The Occidental
Order:
Queue: Vulcan Lane, CBD; 5-min walk from Britomart.
Go: 17:30; perfect for a happy hour vibe in a historic lane.
Price: $$
Dietary:
Green-lipped mussels are endemic to New Zealand and are easily distinguished by the vibrant green stripe along the edge of their shells. They are significantly larger, meatier, and sweeter than the common blue mussels found in other parts of the world. In Auckland, they are a staple of the seafood scene, often served by the bucketful in a variety of flavorful broths. The most traditional way to enjoy them is steamed in white wine and garlic, which highlights their natural sweetness. The trap is over-steaming the mussels until they become small and shriveled, losing their plump texture.
Green-Lipped Mussels · say “Green-Lipped Mussels” ·
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Green-lipped mussels are endemic to New Zealand and are easily distinguished by the vibrant green stripe along the edge of their shells. They are significantly larger, meatier, and sweeter than the common blue mussels found in other parts of the world. In Auckland, they are a staple of the seafood scene, often served by the bucketful in a variety of flavorful broths. The most traditional way to enjoy them is steamed in white wine and garlic, which highlights their natural sweetness. The trap is over-steaming the mussels until they become small and shriveled, losing their plump texture.
Order:
Queue: Vulcan Lane, CBD; 5-min walk from Britomart.
Go: 17:30; perfect for a happy hour vibe in a historic lane.
Price: $$
Dietary:
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Queue: Federal St, 5-min walk from Sky Tower.
Go: 12:30; no bookings, so expect a lively wait.
Price: $$$
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Queue: Viaduct Harbour, 10-min walk from Sky Tower or Britomart.
Go: 13:30; perfect for people-watching on the terrace.
Price: $$$
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Queue: Westhaven Marina, 20-min walk from CBD or short taxi.
Go: 18:30; a great spot for a relaxed dinner after a day out.
Price: $$
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Queue: 10-min walk from Britomart.
Go: 11:00; explore the stalls before the lunch crowd arrives.
Price: $$
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Queue: Mission Bay, 15 min from CBD by bus 769.
Go: 13:00; perfect after a walk on the beach promenade.
Price: $$
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Queue: Victoria St West, CBD; 10-min walk from Britomart.
Go: 19:00; a great spot for a traditional dinner.
Price: $$$
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Queue: Mt Eden village is 15 min from CBD by car or bus.
Go: 13:00; a great spot for a casual lunch in a village atmosphere.
Price: $$
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Queue: 40-min ferry then walk from Matiatia or bus to Oneroa.
Go: 13:00; book a table on the veranda for the best experience.
Price: $$$
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Queue: Morningside, 3 min walk from Morningside train station.
Go: 12:30; perfect for a long lunch in a bright setting.
Price: $$$
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Queue: Herne Bay, 10 min from CBD by bus 18.
Go: 19:00; a cozy spot for a neighborhood dinner.
Price: $$$
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Queue: College Hill, between CBD and Ponsonby; 15-min walk from CBD.
Go: 15:00 on a sunny weekend afternoon.
Price: $$
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Queue: on Ponsonby Rd, 20-min walk from CBD or bus 18.
Go: 20:00; book ahead as it is very popular.
Price: $$$
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Queue: on Ponsonby Rd, bus 18 from CBD.
Go: 12:30; great for a lively family lunch.
Price: $$$
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Queue: North Shore suburb; Birkenhead ferry then bus 981, or car via Harbour Bridge.
Go: 19:30; essential to book this destination spot.
Price: $$$
Dietary:
0.0 / 10
15 stops
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Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
Best nearby foods: Signature order
Pairs naturally with this food stop.
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