From stunning soufflé to exquisite esquites to a cheer-inducing plate of char kway teow, the duo behind Tempero give their Karangahape Road eating and drinking essentials.
Tempero, an effervescent Brazilian spot with cobalt blue walls on Karangahape Road, occupies a site with a hallowed culinary history. Before it was Tempero, it was Peach Pit. Before that, it was D.O.C.
These days it’s an ideal pit stop for a glass of something to sip alongside a table full of plates. Compulsory are their pão de queijo or cheesebreads which are, and this is no exaggeration, one of the most wonderful things you can eat in the entire city. Perhaps even the entire country.
Co-owners Tiffany and Fabio Bernardini have spent the past nearly three years transforming the restaurant into one of Karangahape Road’s liveliest addresses. Tiffany oversees front-of-house, marketing, social media, accounts and invoicing (inbetween work beyond the restaurant). Fabio, meanwhile, is executive chef, drawing heavily from his Brazilian roots and the country’s layered culinary influences. (They also offer catering for those unable to make it into the restaurant.) This July, they’ll mark their third birthday with a collaboration alongside Herne Bay restaurant Paris Butter.
Until then, the couple remain busy running one of the strip’s most vibrant dining rooms. When they do find a moment to spare, these are the places they head to.
Three words that sum up the food on Karangahape Road:
Tiffany: Only good times.
Fabio: Finger licking delicious.
My most controversial food opinion about Karangahape Road:
Tiffany: You’ll find that most places on the strip are owner-operated so the connection you’ll feel here is something you may not find elsewhere. What I mean by that is that you can really feel the love poured into the dishes, versus other places which can sometimes feel transactional instead.
Fabio: Karangahape Rd is the best strip of restaurants in the country.
Everyone has a dining out pet peeve. Mine is:
Tiffany: Since we opened the restaurant, Fabio has instilled in me that our guests should always have water in their glasses. So, it has become second nature to top up someone’s water whenever it’s running low. Now, whenever I dine out and see empty water glasses at someone’s table or if someone just brings the bottle of water to me but doesn’t fill my glass for me – this is my pet peeve. I know it’s such a small thing and something I can do myself, but it makes me think there’s less care when this happens – and it then feels transactional rather than hospitable.
Fabio: A lack of empathy from FOH or lack of attention to details, especially with simple food.
The local dish I crave most:
Tiffany: Straciatella and apple with pangrattato at Pici with a serving or two of Jono’s focaccia.
Fabio: Pommes dauphine at Apéro.
The best restaurant on Karangahape Road is:
Tiffany: Well, besides Tempero (lol), my two favourites are Pici and Apéro. I love that Pici is open seven days. On our one day off, which is Sunday, we usually do a date night somewhere and Pici is a classic for us. The vibes are always good, fab wine list without being overwhelming, and great menu. We usually go for the specials and they are always so good! As for Apéro, they are the GOAT. Les and Mo’s longstanding resilience on the strip with their husband-wife power couple energy – they are #goals.
Fabio: Otto, Pici, Lebanese Grocer, Apéro. I love that they always welcome me with a smile on their face and I feel well taken care of.
When I’m craving something cheap and cheerful I head to:
Tiffany: St Pierre’s is always a classic or Lebanese Grocer for a falafel shawarma with extra sauce.
Fabio: Poke Poke.
The most underrated local gem is: PieFee.
A recent food discovery I can’t stop talking about:
Tiffany: The chilli, honey, and parmesan knot at Fort Greene.
Fabio: Esquites at Sagrado Cantina which reminds me of my days when I lived in Mexico – it’s something I would eat often in Guanajuato.
A place I’ve been dying to try is:
Tiffany: The Frog. We were curious what would go in after Roses shut down, and whenever we finish service, there are packs of people out there. I don’t drink much (late nights and early starts) but it’s on the list to go and try it out after service one night. Also keen to try HARDcore Republic. It looks beautiful inside.
Fabio: Gemmayze Street’s new menu. Also new restaurant Casa Bella. We are also looking forward to trying Kaz Suzuki’s new ramen spot DEN opening on Cross St soon.
Celebrating with a group? Book a table at:
Tiffany: Tempero – we host a lot of groups here. Or, if you prefer something with a private dining room, definitely check out Bar Magda or Otto. Atelier also has one of the most beautiful fit outs and a good space for groups.
Fabio: All of the above and Coco’s Cantina too.
The BYO I keep going back to: We used to go to Sri Pinang for BYO when it was open (RIP!). Since they closed, we haven’t found a replacement…
Fo…
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