Kristy Mayo

Soul Bar and Bistro

Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland

Located in the heart of Auckland's Viaduct, with arguably one of the city's most enviable terraces.

Stanley’s

58 East Coast Road, Milford

Stanley's is one of our new favorites and one worth the trip.

The Five Best Cocktail Bars in Auckland

Auckland now boasts an array of classy cocktail establishments that make even most discerning enthusiast suitably satisfied.

Mea Culpa - CLOSED

3/175 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby

Cocktails aren't just a drink at Mea Culpa

Get Jazzy in the Bay this Easter

Perfect excuse to get some culture in the mighty bay of plenty.

South American Dreaming

Regular contributor to Concrete Playground Kristy Mayo offers up her advice and experience of South America.

Molten - CLOSED

422 Mt Eden Road, Mount Eden

Molten has become somewhat of an institution for Mt Eden folk who have been frequenting this fine establishment for almost ten years now. But for those that don’t live nearby, it’s definitely worth following the lead of the loyal locals.

Clooney - CLOSED

33 Sales Street, Freemans Bay

Sexy leather booths define seating areas, surrounded in black hanging fringing, lit with spots specified for each table and oversized exposed bulbs dangling against a chic industrial back drop.

Snapdragon - CLOSED

204 Quay Street, Auckland

Since its arrival on the Viaduct’s restaurant strip, Snapdragon has become a popular fixture for revelers looking for a good time.

Auckland’s Fashion Movers and Shakers

We decided to catch up with four Fashion Movers and Shakers and got their thoughts on, well, anything.

The Attic

Level, 55 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay

Perched above a row of restaurants on Mission Bay’s main strip with stunning views over the bay, we feel instantly at home as we reach the top of the stairs and arrive for dinner at The Attic Bar and Restaurant.

Botswana Butchery

99 Quay Street, Auckland

It was meant to be.

Tyler Street Garage - CLOSED

120 Quay Street, Auckland

Located in the heart of Britomart’s restaurant precinct, popular inner-city eatery Tyler St Garage is continuing to impress with its exciting new menu.

The Commons

21 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna

All-day alfresco dining and drinking

Gina’s

161 Symonds Street, Auckland

A night at Gina’s is less about the food than the experience. The male waiters are loud, proud, flirtatious and notorious for breaking out in song and taking their shirts off it a lady guest happens to be celebrating her birthday or hens.

SPQR

150 Ponsonby Road, Auckland

I’ve started so many fun nights out at SPQR and indulged in many a long lunch with many a glass or three of Astrolab to help the afternoon slip by. The buzz and atmosphere are unbeatable in my opinion.

Andiamo

194 Jervios Rd, Herne Bay

Another famous Italian neighbourhood eatery, Andiamo is a chic and stylish bistro that has long been a staple for Herne Bay and Ponsonby locals.

Prego

226 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby

If a restaurant has been around since 1986, you could safely say it’s got to be doing something right.

The French Cafe

210 Symonds Street, Auckland

Famous for Champagne, Chanel and the Eiffel Tower, the French have always had a penchant for the finer things in life.…and Auckland’s French Café is certainly no exception. Widely revered as one of Auckland’s finest dining establishments, why not dress up and celebrate Bastille Day in style?

Hotel Debrett’s Kitchen

2 High Street, Auckland

Hotel DeBrett truly has to be one of my favorite spots in Auckland to wine and dine. An old hostel which was transformed into a luxury boutique hotel a few years ago thanks to a multi million dollar refurbishment – the space is simply exquisite.