Chef and restaurateur Nic Watt. Photo / Jono Parker
In this Herald on Sunday series, we ask well-known Aucklanders for their favourite spots in the city. This week, chef and restaurateur Nic Watt takes us on a tour of his top places.
Favourite beach?
My favourite beach would have to be my local Ōkahu Bay, a cute little beach on the city side of the Eastern Bays, it is a daily ritual for my partner and me, fresh coffee from Good Day cafe, and a beach walk with our dog, Louis.
Favourite brunch spot?
We have recently rediscovered Knead in Remuera, OMG they bake the most sensational pastries in-house and their brunch menu is off-the-charts good. Well worth the walk over for us ...
Favourite restaurant for dinner with friends?
Hmm, tricky one, however my favourite restaurant for dinner with friends, to be completely honest, we love going to INCA - yes, I own it and know the menu like the back of my hand, but for a relaxed group dinner, it’s vibrant, convivial, fun, packed with flavour and super upbeat. Our friends always love joining us here for dinner… did I mention the Spicy Margarita too?
Favourite place to take a visitor to?
When we have people in from out of town, I think there is nothing better than to take them up the Sky Tower, to the observation deck, as you have 360-degree views and grab a sunset cocktail at SkyBar. The perfect welcome to an international or out-of-town guest.
Favourite spot to finish a night out?
The last night out was finished at the rooftop at Queens, Commercial Bay. A couple of cocktails each and some superb Auckland vistas.
Favourite place to get coffee?
My daily and current local is Good Day cafe, the coffee is well made every time, the owners and staff really care about the art of barista … It is truly a skill that they have mastered... but as a newcomer to Commercial Bay, I’m also loving the Kokako kiosk for my morning coffee fix.
Favourite fish-and-chip shop?
The best chippie in Auckland has to be Nate’s Plaice in Grey Lynn. Owned and run by Chef Nate, we used to work together back in London, so to have him rolling your fresh cuts through the batter and into the fryer … it’s a chef thing ... done right!
Favourite trail for a hike?
It has been a while since my last hike up Rangitoto, but as far and Auckland trails go… looking across the Waitematā Harbour and Auckland from the summit is pretty hard to beat and well worth the excursion to get there.
Favourite venue for a gig?
Can you call a wild Halloween party a gig? The St James Theatre is/was a great venue and hopefully this will be renovated to its full glory soon.
Favourite place to find a bargain?
The best place to find a bargain is Glen Innes - they have some fantastic dollar shops, Marsic Brothers is the best seafood shop in Auckland, and then the little discovery of New Gum Sarn for all the Chinese trinkets, red envelopes, steam baskets and bits & bobs for a chef’s Chinese kitchen ...
Chef and restaurateur Nic Watt of MASU at SkyCity and INCA Ponsonby fame has opened a new modern Chinese restaurant, Cāntīng, in Commercial Bay.
Her new novel, No One Will Know, explores motherhood, illegal adoption, and dark secrets.