Views, Brews & Good Times

Perched above Oneroa with unbeatable panoramic views, Obee’s is your island home away from home. This relaxed bistro has quickly become a Waiheke favourite, offering delicious brunch and lunch dishes in a welcoming atmosphere that captures the essence of island life.

What to try: Their menu features breakfast and brunch favourites alongside crowd-pleasers like fresh fish, steak, and seafood. The outdoor seating is perfect for soaking up those stunning Waiheke views while enjoying great food in good company.

Perfect for: Families, casual dining, and anyone wanting to experience authentic Waiheke hospitality with a view.

Nestled in the heart of Pukekohe, Good Home celebrates the region’s proud farming traditions with a modern rustic feel that instantly makes you feel at ease. This gastropub delivers on its promise of being your “home away from home” with its welcoming atmosphere and satisfying menu.

What to try: Their cocktail bar serves creative drinks alongside an impressive craft beer selection, while the kitchen dishes up hearty gastropub classics including gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizzas. The homestyle cooking uses quality local produce that honours Franklin’s agricultural heritage.

Perfect for: Groups, family gatherings, catching live music, and anyone seeking a relaxed meal with great atmosphere in South Auckland.

Rhu is where fine-dining expertise meets accessible elegance. Founded by a small team of chefs and bakers with backgrounds in New Zealand’s most acclaimed kitchens, Rhu brings technically complex dishes to a relaxed, minimalist setting – making exceptional food approachable for everyone.

What to try: The team applies fine-dining philosophies to create dishes that take an unorthodox yet utterly delicious approach. Their house-baked bread is legendary, and the menu showcases creative techniques that surprise and delight. The coffee programme features Wellington’s Havana beans paired with state-of-the-art equipment.

Perfect for: Food enthusiasts seeking something special, morning brunch dates, and anyone who appreciates innovative cuisine without the formality.

Born from a long-time dream, Stacked Burger Bar is a passion project that’s become a Mount Albert institution. What sets this burger joint apart is their commitment to inclusivity – with one of the owners’ closest friends being coeliac, they’ve made their entire menu gluten friendly, ensuring there really is something here for everyone.

What to try: Their signature burgers are stacked high with quality ingredients, but it’s Joel’s famous buffalo wings that have developed a cult following. With solid vegetarian and vegan options alongside their meaty classics, the menu caters to all dietary needs without compromising on flavour.

Perfect for: Families, groups with mixed dietary requirements, anyone seeking gluten-free options, and burger lovers who appreciate quality craft.

Named after the traditional process of ageing beef, 21 Days takes their steaks seriously. They have their own ageing safe on-site – and you’re welcome to view the meat as it’s being aged. This North Shore gem delivers top quality dining in what locals consider the best venue in the suburbs.

What to try: The star of the show is undoubtedly their perfectly aged steaks, prepared by chefs who’ve worked with the best produce and know exactly how to bring out those tantalising flavours. The 21-day ageing process they’ve perfected delivers beef that’s tender, flavourful, and memorable.

Perfect for: Steak enthusiasts, special celebrations, business dinners, and anyone on the North Shore seeking a premium dining experience.

Nashville Hot Chicken has taken America by storm since the 1970s, with people waiting hours at famous joints just to get their hands on it. Now Auckland has its own authentic version at Peach’s, where the chicken is prepared using a generations-old secret recipe belonging to Alex’s grandmother. When there’s a family recipe involved, you know it’s going to be good.

What to try: Choose your spice level – from mild through to the daring “Holy Cluck” – then decide how you want it served: on squishy white bread with pickles (the traditional way), in a tender brioche bun as a burger, or atop fluffy Belgian waffles for the ultimate sweet-meets-heat experience.

Perfect for: Fried chicken fanatics, spice lovers, families, and anyone curious to try Auckland’s best Nashville-style hot chicken.