Westpac on Takutai Square,
50 Customs Street East,
Auckland Central
Auckland,
1010
+64 9 368 5315
The ViewAuckland Review
Vibe
Bustling, sleek and modern, with an urban, downtown feel. Come half an hour early
for a cocktail in the bar.
Service
Relaxed, unpretentious and knowledgeable, with extra points for offering to bring an
extra dish gratis following a slight hiccup when ordering. (Pork belly and trevally can
sound kind of similar when in a bustling Auckland bistro).
Winelist
Sprawling and NZ-focused, but with plenty of international diversions along the way
including Californian Cabernet Sauvignon from Francis Ford Coppola, and luscious
Alsatian Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. Emersons and Moa fly the NZ craft beer
flag in the concise selection of beers.
Highlights
District Dining is all about communal dining with snacks ($4 to 12) and plates ($18
to 31) all designed to be shared. Flavours range from Europe through Asia and the
Middle East. District Dining’s spin on steak frites is caper-studded steak tartare
with fries, aioli and garlic-toasted sourdough. Leave room for dessert, especially the
mandarin brulee with cardamom and poached mandarins, served in their own tiny
preserving jar.
Most Surprising Dish
The crispy pigs ears with Szechuan salt. Imagine a spicy marriage of fried pancetta
and crackling and you’re just about there. Teamed with a hoppy Little Creatures Pale
Ale, they’re just about the world’s perfect beer snack.
The Bottom Line
District Dining’s offering of well-priced shared plates with innovative and
international flavours has effortlessly survived the journey across the Tasman from
Sydney to Auckland.
A Reason to Return
To finally try the crispy pork belly with Asian-style salad, chilli and peanuts ($24).
The accidentally-ordered trevally with wasabi pannacotta, quinoa and ponzu ($19)
was damn good though.
District Dining has been reviewed by 6 users