Dish Cult Dines: All you can eat at Paldo Korean Buffet
16 Jan 2023
16 Jan 2023
Auckland CBD is home to some of the best restaurants in New Zealand.
With things quieting down in the central city over the past few months, we want to reunite you with your favourite inner-city restaurants! Here are a few of our favourite spots to head.
It was love at first bite when we dined at Amano; you can find this beauty sitting opposite the Waitemata Harbour. The humble and homely restaurant specialises in Italian-fare and freshly baked goods. The cuisine is rich and indulgent with a focus on fresh and local produce. We highly recommend the handmade pasta dishes; one of our favourites being the chitarra with Auckland Islands scampi, tomato and chilli.
Soul Bar and Bistro is an iconic eatery on the Viaduct; the long-standing restaurant is timeless and elegant, a beloved spot by locals and tourists. Whether you visit for the live oyster shucking with a scenic view of the water or are settling in for dinner and cocktails, you will not be disappointed. The menu showcases the best New Zealand has to offer in an unpretentious manner. We cannot resist the fresh seafood dishes; the grilled snapper with confit tomatoes and saffron sauce is simple yet incredible.
If you ever wondered what a fusion of East Asian and New Zealand fare would taste like, look no further than Hello Beasty. The menu explores the flavours, style and simplicity found in Korean, Japanese and Chinese cuisine. The tapa-style of dining allows the entire table to experience a wide selection of dishes. Dive into the Sichuan tuna tartare, the Beasty sashimi selection, Wagyu beef potstickers and Korean fried cauliflower. The flavours continue into the cocktail menu; the Bokbunjaju bramble is a crowd-pleaser with Beefeater 24 Gin, blackberry bokbunjaju and lemon.
Tucked away inside one of Auckland’s historic buildings is a beautiful inner-city oasis; Onslow is an ode to times gone by with its Old-World references. The menu is sophisticated and simple, focusing on celebrating the best ingredients from New Zealand farmers and producers. Dine upon chicken liver parfait, tuna carpaccio, kingfish Crudo and Harmony free-range porchetta with Black Doris plums, juniper and kale. Pair dinner with an expertly crafted cocktail, one of Onslow’s signature concoctions is the watermelon cobbler with honey, maraschino and sparkling wine.
This venue is currently not accepting online reservations through Dish Cult.
Ahi is a truly New Zealand restaurant, from its locally sourced produce to its welcoming hospitality. The light and airy interior is beautiful, sophisticated and cosy; this is a perfect spot for romantic evenings. The menu tells the authentic story of Aotearoa from the suppliers, farmers, and growers. Order a selection of snacks for the table, like oysters, wallaby tartare and Auckland Island scampi corn dogs. Experience a boil-up like none other; Ahi pairs Southland pāua, crayfish broth, pork floss and lion’s mane with 2-minute noodles; it’s incredible.
Culprit is a food enthusiasts’ playground; you will be taken on a journey of flavour from the moment you sit down. The innovative trolley derby never ceases to amaze with bite-sized morsels that tantalise the taste buds. Otherwise, bask in the brilliance of the seasonal menu; try the likes of line-caught sashimi, curried mutton sausage rolls and Culprit roast duck; the pork stuffed duck breast is served with confit duck leg salad, hoisin sour cream and plum and anise sauce.
Dinner with a 360˚ view? Orbit eatery has to be one of Auckland’s most breathtaking restaurants, constantly rotating; diners get an unbeatable view of the city. The Kiwi-inspired al la carte menu features the best local and seasonal produce in the country. Dine upon Porirua pork belly with caramelised pear puree and candied walnuts, then move along to the South Island lamb rack. End your visit with something sweet, the French meringue with strawberry gel.
