Auckland and Around Food

Fusion is the word in Central Auckland. Takeaways and food courts—the cheapest choices for backpackers—dot the city center, but supermarkets are mostly located in Newmarket and Ponsonby. An expansive Foodtown, 76 Quay St., is east along the waterfront. (☎275 2567. Open 24hr.) New World, 2 College Hill, near Victoria Park, has the most central location; the Link bus stops right outside. (☎307 8400. Open daily 7am-midnight.) Central Auckland options cluster around the middle stretch of Queen St. or along K’Rd. Ponsonby and Mt. Eden feature affordable hipster spots, while Parnell caters to a more upscale set.

• Central Auckland

The Middle East Cafe, 23A Wellesley St. (☎ 379 4843). A funky Middle Eastern falafel house, packed with wooden camels and pictures of deserts. Falafel $7. Entrees, including vegetarian options, $15-17 ...more

• Ponsonby

Café Cézanne, 296 Ponsonby Rd. (☎ 376 3338). Although the bright, busy mural on the wall is far from a masterpiece, the famous chicken caesar salad ($15) and the remarkable Thai chicken curry ($17) ...more

• Parnell

The Bog, 196 Parnell Rd. (☎ 377 1510). A Kiwi take on the traditional Irish pub, The Bog dishes up gourmet sandwiches ($13-17.50; until 5pm) and hearty pub fare ($17.50-24.50). Tu trivia night packs ...more

• Mt. Eden

Frasers, 434 Mt. Eden Rd. (☎ 630 6825). This popular neighborhood cafe serves up standard beverages and bites. Chat with a local over the homemade quiche ($8.50) and a cappuccino ($3). Open daily ...more