KEY POINTS:
Yes, it's Valentine's Day tomorrow - just in case you've been living in a cave for the past month. And after canvassing opinion from around our fair city, bothering both the rich and gourmet as well as the broke and bohemian about where they'd take someone they wanted to pash up, we have come up with this list of the romantic restaurants, bars and cafes in Auckland to take you from first date all the way to breakfast the next morning.
We've also managed to figure out what sort of qualities an eaterie or drinkery needs to have before it can be considered romantic. So even if you can't get to the places our romantically inclined friends and neighbours have suggested here, then you can work out what sort of venue you should be going to if you want to get lucky. And if you do get lucky, we've included a list of breakfast options - if it's not a chew-your-arm-off situation and you wish to sustain that lovey-dovey feeling.
Oh, and if none of these take your fancy, here's another idea for tomorrow night, a cunning plan which has already (accidentally) worked for one couple Viva interviewed.
On their first date they tried to go to a popular Italian restaurant near his home. Unfortunately the place was packed. So instead they ordered takeaway pizza from the restaurant, bought a bottle of wine and went back to his apartment. That was one wedding, six years and two sweet daughters ago.
VERTIGO BAR AT THE MERCURE HOTEL
Ph (09) 302 9424
It sits atop the Mercure Hotel, just between the city and the sea - surrounded by the glittering lights of nearby buildings while looking out to the harbour; you'll get a million-dollar view for the price of one cocktail.
There's a restaurant and the whole place is big enough for you to find potential lovers' nooks, or adjoining bar stools, to call your own.
Should I go in for a pash?
If you snuggle up in a corner you could go for a quickie.
SHANGHAI LIL'S
Ph (09) 360 8081
Tuck yourself away somewhere under the chandeliers and behind the ornaments and statues. This place is so richly decorated with collectibles and cleverly lit with coloured lamps that there's an undeniable lusciousness in the air. No view to speak of but a distinctive, velvety sensuality amid the drapes, couches and general ornateness.
Should I go in for a pash?
If it's crowded you could definitely do a lap dance in the corner and no one will be too worried.
THE GYPSY TEA ROOMS
Ph (09) 361 6970
If you're already in lust and all you want to do is stare at one another over a glass of wine, then this may not be quite the place. That's because this bar is fairly busy and the corners aren't really that dark. However, if you're on a first date this might be a nice spot, with a bustling atmosphere and delicate looks. And you can always go somewhere else later.
Should I go in for a pash?
You'll have to wait until later because the thirtysomething West Lynn crowd, most of whom appear to work in the film industry, will stare at you.
WINEHOT
Ph (09) 815 9463;
and
WINE LOFT
Ph (09) 379 5070
"It's really dark, there are lots of little tables and somehow it's really sexy," our style-conscious informant, who went to Winehot on a weeknight, tells us. Plus there's a big wine list for any sophisticates to show off their knowledge of local viticulture (and for everyone else to merrily taste), and guests are served small, sophisticated plates of tapas.
Along similar lines is the Wine Loft in the central city, tucked away up a mysterious looking flight of stairs. The decor here is more masculine, with an elegant leather-couch-and-cigars vibe. And you've got to admit that there's no food combination quite as indulgent as a rich, red wine and some meaty cheese.
Should I go in for a pash?
Definitely at Winehot, where it's as dark as the dark hearts of those without a Valentine's Day date. As for the Wine Loft, if you're sitting in a corner away from the after-work crowd then you might get away with it.
MO'S BAR
Ph (09) 366 6066
This place is more about a dash of atmosphere before a romantic dinner, or perhaps a nightcap if you need some alcoholic courage prior to going in for that goodnight kiss. It's small and adorable, and while you're drinking an aperitif you feel as though you could be in a Parisian hideaway or a secret watering hole-in-the-wall in New York. The reason it's best for a quickie is that it's so small - if you linger you can't help but be drawn into any other drinkers' conversations and there's nowhere to hide if you want to put your hand on their knee.
Should I go in for a pash?
Unless you want to involve the other three punters in here, you're going to be very, very obvious.
ELEVATION CAFE IN THE WAITAKERES
Ph (09) 814 1919
Hit this spot at sunset and you'll get the most amazing views of the city spread out far ahead of you. To be honest, the view is just about the best thing here so it's an excellent place for a quick glass of wine before heading off elsewhere. It also closes fairly early during the week so this is best for a stop during a romantic weekend trip to the west coast or even a late breakfast destination with a difference.
Should I go in for a pash?
A quick peck while watching the city lights would be fine but any more love action would offend the extended family at the next table.
THE LONDON BAR
Ph (09) 373 3684
Okay, it may seem a little rough and ready to some but our poetic informants feel there's just something cosmopolitan yet comfortable about this old standard. When there's live jazz, you just sit at the back (because otherwise it's too noisy to converse), sampling various odd and interesting beers from around the world, surrounded by lots of different kinds of folk, and, well, kind of roughing it as though you were actually in London or another big city. Once again, probably best for that awkward first date - there's plenty to discuss all around you - rather than a love affair already in full bloom.
