Bar Céleste

Walking into Bar Céleste is like being transported into another world. The space, a long, slim room on Auckland’s Karangahape Road, is stunning, with exposed brick and moody lighting setting an intimate vibe, a buzzy oasis off the main strip. 

Owners Emma Ogilvie and Nick Landsman describe Bar Céleste as a neo-bistro, a term that gets to the heart of what makes this place so special. Céleste has the relaxed atmosphere and excellent service of a classic Parisian bistro injected with new-school flair.

The team at Céleste takes wine very seriously. The extensive bottle list is focused on natural drops, sourced from around the world, and the list of wines available by the glass is rotated nightly to respond to the changing weather and menu. 

Céleste may be called a Bar, and the drinks are brilliant, but the food can’t be missed. The menu rotates regularly according to the seasonal and local produce available, but expect to find top quality seafood from the raw bar, vegetables taken seriously and unctuous meat dishes, combining classic French techniques inspired by the owners time in France, with Kiwi and Pacific flavours and mentality. The chocolate ganache with olive oil and sea salt has a cult following.

Bar Céleste is one of Auckland’s best restaurants, and late at night, it ramps up the vibes. Depending on the night, after dinner service wraps up around 10pm, you might find a DJ on the decks, or a transformed late-night menu focused on burgers and fries. No matter the shape of your night, Céleste should be a feature.