Soul Bar & Bistro (2)

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

Runner-up: Best Service

Amid all the excitement about the new bars and restaurants of Britomart, North Wharf, Federal St and elsewhere, we wish to take our hats off to the Viaduct’s Soul. Their terrace is still, peerlessly, the best place in town to sit by the water and eat and drink well. Their food (in the hands of chef Gareth Stewart, above) is still among the very best Pacific Rim cuisine in town, and it’s especially long and strong on seafood — and vegetarian options. They go all day, from brunch to late night at the bar, serving hundreds of people a day, and the service remains impeccable from start to finish. That in itself is remarkable. And their special events (for ladies who lunch; to kick off the Bluff oyster season and celebrate big race days; to showcase local fashion or host a visiting literary giant) are invariably among the very best in town, too. If you want to show off this city to someone, have a really lovely long lunch, dine where it’s great watching the evening turn to night, or just relax with a drink, Soul is the place. $$$$

4 Spoons

A favourite dish: Scampi cocktail with whipped avocado and Moroccan ketchup.

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