The city centre is full of unique places, once you start looking, you see them all around you. We are often attracted to the new, but recently we've been talking about rediscovering some of the amazing businesses that we have fond memories of and love going to. Here are a few standouts, if you know of others that have been around for at least the last 20 years, we'd love to hear from you. Email us info@heartofthecity.co.nz and we’ll add them to our list of veterans! We hope this list brings back many a memory for you, our readers too.

 

Well-known Restaurants 

Tony's Steakhouse | 27 Wellesley Street West 

If you're a steak lover, you're probably all to familiar with Tony's in Wellesley Street. Serving some of the best steaks in the city for over 58 years, this institution is a tried and true city centre gem. 

Vivace | 85 Fort Street

Vivace has been a successful inner city restaurant in Auckland for over 20 years. The environment is lively, offers a warm ambience with excellent table service, a superb wine list and a menu which caters for diverse palates.

SOUL Bar & Bistro | Customs Street West 

In the heart of Auckland's Viaduct Harbour, the team at SOUL are proud to serve the finest, freshest, local ingredients in stunning surrounds - the ultimate Viaduct dining experience! 
 

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Treasured old classic bars 

Cornerbar | Corner of High & Shortland Street 

An institution amongst locals, Cornerbar is the perfect inner-city spot to indulge in an enviable list of locally sourced craft beers and New Zealand wines coupled with warm, friendly service and a touch of kiwi retro.

The Shakespeare Restaurant & Brewery | 61 Albert Street 

As the oldest working Micro-Bew Pub in New Zealand, this iconic spot is rich with 125 years of history. The menu is crammed with pub classics done in style, and a range of award winning beer made behind the bar. Daily happy hours and dinner specials give you an excuse to visit any day of the week! 

The Occidental Belgian Beer Cafe | 6 Vulcan Lane 

The Occidental Belgian Beer Cafe offers traditional Belgian fare at its very best, conveniently located on Vulcan Lane. This bar offers the full experience, with an array of Belgian beers on offer to complement their classic pub fare - think seafood chowder, mussels, chicken schnitzel, fish & chips, burgers and more. 

The Occidental mussels
Corner bar
Albion Hotel

Albion Hotel

The Albion Pub Hotel was built in 1873, is one of New Zealand’s oldest standing historic Pub Hotels located in the heart of...

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Not so hidden gems 

Mezze Bar | 9 Durham Street East 

An institution amongst city centre dwellers Mezze Bar is situated in the cultural heart of the heart of the city. Grab a table and enjoy casual, unpretentious eating and drinking – simple tasty morsels (tapas and mezze), to full meals, with accompanying hand selected wines and beers.

Tanuki's Cave | 319B Queen Street 

If you're looking for a unique and intimate dining experience in Auckland, look no further than Tanuki's Cave. This Japanese-inspired eatery is located underground, down a flight of stairs that lead you into a cozy and inviting space that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets above.

Mo's | Corner Wolfe & Federal Street 

The friendliest little bar in town. This classic corner bar is strategically located in the lower west side of downtown Auckland. It is a perfect place to chill after work, smooze late at night, or celebrate birthdays and special occasions.

Interior of a bar
Tanuki's Cave

Well-established fashion brands

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