Auckland - One day eating extravaganza

[taryn]

My BF and I have a 12 hour lay-over in Auckland on our way to Samoa. He is from NZ and I am American, we both live in Tokyo and are craving some delicious local food. Of course I want to try some pies and anything that is typical NZ style.
We arrive in the morning and leave at night. We are looking for a place to get brunch, lunch, and dinner. Haha and maybe some snacks? Is there anything don't miss? Can anyone suggest any restaurants or areas where we can have a walk around and eat ourselves silly? Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks!!

[AK360]

Yes - Ponsonby or the Viaduct. The Viaduct is on the waterfront and loaded with restaurants although I don't think you'd be able to get a pie there...

[mr_gimlet]

Probably be able to get a guppy and mangoe pie on a bed of feijoa or something...

There's also the area around Vulcan Lane and Shortland Street, nice place for a wine and a bite - very close to the viaduct anyway so you could do both.

[randoman]

this is probably too late for you but the best pies, hands down, in Auckland are at The Fridge, New North road, Kingsland. Not sure of the exact address but it's along the main strip where all the restaurants, bars are, quite close to the restaurant Little India. Great pies - beef and mozzarella, veg, thai red curry, beef and guiness etc etc

[kellykay]

This may seem odd, but the best pies are at the BP Gas Station's Wild Bean Cafe. My favourite is the Peppered Steak, but the Steak & Cheese is really tasty too. Ive tried pies from other places, and they just seem heavy, and I tend to regret eating them pretty much straight away.

For food, I would recommend El Faro, a Spanish restaurant in the Stables. Very quaint, they have the best mussles Ive had since coming to New Zealand 4 months ago. $20NZ for a massive pot with salad and fries that is totally shareable. http://www.finda.co.nz/business/listing/4n6xtn/el-faro-spanish-restaurant-tapas-bar/

Also interesting and tasty is Degree, in the Viaduct. It's the very first place, right on the corner. What made this place unique was that your meat came to you on a hot stone plate, and basically cooked in front of you, allowing you to have your meat exactly how you want it. http://www.degree.co.nz/

[pj26]

I'd agree about heading down to the Viaduct - loads of places to chose from. I was recently home from London and had lunch at Soul which was fantastic -really good locally sourced, seasonal food and a beautiful setting. Around High St/Vulcan Lane there are some great places for brunch/breakfast.
For a pie I would agreed with the post above about getting them at petrol stations, although try to go for a Ponsonby Pie - they are great.
Can I just warn you about the traffic though - it may take a while to drive back to the airport (depending on what time you leave) so try to avoid driving between 5pm - 7pm (unfortunately you can only get to the airport by road - no rail links).