Perhaps you have your tried and true places to go in the heart of the city, maybe a favourite bar, restaurant, or shopping destination. But there are some amazing hidden gems that the city has to offer. Forget about that “been there, done that” mentality, and check out our list of quirky and unusual places around the city centre.
Remedy coffee | 1 Wellesley St W
Though constantly packed with loyal regulars, Remedy Coffee is still considered a gem as there is a whole future customer base which isn’t aware of this cafe located opposite The Civic. As you enter Remedy, you will be struck by the eclectic decor, warm service, and coffee list which has true classic and quirky additions. The coffee is carefully selected, with single origin and hand-picked beans from all over the world.
The Yakitori House | 2b/18 Shortland St
Yakitori is a favourite among many, it’s perfect for sharing, and you get to try a great selection of Japanese delicacies. Yakitori translates to “grilled bird” in Japanese, but has changed to encompass a variety of dishes on skewers as well as small plates. On top of lots of different preparations of chicken, there is also pork belly, sirloin steak, tiger prawns, soft shell crab, and Teriyaki tofu to tantalise your taste buds at The Yakitori House.
Caretaker | 40 Customs St
With Caretaker, if you know you know. Creep down the staircase to the dimly lit New York style establishment, and take a seat at an intimate table with a single candle providing light. The Caretaker experience is truly unique, where there is no cocktail menu and the bartenders ask you a series of questions to make a drink which satisfies your desires. You know that you will receive a beautiful cocktail made with the utmost of care and consideration, balancing complex flavours and spirits.
Emporio U | 9 High St
A hidden gem on High St located down a flight of stairs, Emporio U is a treasure trove filled with vintage designer wear. With the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, and Prada, fashion lovers will be in heaven. Owner Ute Bohnert hails from Germany, and moved to Auckland in the 1980s, before opening Emporio U. She has committed to sourcing designer garments from all over the country, naturally developing a loyal following.
Books on High | 8 High Street
Have you heard about this hidden gem on High Street? If you wander up to the fourth level in the lift in Books on High, you'll find a hidden reader's paradise! Tucked away at the top of Books on High is a cosy ready room, perfect for curling up with a great read and maybe even a cup of coffee or tea from the nearby Ozone Coffee or Zealong Tea House! The Reading Lounge, located on level four, offers a tranquil escape, where you can lose yourself in the captivating pages of a story. Whether you're in search of a quick read or a leisurely browse, Books on High provides a sanctuary for book lovers in the heart of the city.
Dice & Fork | 210 Victoria St
An activity that may sometimes go under the radar, board game cafes are undoubtedly a unique and exciting destination. It works like this, at Dice & Fork you aren’t charged for games, all you need to do is order food or drinks while you are playing. If you are playing for longer than 2 hours then a minimum spend is $25. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable about all things board games, so pick their brain about some unheard of games which will suit your group (there are 300+ games in the cafe!).
Image credit: Wono Kim
Panacea | 23 O'Connell Street
Hidden away on O'Connell Street, this new bar serves delicious, inventive small-batch cocktails. Featuring an ever-changing menu of cocktails using locally sourced ingredients that are gathered fresh each morning.