126: What We're Eating and Drinking

There’s no rest for the food-obsessed… when the dish team isn’t bringing you delicious recipes, we’re out there trawling far and wide in search of tasty fare. Below, we share our fave regulars, the places we return to time and time again

Lilian and Apéro, Auckland
Leaning into the nostalgic vibe of this issue, I was absolutely thrilled to re-visit two of my all-time favourite restaurants during this production cycle. First up was Lilian with my eldest son and his fiancé and friends from their home in Melbourne. What a treat it was to show off this gorgeous spot, and prove that we can take on the uber-cool Aussie restaurateurs with our home-grown hospo! Among the absolutely unmissable line-up were Woodfired Bread with Anchovy and Caramelised Onion Butter, Crispy Courgette Flowers, Woodfired Eggplant with Macadamia and Agrodolce and Lamb Ribs with Black Garlic and Pistachio. Next up was Apéro on a night out with friends – you know you’re in the right spot when you see an adjacent table packed with food mavens! Like Lilian, the menu stays pretty consistent, meaning you can enjoy your favourites time and again – in this case Goats Cheese Croquettes with Kamahi Honey, Falafel with Coriander Buffalo Yoghurt, Burrata with Roasted Sweetcorn and Hazelnut, Pomme Dauphine with Roquefort Sauce and Pork Sausage served with Pickles and Mustard – which you order by the quarter, half or full metre. These two establishments are absolutely tried and true, and fabulous all year round for locals and visitors alike.

bills, Sydney
For nostalgia, it has to be the Sydney icon, bills. I first went in 1993, the year Bill Granger opened his Darlinghurst café. I ordered the fluffy Ricotta Hotcakes with Honeycomb Butter, and over the many years I’ve returned, it’s the one dish I still order, despite the temptation of everything else on the menu. Softly Scrambled Eggs on Sourdough, and Avocado on Toast set the standard, simple dishes made memorable through care and consistency. I was lucky enough to work with him a couple of times and it was easy to see why he was successful. Bill understood how people wanted to eat and feel, designing his cafés with pared-back décor and a communal table piled with flowers, newspapers and magazines.

Child Sister, Christchurch
If you’re in Christchurch, you have to check out Child Sister! Whenever I travel there it’s my absolute go-to spot for catch-ups with friends and my regular breakfast fix. From their fresh-baked scones and slices to seriously good eggs bene and those fun Korean-twist brunch dishes, everything is packed with flavour. Delicious, satisfying, and consistently amazing every visit.

Okome Japanese Restaurant, Mount Eden
I keep going back to Okome Japanese Restaurant, it’s a firm favourite. Being right outside our apartment complex makes it even better; it feels like we have a little hidden gem downstairs. There’s something so comforting about heading down and knowing a great meal is on its way in less than 15 minutes! The sushi and sashimi are always fresh and beautifully prepared, but the real standouts for me are the Takoyaki (crispy outside, soft and savoury inside) and the Karaage Chicken – perfectly golden, juicy, and seriously addictive. Our easy, go-to spot every time.

Wellington round-up
I lived in Wellington for several years in my early twenties, and I still love the hospo scene there! My old favourites I want to visit next time I’m back are: Dragonfly Great food, vibey atmosphere and some of the best cocktails in town! Loretta I used to grab coffee here every morning; they have an incredible food and drink menu at any time of day or evening. Golding’s Free Dive Go for the excellent craft beer selection, stay for the surprises hidden amongst the quirky and nostalgic décor, friendly locals and pizza from Pizza Pomodoro

Ken Yakitori Bar, Auckland
My family and I have been going to Ken Yakitori for years, it’s an absolute staple. One year, my dad got a Ken Yakitori T-shirt for his birthday. It’s casual and quick, the staff are wonderful, and the décor is… something (there are chainsaws hanging from the ceiling). But you barely register it because the food is so moreish. Aside from the yakitori, we usually end up with a beer or two, tea, and multiple servings of Sashimi, Whole Garlic, and the Sesame Broccoli. The complimentary Cabbage Wedge with Kewpie for dipping is restocked generously, and you can’t go wrong with Tofu — or the Chicken Hearts.

Tanuki’s Cave, Auckland
Tanuki’s Cave was the first restaurant I went to in Aotearoa – descending the stairs into the softly lit interior, I immediately loved the buzzing atmosphere and the delicious aromas of grilled food. I was staying with my old schoolfriend and he was enough of a regular to keep a bottle of sake there – I soon became a repeat customer, too! In the 17 years since, I’ve been here with friends, family and flatmates, celebrating birthdays, having a pre- or post-show meal or just marking a random Friday. Must-orders include the Scotch Fillet Steak with Butter and Soy, the Prawns and Bacon, and the Chicken Tenderloin with Cheese from the kushiyaki menu. Plus a giant carafe of Asahi and some warm sake to wash it all down of course!

Barulho, Parnell
We’ve been going to Barulho in Parnell for years, ever since it opened. The menu doesn’t change a whole lot, but that’s part of the charm! You always know what you’re going to get, and the quality is consistently spot on. We love sitting out on the footpath under the trees – it always makes me feel like I’m in Sydney. The Seafood Paella (sometimes they have Moreton Bay bug on top, which is always a treat), Croquetas with Romesco, and the crusty Woodfired Sourdough with Whipped Goat Cheese, Truffle and Honeycomb are always our go-to. All best enjoyed with a crisp Pisco Sour. Delicious.