Apero Food and Wine

Bars key icon.
Bars key icon.

Monday5:00 – 11:00 pm.

Tuesday5:00 – 11:00 pm.

Wednesday5:00 – 11:00 pm.

Thursday12:00 – 11:00 pm.

Friday12:00 – 11:00 pm.

SaturdayClosed.

SundayClosed.

280 Karangahape Rd, Auckland

09 373 4778

Yet another K Road business that has added to the renaissance of that once seedy and little visited part of town, Apero has quickly cemented itself as one of the coolest little wine bars in the city.

Run by a formidable pair, Lesile and Mo, she knows more than a thing or two about food (she’s recently been recognised as one of the Pacific region’s top young chefs) and he knows plenty about what’s good to drink. The two pair effortlessly to bring Auckland an establishment where the focus is on quality, and the brilliance that is well-paired food and wine.

The space sits alongside some of K Road’s popular nightclubs, but stands in stark contrast. It’s a sophisticated wee space, all exposed brick walls and upcycled furniture and carefully thought out lighting. The couple did up the space themselves on a fairly limited budget, so there’s plenty of evidence of thoughtful design and resourcefulness here.

Apero’s wine menu is seriously impressive. It features a huge array of wine varietals, and wines from all around the globe – the vast majority of which (for a very pleasant change) are available by the glass. If you’re unsure what drop to order, Mo will expertly guide you, making this the perfect place to visit if you’re keen to try something you’ve not had before.

Leslie’s food is simple but beautiful. Everything is handmade, and made with immense care and attention to detail. The goats cheese croquettes with Kamahi honey have a cult-like following, and housemade sausage is available by the ¼ metre – only fitting given the neighbourhood Apero calls home. Dishes here are tapas style, designed to be shared over the course of the night, with many a glass of wine.

Apero is a homely and relaxed kind of place, with a bit of edge and kick ass sophistication (without any ludicrous price tags). Pretension doesn’t belong here, but anyone who likes good food and wine does.

Words by Grace Hall & Photography by Sable Heath

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

280 Karangahape Rd, Auckland

Nearby Places

Bar Magda

A wooden sign with information on Bar Magda.
Place Auckland
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Tucked away on Karangahape Road is Bar Magda.

Georgia Jay

The front of the shop.
Place Auckland
Fashion key icon.

There is no staple more important to a person’s wardrobe than a quality leather bag, and Georgia Jay sure knows how to make them.

Bergman Gallery

Six painted flowers on a wall.
Place Auckland
Galleries and museum key icon.

Since June 2022, the modern and inclusive Bergman Gallery has been enhancing the upper stretches of Auckland’s arty-infused Karangahape Road.

Coco's Cantina

Wooden tables and chairs with red booth seating.
Place Auckland
Restaurants key icon.

Coco’s has been around as long as anyone can remember - the kind of restaurant that has become so cemented in its neighbourhood.

Similar Places

Small Mercies

The yellow and white painted interior of Small Mercies Auckland.
Place Auckland
Cafes key icon.

Auckland’s Small Mercies is a whole lot more than just a donut shop— it’s a warm and inviting space, alive with the aromas of specialty coffee and...

Annabel's Wine Bar

A lady sitting at the leather bench seating inside Annabels wine bar.
Place Auckland
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Sitting pretty along the main strip, a trip to Annabel’s is mandatory when hanging around Ponsonby.

Federal Delicatessen

Green entrance skirting.
Place Auckland
Restaurants key icon.

This place is off the chain good.

Chinoiserie

Cutlery in white mugs on a colourful table.
Place Auckland
Restaurants key icon.

Chinoiserie is a Taiwanese street food joint that has made quite the impact on the Auckland dining scene.