New Zealand Herald

Reviews for Antoine’s Restaurant

by Kirstine W.
19th April 2013

Went to Antoines couple of years ago and loved it ! From the minute we rang the doorbell , to the minute we left, we could not fault the service ! The French onion soup . . . Oo la la ! Were lucky enough to have been given a table facing the kitchen and what a treat that was ! Quite exciting seeing the guys at work in the kitchen. Can’t afford to go back too often but best buddy is turning 50 next week so we’ve booked in ! Soo excited !

by Gus
22nd March 2013

Antoines is a must do old school dining experience. The service, ambience, the food are all top notch. On my last visit I had a beautifully tender piece of beef for main, but the standout was the tripe entree. Tender tripe in a fragrant tasty unexpectedly light sauce, bound to convert even the most sceptical diner. This place is perfect for a special evening

by Bridget C.
20th January 2013

Found this place through lonely plant when I first moved to NZ and have been there numerous times since then. On the first visit I totally expected typical French fine dining, i.e. tiny portions and you’ll need 5 courses to feel remotely full, but how wrong I was! Food is absolutely gorgeous and of good portion and service is non intrusive, though it is very French and I do get sick of the French accent sometimes. It almost seems too put on at times but then again that may be just me!

Hubby reckons it’s one of the best French onion soup he’s ever had and always order the same (luckily it’s still on the menu unlike my all time favorite the scallop with black pudding)!

by Rachelle W.
20th January 2013

What can I say? We love Antoine’s. Beautiful food that we both really enjoyed. I had the rack of lamb and my husband had the salmon- and both dishes were absolutely delicious and superbly cooked. The souffle with rose-water cassis was the most amazing dessert – definitely enjoyed it!
And loved how Tony came out and chatted with us (and showed us how best to eat the souffle).
Love it! Highly rate it! I don’t think they need to “move with the times” because their food is classic and we need some of these beautiful, classic restaurants!

by Roger S.
31st December 2012

Absolutely delightful meal at Antoine’s on Christmas Day, made the whole day for us. Our table loved the crayfish, and the whitebait just stunning, the Turkey and other mains were typical Tony, that’s why we go there. Yep Christmas Day is expensive we say thank you for being open, and being over 50 well that’s OK too, it will happen to you.
Now today we see Tony recognised in the New Year Honours fantastic and congratulations, so richly deserved.

by Jillian M.
26th December 2012

Absolutely atrocious meal at Antoines on Christmas Day – Ruined the whole day for us. The only thing that has moved on from the 1980s in Antoines is the price! And even then we couldn’t justify $500 for two three course meals and four drinks! The entree of Whitebait and Tuna was nice, but the main course was mediocre and the whole menu was based on a Winter menu! in the middle of a hot humid summer????!!!! Come on!!! Will never go back….Ever!
I can understand why 90% of the people in the restaurant were over 50 and why they are not listed as one of the top restaurants in Auckland. The new young chefs out there are certainly walking all over Mr Astle!

by Courney
13th August 2012

Best restaurant in Auckland. Service was fantastic, great atmosphere but not too luxury. Had the most wonderful French Onion soup there, I’ve been to France many times and struggle to find anything as good. Seafood chowder was equally as good, no other restaurant in Auckland can match the taste. I’ll give 6 stars!

by Robin M.
6th December 2011

We had a great time at Antoine’s.

Our waiter told us that the one evening sitting was such that you could relax into a long, slow dinner like you might on holiday. We were not disappointed and left hours later unsure just how long we had spent in this foodie Tardis.

The waiting staff really know their stuff. Wine and food matches are clearly explained. The wine menu is less auction stand mega-expense, rather a concise list of reasonably priced NZ wines. Prices not too scary for a fine dining establishment.

Food and wine arrived at irregular intervals. Stewart Island oysters done three ways were delightful. Our starers were a little disappointing – especially the waffle. The mains – orange duck and belly pork with congee were outstanding.

Happy that I had eaten the congee (a nervous first) and negotiated the ‘zip-zap’ payment method we headed home content in the knowledge that we had experienced something well tried, fully tested and bloody good.

by Briar P.
18th May 2011

We have been many times to Antoines over the years and we have never been disappointed. The service is fantastic and the tables well enough apart to insure privacy.
We have had the rabbit and sweetbread pie several times and tried new dishes now and again but I love that we can keep going back to the favorite “nostalgia” dishes.
Service is superb and I can recommend going here for special occasions.

by tony B.
20th February 2010

Antoine’s is a Auckland legend. I have eaten there a few times in the 14 years we have been visiting in the summer and never been disappointed.
If you want old style luxury then this is for you. To start with you would be advised to book as they are not keen on dinners turning up.
Then there is the door you have to ring for admittance.
Once inside its calm, great service and a cunning menu. Old favourites mixed with new creations. Perfect for taking grandparents for a treat.
When its cold and you want a luxurious treat book this institution that has been at the top it seems for ever

Tony Buckingham

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