BEST METROPOLITAN RESTAURANT

WINNER

CASSIA 17/20

Cassia continues to win accolades for bringing casual and contemporary Indian cooking to the table, for its exemplary service and delivering satisfaction with flair but without gimmicks or artifice. It’s a quirky space, with low ceilings and a mod-industrial vibe. As soon as you settle into your seat you get tantalising hints of cardamom and cumin, of spice and intrigue. Allow time to begin with a drink from the eclectic Cassia cocktail list and then prepare yourself for a feast. Clever combinations of fish, kokam mustard and coconut bring a smile, as do the unexpected spice and sweetness of kumara and mushrooms in korma sauce. This is pure dining entertainment that has at its heart well-considered and beautifully executed food with lashings of fascinating flavour.

5 Fort Lane, Auckland,

09 379 9702 cassiarestaurant.co.nz Lunch Wed-fri, dinner Tue-sat, mains $28-36

IN BRIEF Contemporary Indian cuisine at the top of its game