Vivace Restaurant & Bar at DeBretts brings together two Auckland hospitality institutions within the historic Hotel DeBrett on O'Connell Street. Formerly known as DeBretts Kitchen, the reimagined Level 1 dining room combines boutique Art Deco character with the lively culinary heritage Vivace has built in downtown Auckland since the 1990s under restaurateurs Mandy and Gene.
The kitchen presents a modern New Zealand and European menu designed around sharing, offering small and large plates alongside a 1920s-inspired High Tea, curated wine list, and house cocktails. Guests can dine in the warm main restaurant by the open fire, settle in at the adjoining Housebar, or book private dining spaces such as the Wine Room.
In downtown Auckland, two long-standing hospitality stories have converged in a single space. For decades, Vivace Restaurant was a celebrated fixture of the city's dining scene, serving Mediterranean-leaning New Zealand cuisine since the 1990s. At the same time, Hotel DeBrett has anchored the corner of High Street and O'Connell Street as one of Auckland's most characterful boutique hotels, steeped in 1920s Art Deco architecture and intimate urban hospitality. With restaurateurs Mandy and Gene guiding the evolution, the dining room previously known as DeBretts Kitchen has reopened as Vivace Restaurant & Bar at DeBretts.
Positioned on Level 1 of Hotel DeBrett, the transformed venue retains the distinctive glamour of the historic building while introducing Vivace's sociable, shared-dining philosophy. Whether stopping in for a relaxed breakfast, an afternoon gathering, or an evening meal by the fireplace, visitors find a space designed around connection, conversation, and approachable sophistication.
The culinary offering at Vivace centers on modern New Zealand and European dishes created for sharing across the table. The kitchen prepares a balanced array of small plates and larger mains, allowing groups to explore varied textures and flavours together. Standout dishes include crisp golden mozzarella balls, delicate handmade gnocchi, seasoned octopus, roasted aubergine, and fresh zucchini preparations.
Beyond savory dining, the venue is widely known for its signature 1920s-inspired High Tea, paying tribute to Hotel DeBrett's Art Deco heritage with classic tiered service. Sweet choices like house sorbets pair naturally with an extensive, hand-selected wine list and classic aperitifs.
Adjoining the main dining area is the storied Housebar, where guests can enjoy signature cocktails like the DK Espresso alongside artisanal cheeseboards. The room's vintage details, open fireplace, and comfortable courtyard dining spots make it an inviting retreat in the center of the CBD.
For private events and special celebrations, Vivace provides bespoke spaces including a dedicated Wine Room suitable for private seated dining and meetings. From Christmas parties to group celebrations, the team blends heritage surroundings with attentive service right in the heart of Auckland Central.