Jesse Mulligan: Where can you drink affordable champagne in Auckland?

In his fortnightly foodie advice column, Viva’s resident dining-out editor shares his recommendations and insider advice. This week, where can you find inexpensive champagne by the glass, where to dine post-Milford Track, and K Rd for grown-ups.

Champagne tastes on a cost-of-living-crisis budget

Dear Jesse

My partner and I love to start our meal with a glass of champagne but it’s hard to justify in the current climate. Do you know of anywhere that does French bubbles at a good price by the glass?

Natalie

Hi Natalie,

I wrote last week about Mother in West Lynn and mentioned that the owners seem to have the magic touch. One of the things they do is Laurent-Perrier for $25 a glass, which is, I think, about as low as champagne goes without delving into weird brand names you’ve never heard of.

It can’t be an accident because they do the same wine at the same price at their other establishment, Hotel Ponsonby, and if you wanted to buy a bottle, the per-glass price comes down to something like $21.50 – the same cost as a decent New Zealand chardonnay. At this price, it must almost be a loss leader – a way of getting people through the door, like a cheap leg of lamb at Pak’nSave in December – but what do you care? The food at both places is fantastic, it’s not like you’re being tricked into eating at Georgie Pie.

Finally, I must do my job and put in a plug for New Zealand methode traditionelle, which will be indistinguishable from champagne, quality wise, unless you’re a Master of Wine. If you see Vilaura on the menu grab it with both hands (I know for a fact The Wine Room has it) but I’ll happily drink any of the following (listed in order of preference, though they are all fantastic): Nautilus, Daniel Le Brun Number One, Cloudy Bay Pelorus and Quartz Reef. Lots of other brands do their own bubbles but only sell it from the cellar door or selected local restaurants – my advice is if you’re passing through a winery and see it offering a methode for less than $50, grab a couple of bottles while you can.

Girls on tour in Queenstown

Hi Jesse, how are you?

Best Queenstown restaurant with a vibe? Looking for recommendations after doing the Milford Track with a dozen women.

Helen

Hi Helen, I’m great, thank you, though not as good as you probably with this epic trip you’ve got planned.

Would you consider Arrowtown? Aosta and Swiftsure are great bets. La Rumbla is fantastic too – more casual but possibly more party potential? I love The Sherwood, halfway between the airport and central Queenstown and it’s a total vibe. Rata is a classic for a reason. Finally, we ate at Toast and Oak last time we were down there, which was brilliant though it’s a bit hidden away so possibly not as buzzy – still, with you and 11 mates I don’t think you’re going to be short of atmosphere. Have fun!

Karangahape Road for grown-ups

Hi Jesse

Four of us are going to a gig on K Rd on Friday night and want to have a nice meal first. Where do we go? Think of it as helping the elderly. Hope you’ll consider. Liked the sound of that Japanese place in Devonport. But not close enough, clearly.

Cheers!

Robert

Hi Robert, I’m very happy to help.

There are others, Robert, but I think this is a very strong shortlist. Let me know if I can help further.

Previously recommended by Jesse Mulligan

What you’ve asked, and what he’s shared.

The top 10 best foodie cities in New Zealand, ranked. Jesse has opinions – he ranks NZ’s best foodie cities and Auckland’s best crudo.

My current restaurant obsession where playing with your food is encouraged. Plus, one reader wants more on the Shore. And where to take a big group in Christchurch.

Are my food reviews biased? Here’s my (very) honest answer. Plus, where to go for a special Sunday lunch, and how much you should pay for a steak.

‘I’d take the recommendation of my plumber over a Michelin inspector’. What Jesse really thinks about the Michelin Guide coming to New Zealand.