In this fortnightly series, Viva’s resident dining-out editor shares his sage advice on where and what to eat. He’s eaten a lot of bad meals so you don’t have to.
Do you have any restaurant-related questions or dining-out conundrums? Jesse Mulligan is here to help.
Email Jesse at Viva@nzherald.co.nz
Here are some questions he’s been asked lately and what he answered.
Jesse,
My wife is dragging me to something at the Mt Eden Community Hall. Can you suggest somewhere I can fortify myself with alcohol (and good food) beforehand?
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
It’s not the coolest restaurant in town but I really enjoyed De Nada and lots of other people seem to as well. They’re a middle-of-the-road Mexican joint with a pretty nice eating environment and, importantly for your needs, they serve margaritas (any chance your event is on a Tuesday? They do a $35 all-you-can-eat taco session with $8 tequilas).
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Advertise with NZME.Need something even stronger? Try the sake negroni on tap at Wu & You, a pan-Asian restaurant I reviewed (admittedly some time ago) as “fun, hip and modern”. Or if wine is your poison there’s a good list over the road at Xoong — happy hour is from 4pm-6pm.
Good luck on all fronts!
Hey Jesse,
My husband really loves good gnocchi and I’m keen to find some for our upcoming (casual) anniversary dinner. What do you like?
Cammie
Hey Cammie,
If you live anywhere nearby, try my current fave out of the Lil Ragu food truck in Takapuna (they have seating and wine and are indeed casual but truly delicious) or a beautiful version a little further up the road at Cave A Vin in Milford (made with ricotta, served in an nduja sauce). Back in the city and a little more expensive is Bossi — but it’s so very good, and served cacio e pepe style.
But for an epic gnocchi experience try Pasta e Cuore in Mt Eden, under new management but where you can still choose from three different styles cooked the traditional Italian way. Just try to avoid running into Kevin, who’ll be preloaded with tequila and on his way to a line dancing class.
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Advertise with NZME.What you’ve asked, and what he’s shared.
Where to go for the best Vietnamese food in Auckland; dinner before a show. Plus, one reader asks where to find some of the city’s hottest new openings.
Where to go for a special anniversary dinner; lunch in Wynyard Quarter. Plus, two great dining out spots in Browns Bay.
Where to go for great ramen; when your friend is a foodie. Plus, a question from a man who shares my love of spaghetti and clams.
Where to find Welsh rarebit; a degustation you can take your teen to. One reader also asks for two must-do Auckland restaurants.
Where to go for faithful French food; a meal with a fantastic view. Visit a place deeply committed to French cuisine, while taking the odd Aotearoa detour.
