BYO restaurants
It's official - Kiwis like to dine out more and more often. But instead of flash fine-dining restaurants and top-of-the-cellar wines, we're choosing more affordable eating and drinking experiences, according to the 2014 Hospitality Report.
As Marisa Bidois, chief executive of the Restaurant Association, told the Herald: "The economy has affected people's mindsets when it comes to spending. They don't want to give up their luxuries of eating and drinking out, so the industry has looked for different ways and options to deliver that food and drink at lower prices."
We're seeing more and more casual restaurants, bars and cafes in our cities and suburbs that offer small shared plates of gourmet food instead of larger-sized meals. And it feeds right into another great New Zealand right - bringing your own wine to a restaurant.
A bottle of wine is usually cheaper from a liquor store or supermarket than on a restaurant's wine list, so eateries that allow BYO will be more attractive to many diners.
However, glassware and service don't come cheap, so it's only fair for small businesses to charge a reasonable corkage to offset these costs.
Unlicensed restaurants should charge corkage according to the effort they go to - a nominal amount if they open the bottle, plonk it on the table with a couple of small cheap glasses and don't touch it again all night; more if they have invested in good glassware, ice buckets or decanters and regularly top up glasses. Some places on our list charge as little as $1 corkage (true!) or perhaps $2.50.
We've looked across Auckland and its many cuisines, and sought opinions from professional critics and every-night diners to find this list of 10 great dine-out experiences that offer BYO - Italian, Japanese, Indian, Thai and more. We've places from the Shore, CBD, Ponsonby, eastern beaches and more. All you need to do is choose a night, choose a flavour - and buy a bottle of wine to go with it.
• Canton Cafe
Chinese
477 New North Rd, Kingsland
menus.co.nz/listing/2xvv/canton-cafe
Viva says, "The sizzling beef with black pepper ... It's always worth braving the crowds for."
Readers say, "Yes it's loud. Yes the customer service is somewhat lacking. Yes it's crowded. However, the food is amazing, it's very cheap. Will always come back here!"
• Faro
Korean
5 Lorne St, Auckland CBD
faro.co.nz
Viva says, "I am a huge fan of Korean cuisine (being Korean) so I like Faro for my Korean barbecue fix."
Readers say, "This is probably the best Korean in the city. Good quality meat, tasty side dishes and excellent service."
• Jaan
Turkish
505 New North Rd, Kingsland
zomato.com/auckland/jaan-turkish-restaurant-kingsland
Herald On Sunday says, "Other Turkish and Middle Eastern restaurateurs mention this as one of their favourites. Friendly ambience and service, great food at good prices."
Readers say, "Definitely the best Turkish in Auckland. The food is fantastic, the service is always warm and inviting."
• Mamma Rosa
Italian
31 Melanesia Rd, Kohimaramara
mammarosanz.com
Readers say, "On my visit to Mamma Rosa last night I could see why many happily choose it as their favourite local. The prices are reasonable, the atmosphere was nice. And it's BYO so bring along your favourite bottle and enjoy!
• Nishiki
Japanese
100 Wellington St, Freemans Bay
3/298 Torrens Rd, Botany Downs
nishiki.co.nz
Viva says, "Nishiki is the type of place that quickly engenders affection ... So many choices, so many delightful flavours and all at reasonable prices. For a casual neighbourhood eatery, it doesn't get much better."
Readers say, "This place is consistently good, the food is awesome and it is byo which is always a bonus ... great place to go with a group of friends."
• Ramen Takara
Japanese
4 Anzac Rd, Browns Bay
ramentakara.co.nz
Readers say, "We love this small restaurant which to us offers a different slant on Japanese food with ramen noodle dishes. It is BYOW and the food is delicious and very reasonably priced. Staff are friendly and the service is prompt."
• Satya
Indian
271 K Rd
515 Sandringham Rd
57 Mt Eden Rd
17 Great North Rd
satya.co.nz
Viva says, "The food at Satya never lets you down. Fresh and lively, the flavours bounce around madly and each dish tastes distinct from the rest."
Readers say, "This gem is a little out of the way but is worth going the extra mile for. My mouth is watering simply thinking about my last dining experience here."
• Sopheara
Cambodian
136 Chapel Rd, Clover Park
zomato.com/auckland/sopheara-cambodian-flat-bush
Readers say, "This place is a hidden treasure which should be discovered by many others who enjoy fantastic tasting food at great prices along with wonderful service from the very hospitable hosts."
• Sri Pinang
Malaysian
356 K Rd
zomato.com/auckland/sri-pinang-karangahape-road
Canvas says, "The food is everything at Sri Pinang. Sri Pinang redefines cheap and cheerful. Long may it continue to do so."
Readers say, "This has got to be one of the best dining experiences in Auckland. Not only is the food amazing but the staff and especially the owner are the most helpful, knowledgeable people I have ever encountered."
• Thanya Thai
Thai
2 Dunbar Rd, Balmoral
thanyathai.co.nz
Readers say, "Absolutely amazing Thai food. I am a huge Thai food fan and can honestly say this is the best I have tasted in not only Auckland but New Zealand. I travel the world for work and have frequented Thailand and Thanya Thai is right up there."