The best thing about winter? It’s the perfect excuse for comfort food. A bowl of goodness that feels like a hug, a plate of warmth that banishes the cold.
So when the chill sets in, Takapuna’s eateries are ready to be your sanctuary. Let’s explore some of our favorite places.
Flame up with fiery flavours at Rosie’s Red Hot Cantina
This is the perfect spot when you want a mountain of delicious food. Get ready to conquer Rosie’s legendary nachos, a colossal feast of cheesy, spicy and perfectly crunchy goodness that’s meant to be shared. Or devoured alone, don’t judge.
Recommended cold-buster: Monster Nachos – birria beef, corn chips, chilli, cheese and more.
Relax in seaside comfort at St Marée
St Marée is making a big splash in Takapuna as the newest spot for a comforting meal. The dishes are designed around local and seasonal seafood. It’s a place where you can taste the bounty of the sea in every bite.
Recommended cold-buster: Chowder sharing experience – 3 tapas house chowder with warmed kumara sourdough
Eat Goodness in a bowl at Street Organics
Street Organics is a top choice for those who appreciate a wholesome approach to their winter warmers. This whole-foods café prides itself on delicious, nutritious and healthy food that is made from scratch, using local organic ingredients wherever possible.
Recommended cold-buster: Nourish bowl – thyme roasted carrots, broccoli, tofu, hummus, toasted nuts and a coconut yogurt dressing.
Burger a burger at Burger Burger
Sink your teeth into a juicy burger that feels familiar and satisfying. Pair it with a side of fries and this is the kind of classic comfort that instantly lifts the spirits.
Recommended cold-buster: Old Smokey – beef, bacon, caramelised onions, smoked aged cheddar, BBQ sauce, mayo.
Get that steamy goodness at Ajisen Ramen
When you need something to chase away the winter shivers, seek a steaming bowl of ramen. Ajisen Ramen’s claim to fame is their rich tonkotsu pork bone broth, with a secret recipe that may or may not include roasted garlic and onion. All we know is that it’s seriously delicious.
Recommended cold-buster: The classic Kumamoto-style bowl – chashu pork and kikirage mushrooms with an egg on top.
Fresh & light comfort at Hanoi Haven
Comfort food doesn’t always have to be heavy. Vietnamese is an ideal choice when you want warmth without the weight. The fragrant Pho noodle soup at Hanoi Haven is a taste of heaven, with flavours that feed the soul.
Recommended cold-buster: Pho – traditional medium-rare beef noodle soup.
Full-on meaty meals at Humero Colombian BBQ
When a good cut of beef is your idea of comfort, El Humero is ready to banish the cold with a fiery twist. As New Zealand’s first traditional Colombian-style barbecue restaurant, the rich, smoky aromas of their fire cooked meats will make you feel like everything is right in the world.
Recommended cold-buster: Carne Empalada – beef knuckle, beer and onion marinated and cooked with a slow flame from manuka wood.
Sooth the soul at Cousin Scotts
Nomatter the weather, there’s nothing like crispy fried chicken. Cousin Scotts brings a taste of the American South to Takapuna, serving up deliciously satisfying meals that are the very definition of comfort food.
Recommended cold-buster: Chicken Sando – secret spiced fried chicken thigh, slaw, pickles and sauce.
Experience carb heaven at Hell Pizza
When hell’s freezing over, eat pizza. Hell, be indulgent and get it delivered directly to your door. And let’s be honest, this is some of the best pizza there is. The bad boys of the pizza world really know what they’re doing when it comes to packing flavour on a base.
Recommended cold-buster: The sweet pizza, Unearthly – banana, blueberries, chocolate, white chocolate and custard.