Six Cheese Experiences for Hardcore Cheese Lovers in Auckland

Cheese is a pillar of society. The versatile food group comes oozy, creamy, hard, salty, and is delicious in all its forms. Because we think cheese should be celebrated, we've broken down some of the best cheese dishes on offer around Auckland. You're welcome. May all your cheese dreams come true.

HOUSE-MADE RICOTTA WITH HONEY AT GUSTO AT THE GRAND

Creamy fresh ricotta, drizzled with honey and topped with pine nuts. Yes please. This soft and homemade delight is one of Gusto at the Grand's sharing starters. Paired perfectly with the fresh baked garlic and rosemary pizzetta, it's the perfect way to get started on the rest of Gusto's delicious menu or simply alongside a cocktail.

90 Federal Street, CBD

MAC 'N' CHEESE AT THE GRILL BY SEAN CONNOLLY

Mac 'n' cheese — a childhood classic that shouldn't be ignored. The Grill has taken it upon themselves to tszuj up the humble dish and make a mac 'n' cheese to beat all others. Consisting of macaroni (of course) alongside pecorino and Barry's Bay cheddar, one dip of your fork into this magical side, leaves the ooziness melting off in stringy, satisfying drops.

90 Federal Street, CBD

RACLETTE FROM MELT FOOD TRUCK

Raclette is a cheese sensation that's been sweeping the nation (though has actually been around since the '70s). This is the ultimate indulgence for those who want cheese on absolutely everything. Cue: Melt, the roaming giver of the ultimate cheese dreams with their raclette food truck. You can find Melt's whereabouts online, and track down where they'll be shifting classic potatoes, meatball subs and cheese steaks — all generous smothered in cheese.

Various locations

PAN-FRIED OUZO CHEESE AT GYPSY CARAVAN

This cheese sensation comes complete with a fire show to emphasise its melty, crispy goodness. Saganaki is a salty Greek cheese, perfect for grilling. When eating the version at Gypsy Caravan, it comes doused with ouzo and drizzled with honey and sesame seeds, which they then light on fire at your table so you can hear the sizzle and smell the cheesiness. Absolute perfection. It's simply served with fresh sourdough, the ideal base to lather the cheese on in generous dollops.

Lot 3, 130 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby

BOLAS DE QUESO DE CABRA AT BELLOTA

Deep fried cheese? Well surely this is a match made is cheese heaven. Bellota has a whole menu of delicious tapas and finger foods, primed for sharing (or scoffing yourself, we surely won't judge). These little gems are crumbed goat's cheese, which are then deep fried, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with slithered almonds. They're designed to pop in your mouth whole and let the cheese take care of the rest.

91 Federal Street, CBD

QUATTRO FROMAGGI AT DANTE'S PIZZERIA

We couldn't have a list of cheese dishes without at least one being of the pizza variety. Dante's is most definitely the spot to head to for this with their four cheese Quattro Fromaggi. First off, they nail the bases, with soft pillowy crusts and crispy bottoms. Then, they lovingly lather the fresh tomato base and add their cheese selection, consisting of: mozzarella, gorgonzola, provolone and buffalo mozarella.

Ponsonby Central, 136 Ponsonby Road