The Golden Nest at Woodpecker Hill

"Welcome to Auckland's most eclectically decorated restaurant, a quirky and stylish combination of retro-Euro-chic ski lodge and colonial Shanghai . Such disparate design elements shouldn't work together, but they do, and there's an equally cosmopolitan alliance on the menu. The bold flavors of southeast Asia—especially Thailand and Vietnam—are paired with American barbecue (courtesy of the kitchen's giant low-and-slow smoker), and dishes like coconut-braised beef short ribs with chile jam and mint are tasty evidence of culinary inspiration. Other standout plates are crispy batons of fried eggplant and a fragrant duck curry, and the well-considered list of wines, cocktails, and craft beers is one of Auckland's best."