Trocadero

Tucked inside the Legacy Airedale Hotel in Auckland City Centre, Trocadero brings an elegant calm to the city’s bustle. A relaxing dining room that welcomes locals and visitors alike, it sits conveniently opposite the theatre — a polished stop for pre-show suppers or lingering nightcaps. The kitchen champions homegrown ingredients, letting seasonal produce do the talking with aromatic, bold flavours.

Small plates set a assured tone: think focaccia potato bread with tomato and truffle butter, or pan-seared scallops on parsnip purée with crispy jamón and hazelnut butter. Those same confident touches extend to signatures that celebrate the earthier side of the larder, from grilled field mushrooms to crispy portobello mushroom strips.

Hearty mains keep things classic yet indulgent. The Legacy Burger stacks a beef patty with spiced bacon, caramelized onion, pickles and smoked cheddar, all with fries on the side, while a beef scotch 300gm arrives with jus, café de Paris butter, watercress and fries. To finish, opt for a silken crème brûlée or an affogato, with the option to add a splash of liqueur. The bar favours well-made staples, from a Mango Chili Margarita to an Espresso Martini.

Open daily from breakfast through dinner, Trocadero suits the swift and the unhurried alike. Book a table, cue the appetite, and catch a little culinary curtain-raiser before the main event.