KEY POINTS:
The first Europeans in New Zealand did not bring with them a long tradition of outdoor dining.
Coming from chill northern latitudes, they were used to eating in the kitchen near the fire, and it's no accident that the English had to import a word, alfresco, to describe a habit that Mediterranean cultures have long taken for granted.
To a large extent Auckland's urban geography reflects the fact that outdoor dining - as opposed to picnicking - is a recently imported habit.
Diners who take a seat at pavement tables in Auckland have to deal with the roar of two-lane traffic only metres away and they tend to be infringing on the rights of passing pedestrians as well.
As a result, the list of really desirable outdoor dining spots in the city is a short one. And because there is so often an inverse relationship between a restaurant's view and the quality of its food, the list of places where you can eat really well alfresco is even shorter.
Here's our list of places that offer a table where they serve a view and good food.
AquaMatta (Chancery, Ph: 302 0478)
Genuinely good eating in the heart of the city - although only a few tables are outdoors. Good shade for summer days and fine, very authentic Italian food.
Harbourside (Ferry Building, Ph: 307 0486)
The showpiece eatery of Tony Adcock does fine dining for lunch and dinner in one of the city's most beautiful heritage buildings. From the balcony you can watch the ferries come and go. Very Auckland.
Long Bay Restaurant (Ph: 473 5436).
The place needed some sprucing up when I was there but the food, while not stunning, was far from shabby and the view, from a deck stretching out over the sand at one of the region's best beaches, just hollers summer.
TriBeCa (8 George Street, Parnell, Ph: 379 6359).
Set in a beautiful historic building, this place has good outdoor dining areas in the courtyard out the back and on a patio out the front. The food is mighty fine.
Non Solo Pizza (259 Parnell Road, Ph: 379 5358).
My a la carte experience was dire at this place but the pizzas, which I did not try, are highly spoken of and the courtyard is pretty.
- DETOURS, HoS
