Asher W.'s
Auckland's best Japanese
- 18I’m a big fan of Japanese and Yuzu do Japanese well. The staff is always friendly, in fact when I walked through the kitchen to the bathroom all of the chefs turned round smiled and said hi. We ordered a bridge to share which is a selection of sashimi, sushi, chicken and tempura served on a bridge like structure. Everything on the platter was tasty and we thoroughly enjoyed the plethora of flavours. I'm pretty sure I've 'loved' Yuzu before but this place definitely deserves a second round of loving!
- 272Tanuki's CaveAuckland CentralTanuki’s Cave was the first Japanese restaurant that I tried in Auckland and it’s still up there with my favourites. The wait for a table can be up to an hour but take some time to enjoy the authentic atmosphere and get started slurping on a jug of Japanese beer. When the time comes for food be prepared to share, this is not a place for lone rangers. I usually start with edamame and cabbage and then move onto the squid, beef and satay chicken. For the adventurous the chicken hearts are worth a try. Accompany the experience with mates, Japanese beer and sake and you can be assured your night will go off like a frog in a sock.
- 330Kura Japanese RestaurantAuckland CentralIt seems like Japanese has been my go to non-cooking option this week. I hadn’t tried Kura before but after being recommended it numerous times we decided to give it a go. The ambiance was nice, the staff efficient and the dishes tasty. The deep fried soft shell crab and slow braised pork belly are a must try! We’ll definitely be coming back!
- 424Tanuki Sushi & Sake BarAuckland CentralWhen it comes to first dates I don't think you can go wrong with Japanese, and when it comes to Japanese Tanuki's is the perfect destination. The extensive menu has a wide variety of dishes that are perfect for sharing and the informal bustling atmosphere and friendly service is perfect for anyone feeling slightly nervous. There's plenty of alcoholic beverages available, I'd recommend getting a big Asahi to share and perhaps a sake if you are that way inclined. My favourite dishes that I'd recommend are the karaage chicken, the broccoli with peanut sauce, the sashimi platter, the raw beef and the deep fried cheese. Also if your date is a vegetarian there are plenty of vege options to keep them happy.
- 532Nishiki Japanese RestaurantFreemans BayIt was our third attempt at going to Nishiki last night and we finally got a table. It was drizzling outside but the I felt like a steamed bun in the Japanese joint. The menu is massive, it’s b.y.o and the Japanese tapa style dishes are ideal for sharing. We got some skewers, their chicken teriyaki and the tako cha. All were pretty dam good. What’s not to like?
Asher W.'s
Top coffee spots
- 121Good OnePonsonbyI'm sure that I've recommended Good One before but this is a place I can't recommend enough. You automatically feel at home in the light filled space and there are a variety of options of where to sit - inside at the communal table, outside or in the half indoor, half outdoor entry area. The coffee is some of the best in the city, the small selection of cabinet food (pies, toasties etc) great and the service is friendly. If you haven't been, get amongst.
- 243Kokako Cafe & RoasteryGrey LynnKokako is my pick of the bunch when it comes to caffine kicks in Grey Lynn. It’s interior reminds me of Cafe Supreme, and the similarity doesn’t stop there as they also roast their own beans. I haven’t indulged in breakfast yet but have had good reports! The coffee is always consistent and the cold filter coffee is a soft, refreshing drop well worth investigating.
- 333Alleluya Bar & CafeNewtonIt’s been a while since I’ve eaten at Alleluya cafe. Usually I just stop in for a coffee and roll out. Today I met a friend there for breakfast and ordered the eggs Benedict with salmon. I could barely get through the mountain of food that arrived which is a nice change from the miniature morsels that are sometimes delivered at other cafes. The eggs were perfect, the hollandaise just right and the salmon plentiful and delicious. Recommended.
- 470DizengoffPonsonbyThere’s nothing quite like starting the week with a stomach full of Dizengoff muesli. Served with a pile of fresh fruit, natural yoghurt and a generous drizzle of honey the meal feels like it’s doing your body a world of good. We sat outside and enjoyed the fresh air while lazily sipping on a couple of flat whites. With a start like this I’m not really sure why everyone has such an issue with Mondays?