Category: Reviews | Post by: Andrea Wong
After going to Wynyard Quarter for the first time a couple of weeks ago, I knew that I had to return for a better look around.
I don't know which rock I was hiding under, but I didn't find out about Wynyard Quarter until its opening weekend. With all-new bars and restaurants and lots of open space, it sounded promising. I wish that I could say that I tried them all, for your reading pleasure... but alas no.
I got there just before lunch, parking on the street a few minutes' walk away. The Quarter was quiet, just a few people wandering around. All of the restaurants were open, their staff looking outwards, looking hopeful for a few early lunch punters. I can't help but wonder how will this area will do after the World Cup finishes? By the end of the summer, we should know. I hope that it survives, but with three new restaurant areas in central Auckland alone (Wynyard Quarter, Britomart and Federal Street), I wonder how often we will all need to eat out, to keep these places humming?
But right now, the restaurants are new, the Quarter is vibrant... so what is there?
Marvel Grill is the city-side version of Takapuna's popular, steak-centric restaurant of the same name. Next door are a couple of snack or dessert options of Gelatiamo and Rushworth. Gelatiamo make their own gelati from good quality local and imported ingredients and Rush Worth is the lastest venture of the people who have brought us MacGregor Brothers and Reslau... so the coffee should be excellent!
The Conservatory's black walls are softened with a living, green wall of plants, floor to ceiling windows and a couple of wicker hanging chairs outside.
The gastropub spot goes to Jack Tar, which occupies one whole shed on its own. It has vast space - inside and out - which would be perfect for Friday night drinks and a snack or two.
Next down the line is Pescabo, a tapas bar featuring lots of warm wood; and Live Fish, contrasting with Pescabo with its modern hard lines and serving up modern Chinese food.
Urban Turban prides itself on its modern indian fare. I went there on the opening night of the Rugby World Cup and it was packed, naturally, but the staff were doing all that they could to provide good service. Down the end of the permanent restaurants is I Sushi & Yakitori serving up sushi, skewers and don buri dishes at reasonable prices.
Right down the far end, just past the playground, is the pop up cafe, The Wintergarden. You'll recognise it because it looks like a cross between a giant igloo and plastic glasshouse. Here just for the duration of the RWC, Hewlett Packard and Kokako have teamed up to give you a casual, sustainable experience. Complete with worm bins, recycling bins, green walls of living plants, free HP tablet hire, printer cartridge recycling and even 5 free photo prints - it's a great collaboration.
This was my food stop for this trip to Wynyard Quarter. I was having a meeting with a new client there, so I didn't think it would be kosha to whip out my camera and photograph our lunches while we talked about the brochure I was designing for them... But for the record, I had a d'lish proscuitto and funghi pizza and Quina Fina tonic water with lemon.
So no matter what you feel like eating, Wynyard Quarter should be able to find something that tickles your tastebuds. On my next couple of visits, I'm keen to try Rushworth, Marvel Grill and I Sushi & Yakitori. I like to see good businesses do well and I hope that Wynyard Quarter comes into its own and become one of Auckland's best dining areas. Only time will tell.
Have you been to Wynyard Quarter? Which places have you tried? I'd love to hear your thoughts.