GILT Brasserie

Although GILT Brasserie only opened around mid-October in 2023, it has already established itself as a gem in the Auckland dining scene. This may be because of the couple behind it — none other than hospitality power couple Josh and Helen Emett.

Emett announced he had been working on a new space earlier in 2023, combining his hospitality expertise with his wife Helen's knowledge and love for Europe to create the couple's latest destination. It marks the third restaurant venture for the foodie power couple, with the pair also running Onslow on Princes Street and Waiheke Island's The Oyster Inn.

Perched at the top of historic landmark Chancery Chambers, GILT is an all-day dining heaven in the form of a 130-seat restaurant where diners are encouraged to let their long lunch plans slowly but surely turn into dinner and drinks.

There's a big old mix of traditional dishes and emerging food trends, with menu items like a 'tongue in cheek' toastie — a beef cheek and ox tongue dish moonlighting as a sandwich you might find in your school tuckshop. The menu also boasts a whole section of spud dishes on the side: think pomme rosti, lyonnaise and dauphinoise, the perfect fancy comfort food.

As for the drinks, GILT offers a stellar 15-page wine list, with drops heralding from France, Italy, Spain, Germany and of course, a great selection of New Zealand's best. The cocktail list is also extensive, and organised into sections to guide your choices: apéritif, first sips, day drinkers, after dark and non-alcoholic.