Once again, we summoned the denizens of Auckland to show our collective respect in recognising the efforts of those who make our day-to-day lives a little easier. It gives us great pleasure to share the most publicly admired businesses in the community. Congratulations to our 2024 Everyday Heroes.
Best New Openings
Up against what has been further challenging economic times, despite the odds, this year has still seen some exceptional new openings. Gareth Stewart’s Middle Eastern-inspired eatery, Advieh in Commercial Bay, was the resounding winner, and for good reason. After a 30-year culinary career, Stewart is playing his finest tune yet. Advieh honours the flavour-filled nuances of Middle Eastern cuisine and enhances them further by employing locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to magical effect. While in Ellerslie, Hayden Phiskie (co-founder of Cotto and Ada) opened Bianca with a menu that dances with the seasons, as Phiskie builds dishes with vibrant, in-season ingredients, ensuring a constantly changing and delicious meal every visit. Parnell’s new addition Rhu, has evolved from just a daytime eatery to offer an exceptional evening service where the entire menu feels exciting. Here, seasonal and intriguing ingredients combine for a creative and immersive dining experience.
The Rest of the Best
Metita, SkyCity
Michael Meredith’s homage to his Pasifika community and the culmination of his decades-long career in cooking brings the richness of Polynesian culture to life on the plate, making it a crowd favourite.
Queens Rooftop, Commercial Bay
Queens’ prime position makes it one of Auckland’s most popular and central spots for every occasion and one of the best locales to take in the city’s stunning surroundings.
San Ray, Ponsonby
From the duo behind Cazador, newcomer San Ray offers vibrant, flavourful dishes
that can be enjoyed from day to night. Winning early praise, this eatery is set for a long, bright future.
Trivet, CBD
In our opinion, anything Chef Wallace Mua has a culinary hand in is well worth eating. Clearly, the public agrees, as his new venture, the impressive all-day bistro, Trivet, is drawing attention to Mua’s world-class culinary repertoire.
Nami, Ponsonby
Taking inspiration from record bars of the 80s, this bar and casual eatery proves that we love laid-back establishments, too. Here, the cocktails transport you to far-flung places, while the food is centred on Korean cuisine.
