Maison Vauron
"Paradise for French food addicts", L'Atelier du Fromage (the cheese workshop) in Newmarket is a charming slice of France in Auckland. Specialising in cheese and artisanal French food, it offers cheeseboards and charcuterie that are also available to go. On the lunch menu you'll find the 'Selection de fromages et charcuterie' with Bayonne ham and saucisson teamed with cheese such as Ossau-Iraty (sheep milk cheese), Tomme de Chevre and Bleu des Basque teamed with condiments and a French baguette. 5 McColl St, Newmarket
Depot
While an ice-cold platter of oysters at Depot never goes astray, the restaurant's meat platter is a delicious option, offering a taster of what's to come on the menu. Depot's charcuterie platter is a smorgasbord of wild rabbit rillettes, popcorn duck tongues, 'Waikanae' wild pork salami,'Otello's' beef bresaola, pork lomo and 'Pinxto' saucisson, served with cherry relish and fig and fennel crostini. 86 Federal St, central city
Williams Eatery
Williams Eatery has a couple of beautiful platter options. One is the caponata with stracciatella cheese, anchovies, fried eggplant, red pepper and olives. Or try the Wynyard Quarter eatery's antipasto cured meats platter with Mahoe edam, pickles, chicken liver parfait and olive gremolata. These are best enjoyed at an outdoor table with something frosty to hand. G03/85 Daldy St, Auckland CBD
SPQR
Choose from the meat platter (chorizo, salami and cured meats); the classic, with an assortment of Italian crudites including goat's cheese wrapped in prosciutto, smoked salmon and bruschetta; or the mozzarella and tomato platter with crostini. Whichever you select, be sure to dine street-side with bucket of ice-cold champagne nearby. 150 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby
Apero
This Karangahape Rd wine bar with its brick walls and long wooden tables is just the kind of place to settle in with a glass in hand and a grazing platter on the way. Opt for the charcuterie platter with its cured meats, terrine, pickles and chutney, or try an Apero platter of a different kind – the pork sausage, which comes in a perfect coil served on a board with pickles and tangy mustard to offset the richness of the saus. 280 Karangahape Rd, Auckland CBD
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Legendary among those in the know, Cocoro's signature sashimi platter has to be ordered 24 hours in advance, it's that elaborate. There are over 30 slivers of fish to plate up, mostly New Zealand varieties, with some from Japan and around the world. The presentation is second to none, making it the ideal platter to enjoy on a momentous occasion with a loved one in tow. 56a Brown St, Ponsonby
Ima
Downtown Middle Eastern restaurant Ima has two kinds of platters that serve two: one meat, one vegetarian. The meat version comes loaded with grilled lamb and chicken, falafel, lamb kibbeh, hummus, salad, pickles, olives and labneh. Or opt for the vegetarian version of falafel, hummus, labneh, salad, pickles, olives, Lebanese cauliflower and spanakopita. Both come with a big bowl of bread to mop up the huge portion of hummus. 53 Fort St, Central City
Cazador
Family-owned restaurant Cazador is famed for its use of lesser-known wild meats and interesting cuts. This is showcased especially well in its charcuterie selection, which is a pick and mix for two or four people. Expect to enjoy game terrine with fruit and nuts; venison bresaola with parmesan; wild lamb rillettes with lemon and mint; cured ox tongue with pimento; duck parfait; hot smoked boar and kielbasa sausage; boar salami with fennel; pork pancetta with pickled turnip and boar coppa with grissini. It's a feast! 854 Dominion Rd, Mount Eden
