Middleton Cafe & Bar - CLOSED

Overview

We're spoilt for choice when it comes to the spread of different cuisines in Auckland. From Korean to Japanese to Lebanese, we really have it all. But sometimes we fancy some good old homegrown New Zealand fare and this is what Middleton does really well.

Showcasing local produce simply but giving it a luxurious twist and being so central makes Middleton the ideal spot for a business lunch or for an after work drink and nibbles. Situated in the foyer of a refurbished high rise on Queen Street, it is certainly bringing up the standard of dining in the central city. We can already see this place becoming a favourite for pre or post-theatre dining.

Open Monday to Friday, lunch is available from 7am until 3pm and from 3pm until 9pm a selection of small plates are available. Arriving in the evening, we grabbed a cocktail and got stuck into the small plates menu. The prosecco bellini and the Gin & Greens, consisting of Caorunn gin, cointreau chamomile, green juice and ginger ale, were both refreshing with a nice kick.

The first item we chose from the menu was the venison and duck sliders served with young leaves and black garlic. Two sliders are served per portion and the venison was juicy and seared to perfection. The black garlic gave the meat a nice acidic edge. We also went for the duck fat potatoes because why the hell wouldn't you? We concluded with the Merguez sausage which came with sauerkraut, mustard, date and pomegranate onion jam and chargrilled pide and the beef carpaccio with rye crackers, sauerkraut, tarragon and mustard vinaigrette.

If you can possibly squeeze dessert in there is a great looking cheese selection. Next time we would love to sample the lunch menu which has offerings such as golden eggs on flatbread, charred lemon chicken and baked hotcakes. We can certainly foresee spending more time on Queen Street with this gem around.