Indagare ambassador Jim Klaus recommends Ahi for its locally sourced tasting menus and chic, lively interiors. "The chef at Ahi has a television show called New Zealand Food Story that you can find on the entertainment systems on Air New Zealand flights," he says. "He’s a cross between Anthony Bourdain and Bear Grylls, and the show is well produced and a joy to watch, showing him as he meets the producers of the ingredients for his restaurant. It really emphasizes the strong farming history of New Zealand, from lambs to eels to wallaby. We recognized many of the chefs in the kitchen from the show!" Menu items have included fresh fish with farm mushrooms, red deer with black pudding and leeks and duck breast with nettle chimichurri. Jim recommends sitting at the counter.

No trip to Waiheke is complete without a visit to Cable Bay Vineyards, one of the island’s best wineries. Perfect for wine tastings, a casual afternoon glass or a full lunch, the vineyard offers flavorful local wine and a lush atmosphere. Be sure to dine at the Verandah for a taste of modern North Island luxury with stunning views of Hauraki Gulf and Waiheke’s rolling hills.

The neighborhood of Parnell is not on everyone's list – it's about a 10-minute drive from the waterfront – but if you do find yourself exploring here, come for lunch to this whimsical restaurant. It occupies a building that used to house an old chocolate factory and interiors are light and fun (there's a wall hung with pocket mirrors). Cibo is located off-the-tourist-path, so it draws a lot of locals. Book a table in the pretty private courtyard during the warmer months.

Ponsonby’s hip, star-studded Dear Jervois focuses on fresh, organic food in a casual-cool atmosphere. Boasting courtyard, terrace and indoor seating, the café offers a balanced menu of both vegan- and carnivore-friendly fare, from vegan Nutella pancakes to delicious breakfast tacos.

In walking distance of the Sky Tower, the ever-popular Depot is helmed by star chef Al Brown and makes a great spot for lunch (or dinner) when touring the area. The menu is full of small plates designed to be shared – don't miss oysters when they are in season – and the vibe is congenial.

The revamped Britomart is one of the city's most thriving areas for shopping and dining. Its elegant but gritty-cool Ebisu is a good choice in this trendy neighborhood. The exposed brick walls and dark-wood paneling are a perfect backdrop for the colorful, beautifully prepared plates. The sushi and sashimi is super fresh (there are also Bento Boxes), and the larger plates showcase the chef's innovative take on traditional Japanese izakaya.

Gaelic for “to crave,” Miann is perhaps the best patisserie in all of New Zealand. The experimental menu changes constantly and items are often themed for holidays or current events, but the craftsmanship of each dish remains the same high quality year-round. Treats on rotation have included such indulgences as whiskey and vanilla cheesecake with caramelized oats, honey and raspberry and the seasonal Chinese lantern bon bons. Located near the fashionable Britomart area, Miann’s dark, wooden interiors make for a romantic atmosphere, and the open kitchen allows for voyeurism as the team of pastry chef’s construct each plate with immaculate detail.

Indagare ambassador Jim Klaus loves Mr. Morris for its locally sourced tasting menus and chic, lively interior. Seasonal and sustainable produce are used to create modern Pacific dishes, including beef tongue with daikon and Vietnamese mint, snapper with chickpea and green-lipped mussels and steak tartare with gochujang and a salted egg yolk.

Mudbrick's lofty terrace with sweeping views is one of Waiheke's most romantic spots for a gourmet meal. It's great for lunch, but even more special as the sun starts setting and diners can spot the twinkling lights of Auckland in the far-off distance. The menu is definitely on the pricy side, especially since you're on casual-cool Waiheke, but everything is exceedingly well prepared, the wine lists is local and terrific and the views are unbeatable.

Indagare Tip: Be aware that Mudbrick is a favorite for special occasions – if you're craving a romantic, quiet evening, be sure to ask whether they are hosting a larger function the night you plan on dining here.

Auckland may not be known for its Italian food, but tucked away in St. Kevin’s Arcade is a cozy wine and pasta bar with excellent food.

A great spot for a laid-back weekend brunch or lunch, St. Heliers is located a 25-minute drive outside of Auckland and has a wonderful location across the street from a beach. You want to settle in here, soak in the local scene and order from the rather sophisticated brunch menu: smoked market fish, Agria galette, Bircher müsli and Haloumi and asparagus salad were options during a recent visit.

The Oyster Inn is one of Waiheke's most popular spots for a rosé-fueled brunch or lunch. Many locals come here straight from the ferry, plant themselves on the verandah and people-watch while snacking on a lengthy menu of greatest brunch hits, including an excellent seafood selection.