Lilian

Lilian is one of those neighbourhood restaurants that quietly anchors Grey Lynn and Westmere, drawing a steady stream of regulars for its relaxed energy and confidently executed, modern Italian-inspired menu. From antipasti and seasonal vegetable plates through to woodfired pizzas, everything here is built around generosity, balance and flavour-first cooking with a clear focus on seasonal produce and simple combinations done well. The poached market fish with crayfish butter, duck fat potatoes and grilled greens is a standout, bringing richness and freshness together. The woodfired pizzas are a major draw, especially the prosciutto with grapes, parmesan and thyme, which hits that sweet-savoury balance just right with a crisp base. To finish, there’s a strong case for the classic tiramisu, or the beignets with brown sugar ice cream, cognac and hazelnut if you want something a little more playful. The wine list and cocktails are thoughtfully curated, leaning into drinkability and pairing ease rather than overcomplication. Lilian delivers excellent, seasonal food in a space that feels easy to settle into and hard to rush out of.