Apero Food & Wine

Apero’s owners describe the city diner as French-influenced but not exclusively French. The low-lit, brick-walled 40-seater is an intimate, understated presence on Karangahape Road. It’s run by partners Leslie Hottiaux and Mo Koski, with a focus on flavourful and approachable food and wine.

Hailing from Toulouse, chef Hottiaux draws on her training in traditional French cooking techniques while prioritising working directly with free-range, organic and sustainable suppliers. Her dishes are fuss-free and designed to share; for a quintessentially French favourite, try the pork sausage served with pickles and mustard.

Start your meal with a charcuterie platter or the goat’s cheese croquettes with kāmahi honey, and it’s always worth ordering something from the specials board, which is where Hottiaux really gets creative.

At any given time, you can find at least 25 options available on Apero’s by-the-glass wine list. Koski (who will likely look after you front of house) is known for his passionate, encyclopaedic approach to wine, and if you twist his arm the right way he may be inclined to open a special bottle from out the back.