Apero Food and Wine

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.