Agnes Curran

Themed on the mysterious and baroque 1930’s Shanghai, this bar & lounge is the perfect place to have a cocktail after sunset. Most evenings the jazz band  plays live, and doors open from Tuesday to Saturday. Just a short walk down the hill from Ponsonby Rd.
It has an ecclectic collection of  furniture  which means every member of your party has a different type of chair to sit on. It may be carved, Chinese, black hardwood chair or an overstuffed armchair. One of Auckland’s special places.

This fabulous cafe, formerly known as the fire station, is an ideal place to have European style breakfasts, while reading the newspapers.
The menu offers GIGANTIC cheese scones, pies, scrambled eggs with salmon and fungi (or whatever you want) and the best cappuccinos.Very close to Verandahs Back packer.

A good way to end a long day is to stop by Parnell Road and have dinner at Di Mare. This cozy, Mediterranean restaurant is a secret hidden behind the main street and has the most delicious dishes. Try the seafood plate of squid and prawns for 2 and a bottle of chardonnay. Habib must be the best steak cook in Auckland and is rack of lamb with garlic sauce is to die for. 

This is a gorgeous little hideaway tucked back from the hustle and bustle of Ponsonby Road. It is like sitting in your very wealthy grandmother's living room - you are surrounded by beautiful antiques. The coffee here is paticularly excellent and so are the chocolate lamingtons. This is a perfect place in both winter and summer to take five and refuel.