These three New Zealand eateries boast surroundings that
are more than a match for the fabulous food
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| Amano, Auckland. |
For a country of fewer than five million people, New Zealand cooks up a
storm when it comes to food culture. These three eateries have the
added appeal of architecture
and interiors that look straight out of a design magazine. Visual
feasts, indeed.
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| The Glass House Kitchen |
Heart of Glass
The
Glass House Kitchen at Brick Bay Wines, near Snells Beach, seemingly
floats above the winery’s still lake. The cantilevered structure is what
the name suggests: even the roof is crafted from glass, meaning the
entire building shimmers. But don’t worry, the adjustable ceiling blinds
ensure that diners don’t get too dazzled by the summer sun. The food
shines here, too. From 10am to 5pm, graze on creative
offerings such as vodka-cured salmon with fennel salad or the
hard-to-pass-up Brick Bay honey and saffron panna cotta with caramelised
peaches.
Travel Tips
Snells
Beach is a one-hour drive north of Auckland. Summer brings day-trippers
aplenty, so be prepared for crowds if you visit between December
and February. Consider coming in autumn or winter instead; it’s quieter
and The
Glass
House becomes a cosy spot for sampling some of the winery’s best bottles.
City Slicker
With
pared-back stone walls, exposed wood beams, subtle lighting and
mid-century-style seating, Amano is minimalism at its best. The
restaurant,
in Auckland’s hip Britomart precinct, is renowned for handmade Italian
fare perfectly arranged on simple stoneware. Sustainable and local are
the keywords here, reflected in such produce as line-caught trevally
from Aldermen Islands, Katikati farm Suffolk
lamb and Wairarapa coast crayfish.
Travel Tips
Britomart
is smack bang in the heart of Auckland – right next to the Britomart
transport hub and train station. It’s easily accessible from almost
anywhere in Auckland via bus or train, and is just steps from the
city’s main ferry terminal.
 |
| Amano Restaurant |
Top of the World
Knoll
Ridge Café is the most elevated eatery in New Zealand, perched 2020m
above sea level. Located on Mount Ruapehu, one of the country’s most
popular ski destinations, the café was designed by New Zealand
architecture firm Harris Butt to reference the site’s original chalet,
which was destroyed in a 2009 fire. Featuring a glass wall on the east
side and copious timber throughout, it’s one of the
best places for a coffee with a volcanic view.
Travel Tips
Mount
Ruapehu is in the centre of the North Island, about a two-hour drive
from Taupo Airport. It’s home to two of the country’s premier ski areas,
Whakapapa and Turoa. The cafe is open from 9am to 4pm year-round.
