Shed 5 in Auckland's City Works Depot has been privy to several facades and has housed one motorbike cafe (Deus Ex Machina), a table tennis bar (Miss Pings) and is now, Odettes Eatery, the handiwork of Clare and Joost van den Berg. As original creators of Zus & Zo, and current owners of Takapuna's Zomer cafe, the pair have teased out an elegant dining destination from the cavernous space.
And what pleasure there is to be had inside. Entering Odettes makes you feel coddled and welcome. Forgoing stiff industrial furniture - too often the go-to for a city haunt - there are instead plush banquettes, corner tables flush with cushions, and intimate tables for two. Teal scallop tiles line the long bar, and turquoise hues sit well against wood-clad walls. You can't miss the Slim Aarons photograph featuring beautiful people by the pool, and all of this before you've even cast eyes on the menu of shared plates, sandwiches and salads.
• Shed 5, City Works Depot, 90 Wellesley St. Ph (09) 309 030. Open seven days, with dinner service from Tuesday to Saturday.
- VIVA
