Family favourites
Rakesh Tailor is the GM of the Great India restaurant, which his parents opened more than 38 years ago.
OIKOS
382 Broadway, Miramar
This little Greek restaurant is an absolute gem, Located in Miramar, it’s a definite favourite with my family. The Kleftiko slow-cooked lamb shoulder and halloumi fries are not to be missed. The owner and chef, Theo Papouis, is an awesome operator and we love seeing what he’s going to dish up next.
CHARLEY NOBLE EATERY AND BAR 1 Post Office Square, Te Aro
This well-run restaurant has been our go-to for the longest time. There’s something about the wood-fired cooking pits and lovely ambience that makes it a winner with everyone. The pork belly is outstanding and the beverage selection is vast.
PEPE’S PIZZA PARLOUR 731C High St, Lower Hutt
My two sons Yash, 19, and Dhilan, 13, have special needs and sometimes it can be difficult eating out. But they both love Pepe’s Pizza in Lower Hutt. It’s incredibly child-friendly and casual, but the pizzas are amazing. The dough, which isn’t too yeasty, is made in front of you. They roll it out and flip it around, which the kids find entertaining. We like the parmesan and garlic pizza and the eggplant and halloumi pizza is also pretty great.
TASTE OF INDIA
6022/3 Devonshire Rd, Miramar
Our restaurant serves Gujarati food from the West of India but when I want to try something different, I head to this takeaway near my home in Miramar which served North Indian food. It’s family-run and the food is always fresh and delicious.
SHEPHERD
1/5 Eva St, Hannah’s Laneway
I’ve heard so much about this restaurant and have been meaning to take my wife Harshida there one weekend. The food from owner/ chef Shepherd Elliott is totally different from any restaurant and his dishes are fantastically inspirational. For example, things like Awatoru wild venison tataki with a walnut, fig, honey truffle dressing and cheese. I’ve also heard the Maitre d,’ Chelsea Godinet, commands an awesome front-ofhouse service.
ASIAN KITCHEN 101 Victoria St, Te Aro
This compact eatery has some of the most flavoursome Malaysian dishes around.I find it hard to go past the Burmese chicken curry with succulent thigh pieces cooked in onions and coconut cream. It’s delicious.
THE STRATHMORE BAKERY 510 Broadway, Strathmore Park
This family-run business is our comfort spot. It’s simple but consistent when it comes to its cabinet selection and brunch menu. The soft shortbread style apple slice is my daughter Bianka’s favourite.