Romantic places in dine in Auckland?

hey there

I know this is not very baby oriented but I was hoping I could ask for some advice on where dh & I can go for dinner for my birthday.  

I was hoping to go somewhere which has a bit of a romantic atmosphere.

This is the last time we will be going out to dinner for a while - just the 2 of us before baby is here so I'm really looking for something special - I like nice restaurants but.. nothing to stuffy..

If you can help - I'd love some advice

Orbit at the skytower has quite a romantic atmosphere with the rotating restaurant, however, the food is better at the observatory which is also in the skytower..still has views but doesn't rotate..

Where in Auckland do you want to be? The City Centre or one of the near suburbs?

In the city, Toto on Nelson Street is lovely (www.totorestaurant.co.nz), but a bit pricey. I also quite like Orbit but haven't *loved* the food when I've been there (although it's been a year since the last time, so it may have improved!). Sails (www.sailsrestaurant.co.nz) at the Westhaven Marina (right near the Harbour Bridge) also has a good atmosphere. And White at the Hilton (www.whiterestaurant.co.nz) has great service. We've also been to Pontoon, also at the Westhaven Marina (http://www.relishgroup.com/Pontoon_aboutus.HTM) and quite liked it, although it's a wee bit "posh" (but still has great service).

If you want to go further out of town, I can recommend more! My inlaws used to take us out to dinner every couple of weeks so I've gotten to try most of the restaurants within 20 minutes of the CBD! LOL

Thanks Katherine, I suppose we'd prefer to be somewhere fairly central as dh's business is based in the city & we only live 10/15mins away from auck central..

Yes, Toto is lovely, I havn't been there for quite some time now.. White at the Hilton is also really nice. I checked out Pontoon for lunch with a few work colleagues when it first opened.. it's not bad either.

I havn't checked out Sails before although I have meant to. I have been told that it is really nice - great for seafood etc.. but never been.. One of those places that I would like to go to then decide on somewhere else. Not sure why

Thank you - I'll have another look - my list is getting longer.. but this is not such a bad thing..

SimSam wrote: It all depends on how much money you want to spend. The 2 best meals i have had in NZ where at WHite in the Hilton (we got married in the Hilton, and White is a stunning spot). French Cafe up on Symonds Street - beautiful place, very romantic. Both of these places are pretty expensive though. Will try and think of somewhere a little more 'reasonable'......

Sorry simsam, I was posting same time as you by the looks! Yes I do like white & enjoyed dining there the 2 occasions that I did...

Gee.. French Cafe.. dh mentioned wanting to take me there some time ago.. saying it was really nice.. will I regret these dining experiences at these lovely restaurants if I am not drinking a glass of wine of 2..? that always seemed to go hand in hand with a meal at a nice restaurant.. hmm..

thanks - I will add this to my list as well

I would second the Observatory....I'm not an Orbit fan, didn't like the food considering the price. Odd becuase it all comes from the same kitchen. Go figure!!

Justme - I would seriously recommend the French Cafe, the staff are fantastic, the food is to die for.....I know what you mean about wine though...I have been struggling with that too!!

 

It's not very central, but we often go to Francoli's in Ellerslie, beautiful meals, service is good and prices reasonable.

Paws wrote: I would second the Observatory....I'm not an Orbit fan, didn't like the food considering the price. Odd becuase it all comes from the same kitchen. Go figure!!

Yeah funny that huh?! If only they could combine the atmosphere of orbit with the food of the observatory that would be much better. By the way justme, if you didn't know, the observatory is a brasserie style buffet restaurant (DH and I always stock up on the delicious scallops!)..

I have been to Sails and had a seafood platter expecting it to be awesome, but it was utterly disappointing. Not good for a seafood restaurant. Hammerheads was much better.

Oh yeah, and if you enjoy italian I would always recommend A Little Italy.. very cosy (small) but yummy food..

Edited by pepsi

I saw Pontoon reviewed in the Sunday Herald and Peter Calder gave it a near-perfect review, which is saying something coz he is pretty harsh usually. Would love to go there!