Looking good enough to eat

Two of Auckland's most stylish restaurants, Chandelier and Dine by Peter Gordon. Pictures / Richard Robinson, Nigel Marple

It's not just about the food and the wine list. Stylish surroundings have a lot to do with the pleasure of eating out. We selected some of the design winners on Auckland's dining scene.

Rice

The room is as terminally cool as ever, all 70s disco revisited with its marvellous lighting sculptures, white moulded chairs and floor-to-ceiling windows that are really sliding doors.

The inner-city restaurant's clean, ambient design won two awards from the New Zealand Institute of Architects in 2002.

Warm reds and browns are used in the bar space to create a welcoming area, while the restaurant area predominantly uses white and silver so as not to divert attention from the food.

10-12 Federal St, City. Ph (09) 359 9113.

Dine by Peter Gordon

Dine features the distinctive stamp of designer Tom Skyring, who is responsible for the look of several hip restaurants and bars around town. Ex-pat chef Peter Gordon wanted the restaurant to have a look that was elegant and would age well, and Skyring has delivered.

The room combines different influences. Asian, Art Deco, traditional and contemporary touches are mixed, then given a unifying Zen-like calm with a soothing dark brown and crisp white colour palette. The space features lots of brown leather, white marble and dark-stained oak.

Sky City Grand Hotel, Federal St, City. Ph (09) 363 6000.

Pasha

Enjoy the opulent atmosphere at this cosy little restaurant and bar which is themed like an Arabian/African palace from the centuries-old spice route. The candles burning in the lanterns exude a golden warm glow that is lush and luxurious - and which means you will always be seen in the best possible light. A good place to lounge for a long time, sipping on very fine cocktails mixing with the fashionable set. Pasha won the vote for Best Ambience in the Restaurant Association's hospitality awards last year.

Shed 22, Princes Wharf, next to the Green Room. Ph (09) 355 0077

Chandelier

Love the gorgeously rococo room at Chandelier. Owners Chris Rupe and Paula Macks have created a look that can only be described as maximalist. The opulent dining room is decorated with seven chandeliers, red velvet drapes, black and white marble floors and leopard carpet, giving it the look of a palace.

152 Ponsonby Rd. Ph (09) 360 9315.

Otto's

One of the most elegant dining rooms in the city. Designed with a high ceiling and dominated by the large stone fireplace, the architectural grandeur has been maintained. Careful arrangement of the room allows for intimacy and privacy.

Voted the Best Room in Metro magazine's restaurant awards last year.

40 Kitchener St, Metropolis Building. Ph (09) 300 9595.