alma — Restaurant in Waitematā

Came here for an impromptu Wednesday lunch - place wasn’t too busy so managed to get a great table without a booking. Staff are very friendly however when asked about any dietary restrictions, they weren’t so knowledgeable (we are both pregnant). Luckily we googled everything so avoided those items. Not a big deal but just worth noting. We ordered a number of dishes to share. First the anchovy and tomato tostada - this was a stand out dish and I’m not even a big fan of anchovies! Would def recommend trying! We also had the queso freso empanada - came out very different to what we expected (a flat crispy cheese pastry that was very light and flavoursome) was absolutely delicious. Next up we had the pork pinchitos - I enjoyed this dish but wasn’t as yummy as the others. Lastly we had the mushrooms in brown butter and wow this was a flavour explosion - comes with a tangy sauce that adds a great constant and flavour. We were both very full and satisfied. Definite stand out dishes were the anchovy and tomato tostada and the cheese empanada. Definitely coming back to try more of the menu and to reorder the anchovy and...

Set in a beautifully preserved 1930s heritage building, Alma offers a stunning and welcoming space with terracotta plates, copper details, and thoughtful natural lighting.

The lamb, slow-cooked over firewood, delivered both the boldness of open flame and the tenderness of gentle heat. It paired exceptionally well with a sauce full of herbs and coriander—surprisingly perfect together.

The oysters, already delicious on their own, came with a sauce so well-balanced that it elevated them to what felt like their “final form.”

From appetizers to mains, every dish made me think, “Did they really plan it to be this good?”—with such a high level of precision and harmony. The entire space—its scent, sound, lighting, and even the texture of the tableware—comes together to create a deeply satisfying dining experience.

During my stay in Auckland, I didn’t find a restaurant that surpassed this one. I absolutely fell for it. Highly recommended for a special meal...

Food you need and wine to match. Book. Now. Set in a modern take on a crafted aesthetic, the atmosphere is warm and inviting as soon as you arrive. It celebrates the narrow site and creates a wonderful intimacy without feeling crowded. The craft continues into the menu and wine list. The food is delicately rustic, with wonderful layers of spice and char, coming together in a modern Andalusian expression. The wine list is superbly put together, with extensive by the glass options. The contrast of local and Iberian expressions of the same varietals is very clever. The service is also excellent. The food and wine knowledge is spread across the team, so even if you have a difficult question there is always someone who can help. The team has a clear structure and works well together, all together reinforcing the casual, crafted but high quality experience that greeted us at the...