New Eateries, Tasty Treats, and Adventurous Drinks: Auckland’s Food Scene

Hey foodies! Auckland’s food scene is buzzing with exciting news and delicious offerings. Let’s dive in and explore the latest happenings.

First up, Tala restaurant is all set to open its doors on November 3. Located in the ex-Pasture space in Parnell, this contemporary Samoan restaurant is the brainchild of chef Henry Onesemo and his wife Debby. The menu is inspired by Henry’s childhood in Samoa, and they offer two tasting menus: the ‘chef’s journey’ for the ultimate experience and the ‘fāgogo journey’ for a slightly shorter menu. Don’t miss their signature dish, the spatchcock chicken cooked in the umu, and the feasting dish of sapasui with lamb and pork belly. Get ready to indulge in the hospitality and food of Samoa like never before!

If you’re a fan of Gemmayze Street’s silky-smooth hummus, we have great news for you. You can now enjoy their delicious hummus at home with their jarred version, available at all Daily Bread outlets. Handmade in small batches based on a family recipe, this hummus is perfect for cheeseboards, meat dishes, salads, or simply with bread. It also makes a fantastic gift with its beautiful packaging.

Lilian, the popular Grey Lynn osteria and wine bar, is now open for lunches on Fridays and Saturdays. You no longer have to wait in long queues to savor their famous lamb ribs with black garlic and pistachios or their mouthwatering woodfired bread with chicken liver parfait. Make a booking and treat yourself to a delightful lunch experience. Cheers to that!

Looking for a unique Christmas gift? How about a gin-filled advent calendar? The Weekender Advent Calendar offers 24 baubles filled with premium New Zealand gin from award-winning distilleries. It’s a fun way to celebrate the lead-up to Christmas and taste a range of gins. But hurry, the last day to order is November 17.

For those who like a little spice in their drinks, Alba’s chilli margarita in a can is a must-try. Made with quality tequila, Mexican agave, lime juice, Cointreau extract, and a kick of Kaitaia Fire, this spicy margarita will awaken your taste buds. Grab a pack from your nearest liquor store and enjoy the fiery goodness.

Now, let’s hear what the Viva team has been indulging in this week. Madeleine Crutchley, our multimedia journalist, enjoyed a celebratory dinner at Forest, a reimagined plant-based restaurant in its new Dominion Rd location. She highly recommends the kūmara with Marmite cream and capery peas and the coriander marinated cucumber with Clevedon buffalo curd. Johanna Thornton, our deputy editor, had a delightful experience at Gilt Brasserie, a glamorous inner-city restaurant. She loved the light-as-air three-cheese souffle and the tender tomato schnitzel. Julia Gessler, our digital editor, couldn’t resist the Birria tacos at Broke Boy Tacos. These tacos were packed with flavor and left her craving for more.

That’s all for now, foodies! Stay tuned for more exciting updates from Auckland’s vibrant food scene.