Lilian

The 38 Best Restaurants in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland, New Zealand) | Eater

"With warm dark wood, maroon banquettes, and worn walls, Lilian is a humming neighborhood osteria that feels like it’s been there forever. Arrive at the opening to sip a blood orange margarita in the sun’s final rays, and order wood-fired puff bread to mop up spreadable small plates, such as pickled mussels with chile and aioli. Local shellfish pops up elsewhere on the menu too. There are Cloudy Bay clams with ’nduja, preserved lemon, and leeks, plus some of the best pizza in the city topped with briny tua tua clams, fennel cream, fried garlic, and pecorino. Expect to wait for a table, ideally while grabbing a drink at Freida Margolis on the corner, an equally fantastic neighborhood bar. — LJ" - Hillary Eaton