Should I go in for a pash?
Although folks have been known to get drunk and rowdy, it's really a bit too well lit in here.
THE TOP OF MT EDEN
Take your honey for a mystery drive up here, then whip out the chilled champagne and crystal flutes you prepared earlier. Yes, this is Auckland's inner-city version of Inspiration Point, or maybe a lonely country road.
Should I go in for a pash?
Damn right you should. Of course, that's if everyone who reads this doesn't go there at the same time. And as long as the bogans in the next car aren't staring in your window.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
THE COCO CLUB
Discreet, dark and there's live jazz while you canoodle on the sofas.
MEZZE BAR
Small tables, moody lighting, exotic flavours, cool tapas and awesome jugs of sangria.
BONITA
In winter, with the rain pouring down outside, their mulled wine is guaranteed to get you lucky.
PASHA and OPIUM
Play your cards right and the exotic surrounds might win you your own X-rated version of Arabian Nights.
CROW BAR
A bit of a hangout for moneyed hipsters but the dim lighting and the booths - where you need to slide in next to one another - as well as the occasionally debauched, noisy atmosphere make this a good late, late stop before bed.
PAPA'S WHOLEMEAL PIZZA
Ph (09) 849 4501
This is probably one best left to those who appreciate a bit of shabby chic - and maybe anyone who likes wholemeal pizza bases, which is what they specialise in here. There's just something endearingly romantic about the restaurant out the back of what, at first glance, looks like a pizza takeaway joint. You walk past the pizza oven into what must once have been an old villa. There's even a fireplace! Best of all though is the gorgeously scruffy backyard at sunset. Take a seat at one of the wooden tables and share a pizza and a glass of red wine amid the garden ornaments and wild flowers.
Should I go in for a pash?
Maybe in the backyard if you're alone. The restaurant's too public.
PASTIS
Ph (09) 309 4264
Ah ze French, so romantic! Ooh la la! And so forth and so on, in this fairly traditional brasserie set up with extra froggy flavour. Not sure why it is that New Zealanders think the French, and maybe the Italians, are so exotic and romantic. Is it that we suspect those dazzling Euro types are potentially better lovers than the humble Antipodean bloke or lass? Ah well, whatever it is, the often crowded, ever-popular Pastis (which is owned by the same folks who run Bouchon) has the sort of cute French flavour that will get you some lovey-dovey points without bankrupting you.
Should I go in for a pash?
Maybe a quick one - but not so much tongue action that the other diners start feeling ill.
SHARAKU
Ph (09) 379 0483
Although the seating plan is pretty wide open and the lighting far from seductive, this Japanese restaurant has a quiet, almost intimate atmosphere. You're greeted by demure waitresses in traditional costume and the food is good-looking and authentic. Engagingly exotic.
Should I go in for a pash?
You'll need to go for a drink afterwards, the lights are too bright in here.
TANUKI'S CAVE
Ph (09) 379 5151
This darkened, underground venue is usually pretty crowded but the joy of this means you and your date can lose yourselves in a spot of people-watching. The atmosphere is urban - one adviser suggests it's a little bit New York - and the food is generally great. A lot of it is snack-sized, which means you can pick at it and still have a conversation. And, um, at the risk of sounding sleazy, trying the many different kinds of sake gives you a great excuse to rub up against your date on the wooden benches, too.
And if you do want a table for two, then Kura, (ph 379 5656), a similarly underground venue just along the road, but with more seating, fits the bill better than what regulars call The Cave.
Should I go in for a pash?
If you're quick - and especially if you're seated next to one another rather than across a table.
THE COURTYARD AT CIBO
Ph (09) 303 9660
THE BACK DECK AT HARBOURSIDE
Ph (09) 307 0556
Sometimes it's not the restaurants themselves that reek of romance but a certain spot on the premises. At Cibo you will reach for your beloved's hand across the table in the candlelit courtyard.
It's a similar scenario at Harbourside. You get one of the best harbour views in town yet you're above it all, removed from the hustle and bustle of the ferry-bound commuters or the Viaduct tourists. Watch the waterborne traffic sail to and fro when you're not staring into one another's eyes.
Should I go in for a pash?
You could definitely get away with it at Cibo if it's not too crowded at the outdoor tables. Harbourside is probably too public.
HALLERTAU
Ph (09) (09) 412 5555
"There's just something about dining with the hops above your head," says the fellow who suggested this Riverhead micro-brewery, full to the brim with boutique beers and the plants they're made with. It's a romantic spot in the countryside, and something about being away from the town appears to bring out the animal in folks - plus it's a bit of an adventure getting there. "And from there I can suggest a roadside rendezvous or a quick roll in the hay," our lusty farmer-type confides.
