There's always something to see at the Soul Bar and Bistro, which fronts the Viaduct Basin on the harbor. The menu is modern with a traditional twist and changes to match the season, but you will always find something good, whether your interest is in fresh fish, meat, or something from the plant family. On the terrace, you're close enough to the moorings to study the paintwork on the yachts, and at night, the bar and outside tables are packed with a polished and often noisy crowd.

Celebrating 21 years in operation, and arguably the heart and soul of Viaduct Harbour, I can’t think of a time when I have visited Soul without celebration in mind. In fact, it’s the type of place where even if you’re not celebrating, you leave feeling as though you did. The food is always on point, the drinks — thanks to the restaurant’s experienced new Bar Manager, Katie Cramphorn, and exquisite new cocktail menu — are delightfully sassy, but it’s the service, led by one of the most beloved hostesses in town, Liv Carter, that makes every visit here a truly memorable one.

For the life and soul of the party, check out another one of Auckland Viaducts staple venues— Soul Bar and Bistro. Another establishment that’s been around for years, you’ll find quirky options like the Jude’s Law with activated charcoal-infused gin, raspberry gomme, mint and lime or the 10-year-old monk with yellow chartreuse, green chartreuse, laphroaig 10 year, maraschino liqueur, lemon and peach bitters. Sip on a few of these bad boys while taking in some of the epic live music Soul Bar has to offer and you’ve got yourself one hell of a night out—oceanside, of course.

Also in the city, with glittering views of the super yachts, Soul boasts a lengthy vegetarian menu featuring classic dishes that are as timeless as the restaurant itself. With a lean towards Italian flavours, the menu takes seasonal vegetables – edible spring blossoms, snap peas and asparagus are all making an appearance now – and works them into robust salads and comforting pasta dishes. Sit outside beneath the canopy of hanging flowers and order retro favourites such as Caesar salad, macaroni and cheese, and the cannelloni stuffed with butternut and ricotta.

Other places where you can shuck away an afternoon: Oyster&Chop, where 10 different varieties of fresh oysters can be paired with a wine recommended by Cameron Douglas, New Zealand’s first and only Master Sommelier; Rockefeller Champagne and Oyster Bar, where more than 45 Champagnes can be enjoyed with traditional kiwi-fried oysters; Depot Oyster Bar and Eatery, where celebrity chef Al Brown is in charge of the kitchen; Euro Bar & Restaurant on the city’s waterfront; and Soul Bar in Viaduct Harbour, considered a local classic.

Soul Bar and Bistro has been a staple of Auckland’s dining scene for more than 20 years, and has continued to hold its place as one of Tāmaki Makaurau’s best. The restaurant is located in the heart of Auckland’s Viaduct, resulting in gorgeous views of the Waitematā Harbour. The restaurant creates a buzzy, party vibe while still maintaining its status as a place for fine dining by producing excellent quality food and exquisite cocktails.

Location: Corner of Lower Hobson Street and, Customs Street West, Auckland City, Auckland 1143, New Zealand Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM Phone: +64 9-356 7249. Situated on the edge of Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, Soul Bar & Bistro is the epitome of chic outdoor dining in Auckland. The spectacular waterfront view provides the perfect backdrop for their menu, which features a variety of impeccably presented dishes.

Unquestionably one of Auckland’s most revered restaurants, Soul does not disappoint in offering the ultimate indulgence, providing a backdrop of exceptional viaduct views, accompanied by elevated menu options. Relish in the Soul classics, like the salt and pepper squid or the macaroni cheese, or try out one of their famous cocktails while gazing over Auckland’s social slice of summer - the Viaduct Harbour.

This restaurant has been in business for more than 20 years and it is one of the best fine dining spaces. Soul Bar and Bistro is located in the heart of Auckland’s Viaduct and you can enjoy the gorgeous view of the Waitemata Harbour along with delicious foods. The best thing about this place is that it strikes a perfect balance between a buzzy party vibe and its status as a fine dining space.

If you can look past the socialites and boozy brunchers, Metro Top 50 restaurant Soul has a million-dollar scenic view of the water to match the million-dollar yachts docked along the harbour. Give their mac and cheese a go – it’s is a simple dish with the added flair of carved-off-the-bone ham and parmesan crust to ensure that diners don’t feel as if they’ve ordered off the kids menu.

