ADDRESS: Corner Lower Hobson Street & Customs Street West, Viaduct Harbour, City,
LUNCH: Mon – Sun
DINNER: Mon – Sun
MAINS: $18 – $60
WEBSITE: soulbar.co.nz
SCORE: 14.5 / 20
Boasting an enviable location looking out over Viaduct Harbour, Soul Bar & Bistro has been part of Auckland’s entertainment scene for almost two decades. The atmosphere is busy and it’s definitely destination restaurant for locals and visitors alike. The drinks list is a stand out, with a number of interesting and unusual cocktails, mocktails, wines (plenty of by-the-glass options), beers and spirits. To start, an innovative little entree of crayfish toast matches exceptionally fine crayfish with the creaminess of black garlic aioli and a saffron puree that sings. Then you could choose from a handful of fish, meat or pasta dishes such as grilled snapper, cajun chicken or maybe a ‘Soul Classic’ – salt and pepper squid, whitebait fritter or seafood chowder.
IN BRIEF Top location for waterside dining or drinks

SEE MORE FROM CUISINE
Best Cellar Lists
STEPHEN WONG, MW surveys how New Zealand wine lists match up to the…