alma

We don't think chef Jo Pearson should ever take her anchovy and smoky tomato tostada off the menu at Alma, or her tuna crudo with piquillo peppers, or her octopus with ensalada rusa. She should never take off the crayfish tail al ajillo either, for that matter. At Alma it is all about serving serious flavour in a central city location and it's the perfect dining destination, open from late morning until well into the night. This lively eatery serves an array of vibrant sharing plates inspired by Andalusian cuisine, all expertly cooked over fire for that irresistible charred flavour. The colorful brick and tile decor, combined with a toe-tapping playlist, creates an inviting atmosphere that draws in a diverse crowd eager to explore its flavour-packed menu. An extensive drinks list – featuring exquisite sherries, vermouths and a wide selection of Spanish wines alongside locally sourced Spanish varietals – is a standout within the exceptional bar, and did we mention that chef Jo Pearson can really cook? She proves it time and time again as she brings her passion for Iberian cuisine to Kiwi diners, crafting a menu that evolves with the seasons and showcases beautiful local produce. Alma is both deliciously familiar and playfully Spanish-cosmopolitan.