For more of the same rustic romance, although this time with more of a maritime flavour, the Piha RSA serves great food in quaint surroundings. And for desert, you can wander along the beach and smooch.
Should I go in for a pash?
Easy! Leave the restaurant and take a stroll in the woods or on the strand.
BOUCHON
Ph (09) 845 1680
Generally this Kingsland cafe-cum-restaurant is relatively crowded on the weekend mornings and the tables are pretty close together, so it makes it tricky to caress your beloved without attracting the attention of nana and grandad next door. But it's the atmosphere you come here for - most of the staff seem to speak French, the crepes are tasty and relatively authentic and you get to drink sparkling French cider with your meal. Oh, and you get to show off your grasp of the language of love: encore, en francais, mes petites.
GALA
Ph (09) 623 1572
Hidden away inside Zone 23, a residential and commercial development in Mt Eden, this sparkling white and cool cafe serves a mixture of unusual and interesting breakfast and lunch dishes as well as the more traditional brekkie, plus fantastic coffee. No matter how busy it gets, the place always seems serene and you never overhear anybody else chatting - perhaps because it's off the main road and inside a sort of a designer, concrete valley.
MEOLA KITCHEN
Ph (09) 360 6184
There's a nice view of the water down the road and a lovely, home bakery feel to this relatively new cafe in Westmere. The coffee is good, the food fab, and it has a cute, neighbourhood vibe. Best of all, though, it's what you call a destination cafe - so unless your friends have trekked all the way to Westmere as well, you're safe from gossip and innuendo with your new flame.
BIRKENHEAD POINT CAFES
There are now several lovely cafes to choose from around this leafy and genteel suburb just over the Harbour Bridge. Most of them do a fine job of breakfast but it's really the across-the-waterfront jaunt that appeals. After eggs and an espresso you can stroll around, check out the boutiques and historic architecture and plan which house you'll buy together when you settle down. Oh, and if you'd prefer to stay cityside, then Pt Chevalier is another option.
BREAKFAST IN BED
This suggestion was almost the first thing everyone we asked about romantic cafes suggested. "Nothing like a bacon sanger and a cup of tea before getting back into it again," one randy Lothario said. Righto. You might want to get a little more sophisticated about it - freshly squeezed orange juice, good coffee and a croissant? Those with a cunning plan for seduction will doubtless have supplies in.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
AGNES CURRAN
It's more of a coffee and cake venue but this cute little Ponsonby hideaway has a nice atmosphere.
DEVONPORT
What could be more romantic than catching a ferry across the harbour and going for breakfast and a stroll in this waterside suburb? This could also be a cute option for a drink at night.
Romantic? Moi?
* Practically the most important quality for any romantic venue - be it a cafe, bar or five-star restaurant - is an element of exotica. The place should transport you and your date into a wee bit of a fantasy world. Whether this involves a drive out of your usual neighbourhood, a stunning view, eclectic decor or an unusual atmosphere of some sort, a romantic venue has a kind of magic about it because it's not your average, everyday locale.
* If you're out at night, the lighting at the romantic venue should be flattering. It doesn't have to be dark, just soothing. This allows everyone involved to feel comfortable about their appearance as well as the occasional, opportunistic caress in the gloom.
* The venue should allow for conversation between you and your date. There can be noise, music or bustle to either set the mood or take the focus off - especially important on a first date - but it shouldn't be so loud that it interferes with you guys getting to know each other.
* It's good if the catering - that is, food and drinks - is good. But unless you're dating a gourmet this is not essential. Meals should be light - that's why tapas or yakitori is fine - because nobody wants to stuff their face like a hog when planning romance. And for all non-teetotallers, a plentiful supply of alcohol is handy to calm the nerves.
* Speaking of individual tastes, you do want to impress your date with your considerate choice of venue. Yes, take them somewhere they've never been before that will excite their senses. But research their tastes as much as possible first. Like, don't take a vegan to a seafood restaurant. Or a lover of classical music to a rock gig.
* Do not go to a restaurant or bar where you cannot linger over your meal or drinks. You need to decide when you're ready to leave (and potentially get more romantic), not have the wait staff hovering over you with the bill.
* Although not essential, seating that allows you to get close to one another is always a bonus.
* Breakfast venues that are small, quiet and a little out of the way are best. That is, not on Ponsonby Rd or some other major thoroughfare. This way you don't have to worry about the bunch of buddies you were out drinking with late last night spotting you the next morning. Please note that this move isn't about being ashamed, it's just that you don't want to put any unnecessary social pressure on the delicate bloom that is your new love!
* And if he or she really is the one, it's always nice if the breakfast venue allows you further options for continuing the date after coffee. You know, something like a walk on the beach, through the park or a browse in the shops.
