My Secret Auckland: Chef Logan Birch shares his favourite spots in the city

Logan Birch, chef and co-owner of Beau and Beau Deli, Ponsonby. Photo / Blink Boys

In this Herald on Sunday series, we ask well-known Aucklanders for their favourite spots in the city. This week, chef Logan Birch takes us on a tour of his top places.

Favourite beach?

Minnehaha Beach in Takapuna. High or low tide, it doesn’tmatter. You can swim, jump off the rocks, sunbathe, then walk around the rocks to Takapuna Beach Cafe after.

Favourite brunch spot?

Burnt Butter Diner. The menu is creative and fun, and Conrad is a G behind the machine.

Favourite restaurant for dinner with friends?

A toss-up between Prego or Cazador. Both are timeless, always consistently delicious and the hospitality is incredible. 

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Favourite place to take a visitor to?

Maungawhau- A quick walk up and you get 360-degree views of the city and all the surrounding volcanic landscape. Once at the top I’dpoint out where to find Bar Martin in Mount Albert because that’s where we’d be going next.

Favourite spot to finish a night out?

Deadshot or Goblin are always fun for a nightcap on the way home.

Favourite place to get coffee?

Florets in Grey Lynn. Delicious coffee and incredible sourdough to take home.

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Favourite fish-and-chip shop?

Tipene’s Takeaways in Morningside. Old-school style, with huge portions and friendly service.

Favourite trail for a hike?

Te Ara Hura Headlands Loop on Waiheke. It has everything: bays, beaches, cliffs, and the fun of quietly admiring some mansions along the way. It is about 20km if you do the full loop, but there are plenty of shorter options too.

Favourite venue for a gig?

A night at the Powerstation is great. It’s the perfect-sized venue and is always buzzing with energy.

Favourite place to find a bargain?

Any of the Mercy Hospice op-shops. Top-quality pre-loved things and you always leave feeling like you’ve found something with a story. 

Logan Birch is a chef and co-owner of Beau and Beau Deli, in Ponsonby. Beau Ponsonby is one of 61 restaurants nationwide participating in DineAid, the annual fundraiser helping feed those in need by adding an optional $3 to each bill. A top 10 fundraiser in 2024, Beau raised more than $3500 for the worthy cause. 100% of the funds raised by the restaurants go to the City Mission.