Taste of New Zealand
From Auckland to Queenstown, Alpine Living is tasting what New Zealand has to offer. From classic dishes like fish and chips to new favorites like Turkish curry, take an adventure with us though the exploration of food.
Mary-Margaret Schmidt
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taste of Auckland
Little Turkish Cafe
They say not to judge a book by its cover and the same goes for The Turkish Cafe. This small restaurant gives an average impression to someone that walks by, but the food will speak for itself. The staff is super friendly and if you’re unsure of what to eat and drink they will craft you a dish with whatever you ask if you are polite. The Turkish Cafe has the best portions in Auckland with decent prices.
217 Karangahape Road,
Auckland Central
YB Sushi
As a sushi lover, I have never seen sushi this large in my life. YB Sushi is a great stop if you’re wandering down Queen Street trying to pick though all the restaurants specifically the Japanese restaurants. They have a great selection of specialty sushi and classic rolls like the spicy crab roll that was recommended by the server.
285 Queen Street,
Auckland CBD
Mexicali Fresh
Mexicali Fresh has daily deals that can’t be beat in Auckland. On Monday’s a taco salad and margarita is only $15. There are meal deals everyday to take advantage of including discount drinks and guacamole. The restaurant itself is causal fast dinning experience, so it’s great stop on a busy day of sightseeing in Auckland. Mexicali Fresh’s Auckland Harbor location houses outdoor seating overlooking the ferries and cruise ships coming in and out the harbor.
Princes Wharf, 137 Quay St, Auckland
Scarecrow
Scarecrow is a coffee shop, a florist and an organic grocery store packed into one. It's relaxing ambiance and filling food is great before a busy day of sightseeing. The food is fresh, wholesome and rich in flavor. The banana and tahini cakes are absolutely delicious and filling. The dish is three patties with a date and fig compote, coconut yoghurt, apple soup and paleo sprinkles. A hot New Zealand coffee is the perfect drink to wash down all the great flavor. Make sure to check out the wall of organic goods for a special souvenir.
33 Victoria Street East by Albert Park
taste of Christchurch
Antigua Boat Shed
After a stroll in the Christchurch Botanical Gardens, Antigua Boat Shed’s cafe is the perfect lunch spot. The staff are helpful and recommended the lamb burger which did not disappoint. The patty is a mix of minced, fresh lamb, rosemary and garlic. Topped with feta, beetroot relish and crispy arugula, the burger is the best item on the menu. The steak sandwich is another tasty dish and most menu items have gluten free options.
2 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch
Mum's 24
This takes the crown of Japanese and Korea food in Christchurch. The menu is diverse and has classics that do not disappoint including bibimbap and chicken teriyaki. The Korean barbecue is the best item on the menu because the dish is cooked at the table. The japchae, a mixture of beef, vegetables and vermicelli noodles, is another great option on the menu. The portions are huge and the prices are great.
62 Manchester Street, Christchurch
Hello Sunday
Located just a few minutes from city centre is Christchurch’s most popular brunch spot, Hello Sunday. The menu has a variety of brunch classics with a twist. The bircher is definitely the most colorful and flavorful item on the menu. It is made of raspberry and almond soaked oats, chia and coconut pudding with rock melon granita. The classic Eggs Benny is another great choice that has three available add ins- bacon, smoked salmon or smoked mushrooms. The coffee selection is delicious and goes great with any meal. Remember to make a reservation because tables fill up quickly especially on weekends. This was my favorite place I ate at in New Zealand.
6 Elgin Street,
Christchurch
Orlean's
Orlean’s is an unique dinning experience that brings the flavors of Louisiana to Christchurch. The menu puts new twists on classic Creole staples like the pros belly po’ boy and the spicy chicken and waffles. Sophisticated high ceilings and warm decor make this restaurant a great place for groups. The highlight of the menu is the boozy milkshakes, the Lower 9th Hardshakes. Flavors include chocolate and coconut with rum, strawberries and creme with vodka, Oreo with vanilla vodka and s'more with bourbon.
89 Lichfield St,
Christchurch Central
taste of Queenstown
Queenie’s Dumplings
Located in the heart of downtown Queenstown, Queenie’s Dumplings is a great lunch or snack spot. Queenie’s offers tradition Cantonese dumplings along with steam buns and soups. The dumplings come in a variety of flavors including vegetable, chicken, beef, pork and pawn. Although dumplings are small, they are filling so an order of nine is the perfect sampling size.
35 Camp Street,
Queenstown
Winnie Bagoes
Winnie Bagoes is a restaurant by day and dancing spot by night. The menu has every type of pizza imaginable including classic cheese to spicy lamb. They have a great cocktail, beer and wine selection as well. They serve many of their cocktails with 42Below, a Kiwi- made vodka. The flavors include honey, kiwi, passionfruit and feijoa berry.
7-9 The Mall,
Queenstown
Caribe
If you’re looking for a fun place in downtown Queenstown to grab a quick dinner, Caribe is a tiny latin restaurant with huge flavor. Caribe has fun quirky decor, great outdoor seating and a friendly staff. The menu has a great selection of latin favorites like arepas, quesadillas, pasteles and tacos. However, the burritos are an absolute must eat. They come in multiple sizes and come with your choice of meats, Mexican salad, rice and beans with your choice of sauce. Caribe has some of the best salsa verde and chipotle chili sauce so don’t forget to buy some handmade tortilla chips with your meal.
36 Ballarat Street, Queenstown
Bespoke Kitchen
Edible flowers, raw tarts and fragrant coffee invites a passer by into one of New Zealand's past winners of the Cafe of the Year, Bespoke Kitchen. I was enticed by this cafe when I saw their beautiful brunch selection on their Instagram account a few months before I went to Queenstown. The cafe is a quick uphill walk from downtown Queenstown on the way to the Kiwi Wildlife Birdpark and the Skyline Gondola. Bespoke prides themselves in delicious raw and organic breakfast, brunch and lunch selections. It's a great spot to refuel for a day of outdoor activities in Queenstown.
9 Isle Street,
Queenstown