Restaurants in Auckland

You get no points for finding a brilliant restaurant in Auckland; there are too many of them for that to be considered a feat. And a good number of them are offering world-class cuisine at very affordable prices. The predominant cuisines are ethnic and Pacific Rim or fusion, the latter being that variable trend of combining the freshest, high-quality ingredients with whatever cultural element (theoretically Pacific-based) grabs the chef's fancy. As you can imagine, the interpretations are endless.

Although restaurants are scattered all over the city, you'll find they rub shoulders with each other in the Viaduct Harbour area, in the Britomart Precinct, and along Ponsonby Road -- still the trendiest areas and favorites with big spenders. There is also a good haul along the downtown waterfront, at Mission Bay, and in Devonport and Takapuna on the North Shore. You can take your pick from innumerable Italian/Mediterranean-style eateries with starched white tablecloths and timber floors, and fashionable California/New York-style brasseries and elegant bistros. If you're looking for cheap eats, they abound throughout the city. There are literally thousands of places to choose from and you're seldom far from any of them -- Asian restaurants and sushi bars in particular.

If you've singled out a popular favorite, it's a good idea to make reservations, especially on weekends, but in many cases you can simply stroll and choose. Tipping is perfectly in order but is not a custom anywhere in New Zealand.

A word on wine: New Zealand restaurants are generally classified as licensed (to sell beer, wine, and spirits) or BYO (bring your own). Some stipulate wine only (and may charge a corkage fee), or are unlicensed.

Try a local treat: A blend of vanilla ice cream with pieces of toffee, Hokey Pokey ice cream is unique to New Zealand and was first manufactured by the Meadowgold Ice Cream Company of Papatoetoe, Auckland, in the 1940s.