DINE IN PARNELL AND BE IN TO WIN $500!
When the temperature drops, there’s only one way to cheer yourself up, and that’s in the arms of some fabulous winter comfort food.
In Parnell, you’ll find cuisine from all over the world—hidden in villas in cobblestoned alleys and in plain sight on the main road. But what makes this suburb even more interesting is that there are several culinary options you’d be hard-pressed to find in other parts of Auckland. From Fijian to Italian, Nepalese to Indonesian, Indian to Samoan, Japanese to Brazilian, you can take your pick from a truly international lineup, all in one place. If you’re looking for a dish or bowl of something warm and comforting this winter, take a trip around the world with some of these amazing options (only a handful of what’s available in the diverse eating precinct that is Parnell).
If there’s an eatery on our list that you’d like to enjoy, we are doing weekly giveaways on our Instagram account from 16 June—13 July. Just visit @parnellauckland on Instagram, check out our pinned post, and comment where you’d like to receive a $500 voucher to be in to win! There will be a new giveaway each week—make sure you’re following us so you don’t miss out.
PANEER MASALA
3 Nutmegs is full of clever modern twists on Indian classics, and their smoked paneer in curry sauce with truffle butter naan is no exception. Everything is made from scratch—including the paneer—and the smoke from the tandoor gives it a wonderful aroma and flavour that will warm you right through this winter.
NDUJA SPAGHETTI
The team at Artisan Culture have a focus on simple Italian fare, just like back home. This Nduja Spaghetti is made from fresh pasta, fresh ricotta and the perfect amount of nduja to give it a spicy kick that will warm the coldest winter day. Topped with parmesan before serving, it doesn’t get any better than this.
LAMB & BEEF HUMMUS
This is one of the most popular dishes on the Aula’s Kitchen menu (part of 269 Parnell): Smooth creamy homemade hummus is topped with lightly spiced lamb and beef mince and finished off with pickles, tahini, olive oil and Aula’s special sauce. It’s served with fresh pita bread, and will wrap you up like a warm winter hug.
MIE BAKSO
In winter, you can’t go past Bandung’s Mie Bakso, a steaming bowl of traditional meatball soup with egg noodles and vermicelli, inspired by the tiny warungs of Bali and Java. That beef broth will cure absolutely anything that ails you.
PAELLA
The vibrancy and colour of Barulho’s seafood paella will banish any winter blues that dare to show their face. Loaded with market fish, mussels, cockles, prawns and a delicious Moreton Bay bug, cooked over flame—it’s a hearty share that will warm you to your soul.
FRUIT PORRIDGE
Sometimes marmite on toast as you run out the door just isn’t going to cut it, and if you’re looking for a dreamy, winter breakfast, Biskit has you covered. Rolled oats simmered in milk and topped with a rainbow of seasonal fruit, GF/DF granola, coconut flakes, blueberry compote and sugar-free maple syrup.
RED DUCK CURRY
Nothing warms you up better on a cold Auckland night than a good curry, and the Red Duck one at Blue Elephant is incredibly popular for just that. With classic Thai aromas, the roasted duck is meltingly soft and made extra vibrant by the addition of tomatoes, pineapple, grapes, capsicum, lychee, longan fruit, spices and coconut milk.
TRUFFLE CASARECCE
Cornelia’s cosy, intimate vibe will make you feel like you’ve gone to dinner at your (very talented) Italian friend’s home, and Fabio’s Truffle Casarecce is the creamy, handmade winter pasta dish of your dreams. Grab a friend, grab a bottle and enjoy a warm winter evening inside—even if it’s chilly outside.
FLAMING MOMOS
Everest Dine’s Flaming Chilli Momos are everything you could ever want on a cold Auckland night. Made from scratch by hand, they are fried, tossed in a delicious Manchurian chilli sauce then flamed right at your table. All the drama, all the deliciousness. Just try and stop at one plate.
LAMB KLEFTIKO
Gerome’s shoulder of Lamb Kleftiko, served with carrot tzatziki and pine nuts could not be more perfect comfort food. Lamb is king when it comes to Greek cuisine and even though you may not be on a Greek isle enjoying this one, it will still make your Auckland winter’s day infinitely better, especially if you order a side of house-made pita and dips to go with it.
MEAT-BALLS
Braised meatballs are exactly the kind of dish everyone wants on a chilly day. Simmered in a homemade pomodoro Sauce and topped with melty mozzarella, they are great as part of a shared meal with friends, but also just as wonderful in NSP’s gorgeous Italian courtyard all by yourself with a great glass of Italian Red. The ultimate winter solo indulgence.
TANDOORI SALMON
If you’re looking for something rich and comforting that’s not beef or lamb this winter, this Tandoori Salmon from Oh Calcutta is your guy. Big Glory Bay salmon is given a light spice marinade then cooked in the tandoor for a warming smoky flavour. The finish of a fresh slaw, coriander and citrus pearls balances it off perfectly, and will cheer up any gloomy Auckland day.
LAMB SHANK
Is there any more comforting dish than a slow cooked lamb shank on buttery mashed potatoes? The Paddington’s low lit pub vibe is cosiness personified and this dish, with a pint or a glass of red and some good company makes you almost look forward to colder months.
GNOCCHI DELLA CASA
Portofino’s pillowy soft homemade Gnocchi Della Casa is cooked in a rich, luscious bolognese sauce and topped with parmesan and mixed leaves—perfect winter kai. Just the smell of this bowl of comforting goodness will make you feel like you’re at Nonna’s table in Italy.
MOCHA & DAILY BREAD
A great coffee can be the difference between a good and bad winter’s day, and if you warm yourself up with a mocha (or any other coffee) from Red Rabbit, the chances of it going well are exponentially higher. While you’re at it, why not indulge in a Daily Bread pastry on the side? No bad day ever started with one of those.
FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH
Rhu’s Fried Chicken Sandwich is everyone’s winter comfort dream come true. The chefs all come from fine dining backgrounds, but love to make food that’s real and approachable. Bread is baked on site, the condiments are next level, and the overall result is a sandwich that will make you forget it is actually cold outside.
BIRRIA TACOS
While Alfredo has worked in high end restaurants and resorts all over the world, his first love is the simple cuisine of his homeland, Mexico. Obviously, you can eat tacos all year round, but the hearty beef cooked in traditional spices makes his birria tacos perfect winter fare. Get them from Taco Amaiz in 269 Parnell.
ROADSIDE BBQ
Can’t afford a trip to the islands this winter? Come and escape to TALA with a multicourse Samoan culinary journey beyond your wildest dreams. This Roadside BBQ is just one of many dishes on the Fāgogo Journey and Chef’s Journey menus; once you walk in the door you’ll feel like you’re in another world—where the food is authentic but elegant, and service wraps you up in true Pacific hospitality.
MEAT PLATTER
Need a hearty winter share for a group catch up? Regi’s meat platter from Tambo in 269 Parnell has a bit of everything and will pair perfectly with a gutsy red from the Marble Bar. Get cosy under the outdoor heaters and put the world to rights as you snack.
BEEF CHEEK
Twelve hours of slow cooking infuses the flavours of Twofold’s beef cheek to a whole other level—and makes for super tender eating. Served on an umami-packed onion puree with barley infused jus, it is winter comfort food at its absolute best.
VALOLO SMOKE
How does a dish manage to be tropical but still warming in winter? Somehow, WAR’s Valolo Smoke does it, complete with a bit of theatre as the lid is lifted and the fragrant smoke and steam fill your senses. Grilled fish with poached vegetables and a comforting lemongrass coconut broth will remind you of Fiji as soon as you taste it.