Six of the best new restaurants in Auckland

KOL

Kol, Auckland.Credit: Josh Griggs

Pronounced “coal”, KOL is the third Auckland eatery by husband-and-wife hospitality powerhouse Sid and Chand Sahrawat. Housed in an elegant two-storey wooden villa in the trendy suburb of Ponsonby, it’s a stylish, intimate space centred around an open kitchen with a flaming stove. The simple one-page menu belies the artistry and complexity of the Indian-inspired dishes, such as a paua shell of sweetcorn chaat served on a mound of crushed ice and smoky chickpea and sesame croquettes carefully placed on a bed of white pebbles. Everything is a hit but don’t miss the saffron-flavoured chicken and the Insta-famous Arils cocktail. See kolauckland.co.nz

MOVIDA

Movida calamari sandwiches.Credit: Josh Griggs

Auckland had to wait a long time for a permanent outpost of famed Melbourne tapas institution, MoVida. The good news is that it was worth it. Occupying a light-flooded space in Britomart’s Seafarers Building, the restaurant is an elegant montage of dark woods and sexy red leather booths. The menu features several MoVida favourites, including hand-filleted Cantabrian anchovies with a zippy tomato sorbet, alongside new creations, such as a rich, flavoursome seafood paella cooked in a traditional Basque wood-fired oven. Don’t expect Melbourne’s grungy laneway vibe here; floor-to-ceiling windows provide sweeping views of Auckland Harbour. See savor.co.nz/movida

ORIGINE

It’s unlikely you’ll find Origine by accident. Tucked away in the corner of a food court in the Commercial Bay shopping precinct in downtown Auckland, its discreet entrance barely hints at the cavernous, light-flooded restaurant within. It’s a gorgeous space, with oak flooring, dark red banquettes and captivating harbour vistas through 10-metre floor-to-ceiling windows. The food is equally alluring – classic French bistro fare (think oysters, snails and steak frites) made with the freshest Kiwi produce by the team behind Commercial Bay’s other award-winning fine-diner, Ahi. Welcome touches include an affordable daily set menu and a special “P’tit” selection for kids. See origine.nz

Le vol-au-vent poulet et langoustine at Origine.Credit: Josh Griggs

BOSSI

Bossi is the much-anticipated restaurant sidekick to Deli di Bossi, an upscale delicatessen that’s been a hit with Aucklanders since it opened last year. Located a gnocchi’s throw along the same street, Bossi is a more sophisticated affair, with a sweeping marble-topped bar, cosy booths and a striking Italian fresco. The two venues share the same culinary philosophy – traditional Italian dishes prepared using the best local ingredients. Expect innovative twists on the classics, such as ravioli stuffed with osso buco and a creamy polenta with Italian sausage ragu. Dessert fans are especially blessed – the tiramisu and limoncello-soaked baba sponge are divine. See bossi.co.nz

ALMA

Looking for an authentic taste of southern Spain without the hefty airfare? Head to Alma, a stylish eatery on Quay Street in Auckland’s buzzy Britomart precinct. Inspired by the food and culture of Andalusia, the restaurant’s secret weapon is a large open flame grill, which it uses to create the charred, smoky flavours for which the region is famous. Kick off with bite-sized tostadas of sweetcorn and smoked feta then move onto flavoursome pork pinchitos and chargrilled chicken thighs with harissa. And for dessert? Pair the baked cheesecake with a knockout espresso martini. See alma.nz

BIVACCO

Often when a restaurant tries to be all things to all people, it ends up delighting no one. Bivacco is a rare exception. Occupying a prime waterfront spot in Viaduct Harbour, the Italian eatery can do long, lazy lunches; snacky, pre-dinner drinks and indulgent multi-course dinners. The menu has everything from kid-friendly woodfired pizzas and delicate antipasti (don’t miss the truffle-infused carpaccio) to hearty handmade pastas and chilled seafood medleys. Our tip? Secure a spot on the sun-soaked verandah during aperitivo hour (weekdays, 4-6pm) and enjoy drink specials and complimentary bites. See savor.co.nz/bivacco

Rob McFarland was a guest of Tourism New Zealand (newzealand.com), Auckland Unlimited (aucklandnz.com) and the restaurants featured.