Jonathan Thevenard, chef and co-owner of Pici and Ooh-fa. Photo / Blink Boys
In this Herald on Sunday series, we ask well-known Aucklanders for their favourite spots in the city. This week, chef Jonathan Thevenard takes us on a tour of his top places.
Favourite beach?
That’s a hard one, I have a few. I love Cheltenham when the tide is in, and Lover’s Cove on the east side of North Head is a hidden gem if you know, you know. But I frequent Takapuna Beach the most because it’s more accessible from the city. I usually run along the beach for a warm-up and then swim out to one of the buoys for exercise.
Favourite brunch spot?
Burnt Butter in Avondale has the tastiest brunch food in the city.
Favourite restaurant for dinner with friends?
I really love Blue, the new café–wine bar at the top of Franklin Rd in Ponsonby. The crew there are so lovely it feels like coming home for dinner. Katie is one of Tāmaki’s most amazing chefs, and the warm welcomes from Eve, Karl and Jo make you feel special. What Ophelia has done with the interior is also *chef’s kiss*.
Favourite place to take a visitor to?
I like to give people the Karangahape experience if I can. Start with drinks at Open Late, The Frog, or Number 7, then head to either Apero or Tempero for some legitimately amazing French or Brazilian kai. After that, slip into Deadshot for a few cocktails to round off the evening.
Favourite spot to finish a night out?
For cocktails, either Deadshot or Caretaker are top notch. Or head to Dominion Rd for late-night skewers at the hilarious but delicious GoGo Music Café, a uniquely brilliant country-and-western-themed Chinese restaurant where, if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a live performance from the owner.
Favourite place to get coffee?
Open Café and Bestie are my favourites, but Daily Daily is also excellent. Karangahape Rd is lucky to have so many great independent spots.
Favourite fish-and-chip shop?
The Piha RSA, after a hike or a surf, a pint of Lion Red and some delicious fish and chips are unbeatable. It’s also a great place to overhear some Piha gossip.
Favourite trail for a hike?
Kitekite Falls is great, a couple of hours return. In winter it’s usually deserted, which is ideal if you’re seeking solitude. In summer, bring your togs for a swim in the freezing but refreshing water hole at the base of the falls. A really special place in Tāmaki.
Favourite venue for a gig?
The Whammy / Double Whammy / Wine Cellar / Public Bar combo in the dungeons of St Kevin’s Arcade is my absolute favourite. They offer a mix of well-curated local underground acts plus some larger ones too. Half the time I walk down for a drink and get sucked into the vortex of an incredible gig I never expected to be in!
Favourite place to find a bargain?
I stand by Smoove on Karangahape Rd - they have a great range of vintage clothes at good prices. They’ve been serving the community since I was a kid, so it must be 20 years plus. They really know how to pick the good stuff.
Jonathan Thevenard is a chef and co-owner of Pici and Ooh-fa. Pici and Ooh-fa are two of the 61 restaurants nationwide participating in DineAid, the annual fundraiser helping feed those in need by adding an optional $3 to each restaurant bill. A top 10 fundraiser in 2024, Jono and his teams collectively raised more than $4800 for the worthy cause and 100% of the funds raised go to the City Mission.