Metro Magazine's top 50 Auckland restaurants revealed

NZ Herald

18 Mar, 2016 06:32 PM3 mins to read

Tiramisu dessert at Baduzzi, one of the restaurants named in Metro Magazine's top 50. Phto / Richard Robinson

Choosing a spot to eat in Auckland just got a whole lot easier, as the city's top 50 restaurants have been revealed.

Metro Magazine's annual list was released ahead of the Metro Peugeot Restaurant of the Year Awards early next month.

Among the tastiest places to dine are Meredith's, Depot, Masu, Clooney and The Oyster Inn.

Cornwall Park Bistro, Cafe Hanoi, Baduzzi, Ponsonby Rd Bistro and SkyCity's Gusto are also featured.

The top 50 were chosen from more than 100 restaurants.

Judges -- who have been working to narrow it down for the past few months -- look at a number of criteria.

The quality of food and drink are judged accordingly, as well as a restaurant's atmosphere, the design and fit-out, its character and "heart and soul"of the place.

Head judge and Metro editor-at-large Simon Wilson said: "Restaurants must prove that they can shine in every possible area to feature on the list.

"And by no means does a previous placing guarantee a spot the following year -- we visit each and every restaurant again each year to judge from a clean slate."

A number of restaurants dubbed to be "fresh and young" establishments that are making a mark on the city's dining scene have also been included in the top 50.

Mr Wilson said: "Some of these younger, innovative restaurants -- which were were the new kids on the block a couple of years ago -- are doing really well and are now leading the pack when it comes to quality Auckland eating."

The Metro Peugeot Restaurant of the Year awards will take place on April 11, where the supreme winner will be announced.

Other category awards to be announced then include the people's choice favourite dish award, best chef and best city bistro.