Kingi

Opened by Tom Hishon and Josh Helm, the creative minds behind Orphans Kitchen and Daily Bread, sustainable seafood restaurant Kingi is next to Auckland's Hotel Britomart and offers a culinary experience deeply rooted in a love for the ocean and a commitment to sustainability​​​​.

Kingi's name, a shorthand for kingfish, reflects not only its seafood-centric menu but also its broader ethos of environmental stewardship and ethical sourcing. The restaurant boasts a partnership with independent fishermen and women who employ ethical harvesting methods, ensuring that each dish served is not only delicious but also conscientiously sourced. This dedication to sustainability is mirrored in the restaurant's design, with the Cheshire Architects-crafted space featuring light tones and a combination of brick, stone, marble, and tiles, creating an atmosphere that is both exquisite and inviting​​​​​​.

The menu at Kingi is a testament to the richness of New Zealand's waters, offering everything from raw bar selections to hearty mains that celebrate the bounty of the sea. Standout dishes include the Buttermilk Blue Cod Wings, sourced from the Chatham Islands, and the crayfish roll with carrot kimchi and Kaitaia Fire hot sauce, each dish showcasing the unique flavours of locally-sourced seafood. The restaurant's dedication to freshness and sustainability extends to its wine list, which features a mix of local and international selections, carefully curated to complement the maritime flavours of the menu​​​​.

Kingi's approach to dining is flexible and unpretentious, inviting guests to enjoy anything from a quick glass of wine and olives to a full, leisurely meal. This philosophy of accessibility and quality makes Kingi not just a restaurant but a "neighbourhood home away from home," where the focus is on the joy of sharing good food in good company​​.

As Kingi continues to evolve, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide an exceptional dining experience that honours the ocean's gifts through sustainable practices and inventive culinary creations. In doing so, Kingi not only sets a new standard for seafood dining in Auckland but also contributes to a broader conversation about our relationship with the natural world and the ways in which we can enjoy its abundance responsibly.