Volkswagen’s Little Legends: Edmundo, Tacoteca
The Volkswagen Polo is returning to New Zealand, so we’re teaming up with the Volkswagen Polo to meet some little legends of our own: the people behind the places that make Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch special. We handed each of them the keys and asked for their favourite spots.
I stumbled into hospitality while on holiday in Cancún in the early ’90s. It was intoxicating and way too much fun getting paid to live in paradise, so I stuck with it. At one point, I was lucky enough to work at La Boom, which was one of Latin America’s biggest nightclubs, before moving to London and starting my sommelier career.
That took me into some incredible venues and introduced me properly to the good things in life. At Hakkasan, we had weekly food-matching sessions, and I got to work around some amazing chefs. I’ve now been in New Zealand for more than 15 years, and these days I run Tacoteca, where tacos, margaritas and beers are the holy trinity.
What I still love most about hospitality is the people. I’m fascinated by human interaction and the chance to meet interesting people every day. Good service can genuinely change someone’s day for the better, and I love being part of that.
Even after 15 years here, the generosity and goodwill of Aucklanders still surprises me. That’s probably one of the biggest reasons I’ve stayed. Plus it’s beautiful - you don’t need to drive far or even leave the city to find a beautiful beach or bush walk. My kids come home from school and bike around for hours without any worries. That’s gold.
And when you do need to drive, the Volkswagen Polo is a great little companion. Comfortable, easy and genuinely fun.
Here are some of my favourite spots around Auckland.
Stand a chance to win a luxury weekend getaway in Auckland with the Volkswagen Polo by nominating your favourite local legend via the Little Legend Hub.
Cazador Delicatessen
854 Dominion Rd, Mount Eden, Auckland
One of my favourite morning stops. There’s always good coffee and something sweet, plus a huge selection of goodies to take home like cheeses and quality tinned food. I love having a browse while I’m there.
Little French
This is my local café. Their sweet treats are dangerously good - they have the naughtiest almond croissants that are absolutely packed with almond cream. To die for.
Gilt
2 Chancery St, Chambers, Auckland
I love Gilt for lunch or dinner, for pretty much any occasion. I may have been spotted licking the plate there once or twice… guilty! Their prawns are my repeat dish, I always order them every visit.
Tempero
352 Karangahape Rd, Auckland CBD, Auckland
My guilty pleasure. If I’m there by myself, I don’t think I even look at the menu anymore. I just tell Chef Fabio how hungry I am, then he proceeds to overfeed me. Latin food at its absolute best. Perfect.
Tipene’s Fish & Chips
They’re not only my local fish and chip shop, but also my favourite in the city! If I want takeaways, this is where I’m going. The team are super friendly, efficient and everything is just consistently delicious.
Odettes Eatery
90 Wellesley St W, Auckland CBD, Auckland
It’s hard for me to go anywhere else for breakfast when Odettes is an option. There’s always a great porridge alternative, but my absolute favourite is their eggs with halloumi and broccolini.
Sagrado Cantina
Yes, I own a Mexican restaurant and I’m still recommending another one! These guys have become friends of mine - they’re incredibly hospitable and you can really tell the food is cooked from the heart. Love them.
Eden Noodles
A fantastic go-to for a cheaper eat. My local in Mount Eden is always busy and always consistent, which tells you pretty much everything you need to know.
Hello Beasty
95-97 Customs St W, Auckland CBD, Auckland
This is my pick when I’m in the mood for Asian fusion. The menu has plenty of spice, and they’ve got a great wine list and great cocktails to pair with the food. An easy choice.
Alma
Another place I rate for their hospitality just as much as the food. The service is great, and they do the best sherry cocktail. You have to try it. Seriously. All-round awesome service and dining experience.
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