Ortolana

The Hip Group is a formidable force in the Auckland dining scene, and so it’s little surprise that their inner-city Britomart offering is nothing short of brilliant.

Although stylish and sophisticated definitely come to mind when describing Ortolana, there’s no air of pretension here. Instead, the real focus is on the trifecta of good hospitality: good food, good drink and good service.

The food is particularly noteworthy. As has become customary for the Hip Group, all of the food on offer features produce grown locally and organically at the Hip Group’s very own farm. It’s about as ‘garden to table’ as it gets.

With one of the more innovative brunch menus around town, Ortolana’s menu is strikingly simple, yet huge on creativity. Ingredients are celebrated here – many of which you’re likely to be less accustomed with. But it’s not only the brunch menu that’s worth a try – Ortolana offers something for every time and meal of the day, and everything is good. There’s a well-curated drinks list and the coffee is sublime.

Service is slick and knowledgeable. Wait staff look dapper in one of the best hospitality venue uniforms out – the females’ black smocks and aprons are especially sophisticated, casual and cool. There’s little to fault at Ortolana.