What we're eating and drinking: Issue 98

There’s no rest for the food-obsessed... when the dish team isn’t bringing you delicious recipes, we’re out there trawling far and wide in search of tasty fare. We share our latest favourite haunts.

Sarah Tuck, editor

Andiamo, Auckland: Recently I had a lovely relaxed catch up with a dear girlfriend over Sunday lunch at neighbourhood restaurant Andiamo. Lately my visits have been limited to popping in for an occasional Negroni, so it was nice to kick back for a change and sample a few of the menu favourites. We started with a plate of the small but perfectly formed Croquette al Formaggio (non-negotiable with a drink) followed by soft, milky burrata with confit leeks, prosciutto and the most delicate crostini I’ve ever laid eyes on. For a main we split the Cacio e Pepe Gnocchi with Chicken Gravy and Pecorino. Richly decadent, it was perfect to share alongside a Fennel and Radicchio Salad. As always, the service was impeccable, the crowd a mix of families, friends and couples and the warm vibe exactly what you wish for in your local. andiamoeatery.co.nz 

Claire Aldous, food editor

The General, Auckland: I love whiling away an hour at this little corner store comprising a café and a carefully curated selection of homewares. While it doesn’t have a full working kitchen, there’s a fabulous selection of counter food and sweet treats along with great coffee, bread from The Dusty Apron and freshly made pizza from Al Volo that just needs a quick finish at home in a hot oven – delicious! Nadia and Mike are the consummate owner/operators and every neighbourhood needs a gem like this. @thegeneralepsom

Karrin MacLeod, business manager

Satya, Auckland: I spent most of my day dreaming of a Dosa – you can see how my brain works. Satya’s super-thin crispy Masala Dosa is filled with potato, lentils and fenugreek, with sides of coconut chutney and sambar – totally worth dreaming about. Plus, while you’re there, you can grab a jar of Crispy Hummus Drops to take home. These crunchy pearls make for great snacking, or, if they last long enough, sprinkle them over salads for a touch of crispy spice.satya.co.nz

Yvonne Lorkin, drinks editor

Sazio Pasta Bar, Hastings: I love the Ossobucco Ragu on fresh, handmade pappardelle. I also can’t overstate how incredible their Gnoccetti Sardi with Confit Duck and Hazelnuts is. sazio.co.nz

The Common Room, Hastings: Go with me here – the Elvis Burger ($26) at The Common Room, Hastings, with its beef pattie, melted cheese, caramelized banana, peanut butter and bacon, is hip-shakingly tasty. commonroombar.co.nz

Liam Carr, digital producer

Joe’s Garage, Auckland: A long-time staple of Queenstown dining, Joe’s Garage has finally made its way up the country to Auckland – and it was well worth the wait. The thing I like about Joe’s Garage is that the food is simple but nonetheless brilliant and the digs are totally welcoming to anyone who drops in. I’d put Joe’s The Local, featuring streaky bacon, eggs, toasted sourdough and other mouth-watering brekkie foods, right up there. joes.co.nz

Conor Fox, art director

Lucky Gs, IYKYK: The local has reopened and I finally managed to get my mitts on a Lil G Smash Burger and fries – it was greasy, greasy heaven. The beginning of a very dangerous relationship.
If you know, you know. luckygs.co.nz

Maddie Ballard, features writer/sub-editor

Jolin Shanghai, Auckland: Don’t let the unassuming décor of this Dominion Road stalwart put you off. I come here at least once a month just for the Sheng Jian Bao, pan-fried buns filled with boiling soup. They’re warming, savoury and the perfect combination of crispy and soft – just right for a winter evening. jolinshanghai.com 

Síana Clifford, sub-editor

Kaihaukai, Coco’s Cantina, Auckland: I had the most fabulous food experience at Kaihaukai, a pop-up collaboration between Eat New Zealand and The Realness to mark Matariki at Coco’s Cantina. The evening started with a cup of warm mulled wine – and that warm feeling stayed all evening. The Māori kai on offer included smoked pork and kūmara, creamed pāua, fry bread and an outrageously good smoked fish pie. We also enjoyed fascinating wānanga from Professor Rangi Matamua and celebrated the beautiful tradition of sharing and swapping koha. This is what I love most about food – when it nourishes the belly, heart, mind and soul all at once. eatnewzealand.nz, therealness.world, cocoscantina.co.nz