Soul Bar & Bistro (1)

Viaduct Harbour, Viaduct. Ph 356-7249, soulbar.co.nz.
Lunch & dinner 7 days. $$

Soul is there for you, Auckland. From lunch to late night, every day of the week, whether you’ve booked or walked up on a whim, you’ll be treated with care from start to finish. Service at Soul is a pleasure to witness. It’s a relative behemoth of a floor to cover, but the calm, friendly staff have it down pat — no easy feat, considering how much the restaurant changes in character from midday’s lunch  to midnight’s bar. There’s plenty on that menu to keep you returning. The small plates are especially exciting and one of the nicest things to do is order a number of them to share. Dishes such as a raw kingfish tostada and perfectly charred grilled octopus demonstrate that the way Soul does seafood — with care and obvious passion — makes it a star in the city, but equally there’s loads to be enjoyed here that’s not from the sea.

4 Spoons

A favourite dish: Roast duck breast, green papaya, coriander and mint salad, mango purée, toasted peanuts.

Shared-plate options / Fixed-price meals / Good for vegetarians / Free-range chicken and/or pork / Good seating outside / Takes large groups / Bar / Craft beer selection