Overview
At a time when the hospitality industry needs more support than ever, the new spread of COVID-19 in the community means some of Auckland's most popular restaurants are taking their worst hits yet.
The country currently sits at red level in the COVID-19 protection traffic light framework, which means capacity limits are enforced at restaurants and events.
Now as the highly contagious Omicron variant sweeps through the community, some of Auckland's top spots have been forced to shut their doors or cut down their operating hours, thanks to staff illness, isolation and lack of bookings.
One of the biggest shocks is from beloved Ponsonby Road stalwart Prego, the long-standing Ponsonby Road stalwart that has served Italian fare to locals since it opened in 1986. In a social media post from manager Brandon Lela'ulu, the restaurant said it had "no choice but to close temporarily".
"We've felt frustrated and helpless, watching Omicron getting rapidly closer," the post read. "We are committed to giving The Full Prego experience and without all our people this is not currently possible."
Another victim in the community outbreak is beloved Middle Eastern restaurant and bakery Ima, perhaps best known for its hot cross buns which are often voted best in the city.
While the lead up to Easter is usually one of the busiest periods for the restaurant run by Yael Shochat, a handwritten sign on the door on Tuesday revealed they had to shut due to lack of bookings.
"CBD restaurants are suffering, please support us," the sign read.
Viaduct bar and restaurant Saint Alice has also closed until at least 12pm on Friday after a number of staff were classed as close contacts of a COVID case, Josh Emmett's Waiheke institution The Oyster Inn also has closed "until further notice".
Karangahape Road favourite Pici has also reduced its hours due to staff shortages.
There's no doubt this is a tough time for hospo owners, so even if you're feeling anxious about dining out, support in the best way you can — perhaps buying online vouchers for post-pandemic dining, or ordering contactless takeaways. If you're keen to dine in but in airy ventilation, check out our guide to the best places around Auckland to eat or drink outside.
Auckland currently sits at red level in the COVID-19 traffic light framework, along with the rest of New Zealand. For more information on how that impacts hospitality and trading, head to the Government's official COVID-19 website.