16 Jan 2023
Waiheke, here we come! Need an excuse to head back to the island of great wines and beach life? The Oyster Inn is your ticket out of the Auckland hustle and bustle. Stay in their boutique accommodation or just visit for a bite, the beautiful view of the beach from the veranda is enough to keep you there for a long sunny afternoon (and far into the evening). If you aren’t into the oyster scene, dive straight into ordering the battered line caught fish with house triple-cooked chips. Be sure to lather on the sunblock because you’ll want to soak up the sun here.
Sad to head to the four walls of your lounge after a long day? Head out east to Grangers Tap House & Kitchen for delicious and casual dining. The light-filled space looks out onto the marina at the boats and also gives you the option to dine outside as you enjoy a beer and a great meal. Lovers of a steak or fresh seafood will find themselves very comfortable here as the surf and turf is plentiful. We recommend popping over on a Sunday evening to discover some live music as you enjoy the food and seaside view.
You can already tell by the name that these guys don’t mess around. With fresh fish sourced from the markets each morning, quality is never compromised at The Fish and Chip Shop. If you’re wanting to branch out from the usual battered fish, you can opt for it pan-fried in either flour or panko breadcrumbs. Their steak-cut fries also absorb less oil so rest assured you’ll have room for a homemade salmon fishcake or corn fritter afterwards. With three locations around Auckland, you’re never far from a good feed on the way to the park or beach. If you are more into frying up from the comfort of your kitchen, these guys also sell their own fresh fish, so load up and cook it to your liking from home!
You can’t go wrong with a seaside view, great food, and good company. We’ll leave the company up to you but the rest can be left in the capable hands of St Heliers Bay Bistro. With large bay windows you can people-watch and unwind with a stunning view of St Heliers beach. The beer-battered fish and chips is available on both their lunch and dinner menu and comes alongside tartare sauce a fresh spring salad. Fill your belly with the generous portion and run across to the beach for a quick dip. Monday and Tuesday the bistro also offers a BYO service – with no corkage fee!
Grab a table for two or hustle up a group of friends, Regatta is a fun taste of Ibiza just a short drive out of the CBD. Seafood, a sea view, and wine – what more could you want? With DJ sessions every Friday and Sunday, there’s always something happening at Regatta. The share platters are a delicious way to try everything, but if what you’re craving is the classic fish and chips, look no further than their beer-battered fish of the day with a Japanese mayo, capers, pickles, coleslaw, and fries. Wash it all down with one of their creative mocktails – or if you’re not driving home, dive into their extensive premium beer list.
A 12-minute ferry from downtown Auckland and you’re in the oasis that is Devonport. Devon On The Wharf provides a light space and indoor-outdoor flow perfect for lying in. The summer sun or seeking refuge with Auckland’s unpredictable weather changes. Enjoy both the worlds of Kiwi and Mediteranian cuisine at this Turkish-inspired restaurant. With olives, feta, and turkish pide in full supply, it’s hard to opt for a Kiwi classic, but rest assured the fish and chips are a worthy contender. Served beer-battered with tartare sauce and a green salad – enjoy a beautiful evening as you watch the sun setting behind the Waitakeres.