We often associate the long lunch with the carefree days of summer – but in Takapuna, the year-round beachside vibe has you feeling like you’ve taken a mini break from it all even in the middle of winter. We’ve rounded up some of our top picks for a leisurely lunch; places where you can cosy up with warming food before a bracing stroll along the beach.

Regatta, The Strand, Takapuna

It’s easy to relax into a long lunch at Regatta. There’s a bounty from the ocean on the menu, such as oysters, seafood chowder with toasted focaccia and seaweed butter, and pan-fried market fish with celeriac veloute and braised fennel. For something that will see you through till dinner try the beef cheek: slow-cooked and tender, served with caramelised onion puree, broccoli and hazelnut cream.

Tokyo Bay, 20 The Strand, Takapuna

With ocean views and authentic Japanese food, Tokyo Bay is an idyllic spot to retreat on a brisk winter’s day. The lunch menu boasts an impressive selection of bento boxes, and we also love their Japanese twist on fish and chips with tempura fillets and a trio of mayo, paired with a crisp Japanese beer. For a cocktail to help you defrost, try the Red Hot, a mix of warm plum and brandy wine, and drunken Japanese umeshu plum.

Takapuna Beach Café, 22 The Promenade, Takapuna

They do the classics well here: a great burger with provolone, pickles and truffle mayo; crispy chicken cotoletta; and scampi spaghetti with fennel, preserved lemon and chilli. Finish off with a house hot chocolate, an indulgent winter treat best enjoyed gazing out at uninterrupted views of the Hauraki Gulf.

Tok Tok, 129 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna

For a warming winter lunch we love the idea of getting a few curries to pass around the table at Tok Tok. Try the yellow vegan curry with roasted pumpkin, oyster mushroom and pea shoots; and the green lamb curry with kumara, courgette, coconut and mint. Tok Tok’s little neck clams are also delicious, wok-tossed with kailan, smoked bacon and chilli. Riesling and Pinot Gris both pair well with curry and Tok Tok has some a great sewlection from vineyards such as Peregrine, Pegasus Bay and  Man o’ War.

Florrie McGreal’s, 138 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna

Nothing brightens up a dreary winter day quite like a traditional pub lunch. At Florrie McGreal’s it’s as trad and Irish as it gets. We can’t go past a pint of Guinness served alongside a chicken and mushroom or steak and Guinness pie, served with peas and colcannon, an Irish dish of mashed potatoes and cabbage. Complete the meal with an Irish coffee alongside an apple and rhubarb crumble.

The Commons, 21 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna

The Commons is a toasty and inviting spot to settle into for lunch. On a cool winter’s day, we can’t think of anything better than a bottle of red wine and a steak from the grill. Try the Savannah bone-in rib-eye for two with a choice of two sides and sauces, then stick around for their decadent desserts, such as the rich chocolate mousse with dulce de leche ice cream and hazelnut crumb.

Bedford Soda and Liquor, 21 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna

If the kids are with you, design your own meatball adventure. The interactive menu and theatrical cocktails here are entertaining for the whole family. Go classic with beef meatballs and tomato sauce on a bed of spaghetti; or try the chicken, sage and ricotta meatballs with roast chicken gravy on potato mash. The winter salad of beetroot, spinach, feta and walnuts rounds out the meal perfectly.

Mexico, 4 The Strand, Takapuna,

Throw a mid-winter fiesta by ordering rounds of tacos, and margaritas by the carafe. For the cooler weather, we recommend the black plum and cinnamon, or pomegranate hibiscus flavours. The menu changes seasonally so expect comforting fare such as cumin roasted pumpkin and kumara dip with chilli oil or slow-cooked lamb quesadilla, with cinnamon spiced churros to finish.

Madame Woo, 486 Lake Rd, Takapuna

Madame Woo’s renditions of Malaysian street and soul food are great for spicing up any lunch date. We like the beef rendang with kaffir lime and galangal served with coconut rice, a soothing bowl of laksa, or twice-cooked eggplant with wok fried greens, sambal and curry leaves. The great selection of beer is a perfect accompaniment; we also love their Vietnamese coffee.

Zomer, 4 The Strand, Takapuna Beach

If it’s a long, lazy brunch you are after, Zomer is the place to be. Serving beautiful breakfast classics such as French toast, eggs benedict, and creamy mushrooms all day long, Zomer also has a winter lunch menu that celebrates the season’s best. If you like to wash down your brunch with a tipple, Zomer has small but great selection of wine.

https://www.ilovetakapuna.co.nz/