The Cuisine Good Food Guide showcases a diverse range of unique dining opportunities across New Zealand, and Parnell is well-represented in this year’s guide.
3 Hats: Best of the Best
Tala is chef Henry Onesemo’s deeply personal interpretation of modern Samoan cuisine, where every course tells a story of heritage, memory and place. Opened with his wife Debby, the restaurant reimagines the flavours of Samoa through refined technique, drawing inspiration from village cooking, roadside stalls and Henry’s own childhood.
The tasting menus invite diners on a thoughtful culinary journey, blending tradition with contemporary creativity. Snacks such as the charcoal quail egg and curry grapefruit on a taro chip set the tone, while the Pisupo 55-day dry-aged sirloin with crème fraîche, cubed daikon and carrot tuile beautifully reinterprets a Samoan classic. The roadside BBQ is another standout, capturing the smoky, nostalgic flavours that sit at the heart of the menu. Finish with the pavlova and koko Samoa, a fitting tribute to one of the Pacific’s most loved ingredients.
Supported by an equally considered drinks programme, Tala is a distinctive and memorable dining experience that celebrates Samoan culture with originality, precision and genuine heart.
1 Hat: Excellent, up there with the best
When chef Vinayak (Vicky) Shah opened Aarth, his first restaurant in Auckland, he brought years of experience from the stoves of some of the city’s top restaurants.
Translating to ‘deeper meaning’, Aarth explores the history, emotion and symbolism of Indian cuisine through a contemporary lens. Shah’s concise, considered menu draws on flavours from across the Indian subcontinent, creating dishes that feel far removed from traditional Indian fare while remaining deeply connected to his heritage. Expect to be surprised by inventive combinations and beautifully presented plates, with highlights including whitebait bhaji, tuna tartare with sorrel-gola and apple, and lamb accompanied by an array of chutneys. Special set-menu experiences offer the chance to explore the kitchen’s creativity in greater depth, while a thoughtful vegetarian menu ensures there’s something for everyone.
Aarth is a place where Indian heritage meets contemporary dining, delivering an experience that is both unexpected and deeply satisfying.
Tucked away in the lower industrial reaches of Parnell, Barulho is a little-known destination worth seeking out. Owner Sarah Ginella brings a lively Spanish flair to this warm and welcoming tapas bar, where the menu is designed for sharing and built around fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Expect classic tapas alongside more creative plates, with patatas bravas, beef and smoked-pork meatballs, ceviche and charcoal-grilled paprika octopus all worthy of attention. Larger plates, including market-fish paella, make it easy to settle in for a leisurely meal with friends.
Named after the Portuguese word for ‘noise’, Barulho lives up to its name with a lively, convivial atmosphere. The stylish interior, knowledgeable team and well-chosen wine and cocktail list add to the appeal. A favourite with loyal locals, it’s wise to book ahead particularly if you want to experience the full Spanish feast.
Good Food Guide—Destinations
One of Auckland’s most elegant restaurants right in the heart of Parnell’s residential district, Cibo has stood the test of time.
Locals have kept returning year in and year out, for both a casual meal of fabulous classic food or to celebrate special occasions. The confident menu has perennial favourites like the confit duck and the Cibo version of fish and chips.
Brilliant service has always been part of the charm and it comes with a real sense of fun and professional expertise. The excellent wine list adds to the experience.
The pizza oven is a real feature of this small Parnell café and bar. Naturally there’s a vast choice of pizza, supplemented by a menu of traditional antipasto, pasta, salads and main dishes. You can sit at Da Bar and choose a lovely Italian wine by the glass from their bar menu.
The unorthodox approach of the chefs has claimed space in the heart of Parnell Road, delivering simply delicious food from this bakery and wine bar.
Charred avocado toast with kimchi, a fried chicken sandwich and milk buns can be matched with wine from a small but focused natural wine list through the day. Dinner served three nights a week is from a small but very innovative menu of fishy starters and excellent mains from the grill.
