Auckland’s largest mixed-use precinct, Commercial Bay, will be a magnet for foodies with a stunning range new food and beverage offerings when it opens later this year. Revealed today by owner and developer, Precinct Properties, Commercial Bay is set to be a buzzing dining hub for Aucklanders and visitors alike, further cementing Auckland’s reputation as a pre-eminent food destination.
Following rumours of a new offering at Commercial Bay last month, Precinct Properties has confirmed celebrity chef Ben Bayly will open an eatery at the precinct’s terrace site, which will feature stunning harbour views.
Bayly says he is looking forward to being part of Auckland’s next food and beverage destination at Commercial Bay and can’t wait to bring this exciting project to life. “This restaurant has been years in the making, we have assembled a great team and now we have the perfect site,” says Bayly.
Ben Bayly to open new food concept
The innovative creators behind Simon & Lee, Oliver Simon and David Lee, will also be taking two spaces at Commercial Bay. The pair will launch a modern Korean eatery, as well as a second offering in the Harbour Eats food hall, yet to be announced.
“We were immediately attracted to the development as it’s the first precinct of its kind in the country, bringing together the best hospitality and retail in one place. We’re looking forward to being part of the Commercial Bay community and bringing our new concepts to life in this incredible space,” says Simon.
Precinct Properties’ CEO, Scott Pritchard, says the company is excited to see these stellar chefs and restauranteurs join the Commercial Bay mix, alongside the celebrated names of Al Brown, Josh Emett (Hawker & Roll) and restauranteur Mimi Gilmour (Burger Burger) who have already been announced.
“The interest we’ve had from leading Kiwi chefs shows that Commercial Bay will be a must visit dining destination for Auckland and its visitors with incredible offerings for discerning foodies from breakfast through to dinner. We’re thrilled to share that so many recognisable names as well as new to market outlets that will be added to the diverse mix of offerings at the precinct,” says Pritchard
Harbour Eats, reimagining the food hall
“We’ve been highly selective in curating the mix of food and beverage offerings that will be available at Commercial Bay, which is in keeping with our vision of bringing a world-class waterfront precinct to Auckland.”
Pritchard adds that the Harbour Eats dining hall concept, designed by New York-based hospitality design firm, AvroKO, will reimagine the food hall experience.
“Harbour Eats will be a dining experience unlike anything consumers have seen. With views of the Waitematā, impeccable design and an incredible range of food and beverage outlets, Harbour Eats is sure to shake up the Auckland hospitality scene,” says Pritchard.
Among the eateries announced today launching in Harbour Eats is Auckland Middle Eastern favourite, Fatima’s, contemporary Chinese cuisine from Sunnytown, Mediterranean inspired food at Gusstop, Vietnamese from Nam Nam, Brothers Beer outlet, Juke Joint, and Thai offering, Aroy Thai.
Hammer & Tong joins local and international eateries
With up to 700 seats, Harbour Eats is inspired by food halls and markets in cities like New York, London and Paris. The hall-style dining spot, located on level two of Commercial Bay, will be open all day, with food available from breakfast to dinner, as well as a bar serving cocktails, beer and wine.
As well as Harbour Eats, Commercial Bay will have food and beverage offerings available throughout the retail precinct including kiosk style quick eats for shoppers on the go.
Hammer & Tong delights
Coffee roasters Kōkako, health food offering, Cali Press, bakers Bluebells Cakery, Phillippes Chocolate, Taiwanese kiosk, Kai Eatery, Got Pasta, Sam Choy Poke from Hawaii, Honest Chocolat, Hammer & Tongs Food Stop, and Goodlife Super Food Co. are among the food and beverage highlights on offer throughout the precinct.
“The superb range of food and beverage offerings announced at Commercial Bay so far shows that there will be something available for everyone – for all tastes and all budgets. From shoppers wanting to grab a quick bite on the go, to workers at the PwC Tower heading out to a workday lunch, or even those wanting the latest fine-dining experience with incredible views – Commercial Bay will shake up the Auckland hospitality scene and promises to be a magnet for foodies,” says Pritchard.
Fatimas, a middle-eastern favourite
The outlets announced today join Brad Farmerie’s New York restaurant Saxon + Parole, Mexican-inspired, Ghost Donkey, London cocktail bar, Genuine Liquorette and The Lodge Bar at Rodd & Gunn fronted by Kiwi chef Matt Lambert of the Michelin Starred New York restaurant The Musket Room.
