Owned by Kiwi legend Al Brown, Depot first opened in 2011 and put Auckland on the foodie map.

My Dad, a workaholic, has worked his way around most Auckland restaurants on work dinners, meetings or taking my wonderful Mum out on a Saturday night. If there’s one place he raves about more than anywhere else in the city, it’s Depot. For years, I didn’t understand what was so special about it. How can fish sliders really be that good? Turns out, I was wrong.

One year, we came here for Father's Day. Dad ordered for everyone, and we waited patiently, watching plates upon plates of food leave the kitchen.

When ours arrived, it was charcuterie (with different bits and bobs I’d never have imagined would make their way onto my palette), salads, steak, and the iconic fish slides. Unassuming but as good as everyone says they are, they melt in your mouth and will have you ordering one, two, maybe even three more.

While the food is delicious, I think the thing everyone loves most about Depot is the owner, Al Brown. He’s down-to-earth and incredibly friendly, and you’ll often find him squeezing himself between tables packed full of diners, pouring wine, or asking guests how their meals are.

If you’re looking for an extra special place for date night, or just want to impress someone with some classic Kiwi wow factor, Depot is where you should come. Depot do not take bookings.. I recommend getting there early, putting your name down on their waiting list and settling down at one of the bars around the area for a pre-dinner drink