Where the chefs go to eat: Des Harris’ must-try Auckland restaurants

Where the chefs go to eat: Des Harris’ must-try Auckland restaurants
The Hilton's Culinary Director and Des Harris tells us which Auckland restaurants he loves to dine at. 

Auckland is spoilt for choice when it comes to outstanding dining establishments. With so many to choose from, it can be hard to know where to begin. We asked acclaimed chef Des Harris where to dine in Auckland (including where to find the best fried chicken in the city).

Ramen lab

Ramen for me, like a lot of chefs, is comfort food. This place in Takapuna hits all the right notes for indulgence.

Gochu

Jason Kim creates signature dishes like no one I’ve ever known. Modernizing Korean food, he is in his element and everything is unbelievably yum!

Thai Yum Food Hut

My local Thai eatery in Birkenhead never disappoints. Authentic, cheap and so tasty!

The Engine Room

Another local to me. Everything is so familiar, so attentive, so consistent and so yum.

Mr Morris

Micheal Meredith as we all know is a chef of international class. Everything he cooks is so on point. This new restaurant lifts the standard in Auckland.

Credit: Anna Kidman

Paris butter

If I’m feeling like fine dining this is where I would go. Unpretentious and the food is some of the best you’d find anywhere in the city.

Peach’s Hot Chicken

Auckland’s best fried chicken joint for sure. Worth a wee journey down the southern motorway to Panmure for a fried chicken fix

Cassia

As I get older I crave heat and spice. Sid brings Indian food into a new dimension. Exact & refined cooking dish after dish.

Culprit

European food served in yum cha styles. A fun way to eat, especially with the food being so creatively quirky and delicious.

Omni

This is a relatively new one I haven’t got to yet, everyone I’ve spoken to has rated it highly.

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