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Princes Wharf and adjoining Viaduct Quay, an easy stroll from the city's major thoroughfare, Queen Street, offer dozens of eateries in every style from cheap-and-cheerful to superposh. High Street, running parallel to Queen Street on the Albert Park side of town, is a busy café and restaurant strip. Vulcan Lane, between Queen and High streets, has some pleasant bars. Asian immigrants have created a market for a slew of cheap noodle and sushi bars throughout the inner city; the more crowded, the better.
Outside the city center, the top restaurant areas are a 10-minute bus or cab ride away on Ponsonby and Parnell roads. Dominion and Mt. Eden roads in the city, as well as Hurstmere Road in the seaside suburb of Takapuna (just over the Harbour Bridge) are also worth exploring with the creation of a dining precinct called The Commons. The mix is eclectic—Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, and Thai eateries sit alongside casual taverns, pizzerias, and high-end restaurants.
Located in the buzzy heart of the Viaduct, Giraffe unites the best local foods with flair and fun. It's open from breakfast until late and whether you are a meat eater or a vegan, the menu will leave you satisfied. The wine list is fantastic and the atmosphere cosmopolitan.
A corner on Devonport's main street is a good place to people-watch and rest after exploring, and Manuka is a relaxed spot with wooden tables and stacks of newspapers and magazines. Wood-fired pizzas are available all day, with toppings ranging from classic pepperoni to smoked chicken, Brie, and roasted cashews. Weekend brunch is hectic when the locals turn out, but tables turn over quickly.
This very busy café has been serving up great Mexican-style food since 1983. People go as much for the noisy, friendly vibe as they do for the food such as the chicken fajitas or vegetarian burritos. It's best to go before the lunch or dinner crowds if you don't want to wait.
If you've had a busy day and want to roll on and be surrounded by animated diners this place is for you. The food can be ordered individually or with bowls to be shared by the table. Lunchtimes are busy when people head for a table in the Italian-style courtyard. There's always pizza with traditional toppings, and the green salad is excellent.
Waiheke's longest-running restaurant perches on Oneroa's main street, with a large all-weather deck overlooking the bay. The platters—Mediterranean, grilled (with Italian sausages and calamari), or seafood—are perennial favorites. It's popular in the busy summer months.
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