Where to find Avondale’s finest filter coffee, fish tacos, fresh vegetables and more according to restaurateur Kaz Suzuki.
Avondale is a suburb in a state of flux. There are various modern developments underway, its cherished spider mascot, Dale, disappeared from its main street in 2024 after two decades, and the future of its famous markets remains uncertain. Amid all this change, restaurateur Kaz Suzuki sees something more enduring: a neighbourhood of culinary riches.
Originally from Japan, Suzuki arrived in Aotearoa in 2001 and is now the director and part owner of Pici, Ooh Fa and most recently Den. He has lived in Avondale for almost two years. Like its sister restaurants, Den is built around the proposition of doing one thing, and doing that one thing very, very well. At Pici, it was pasta; Ooh-Fa, it was pizza, and now at Den, it’s about ramen. Beyond that, Suzuki says, “we love people to feel at home and to capture a lively atmosphere, where people can enjoy the space, drinks and music alongside their food.”
These are also the kinds of places Suzuki seeks out when he is off the clock and has time to explore his own neighbourhood. In the small amount of time he isn’t zipping around some of the city’s busiest and most beloved dining rooms (of his own making), he can be found making his way around Avondale in search of perfect pies, fresh produce, dim sum, curries, filter coffee and whatever else happens to catch his eye.
Three words that sum up the food in Avondale: Honest, flavoursome, a lil’ rough around the edges.
My most controversial food opinion about Avondale: There is room for improvement. The high street has some cute spots and we just need some brave hospo people to take a chance on the neighbourhood – especially in the way of late-night openings.
Everyone has a dining out pet peeve. Mine is: Bad lighting, I truly feel like this can set the tone and atmosphere for a place: conversations flow better, relationships develop and everyone feels a little braver in a softly lit room.
The local dish I crave most: I’m gonna sound like a broken record as we go on here, but the sando of the day from Burnt Butter.
The best restaurant in Avondale is: Burnt Butter.
Why I love Burnt Butter: They represent everything I love about memorable hospitality: a fun and caring team, unique space and the menu is adventurous and delicious.
My go-to order is: For breakfast, my wife and I will often share the smoked fish crumpet and the sambal omelet. Later in the day, I always keep an eye on the sando special – they’re always outstanding. If the sando has sold out, the chicken schnitzel packs a punch. I try to save room for a sweet treat from the counter too.
When I’m craving something cheap and cheerful I head to: Banh Mi Delight. Super tasty bánh mì (duh) and their phở is also a favourite of mine for a quick flavour fix.
The most underrated local gem is: Tokos Tacos. The friendliest guys and the most delicious fish tacos.
A recent food discovery I can’t stop talking about: Timmur Nepalese & Indian Cuisine which has loads of tasty options. The Nepalese menu is especially good for something a little more adventurous.
A place I’ve been dying to try is: Ol’Mate. I have heard great things about their coffee and food, but our walk to their spot passes by Burnt Butter and we just can’t seem to pass it by. One day we’ll make it!
Celebrating with a group? Book a table at: Yum cha is definitely best eaten in a larger group so The Yacht is your best bet for group dining around here. You do need to order off the menu (sadly the food doesn’t come around in carts) but it is a quick and easy spot for some delicious dim sum.
Pub or bar of choice: I don’t often have a chance to hang out in the evenings for a drink in Avondale, but have stopped by the RSA on occasion. It does what it says on the tin.
An ideal date spot would be: A night at The Hollywood. Go for a movie or keep an eye out for upcoming gigs.
Avondale’s best…
Coffee: Bottomless coffee at Burnt Butter – the tastiest filter coffee around.
Sandwich: (BURGER!) Baby G of course. They do unbeatable smash burgers. And it’s always a double cheeseburger for me.
Pie: Maybe this is cheating, but a walkable distance from our place is Muzza’s Pies. It’s so nice to do a loop from our place, up Owairaka and then a pie on the way back down. Their steak and extra cheese hits and my wife is a sucker for a butter chicken pie. We’re yet to get in there in time for a pāua turnover sadly.
Kaimoana: We’ll often pop to The Yacht for dim sum, including prawn dumplings or shumai.
Baked treat: Burnt Butter’s rotating sweets cabinet. Their chocolate chip cookie is always perfectly moist and a little salty along with the generous chunks of chocolate. Any of their pies or tarts with custard are delicious too (including burnt butter custard, duh).
If you’re after spice, make a beeline for: Timmur Nepalese & Indian Cuisine and definitely try their momos with special Timmur sauce – dumplings in a sauce that is so punchy and tasty. Curry-wise, order a paneer saag and either a Nepali goat curry, or their thakali dal (black beans tempered with Himalayan wild garlic leaves and mustard).
My favourite grocery shop: As much as we dislike the soul-sucking big chain supermarkets taking from the high street and community, our local Pak N Save (Mt Albert) is on the way home from the daycare pick up and they have a pretty great frozen seafood section for making a wintery nabe (think Japanese hot pot of a soy dashi broth, with varying styles of surimi and fish balls and vegetables). They also sell fresh daikon which are essential in a nabe too.
For the best produce, I stop in at: The Avondale Markets. You can find some really unique greens like shiso, and the BEST curly cucumbers.
My favourite local hospo personality: Cam from Baby G has a strong following, and is passionate about community (and fishing). Burnt Butter also care loads about local business and their values are top notch.
A restaurant I would love to relocate to my chosen suburb is: Avondale is lacking a lil when it comes to evening places with great wine lists (thanks, at least in part, to Avondale being located within The Trusts’ boundaries). So, my picks would be Bar Martin or the original Bare Wines basement (RIP). Both are excellent, local spots.
Why I love eating in this suburb: Honestly, life is pretty busy running the restaurants, so I am fairly time poor. To be able to walk down the road and support local people who really give a shit about their food, service and people is a refreshing feeling and it makes me want to see Avondale thrive and grow with even more little local spots on offer.
