16 Jan 2023
Kiwis love seafood, especially salt and pepper squid – perfect as a snack and as a tasty addition to any meal.
One of our go-to’s when ordering for the table, here are the best spots to dine on one of our favourite dishes.
Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen combines homebrewed craft beer; street eats and spectacular views of the Sky Tower. Boasting a menu of eclectic comfort food, it comes as no surprise that Sweat Shop serves up delicious salt and pepper squid. Treat yourself to a grazing platter, that way you can enjoy a little bit of everything from the bite me section of the menu. Including the squid, Louisiana cauliflower wings, Sweat Shop southern ribs and mac ‘n’ cheese morsels. Sweat Shop is a great location for an evening out, family gatherings or a quick stop. There’s always something happening, whether it’s live music, hot sauce festivals or the $9 hoppy hour.
Being one of the longest standing residents on the Viaduct front requires ageless beauty and outstanding food. Soul Bar and Bistro is known for their excellent service, fine dining and elegance. Their classic dish of salt and pepper squid with lemon, almond skordalia and chilli oil has been a proud staple on their menu since the beginning – proving that everything gets better with age. Take a seat in the courtyard with an excellent view of the water, watch the sunset as you indulge in the luxurious list of wines and create memories you will never forget.
Devonport is home to idyllic cafes, calming views of the water and quaint stores. It’s the perfect retreat after a busy week. While there are many options of places to stop for a bite to eat, Corelli’s Café is a casual little spot that offers comfort in abundance. Take a seat on the couches by the French windows or sit in the courtyard and enjoy the afternoon breeze with a beer in hand. Be treated to tasty home-style dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With a menu sporting all our favourite meals and sides, you can’t go wrong; from smashed avo on toast to pizza and burgers to pasta and salt and pepper squid. A meal for every mood.
The Occidental is a cosy, wooden-accented Belgian pub located on the historic Vulcan lane. They serve up authentic Belgian cuisine, and classic Kiwi favourites. Like the beloved salt and pepper squid, have it however you like it; as part of the Occidental platter, alongside fried chicken, onion rings and Bratwurst. Or in a salad; tenderly marinated, crumbed in salt and pepper seasoning, served with a garden salad and fries. The Occidental provides the perfect environment to try something new, and experiment with different flavours. Pair your food with a nip of Belgian single malt whisky and warm yourself up on the inside or dabble in a pint of creamy beer.
White and Wong’s take inspiration for their flavourful cuisine from an array of classic Asian street foods, incorporating styles from China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand. The restaurant is large, warm and welcoming. Book a table or reserve a private room from a bigger group of people and sit beneath lanterns and surround yourself with traditional artwork. If you’re dining with a group of friends, eat like royalty on a selection of rich dishes. Indulge in the Grand Banquet and be treated to dish after dish of delicious seafood, fresh cuts of meat and dumplings. It comes with dishes of all shapes and sizes like the salt and pepper squid, Masterstock fried pork hock and sesame nori crusted seared tuna. There’s also dessert included!