A summer series #3 -Lunch at Auckland’s revamped Fish Market

On route to the airport with our son James and his fiancé Jess who were returning to Sydney, we stopped in at the newly revamped fish market at Wynyard Quarter for a quick bite.

Its recent make-over and food was impressive.

The original Auckland Fish Market started by Albert Sanford in the 1890’s was at the corner of Albert and Custom Streets. The market relocated to Jellicoe Street in the Sanford building, Wynyard Quarter in 1904 and has remained there ever since. While the market has been a well- recognised institution for over 100 years the gutting and refitting of the ground floor space has given it a new lease of life.

The Sanford & Son fishmonger takes centre stage selling fresh fish straight from the source. As well as this, it’s now home to 10 new eateries and two bars. Some of the restaurant are mini versions of extremely good ones such as Azabu in Ponsonby, all selling fish.

The eateries and restaurants include:

Azabu – Sublime sushi and sashimi plus Japanese classics
Billypot – Mussels in the pot from the boat to the steam.
Super Pizza – Genuine Italian street food
Good Karma – Coffee, gelato, cakes, espressos
Sanford & Sons – The original New Zealand fishmonger
Tiki Thai – Thai food re-imagined
Ika Bowl – Polynesian poke bowl classic. Freshest fish ever.
Market Galley – East meets west, favourites, family classics.
MAar and Tierra – Unique latin grill fusion
The Wreck – Craft beers, NZ wine, liquor, tall tales. Auckland Fish Market’s newest bar

We were wowed when we walked into the market by the assortment of eating places, surrounded by beautifully displayed fresh fish. There is a great indoor, outdoor flow some eateries inside and others outside. We opted to seat outside and found a table easily. Having ordered our lunch and we given a beeping disk to alert us to when our meals were ready. While we waitied we enjoyed a beer and the anbiance of a sucessful new eating house. Between us we shared fish and chips, stunning fresh snapper with a light crispy batter, squid with a mix of body and tentacles, fish tacos and my choice, a kingfish steak with gremolata and a Greek salad. It was the best.

If you haven’t been you need too. As we walked out I planned my next meal … a dozen large prawns sautéed in garlic butter for just $15. Plus, the dumpling lady had whitebait and prawn dumplings…I couldn’t dream of anything better.

Afterward we took a stroll around Wynyard Quarter, enjoying the vibe and watching the bridge lift allowing several boats access to their berth. “Summer at Silo” has a great programme so if you are in Aucland take a look at what’s on.