Our pick of the Best Britomart Bars and Restaurants

Britomart's refurbished heritage buildings on Auckland's waterfront are home to award winning restaurants and upmarket bars. The vibrant downtown precinct is the go-to place for after work drinks, group dining, couples nights out and live music.

If you're looking for ambient drinks establishments as well as great eateries - from casual drop-in, to fine dining restaurants - then be sure to check out some of these popular Britomart haunts.

1. Bar Non Solo

Bar Non Solo is the perfect spot to meet friends for drinks after work, pre-dinner and after-dinner.  Along with a list of classic cocktails the up-market bar serves some of the Non Solo classics along with a selection of salumi and antipasti, small plates and Non Solo’s famous pizza.  Grab a seat overlooking the lights of Britomart.  Friday evenings kick it up a notch with a selection of Aucklands best DJ’s

Location:  Level 2, Seafarers Building, 52 Tyler Street, Britomart.
2. Alma

Flamed, charred and smouldering from fire, alma’s food style travels through seasons, produce and localities from our own neighbourhood whilst nodding to a few from afar.  Explore an array of Spanish sherries and vermouths.  Or, meander through a purposely constructed gin list for your own curation.  From 11.00am until dusk sit among Andalusian tiled colour and contrast, or nestle outside between native grasses and shady pohutukawa.

Location:  130 Quay Street, Britomart.3. The Brit

The Brit is a spacious and modern pub situated in the Britomart.  The menu is simple with a focus on 'taste' with plentry of choices to share and a number of light bites.  For a big day out watch any live sports game on one of the many screens  on offer.  There's also a couple of pool tables to perfect your game on.  There are no table bookings, as it's a walk-in only venue.

Location:  122 Quay Street, Britomart.

4. Cafe Hanoi - Upmarket Asian

Don't let the word cafe fool you, this popular Vietnamese eatery is all restaurant. Experience the fresh, lively flavours of Vietnamese cooking, a beautiful contemporary space and helpful, attentive staff at Cafe Hanoi.

This is an ideal place for a meal with a group of friends, with plenty of shared plates to tempt a range of tastes and appetites. The emphasis is on fresh, organic ingredients with herbs and spices particular to Vietnamese cooking: lemongrass, chilli, tamarind and lime.

Relive your memories of backpacking through Vietnam with the selection of street food signatures dishes such as: the pancake with pork and shrimp, traditional beef noodle soup or peppered soy shaking beef. They have a no reservations policy, but if you go early enough you'll get a table.

Location: Cnr Galway & Commerce Sts, Britomart.
5.  Caretaker

Caretaker is a New York style cocktail lounge situated in the Britomart precinct and inspired by the golden era of bartending.  With a belief that the cocktail is a simple thing and what matters most is that it's made right, every detail has been considered, from the fresh pressed juice right down to the ice in your glass.  There's plenty of cocktails on offer from the ever-changing menu or, you can trust your host to suggest the perfect drink for you. 

Location:  Downstairs, 40 Customs Street, Britomart. 

6. Ortolana 

With a comfortable neighbourhood dining feel, Ortolana serves delicious seasonal dishes with a European twist.  All ingredients are locally sourced from their own farm out west and the seating is either al fresco or indoors, watching the chefs flit around the kitchen as they work their magic. 

Choose from exotic sounding dishes such as: chicken cotoletta, herb fazzoletti, gypsy salad with goddess dressing.  Yes, Ortolana is one of those places where you're not quite sure what will arrive in front of you, but that's half the fun.  Sweets and desserts come courtesy of Milse, located right next door.  A clever way to keep diners firmly ensconced in Ortolana and lingering over handmade valrhona chocolates, pine nut and honey tart or crema fritta.

Location: 31 Tyler Street, The Pavilions, Britomart.

7.  La Petite Fourchette 

Grab lunch, morning tea, a coffee or one of the delicious cakes at this french bakery and patisserie in the heart of the Britomart.  This is the place to savour a menu of mouth watering cakes, desserts, pastries and quiches.

Location:  9 Britomart Place, Britomart.