Located in the heart of Auckland's city centre with its unique décor, Cafe Midnight Express offers authentic Turkish cuisine...
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!
For a taste of Eastern-Mediterranean delights in the city centre.
Using only the freshest seafood possible, Harbourside specialises in dishes infused with flavours from the Pacific, the East...
Proudly serving New Zealand for over 40 years, Portofino's mouth watering Italian food and great atmosphere will give you a...
Tony's Lord Nelson is world renowned for their excellent steaks using only the best of NZ beef & lamb to achieve their...
Mamak has brought the name, the dishes, flavours and passion for great Malaysian street food to Chancery Square.
Specialising in authentic Chinese duck and seafood dishes, Grand Harbour is one of Auckland’s premier destinations for...
Tanuki Japanese Restaurant offers delicious food in an authentic Japanese sake bar right next door to the Town Hall.
The White Lady has been an iconic, family-owned eatery in Auckland since 1948. Her menu ranges from burgers to toasted...
When you visit Wildfire, you will experience a unique dining sensation never before seen in New Zealand. It is Churrasco...
The Grove is Auckland fine dining at its best. Marrying exquisite modern New Zealand cuisine with a relaxed and sophisticated...
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.
Located at the heart of the Viaduct Basin, Danny Doolans is the quintessential Irish Bar, with live music 7 nights a week.
The Albion Pub Hotel was built in 1873, is one of New Zealand’s oldest standing historic Pub Hotels located in the heart of...
The Empire Tavern is one of Auckland's leading entertainment venues, with one of the best garden bars in Auckland located at...
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.
Auckland’s favourite Mexican restaurant since 1983. A perfect place for a pre or post show meal and drink, they also have a...
Established in 1934, Marbecks Records stocks a huge range of CDs and DVDs and their helpful staff have expertise in a wide...
There is nothing better than a second hand book. A book which has been well read, well loved and well enjoyed. Find your next...
The Kitchen Shop first opened in the Queens Arcade in 1991 and since then has become a central city icon, known for its warm...
Treat your nails to a pamper at Sassi Nail Bar on High Street
Well-established fashion brands
Pat Menzies is renowned for quality footwear and service, stocking a treasure trove of men’s and women’s street shoes, casual...
Great Kiwi Yarns is an iconic outlet specialising in classic and modern styles of premier knitwear produced in New Zealand...
Designer shoe boutique Lineage is a must-visit for footwear-philes, filled with fashionista Jennie Loo’s hand-selected range...
Bringing life to dreams and aspirations with incredible custom made bridal designs.
At Crane Brothers, they believe that beautifully crafted tailoring forms one of the most important and empowering parts of a...
T Galleria by DFS is the world's leading destination for international labels providing a pure shopping indulgence.
Karen Walker is a New Zealand fashion designer with a reputation for original, effortless and stylish fashion.
One of New Zealand’s oldest and best loved department stores, Smith & Caughey’s stocks three levels of the world’s best...
Kate Sylvester’s design is independent and intelligent. An irreverent classicist, Kate balances her love of tailoring and...
Deep in the heart of one of New Zealand's top fashion district, High Street, Emporio U is a treasure trove of recycled high...
For over 40 years, Strangely Normal have stocked '50s and '60s inspired menswear, including tailored and manufactured suits...
WORLD Britomart reflects the label's eclectic and quirky style.
Renowned for being on the cutting edge of New Zealand fashion, Zambesi creates dark, moody and sultry women's and men's...
Ray Barker returned from an OE in London at the height of the swinging ‘60s with a vision for a new men’s clothing company...
Jewellery
Specialising in diamond and fine jewellery Walker & Hall offer exquisite designs, exceptional quality and outstanding service...
Synonymous with beautiful handcrafted jewellery, Partridge Jewellers have built a reputation of having some of the most...
Founded in 1987, Jewellers Workshop specialise in beautiful and unique jewellery which is all handmade on-site.
Contemporary jewellery gallery in New Zealand representing the work of over fifty artists encompassing a diverse range of...
Whether you are looking for bold, colourful and conceptual design or something more subtle, traditional or elegant the Carats...
Auckland jeweller with over 40 years’ experience in creating items of jewellery that reflect your personality, desire, taste...
Creating exquisite jewellery and watches for both men and women, in this Queen Street flagship store you will find a huge...