Auckland: fast becoming one of the perennial favourites amongst foodies, hipsters and travel writers alike. Despite having a population of only 1.6 million, the food and drink scene in Auckland is second-to-none, and boasts a fantastic array of bars, cafes, and restaurants for any budget. While I’ve only been lucky enough to visit this fair city on one occasion, it’s safe to say that writing this list has reminded me of everything that is fantastic about Auckland. Oh baby, I’ll be coming be back soon enough.

CAFES

1) Dizengoff

Located in Ponsonby, Dizengoff served up the very best coffee that I had in Auckland. The place is a stalwart, and has been faithfully serving up excellent breakfast and even better coffee for years.

Price: $15 per person

2) pollen

Despite being closed on the weekend, Pollen serves up a brunch aficionado’s delight - the waffles deserve artistic recognition, and the coffee is silky-smooth.

Price: $20 per person

3) MAJOR SPROUT

The name says it all: Major Sprout is the health conscious cafe without the requisite ‘yuck’ that normally accompanies such places. Located close to the CBD, Major Sprout has a solid acai bowl, excellent eggs benedict, and some truly delectable smoothies.

Price: $15 - $20 per person.

BARS

1) SLY

While the speakeasy trend rages on, Sly adds something sightly new to the mix. Hidden behind the doorway of an unassuming shopfront on K street, Sly is a New Orleans inspired joint that serves up cocktails, very choice beer, and some well-made cocktails.

Price: $8 for a beer, $15 for a cocktail

2) the Parasol and swing company

Lengthy name aside, The Parasol & Swing Company, located just up a flight of stairs on Quay street, is a cocktail lovers dream. California meets Singaporean style drinking abounds here - the drinks are fresh, the bar always packed, and the food pretty fair to boot. Get in early on weekends, as this place is constantly packed.

Price: $15 - $20 for a cocktail

3) 46 & York

The most relaxed on the list, 46 & York is everything that can be awesome about a neighbourhood bar. Located on Parnell road in the Parnell suburb, this pub offers a welcoming vibe, a very good beer list, and some fantastic down-home style cooking. The type of place that I could easily while the away the hours with a book, or just as easily with a group of mates.

Price: $6-8 for a beer.

RESTAURANTS

1) Apero

Apero specializes in small plates, an excellent wine list, and some very, very well prepared cocktails. The rustic sausage and goat’s cheese croquettes with Kamahi honey comes very highly recommended (by me.) The vibe here is casual, but refined - expect european style share plates and a highly curated wine cellar.

Price: $40 per person.

2) Gemmayze Street

Gemmayze Street is a Lebanese restaurant offering share plate dining with bold Middle Eastern flavours. Plates like the squid ink or duck with red cabbage are awesome.

Price: expect to pay $40 per person.

3) Pasture

Pasture one thing and one ting only: A ten-course degustation served by the chefs themselves. Seating only 40 people per night (sittings at 5:45 pm and 8:45 pm, Pasture provides some of the best food in New Zealand: expect techniques like open fire cooking, fermenting, pickling and preserving. Strong focus on connecting land, and sea.

Price: expect to pay $200 per person.

4) Mr Zhou’s Dumplings

A consistent favourite with residents, Mr. Zhou’s Dumplings is easily Auckland’s favourite dumpling stop. Mr Zhou’s serves all and sundry, and does so at an absolute steal. Can recommend the pork and fennel dumplings and a cucumber salad on the side.

Price: expect to pay $10 per person.