While we're being treated to warmer weather, why not opt for a meal outdoors with views as good as the menu! Al Fresco dining is the answer, and there are so many hospitality institutions which fit the brief in the city centre.
Bivacco | 115 Customs St W
A new Italian joint in the heart of the Viaduct, Bivacco has got you covered for alfresco dining. With locally sourced produce at the center of the menu, the food is mouthwatering, from Kingfish crudo, beef carpaccio, and braised lamb agnolotti. Make the most of their epic aperitivo happy hour on weekdays too - see more here.
Saint Alice | Level 1/204 Quay St
When you find yourself on the Viaduct when the sun is shining, Saint Alice is always a fantastic choice. With lots of outside seating to choose from overlooking the harbour from above, enjoy the atmosphere whilst sipping on a drink from the extensive cocktail list, and enjoying the local seafood and woodfired pizzas.
Lula Inn | 149 Quay Street
Another Viaduct sun trap is the New Zealand’s South Pacific- inspired, Lula Inn. An urban escape where you can join in with lively drinking, dining and entertainment experiences, you can soak up some rays in their garden oasis. This tropical-inspired bar and eatery suits every occasion, from a lazy lunch in the sunshine to an after-work drink or a night out with friends.
Good Luck Coconut | 39 Jellicoe St
Enter an island paradise at The Good Luck Coconut, a tiki bar with a specialist cocktail menu. Combining Pacific and Asian flavours on their menu, best eaten alongside cocktails using tropical fruits, coconut milk, and rich liquors.
Williams Eatery | 85 Daldy St
Williams Eatery is a long time award winning, family owned restaurant on Wynyard Quarter, serving New Zealand and Filipino-inspired dishes. The decor is simple and airy, and when the sun is shining, nothing beats sitting outside to enjoy a meal, or coffee while soaking up the rays.
The Store
The Store | 5B Gore St
With artisanal pastries, freshly baked bread, piping hot coffee and a delicious food menu, The Store is the go to destination for a courtyard cafe experience in Britomart. Some highlights from the menu include macadamia and almond granola and the asparagus and chilli omelette.
Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen | 7 Sale Street
Flaunting the sunbathed deck, Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen's outdoor space is lined with rows of picnic tables, ready for the masses of sun loving punters. Integrating the obvious Americana meets New Zealand theme, the menu and food offering is packed with American style eats, conjured up in the kitchen with fresh local produce. Pride on the menu is the meat offering from Sweat Shop’s in-house grill and smokehouse. Brewing their own in-house lager, pale ale and American pale ale, each of the beers are easily sessioanable. The perfect summer beer garden spot!
Ortolana | 33 Tyler St
Ortolana is a warm bistro set in a pristine conservatory at The Pavilions in Britomart, serving Italian fare. Guests sip coffee and mimosas while snacking on pastries and eggs while enjoying the welcoming service and buzz of the city.
Milenta | 210-218 Victoria St W
Milenta is a relatively new kid on the block when it comes to dining in the city, but she has already made a name for herself as a South American bistro with tons of personality and an impressive menu to match. The whole restaurant is outdoors, protected by cleverly designed panels and shaded by a grand Pohutukawa tree.
Wynyard Pavilion | 17 Jellicoe St
Wynyard Pavillion’s identity is both a bar and eatery, serving patrons on the waterfront all day long. Let’s start with coffee and then move onto cocktails, while the sun gets cooler and starts to set. It’s not surprising seafood is a star on the menu, like lemon pepper squid, ceviche, and of course, fresh market oysters.
The Conservatory | 17 Jellicoe St
We couldn’t leave out The Conservatory when talking about alfresco outdoor dining. With a relaxed vibe, The Conservatory also features a “living wall” where the bar has been built out of, tying the outdoor together with the inside. With an exciting cocktail list, a menu filled with delicious dishes, you’ll want to settle in and stay for a while when dining at The Conservatory.
Rosie's Red-Hot Cantina | 204 Quay Street
New kid on the block, Rosie's Red-Hot Cantina is loud in atmosphere and huge in personality. Offering up a Cali-Mexican experience showcasing the best of California’s vibrant coast and LA's street scene - from burgers to tacos and beers to frozen margaritas, Rosie's Cantina, located on the corner of the Viaduct buzzes with energy from lunchtime to late. Boasting bold decor and outdoor seating with top-notch waterfront views, Rosie’s is the place when the sun comes out!