THIS BEAUTIFUL CONTEMPORARY RESTAURANT MARRIES THE SOPHISTICATION AND FLAIR OF FINE DINING WITH THE ENERGY AND FUN – AND PRICE TAG – OF BISTRO EATING.

When Kiwi restaurateurs Warren Turnbull and Mimi Gilmour set about creating a new restaurant in Sydney last year, they had a clear mission.

“We designed a restaurant we wanted to go to,” says Mimi. “When we go out we want to share everything, we want a good wine list and relaxed surroundings. And we wanted something that was accessible because it was affordable.”

The result was District Dining, the laid-back – but still sophisticated – little brother to Assiette, their acclaimed Surry Hills fine-dining restaurant. Generous-sized sharing plates of fresh, cleverly combined flavours are the order of the day, enjoyed in a beautiful space with polished but unfussy service.

Modern bistro dining

Now Warren and Mimi have brought the concept to Auckland, opening in Britomart’s Charter Customs Building on Customs Street East. The room is lovely, high-ceilinged, antique wooden-floored, the monochrome decor softened with a subtle mix of textures. Art from the owners’ private collection graces the walls, along with a stunning white-on-white Scrap Wall mural.

The menu wears its international influences on its sleeve, with flavours from Japanese to Spanish to Middle Eastern all cheerfully incorporated. The flavours are big and exciting, the combinations adventurous but beautifully balanced. The varied and interesting wine list offers a good range available by the glass, at – like the entire menu – wholly sympathetic prices.

This is a place you want to come back to often, for food you want to eat all the time.

District Dining is also available for private function hire, and has a small private bar area for reservation.

OPENING HOURS

Monday-Thursday 12pm-3pm, 6pm-11pm
Friday 12pm-11pm
Saturday 12pm-3pm, 6pm-11pm
Sunday Closed