Nestled in the Viaduct Harbour, Soul Bar & Bistro is a waterfront restaurant that offers a sophisticated dining experience. With its elegant interiors and sweeping views of the harbour, Soul Bar & Bistro sets the stage for a memorable meal. The menu features a range of dishes that highlight New Zealand’s finest local produce, from fresh scampi and crayfish to succulent steaks.

If you have been in Auckland for quite some time now, you must have heard of the uber popular Soul Bar & Bistro. If you walk into the restaurant around midday, you are likely to find many people dressed in their formal suits and on corporate lunches. If you visit later during the day, you may just find groups of old friends catching up with some good food and cocktails.

Soul Bar & Bistro is blessed with one of the prettiest terraces in Auckland, overlooking the boats of Viaduct Harbour, where baskets of greenery and flowers hang above you, the tables are topped with crisp white linen and the people-watching is unmatched. The menu is reliable, elevated bistro fare with lots of fresh seafood and New Zealand produce cooked to perfection.

The terrace at Soul is a great place to park up for an afternoon of oysters and Champagne, while Bivacco puts on wickedly good antipasti, pizza, pasta and grilled meats. Hello Beasty is one of the city’s undisputed champions of Asian fusion done well – order the ‘Feed Me’ menu and the chefs will ensure you don’t miss out on any of the best dishes.

Soul is the epicentre of all things trendy, oyster-related, and most importantly – wine related. Soul is dedicated to their wines with an extensive list and detailed descriptions accompanying their favourite vino selections. This famed Auckland eatery is popular because it has an experience attached to their delicate selection of wines.

Soul Bar & Bistro stands out with its stylish, contemporary ambiance and inventive dishes. Located on Viaduct Harbour, it offers spectacular sunset views, creating a perfect setting for a romantic evening. Known for its fresh and unpretentious food, Soul combines elegance and fun with irresistible handcrafted cocktails.

Soul is located in Auckland s Viaduct Harbour, the entertainment heart of New Zealand s biggest city. Elegant yet still fun, Soul manages to achieve the impossible to be all things to all people. For a relaxed cocktail, a business lunch, a romantic dinner, or a big night out, Soul offers it all.

This is more of a special occasion restaurant but well worth the visit. It’s located on the Viaduct Harbour and all the tables had white tablecloths, overall the place had a refreshing classic vibe. Next to their normal omni menu they have a fully vegan menu with some really interesting options.

Show your date how special they are by taking them out for dinner at Soul Bar and Bistro. Enjoy the spectacular views of the sunset over the vibrant Viaduct Harbour as you eat Soul’s irresistible food and handcrafted cocktails, making Soul the perfect place for a romantic dinner for two.

Hear the roar outside Soul Bar and visit their two iconic lion statues. Over the last two decades, SOUL has become a destination for good times, hand-crafted cocktails served to perfection and delicious food. With views stretching across the harbour, this restaurant isn’t one to skip!

An Auckland icon, the Soul Bar & Bistro resides in the heart of Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour. This bistro prides itself on serving delicious, unpretentious food using fresh local ingredients. Like many of Auckland’s waterfront restaurants, Soul also has an emphasis on seafood.

Fine Dining Italian Mediterranean Seafood Bar and Bistro Waterfront Restaurants Bars Cocktail Bars Nightlife. Award-winning bar/ bistro in the heart of Viaduct Harbour, overlooking the water. Variety of menus to cater for all tastes, including vegetarian.

Otherwise it’s down to the Viaduct, to Bivacco or Soul, or Victoria Park Market to the new Darling on Drake, reviewed in detail by me last week. All of these options would be great, if perhaps a little mass market for your discriminating friend.

The fresh is always super-fresh and as you dine, you can watch the Viaduct nightlife heat up, the businessmen loosening their ties, and the crowds ambling past moored yachts.

Sink a few cocktails while people-watching at Soul Bar and Bistro (00 64 9356 7249, soulbar.co.nz), located right on the edge of Viaduct Harbour.

Ostro Brasserie & Bar: Located on the top floor of the Seafarers Building, Ostro offers breathtaking views of the city and harbor.