1: Cazador
854 Dominion Rd, Balmoral
There's nothing else in Auckland quite like this family-run "Middle-Eastern game restaurant". Boar, hare, poussin, tripe - the menu is exciting and expertly cooked by chef, Dariush Lolaiy. Be brave enough to try anything here and we reckon Cazador might change your mind about offal. The dated decor, hunting paraphernalia and taxidermy doesn't work for everyone, but we find it strangely endearing, and the friendly front-of-house service is outstanding.
2: El Sizzling Chorizo
4 Brown St, Ponsonby
Take just one friend or go it alone and get in early to snag your seat at this buzzing Ponsonby Central Argentinian barbecue - the spicy smells of meat cooking over the big open grill have been luring the crowds since it opened.
If you can, secure a stool at the counter to be entertained by the Spanish-speaking banter and clever craft of moving the meat around over the coals to cook it to perfection. Go on an empty stomach, the succulent chorizo, lamb, sirloin and short-ribs are mouth-watering, finger-licking good.
3: El Humero
3/40 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna
While we're in South America, let's pay a visit to the newly opened El Humero, a traditional Colombian barbecue, the first of its kind in Auckland, its website says. Head chef, Alejandro Garcia, has come from the aforementioned El Sizzling Chorizo. He marinates the meat for hours before cooking it on an open fire or giving it time in a traditional wood fire oven. Our South American friend reckons the flavours here are the most authentic she's had in Auckland. Bonus, they take bookings, a rarity in Auckland these days.
4: Molten
422 Mt Eden Rd, Mt Eden
There are two ways we suggest meat lovers make the most of Molten. 1. Get a big group together, book the private courtyard out the back and give owner Sven Nielsen a call to book a beast in advance to have seasoned to perfection and rotating on the spit when you arrive. 2. Nab a sexy leather booth in the dimly lit wine bar and let the smart staff take you through a charcuterie board featuring an impressive line-up of cured meats and cheeses. They can also suggest the perfect wine partner from their award-winning list.
5: Miss Moonshine's
Lot 3, 130 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby
As you walk in the glass doors, it becomes clear Miss Moonshine's is mad about its meat - a massive mural of a cow overlooks this new addition to Ponsonby. Head chef Simon Den Boogert has mastered the craft of Creole cooking - working his magic on a 1.5 tonne Yoder Smoker barbecue shipped in from Kansas. This almighty machine means that big cuts can be cooked slowly, resulting in a dreamy beef brisket that will melt in your mouth. The soulful interior and chipper service is also worth a mention.
- Living
