Chris Y.'s
What to do on a rainy day
- 150Event Cinemas St LukesSt LukesSituated in the shopping centre, there's lots of free parking available. It has a games room and bar to chill in pre or post movie.
- 251Hoyts Sylvia ParkMt WellingtonIt's right in the middle of Sylvia Park shopping centre which means it's easy to grab a coffee or quiet drink with friends after the movie finishes.
- 319Metrolanes BowlingAuckland CentralIt's nice and modern with an onsite bar and balcony overlooking Aotea Square. The miniature bowling lanes on the mezzanine floor are really cute!
- 410Ponsonby Pool HallPonsonbyIt's a good sized pool hall, plenty of tables with a nice chilled out vibe.
- 5162Auckland Art GalleryAuckland CentralInside a beautifully designed building, there's always an interesting art exhibition on. The cafe has some tasty treats also.
Chris Y.'s
Where to take your sweet tooth
- 195GiapoAuckland CentralIf you haven't tried Giapo, you're missing out on a divine ice cream experience. There's traditional and experimental flavours, I really liked the Len Brownie, tiramisu and green tea flavours.
- 254MilseAuckland CentralThis is the place to visit when you feel like something sweet and sophisticated.
- 343Movenpick Mission BayMission BayMovenpick ice cream and Mission Bay on a sunny day is a must-do experience.
- 472Kiwi Yo - Mission BayMission BayLove how I can get as indulgent as I wish, whip up my own combination of toppings...and it's got health benefits!
- 516Bricklane Restaurant & BarNew LynnEvery Thursday, desserts are just $9. The baked cheesecake is a must try!
Chris Y.'s
Cheap & cheerful dining
- 19Kebabs On Queen - Auckland CityAuckland CentralCan't go wrong with the $5 lunch deal. My favourite is the kebab on rice with garlic yoghurt, satay and hummus.
- 219Bok ChoyNewtonThe $5 lunch special is an awesome feed! I'm working my way through the various meat and sauces combinations available.
- 322Renkon Japanese Restaurant - CBDAuckland CentralWhen I'm in the mood for a tasty bowl of donburi or udon, this is my go-to place. It's affordable and fast.
- 44Jewel of Bombay Queen StreetAuckland CentralTry the naan roll, it's just under $6 and a good lunch option.
- 514Burger Fuel Queen StreetAuckland CentralGourmet burgers, malt shakes, chicken fenders, kumara fries with aioli...mmm.. Just can't get enough!
Chris Y.'s
Cool places to get a drink
- 161De Fontein Belgian Beer Cafe Mission BayMission BayNothing better than enjoying a beer on the balcony of De Fontein overlooking Mission Bay on a sunny day, there's also live music Sunday afternoons.
- 222The Bluestone RoomAuckland CentralWhen I visited Switzerland, I was introduced to beer giraffe towers. The Bluestone Room was the first place I discovered in Auckland that also did them. Try one during happy hour.
- 361Neighbourhood BrewbarKingslandGrab a beer and chillax in the library room with the old school leather chairs, you'll feel sophisticated and stylish as!
- 46Ding Dong LoungeAuckland CentralIf you love your rock and need a change from the usual bars and clubs in central Auckland, check out the Ding Dong Lounge. Entertainment is varied and interesting with different guest DJs most nights, and live music on special occasions. You'll hear a good range of rock music from various decades with the edgier stuff later into the evening. Staff are friendly and there's a tasty food menu when the late night munchies kick in, the candied kumara and kenzo fried chicken are delicious!
- 50Citizen Park Restaurant BarKingslandCertainly a popular place to be early Friday evening, styled like a US diner with slight Euro flair. I popped in for a beer and also ended up enjoying some quesadillas. Surprisingly, the place was very family friendly too with kids enjoying the vibe as much as their parents!
Chris Y.'s
Favourite restaurants
- 112Little Mexico - Mexican RestaurantAuckland CentralI've dined there numerous times and it's always been a great experience. The food is tasty and Jose, who runs the place, is a fantastic bar host. Their range of tequila is amazing!
- 219Bunga Raya Malaysian CuisineNew LynnThe food is delicious and authentic tasting, the owner is friendly and welcoming, it's a winning combination.
- 318Black Salt Bar and EateryNew LynnAt first it seemed odd to cook my own meat on a hot slab at my table however the flavour was truly delicious. I also recommend trying the Mussel Pot, Salt & Pepper Squid and Crispy Chicken. It's a good spot to have an afternoon drink on a sunny day too.
- 422Renkon Japanese Restaurant - CBDAuckland CentralWhen I'm in the mood for a tasty bowl of donburi or udon, this is my go-to place. It's affordable and fast.
- 572Tanuki's CaveAuckland CentralAlways popular with tasty Japanese style tapas and 1,000ml cans of Asahi to enjoy! Scotch fillet steak with butter and soy sauce = amazing.
Chris Y.'s
Top coffee spots
- 13MacGregor Brothers KitchenAuckland CentralLove this place…the awesome staff treat you like family and the coffee is really good.
- 210BOX Café and BarAuckland CentralGreat spot to get a coffee, enjoy free wifi and look out across Aotea Square. They also do a good happy hour on Thursdays and Fridays.
- 35ReslauAuckland CentralGreat coffee, tasty scones and a good spot to get an after work beer or wine.
- 457MoustacheAuckland CentralThey do good coffee, the cookies are simply amazing, served warm and slightly gooey…mmm.
- 515Santos CafePonsonbyI discovered this place a while back through a friend who kept talking about it. It's a Ponsonby classic with good coffee, food and service.