1. El Sizzling Lomito
With lunch specials galore to suit every budget, the embers are well-stoked at El Sizzling Lomito as the chefs flame grill everything from rump beef patties to skirt steaks. Pull up a crate at the counter and lose yourself in this K Rd sandwich bar's warm embrace.
1/309 K Rd, Auckland Central
2. Galbraith's Alehouse
Because few things are better than a porter by the fire. With enough room for you to bring your posse with you for a spot of 'hot desking', we call dibs on the large table in front of the roaring fireplace but don't worry, you can sit with us.
2 Mt Eden Rd, Grafton
3. Dida's Wine and Tapas Lounge
With a hot new menu to boot and a bubbling cauldron of hearty chicken and herb soup at the ready, here you can opt for the fireside 'conference' table (ideal for long lunch meetings) or put roots down for the day on the quilted sofa with a glass of something sure to warm you up from the inside out.
54 Jervois Rd, Herne Bay
4. Odettes Eatery
Akin to a toasty greenhouse, with its glassy facade allowing you to keep an eye on the inclement weather while remaining warm and dry inside, we're partial to installing ourselves at one of the cosy booths at Odettes, with a warm short rib sandwich brimming with taleggio cheese and muhummara (a roasted red pepper and walnut dip) for company.
90 Wellesley St West, Auckland Central
5. Augustus Bistro
It's easy to imagine yourself anywhere else but in wet, wintery Auckland as soon as you set foot in this former post office at Three Lamps. With French fare streaming from the kitchen (and the promise of scallops with maitre d'Hotel butter, a dash of vermouth and breadcrumbs), a table by the window here on a stormy day will do wonders for the soul.
1-3 St Mary's Rd, Ponsonby
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Advertise with NZME.6. Prego
Lively and laid-back, it's fair to say that all you have to do is surrender to this Italian 'family' and they'll seat you by the fire, regale you with entertaining tales and feed you like only a nonna knows how. Goodbye winter woes.
226 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby
7. SPQR
Because you owe it yourself to sample their new 'working lunch' menu - the glazed duck confit will almost certainly change your life… or if nothing else, temporarily allay season ennui. And if that doesn't do the trick, the SPQR classic of gorgonzola gnocchi with toasted walnuts enjoyed at a table inside by the window while people-watching, will.
150 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby
