tasting session. Both sommeliers who served me were friendly and helpful and they went out of their way to help us find the wines that best suited our pallet and/or meal. I love that John Ingle has included a wonderful array of good New Zealand wines on his list. The menu isn't extensive but the meals are usually fabulous and the portions are perfect - if you are into sampling good food, rather than eating bellyful! I have eaten from two of their menus so far and I haven't been disappointed. However, as with most dining experiences some dishes are always going to be that much better. I have added a few comments along with some photos. Pinot Plus has had Grabone vouchers on offer lately - perfect reason to check it out! Please note; you can get a sparking water instead of wine but no other type of beverage here - it is after-all, a wine bar!

A little game pub by the road. Easy to walk in, sit down, just go to the counter to order something…read moresimple and fresh, it won't let you down. A couple of seats lay out at the bar counter, however, something unique come up to your mind. People have their names at the back of the chairs to mark their special seats. I have seen people saved the half of drink at the bar, this is something first come to vision. Old ladies and men rush in and out, then you will realize it is a game bar in the end. Order fish&chips, they will help you bring takeaways. Yes, why not have some chips pairing larger beer on a warm Sunday afternoon?

The Thirsty Frog is certainly not the most attractive wine bar in the world. I get where they were…read moregoing...frogs are green, it's called The Thirsty Frog but still that doesn't you have to douse the entire exterior of your bar in lime green paint. Exterior aside, I actually like The Thirsty Frog. Milford was in dire need of a wine bar and this place fits the bill. It offers great wines by the glass and there are plenty of tasty morsels to nibble on whilst you sip away. I particularly like that they have a constantly changing selection of French cheeses on offer. This place is great for after-work drinks with friends or as a pitstop on your Sunday afternoon walk with the dogs. Santé!

Delicious! I needed…read moreto bring back dinner for my brother-in-law, my husband, and me, so I asked an in the know local for their recommendation on best takeout in Takapuna. They quickly responded "Tok Tok". Their most favorite mentions from the menu were the Popping Prawns, Crispy Duck, Shaking Beef, and the Fried Rice... I ordered it all ;)! I'm so glad I did. I literally salivate when thinking about the meal. Ordering over the phone was a breeze, and a friendly. I walked into the restaurant, and was quickly shown a seat at the bar where I could wait, instead of waiting at the entry. The restaurant was packed, and it was clear to see Tok Tok is a hip and cool place to be, as well as welcoming. About ten minutes early, I decided to order a Chilli Margarita from the cocktail menu. I received my cocktail promptly. I had enough time to finish the refreshing work of art, right as my order came out.

I was visiting a friend in Auckland and she booked Tok Tok for dinner on a Monday night. The…read morerestaurant was packed and had a great vibe. We sat outdoors in a fully covered patio that had heaters for cold rainy nights and it felt cozy. The food was excellent. We ordered beef steamed buns, fish curry, miso eggplants and shaking beef. They all tasted amazing. We did family style amongst the four of us and it was the perfect amount of food. I'll definitely come back here whenever I'm in Auckland again.

Very nice place and the cakes are amazing! Highly recommend!…read more Service is amazing as well

Well ladies and gentlemen I've found my new ponsonby favourite! A friend and I stumbled across this…read morelittle beauty on Saturday night, and we lingered here till about 2am. It's dark and moody with great music and the bar staff are good fun. But the two things that turned this little bar into my favourite spot are; asahi on tap and the peppermint chocolate shots. I'm not much of shot taker but this little marvel is heaven. Well worth stopping in and enjoying the people watching with a peppermint shot to warm you up.

Harry's is a charming, wee bar located next to that new "workingman's club" on P' Road…read more We went last week when it had only been open a couple of weeks and was still sorting a few things out. No sparkling water (...yet) and no espresso for the espresso martinis we ordered off the menu. "I could whistle something up using the cold brew?" the bartender offered. We weren't fussy and they tasted delicious. They even let us order snacks a couple doors down from P.Road Bistro! Dream result. Great for a couple of lazy drinks, their outdoor tables get good afternoon sun. Just keep in mind it's pretty small so perhaps not great for groups.

Intimate setting that also serves well towards larger groups…read more There's a list of proposed wine tastings - upwards of $12 for three wines from NZ or around the world. You can choose your own tasting (or full glass or bottle) from the menu which gives you the chance to try a nice range. We selected food from the small plates menu but were unimpressed. You'd probably do better were you to order a cheese platter or to come here for after dinner drinks.

From the owner: Wine, well that's what really matters isn't it? Bored with…read morethe usual generic wine lists popping up all over town? At Wine Loft we have a vast array of wines available by the taste, glass or bottle. Many of which you will not find anywhere else. Also available is tap & bottle beer, spirits and other drinks. We pride ourselves in our platters and pizzas which are all designed for sharing. There is also a good selection of hot and cold small plates to choose from.

Only reviewing the complimentary tapas at this stage... Yes, complimentary with each order of wine…read more That's a pretty sweet deal. There's about six choices and you don't really get to choose, they just arrive. Crumbed fish pieces, egg salad, marinated olives etc. The large pan of paella for sharing at the next table looked good. Cosy wine bar, relaxed atmosphere, easy choice for after work drinks.

We enjoyed the wine, selected from the 'by the glass' menu and the sparkling water but otherwise…read moreunderwhelmed, disappointingly. I found the seating and tables uncomfortable, staff a bit weird and food, well not for me shall we say. It was a Thursday night and dead quiet, except to the intoxicated older couple who then went and got in their car and drove away before we could grab their keys! No need to revisit.

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.

What a gorgeous spot for a drink in the heart of Devonport!…read more As I am not a local, "Tiny Triumphs" was an unknown bar to me - until now. The bar is unassuming and set back from the street. Great seating outside, either bar stools around small and/or communal table, or comfortable European-style chairs: Al fresco drinking in style! They have beers on tap (not sure what as not a beer drinker), great cocktails, wine list or chilled water for teetotallers:) Fab service too. Not a lot of room inside by the bar, so you can network, while ordering your drink!

If you live in Devonport, Tiny Triumphs should be your new local hangout. As the name promises,…read moreit's tiny. So, it's best for a beautiful day when you can take advantage of the lovely porch. The ambiance is like an auckland villa porch with lovely rugs and vintage furniture. Cozy place with friendly faces and nice nibbles. They do NZ beers (saw mill), cocktails, and have some nice organic soda options for the teetotalers. Nice addition to the neighborhood, and a little hard to find - tucked in next to the stone bakery. Totally worth it!!