This place is a welcome break from the rowdy masses in the bars around Auckland’s Skycity Casino and hotels. It’d be easy to bypass the cosy little corner that Bellota occupies, but if you’re any sort of wine and cheese fan (and let’s face it, who isn’t?) then check it out. Named after the acorn that feeds the fanciest of pigs (they give us Iberian ham), Bellota brings the best of Spain and its Mediterranean neighbours to Auckland.

In a market usually flooded with local wines, a taste of Spain is pretty welcome, and they have a huge selection of reds and whites. Settle in for the evening with a date in the comfy leather booths surrounded by chilled acoustics, choose a bottle and then hit up their award-winning tapas menu (order the goat’s milk cheese from Catalonia served with honeycomb – trust us). Operated by renowned New Zealand chef, Peter Gordon, you’re in good hands all round.