Welcome to our new hospitality businesses

Auckland’s city centre has made a name for itself for its wonderfully diverse food offerings – in fact, it’s one of the things Aucklanders love most about the city centre. We’re thrilled to welcome a range of new hospitality businesses into the fold, including from people who already have other businesses here. So who are they?

After a successful pop in the same location back in 2016, iconic Melbourne restaurant MoVida has opened its first international flagship in Britomart. MoVida has developed a reputation for its boldly elegant take on Spanish tapas.  In an interview with the Britomart Group, founder Frank Cammora says the decision was a great opportunity:

“We're working with really good partners [Savor Group] who do things really well in an incredible location. I mean, seriously, this view! [gestures to the harbour] The location is unbelievable. And I know a lot of our repeat customers are from New Zealand, and they're coming over to Melbourne, so why not bring it here?”

Frank is of the view that MoVida works best when it’s right in the heart of a city with its flexible offering.  

Renowned chef Ben Bayly has opened Origine next door to his celebrated restaurant Ahi in Commercial Bay. Origine merges French regional cuisine created with the best ingredients from New Zealand. Meanwhile Bar Albert – the highest rooftop bar in New Zealand – has opened on the 38th floor of voco Auckland City Centre.

Taco Medic’s fresh, easy-breezy tacos that combine Mexican and New Zealand influences have won them a devoted following from Queenstown to Auckland since starting out with just a food truck. They’ve recently opened a fourth brick-and-mortar store –on the corner of Quay Street and Lower Albert Street. Taco Medic owners – cousins Anthony Wilkins and Robbie McGillivray were keen to use the new location as an opportunity to further their vision.

“We had to back ourselves and have confidence in what we were doing and our past successes – there’s no point pussy-footing around, we wanted to go straight to where we wanted to be – the city centre has a lot of focus on food – and foot it with the big kids,” says Anthony. “The location was a great choice – we wanted to be able to be in strong trade, so choosing a place with lots of foot traffic – both day, night and tourism trade – was important for us.”

This meant that they have shifted away somewhat from their usual M.O – quick and casual – with Quay Street “We were looking to create a space for people to spend an evening, to relax, enjoy the food and the ambience” explains Anthony.  Their menu has been expanded to be a “little higher end” and now includes ceviche and champagne on ice.

Anthony is excited for the future of his business in Auckland’s city centre “It seems like vibrancy is already starting to be breathed back into the city centre again.”

Danny Lee has opened Rumours Specialty Coffee down O’Connell Street. “It was where the most diverse group of people come together. We wanted to share our speciality coffee with everyone” he says.

A minimalist’s dream, quality over quantity is at the heart of Rumours Speciality Coffee – from its single-origin coffee beans and unique pour-over coffee from Korea. Since opening, Danny’s been enjoying “seeing the streets becoming busier and busier – we love seeing new people come in, whether it be tourists, office workers, or from anywhere in New Zealand.”

Sweet Symphony is the latest brainchild of Xenia Group, headed by husband-wife team Rohini Jacob & Corey Stevens, serving up coffee and cakes. It can be found in the historic Victoria Park Markets, where they opened their first business The Oakroom over a decade ago.

Corey originally picked Victoria Park Markets because working in hospitality around the world gave him a “love of old buildings with a bit of soul and intimacy. So, I was specifically looking for older buildings that were in central Auckland – then a space at Victoria Park Markets was for lease. It has a different vibe  – lots of great views of the park” and The Oakroom became a favourite amongst corporates in the area.

Rohini, who Corey affectionately describes as someone who “can’t sit still” decided to take a baking class during lockdown and her enthusiasm led her to want to open a new business. As restrictions lifted, they found yet another space for lease in Victoria Park Markets and Sweet Symphony was born.

In part, this was a practical decision. “Because they’re so close, they share the same refrigeration and storage system,” says Corey. “It makes sense to not have [Sweet Symphony] in Newmarket because it means the two businesses can lean on each other.” However, they were also filling a gap in the market – a boutique cake shop near to their corporate clientele. “It makes their lives easier,” says Rohini. “Plus, we make all of the food in-house – nothing is brought in – so they can come in and watch us at work.”

Keep up to date with new businesses in the city centre here.