2 Best Restaurants in City Center and Parnell, Auckland

The sustainable, rustic, Italian-inspired food at this restaurant and bakery has won the approval of Aucklanders, who keep the wood-beamed, open space bustling from breakfast through lunch and dinner. It's in the heart of the city's commerce zone, so breakfast and lunch are packed with the suited set who are not too concerned about price, and dinner hours stay busy with a menu that offers chargrilled fish, slow-roasted lamb, and an array of salads and vegetables. The lengthy wine list has prices from moderate to expensive, but for a special occasion, who's counting?

At this slightly renamed place that's not really a café and not strictly French, the new owners offer only an elegant five-course tasting menu that includes a vegetarian version. But don't be concerned: Sid and Chand Saharawat bring international flair to create superb dishes using the best seasonal produce. Bookings are essential as it is only open Thursday to Saturday for dinner and on Saturday for lunch. For the adventurous foodie, select Tuesdays are open for a "test kitchen" experience in partnership with an appliance company, though it's not cheap at $190 and extra for matched wine.