Auckland Dining Out Meetup Group

From their website:

Now an icon in Auckland city, the Mezze Bar was created in 1992 by Sal, Ed and Clare – kiwis homebound after a severe attack of wanderlust.
Their travels took them all over the Mediterranean, the Middle East and Africa; and the tastes, sights and hospitality encountered along the way had a major impact. Not wanting it all to become lost to memories and the photo album, they grabbed the bull by the horns and opened the Mezze Bar – originally the Merchant Mezze Bar, named after the stall holders peddling their wares at markets, roadside bazaars and souks.
The Mezze Bar offers casual, unpretentious, order at the counter, eating and drinking – simple tasty morsels (tapas and mezze), to full meals, with accompanying hand selected wines and beers. Their espresso coffee and cakes (all made in house) are also legendary – and can be had at any time of the day or night.
Situated in the cultural heart of the city – its buzzing, handy location is ideal for pre- and post- show going, or even just an oasis of relief from the city outside, with its home away from home ambience. Serving coffee and breakfast from 7am weekdays to a steady stream of locals and regulars, and busy throughout the day – the Mezze Bar has now seen two generations of loyal customers.

$2 donation towards group costs

The plan for the night:

A drink before dinner. I have heard that this bar is a cool place for drinks and cocktails.

Drink -6pm to 7pm - Pineapple on Parnell. 207 Parnell Road, Parnell,
An opulent cocktail lounge and bar in the heart Parnell. See attached photos.

Dinner - 7 pm to 9 pm = Oh Calcutta Parnell. 151 Parnell Road, Parnell,
One of Auckland's oldest Indian restaurant long before butter chicken became famous. Oh Calcutta has been in Parnell for over 30 years.

From their website:
Our culinary creations are meticulously crafted with the intention of bringing joy to your palate and a smile to your face. Acknowledging the unique taste of every home, we, as creators, share the common goal of spreading happiness. Our curries, marked by kindness and a hint of nostalgia, are not only irresistibly delicious but also beckon you to indulge in their flavours daily. Each dish is prepared with devotion, serving as a testament to our deep-seated love for food.

$2 towards website costs please.

From their website:

We're driven to create an experience for each of our guests using the beauty of seasonal produce and products from New Zealand; and offer you what we ourselves enjoy and expect. Our menus feature dishes that are smart and exciting but also welcoming, honest and served by an attentive team. The drinks list is sharp and ever changing, offering a list of interesting producers and varieties to highlight your meal with a match that celebrates the flavours.
This is our place and we welcome you to come and enjoy at any time of the day; bringing your family and friends to relax and replenish.

$2 donation for website costs.

Rooftop drinks and lunch recommended by one of our regulars. I have booked an indoor table.

From Cuisine magazine.

Located on the 21st floor of 1 Queen Street, Queens Rooftop is accessible via a tiny, inconspicuous wine shop off Te Komititanga Square. Once you are past the friendly security guard and an attendant in a headset who will summon the lift, you’ll be ushered to floor 21 where the sexy chaos has you feeling like you are part of a club that seamlessly hosts the 11am brunchers, the power lunchers, the influencers and corporate gurus, right through to the nightcappers.

#### ABOUT THE MENU

The new-season menu at this clever rooftop continues a play on global favourites by chef Maia Atvars, with grilled Hawke’s Bay lamb chops, garlic toum sauce and minted pea zhoug bringing the flavours of New Zealand’s spring and summer to the fore. The jumbo prawn and octopus salad with white balsamic, grilled baguette and saffron aioli is a highlight, with the seafood cooked seriously well and folded through flavours and textures that could, but do not, overpower. The chef’s nod to the recent return to favour of the Baked Alaska is with white chocolate ice cream, cherry compote and Italian meringue. Specially monogrammed ice makes the drinks feel special and the dirty margaritas are spectacular.

$2 donation for website costs.