Be The First In The Know: New To Dish Cult Auckland

Ponsonby welcomes another new face to the block; Lucky 8 is a quirky little spot created by the brains behind Mr Hao; Paul Wong, Julian Diprose and Lucas Boucly. During your visit, you will come across similarities between the restaurants, including the iconic, bright neon signs. Lucky 8 is an ode to the past, with a speakeasy vibe, exposed brick interior and warm red glow. The menu showcases a selection of Asian cuisine in the form of tapas and small plates. No need to check the prices, every delicious bite on the menu is $8. You will find a Hao’s signature chilli chicken on the menu, alongside slow-cooked beef cheek and the incredible golden crusted shrimp. Lucky 8 also has a delectable range of boozy cocktails that cannot be missed.

Milenta, Milenta, Milenta. Step inside this little oasis and take the weight off your feet, lounge in the sun-soaked courtyard, surrounded by beautiful greenery. With an ever-changing, seasonal menu, Milenta is full of delectable surprises. The menu incorporates the smokey flavour of fire from the wood coals, as well as Aotearoa’s best produce. The tradition, and flavour, originate from South America. Sample the likes of Pōhutakawa smoked oysters, kingfish with aji Amarillo sauce, or a colourful salad featuring heirloom tomatoes, house-whipped ricotta, orange blossom onions and pancetta.

Take a turn towards Kingsland and never look back; Nanny’s Eatery will instantly transport you to the warm shores of Jamaica. Co-owners JP and Ange created Nanny’s Eatery to introduce Aucklanders to the delights of Jamaican cuisine. The name originates from one of Jamaica’s seven national heroes; JP was also inspired by his GramMa, resulting in the name Nanny. On the menu, you will find the infamous jerk chicken, waffle fries’ nachos, rasta pasta and chicken wings. Challenge yourself and experiment with the heat levels in your food, there is spicy, super spicy, and you have to be an idiot. To cool down, we recommend an expertly made cocktail. You cannot visit Nanny’s without sampling a drop from the rum collection, a popular choice is the BlackSpot Rum, a premium blend that is barrel-aged and tastes like the Caribbean itself.

Some of you will know INCA from its days in Newmarket; the new location is in the heart of Ponsonby. The light, airy and colourful interior is the perfect spot for dinners with friends and family. The Aztec culture can be seen in the décor; it is truly a beautiful spot to dine. Critically acclaimed chef Nic Watt expertly combines Latin American street food with East Asian cuisine. You will find a lot of INCA’s signature dishes from its Newmarket spot on the Ponsonby menu, including the Pacific ceviche and pork al pastor tacos. Another delicious dish is the dry-aged beef short rib with a yellow pepper miso glaze and spiced roasted cashew nuts.

Although Elevation Brasserie is not a newbie in Auckland, it has had a recent renovation that looks amazing. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Auckland region and the Hauraki Gulf from the sun-soaked deck with a glass of wine in hand. The interior is sleek and welcoming; however, it is Elevation’s view that steals the show. Visit on the weekend for an unforgettable brunch; the mountainside benedict is divine. The classic dish pairs poached eggs with potato hash, capers, seasonal greens and homemade hollandaise; opt for bacon or smoked mushrooms. If you stick around for sunset, the menu changes to include dinner options; you will find pizza, Cambodian salads, Japanese chicken and Thai green curry.