463 New North Road,
Kingsland
Auckland,


(09) 815 1535

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It's the perfect irony; Kingsland's newest bar looks like it's been established for years.

Recently opened in a corner location that's had previous lives as an excellent South Indian restaurant and a fairly ho-hum cafe, Ivy Restaurant & Bar is a terrific addition to the suburb that's growing up fast as a destination for eating, drinking, and all round good times.

Kingsland's drinking scene has traditionally been dominated by the raucous fun of Ruby, or the big screen sports bar vibe of the Kingslander.

Now The Ivy is providing a nicely low-key, but sophisticated alternative that's reminiscent of bars in Melbourne or London.

Classy without being showy, the Ivy is decked out in dark wood and leather, with accents of exposed bricks and heavy brocade curtains.

There's more seating options than a new waterfront stadium, with cosy booths, tables (inside and out), and bar stools just made for a single malt or a glass of red.

And if you're allergic to a classy combo of dark wood, leather and bricks, you can retire to a separate lounge with retro sofas and sexy red chairs that look like they're on loan from Dr Evil's subterranean lair.

Summer's promise is in the air on the night we visit and we settle on an Erdinger Wheat Beer, and a zingy Ginger Mojito off a concise cocktail list.

The Ivy is one of the first bars in Auckland to get Erdinger on tap, and its zest goes well with the Asian flavours of the tapas plates we share; chilli and lemongrass spiced cashews, and spiced calamari with pickled vegetables.

We like a place that's versatile, and The Ivy's punchy slogan sums it up: The Ivy. destination. eat. drink.

The full stops between words are a tad pretentious, but thankfully nothing else is.

The bar staff are relaxed, but professional. Easy going beats are kept at conversation-friendly levels, and the thoughtful wine list approaches 70 wines, most available by the glass.

As well as tapas, there's a lunch and dinner menu, including fusion pizzas, and we've already resolved to check out the small breakfast menu next Sunday morning.

If you don't live in Kingsland, then The Ivy should make you green with envy, because this is the perfect neighbourhood bar.

And to prove they're good neighbours, every time you visit you'll be helping them support the Sumatran tigers down the road at Auckland Zoo.