Occupying a light-flooded two-storey space overlooking Auckland Harbour,Origine is a new French brasserie from acclaimed Kiwi restaurateurs Ben Bayly,Chris Martin and their spouses,Cara Bayly and Lucile Fortuna. Accessed via a discreet entrance in the second-floor food court of the Commercial Bay shopping centre,it expertly re-creates classic French fare (think snails and steak frites) using top-notch local produce. Portions are unusually generous for a French fine-diner and there’s an affordable two and three-course daily set menu. Seeorigine.nz
The day-trip
If it isn’t already illegal to visit Auckland and not go to Waiheke Island,it should be. Located a scenic 40-minute ferry trip from the city,the 92-square-kilometre island boasts pristine beaches,quirky townships and several destination wineries. Fullers360’s Vineyard Explorer package provides the perfect intro,with a return ferry ticket,access to the handy Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus and tastings at three of Waiheke’s best wineries:Cable Bay,Stonyridge and Batch. Our pick for lunch? Batch,the island’s highest vineyard,which enjoys captivating views over the Hauraki Gulf. Seefullers.co.nz
The guide
For the last three years,the annual Iconic Eats program has invited Aucklanders to vote for their favourite dishes. The resulting 100-strong list is an intriguing snapshot of the city’s culinary scene,showcasing everything from gastronomic masterpieces by upmarket eateries Ahi and Onslow to fast-food guilty pleasures like Sneaky Snacky’s hot chicken donut burger. The only downside? Deciding which dish to try first. Seeiconiceats.co.nz