The Best Spots for a Boozy Brunch in Auckland

Reputed to be a meal for the indulgent, brunch enthusiasts are best advised to offset their hedonism with a double dose of gin and tonic, or Champagne. Wait, is it too early for a negroni?

In simpler times, our ancestors enjoyed the age-old pairing of food and daytime drinking without regulation or shame, however as the world has become more populated (increasing the spectrum of idiocy and judgement), we're hiding our excess indoors. Well no more. With sun-soaked days around the corner, it's time to emerge from winter depths and take your decadence al fresco. Here's our guide to the best spots for a boozy brunch in Auckland.

Note: Brunch is traditionally a grazing period between 11am and 3pm, but we won't tell if you leave when the sun has gone down.

AUGUSTUS BISTRO

We're using the term 'brunch' loosely here, but there's a crab omelette on the menu and this beautiful French bistro is every ounce a daytime delight. Located in the century-old Ponsonby Post Office with an interior fit-out as impressive as the authentic Parisian cuisine, patina-stained mirrors adorn the walls where monochrome mashes with old world charm. Order a la carte and sip Champagne in the gorgeous wee courtyard, or celebrate your next special occasion with one of three perfectly formed set menus – either way, block out the afternoon in your diary.

1-3 St Marys Road, St Mary's Bay

HOMESTEAD

Nestled within Hillsborough's historic Pah Homestead which is also home to more than 8,000 privately owned artworks on display courtesy of the James Wallace Arts Trust, take your boozy brunch with a touch of culture at Homestead. Harking back to a bygone era of elegance, the restaurant is simple, but boy is the food good. Italian influences are evident throughout each carefully crafted dish and the simplicity of the wine menu is to be applauded for weekend-indecision. Pair your meal with a Sawmill pale ale or a bottle of Rock Ferry Blanc De Blancs.

72A Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough

SPQR

No list rounding up liquor and lunch would be complete without the addition of Auckland's ultimate people-watching place to be seen, SPQR. The food is consistently exceptional, with the service adding character, but topping the charts of this contemporary Italian jewel's list of attributes is its phenomenal reputation for a darn good cocktail and a comprehensive wine list determined to take you from morning to midnight.

150 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby

THE OYSTER INN

Invoking images of a summer in the Hamptons, The Oyster Inn is Waiheke's sublime answer for your next destination brunch. Adding to the anticipation of a crisp Champagne on the sun-soaked balcony, whisk your party to the island for the day and we promise you won't be disappointed. Sumptuous seafood stamps its mark on a menu which is savoury, sweet and superb all at once, while owners Andrew and Jonathan inject their own brand of old-fashioned hospitality — designed to keep you coming back ten times more.

124 Ocean View Road, Waiheke Island

HALLERTAU

Emerging afresh from a renovation which saw the creation of a glorious garden-esque biergarten (German beer garden) and complete interior overhaul, Hallertau tops our list for kid-friendly spaces to enjoy your booze responsibly. Boasting two play areas to keep the rug rats occupied, sip your way through the nearly 20-strong range of boutique craft beers and lap up the vibrant atmosphere.

1171 Coatesville-Riverhead Highway, Kumeu

GRANGERS

Directly overlooking Half Moon Bay's promenade, this sunny tap house is down-to-earth home cooking with the touch of refinement necessary to keep you placed in the cheerful patio all afternoon. Well-executed dishes compliment the New Zealand wine list, craft beer offerings and bespoke cocktails — all of which can be worked off later courtesy of Grangers' free bike hire, designed to encourage patrons to explore more of this beautiful area.

1 Ara-Tai Road, Half Moon Bay

REGATTA BAR & EATERY

Boasting one of the best vantage points for your midday tipple overlooking bustling Takapuna Beach, Regatta is one of the most exciting things about Takapuna's recent revival. Fresh seafood platters and delicate salads meet wood-fired steak options and starchy sides, but the best feature of this airy beach-side retreat is the ever changing vista out front. Watch cruise ships and containers while cyclists work for their lattes all from the comfort of your deck-side seat. For non-imbibers the menu also offers a range of refreshing non-alcoholic cocktails.

The Strand, Takapuna

ORTOLANA

Feeling more garden-hideaway than inner-city restaurant, this authentic European sparkler is the perfect answer for a day in the city. Light-filled with a delicate décor and an abundance of lush life in the courtyard, dishes are distinctly delicious, the seating is comfortable and there's a beautiful array of wines and all-day cocktails to work your way through – just watch the credit card as you pass Karen, Trelise and Chanel on your way out.

33 Tyler Street, Auckland

ORPHANS KITCHEN

Expect only innovation and personality from this neat little hideaway which has built a reputation on exceptional fare and a carefully considered breakfast cocktail list. Retreat to the courtyard for shelter from the bustle of Ponsonby Road and admire the operation's beautiful simplicity. Soak in as much as you can on a Sunday though, as service ends at 3pm.

118 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby

PREGO

The old faithful to round out the list, Prego has occupied prime position on Ponsonby Road since 1986 – amassing a wide and varied fanbase during her time on the strip. And for good reason, the food is consistently impressive, the décor stylish and the waiters – adept at filling your glass. Enjoy day-long dining, seven days a week – Prego is the undisputed LBD (little black dress) for morning to afternoon boozy brunching in Auckland.

226 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby