New Zealand Herald

Reviews for Athidi On Parnell

by Lindsay H.
24th October 2012

I would like to bring to your attention that I tried to redeem my voucher for 4 people at Athidi on Parnell many times since my purchase on 31.07.2012. Whenever I managed to get through I was put off because the restaurant was booked out. I followed up with many phone calls which were never replied to. When I finally was called back I was told that because they were so busy they could not take me until 21.10.2012., 3 months since my purchase! When I said my voucher will be expired I was told that they were extending it for another month. Last Sunday I tried to ring to confirm this booking but could not get a reply as usual and I could not leave a message because their mailbox was full. Obviously they never clear their inbox, so I was not surprised to find the restaurant was also closed for my booking. They never called me to tell me I should not come. After wasting my time I found a restaurant who could host us nearby and they told me I was not the only one duped because Athidi restaurant had closed down. I hope Groupon will honour a refund because I paid the money to their account. The restaurant have been paid for a non service which is outright theft and the deals website have their percentage. The amount is $49. They deserve not even one star but am compelled to give something. Really should be minus 5 star!

by Janelle K.
13th October 2012

Our experience was as bad if not worse that the reviews below. We too had a deal voucher we tried to redeem numerous time after ringing and ringing the place we finally got through only to be told that their chef was sick. Next time I got through they were fully booked. Next time they had a gas leak. The next time we decided just to walk in. There was one other table in use and it was 7:30pm, peak dinner time but yet as soon as he saw our voucher the restaurant became fully booked. I looked around the place…”are you bloody kidding me? There is one table in use…” but he continued to proclaim that they were fully booked. I looked at their booking book and they only take 3-5 bookings per night….seriously. He then told us that we would not be able to book until the 12th Oct and he would extend our voucher. So we arrived last night, a month after making the booking and what do you know, they’ve closed. I’m pretty sure they made us book then because they knew full well that they would no longer be in business. Apparently groupon have been trying to track down the owners after they fled with the voucher takings. Hopefully we all get our money back!

by Tarun N.
1st October 2012

I bought a deal voucher deal and tried to call number of times to reserve a seat but every time got a voicemail. Then I booked the seats online but didn’t get any reply. Finally, I decided to go directly to dine in but what I saw was shocking, the restaurant was closed. It’s unfortunate that all the efforts were in vain. I want groupon to take necessary action which in future will help in having faith while purchasing these type of deals.

by Nicky
27th September 2012

… We have been notified by another Restaurant owner near ATHIDI, that they have done a “RUNNER” …
… A sign on the door, which nowhere to be seen now …
… Please Groupon refund us our money as how the heck are all the customers who paid through your website going to get their MONEY BACK???…

Went there to eat with Groupon Voucher tonight 26 Sept 2012.

by Luka
26th September 2012

Terrible. Went there last Saturday night assuming they would be open, also been tried calling for the past month (we bought the groupon as well). Another family was there as well, place was closed completely. It’s unfortunate, the place looks lovely, what a shame. Would like groupon to take responsibility or have them contact the owners of Athidi, or compensate somehow. For all we know this could have been Athidi’s last ditch attempt on any revenue before closing down, just terrible. Write to Fair Go maybe? Will keep on reading reviews on any progress or updates on restaurant. If they do eventually re-open, I will definitely try to go there and redeem the voucher regardless of expiry date.

by Slacky
26th September 2012

I purchased some groupon vouchers when I was in uk. I have been in Auckland two weeks now. I have phoned most days to book a table but nobody answered. I have left messages but have had no calls back. Last night I actually went round to the restaurant but it was closed although advertising it open on Tuesday . What is the point in selling vouchers if they do not honor them? Very dissapointed with both groupon and athidi . I want my money back now !!!!!K

by Karen T.
25th September 2012

I also bought a deal voucher. I tried ringing since last week but no one picking the phone and no one returned my call either. Well never buy any deal voucher any more and will advice people not to buy deal voucher if Goupon do not take any responsibility.

by Eve
23rd September 2012

Bought voucher from Groupon!! Have been phoning and leaving messages for over a week to NO avail!!! After reading the reviews it answers all my Q’s. How can I make a booking when no one answers the phone! Groupon don’t want to help after the voucher is sold and everyone has their $$ they say it is up to the restaurant …Seems we are the only losers!! Next stop Police!

by Raji M.
21st September 2012

One of the worst Restaurants that I have been ever. I am forced to give even this 1 star. As usual to other comments we also went with my family to this place via a Group On coupon. It says on the coupon to call & make a booking, but no one picks up the Phone (wonder why they even have it if no one picks up). There seems to be only 2 people working in the place, first is the chef & 2nd is the person serving. When we went there except for 1 small group the whole place was empty but still they said that the restaurant is booked out. When I asked what time, he mentioned 9.00PM & asked us to make a booking in October.

when we refused & told we cant, he said he can do a take-away (voucher mentions it is only Dine-in). That person was so rude in talking to us & he mentioned that he himself is sick of this place & is planning to leave this Job in 2 days time. While we were waiting for our order, another couple came & wanted to claim the coupon , for this client the serving person said the next available booking is only 23rd of October , till that time we are booked out, (Ridiculous).

Our order came at 9.45, the 9.00pm booking also did not turn up. I believe that he did not want to entertain anyone in the Place because as per his words, he has to do all the cleaning & washing dishes. I assume takeaways just saves him some time & labour.

Never ever go to that place.

by Sumeet
18th September 2012

We bought a deal voucher for a birthday party and tried to make booking and found out place was closed, left messages on the phone but did not get any response. Somehow after few weeks we managed to get a booking, thank god place was open but when arrived received horrible service as there was only one person serving and receiving phone calls for the restaurant. He told us we can use the coupons for value of $350.00, but received very small portions of starters as they cut the one piece in to few pieces that was very embarrassing. We don’t understand if they told us the value of the coupons why they have to cut pieces in bits. Mains were also small portions. In the end we had to pay extra cash, seems like he overcharged us. Would not go there again and would not recommend to anyone else.

by Charlie
11th September 2012

Do these people ever pick up the phone? It seems dodgy this place and I’ve been trying to book a table now for over a month and no one has picked up the phone. I don’t think this will be a good restaurant certainly not and the negative comments that people have left here should be a pretty good indicator!!

by Partha D.
9th September 2012

It’s not closed any more. It’s OPEN Went in as a group of 12 with deal vouchers.

Great food and friendly staff.

Will definitely come back for more. One of my mates have booked again already.

Some of the servings are a bit small for the starters but the mains had good portions which was good value for money.

by Minaxi M.
3rd September 2012

OMG….I bought voucher for $39 and booked table for Fathers Day, only to get there and the place is closed. No sign up saying it had closed down, only found out after going onto their website. Every time I rang to make booking I got voice-mail, left messages and finally Jayesh rang me (Fri 24th Aug), he took my booking and I asked if I needed to confirm closer to day and he said no that wasn’t necessary. I couldn’t believe it when we got there and place was closed, kids were not happy. Grouponz voucher buyers should all be refunded their money.

by Jaline A.
21st August 2012

Give me my money back! What a scam! Been trying to get hold of these people and now they are closed?!, disgusting! Received a voicemail from them at the start of the month with an excuse that their Chef had an accident, what a coincidence that this had happend right after people have bought the voucher…..

by Sophie C.
19th August 2012

Business is closed! Voice mail box is full!! Do not go here! Terrible customer service. Purchased deal voucher on 4.8.12 and I have tried getting in contact with them 40 TIMES! All in vain and no one has got back to me. I suggest deal voucher buyers should all get their money back!!

by Tracey
17th August 2012

THIS RESTAURANT APPEARS TO BE CLOSED FOR BUSINESS. There is a sign on the door from the lessor stating that the business is closed, despite the fact that their answer phone message does not advise this.

by Beck B.
4th August 2012

We went there in July, the restaurant had 1 other table with people on it on a Saturday night. We should have taken that as a clue.

The restaurant was clean but the coldest we have ever been in. They had 2 heat pumps and a gas heater, only the smallest of the heat pumps was on. When we asked for the heater – they fiddled with it and said it doesn’t work! No other help to keep us warm – and we have a 4 year old with Asthma we explained.

Food was ok, nothing stunning, they didn’t have our first dishes and were particularly surprised when I told the waiter that their service wasn’t good, that the lack of dishes was disappointing and that i knew why they were almost empty!

Firmly believe there are many better Indian restaurants in Auckland and that this restaurant needs to refocus on the customer.

by Marelize M.
10th July 2012

We had a wonderful experience. The waiting staff was extremely helpful, and explained the dishes very professionally. The food was a wonderful experience as we love spicy food – a real adventure for the pallet. We recommend to anyone.

by Stephanie
18th June 2012

I used a voucher for this restaurant for a two course meal with drinks for $39.
The services was excellent, the waiter was very attentive. Food arrived out all in a timely manner.
The food itself didn’t blow me away, average local Indian take away. If I had been paying full price I would have been a bit annoyed as it wasn’t amazing for the price of it.
The atmosphere was zero. We were the only ones there for most of the night and the music was very low making it a little uncomfortable to have our conversation totally heard among the silence.
I would recommend this as more of a takeaway rather than dinning in but overall good experience.

by katie
16th May 2012

A friend of mine suggested the place to me, said the “food was nice”. I came with two friends of mine and had a delicious meal.

the waiter warmly welcomed us, gave us choices (even when asking for water), recommended dishes, suggested wine (presented for tasting), but had no answers when we asked him if he could turn the heaters on!!!

I asked him to call for the manager, guess what, he turned out to be the one! Poor lad!

All the things were good, if i were to give marks out of 10, his service would score 10, food might score 11 or 12 (very delicious), music 10, ambiance 7 (need to work out on the stains on the chairs); but most importantly dining 2 or 3 (how can you expect me to wear my overcoat and beanie on while eating my food, certainly NO!!).

I would definitely come again but of course not to dine in but only for a takeaway and probably enjoy my wine at my heated apartment.

by Tara B.
15th April 2012

I didnt love this place even though I love indian food. I thought it was expensive for what we got for a lunch and honestly, it just didnt taste great.

by harshal m.
2nd April 2012

Good food !! Thanks Chef
Excellent location
Appropriate crockery cutlery and glassware

TO IMPROVE:
Service could be better – all it takes is a genuine smile.
More lighting in the washrooms
Probably an extra staff on a busy day
Some phone etiquites

I will come back!!! as the food was great

by gina
11th March 2012

We booked in with Athidi on Parnell to have our wedding reception in November 2011 we meant up with the manager vikram who made us feel like this is the place where we want to enjoy as our reception venue. On the week of the wedding I emailed him 5 days earlier and he made it clear that everything was going to go well. On the day of the wedding everything was so bad I was so stressed out when really I should been having the best day. And it was all because of the service of Athidi manager vikram. Who made out that he was sick but ok if he was sick he didn’t organise someone to manage what he was meant to be doing. The table cloths were dirty. the dinner was meant to be served at 8pm and it was served at 10pm. The entree was only served to a few of our guests. Jayesh who was the person meant to be running the place on behalf of Vikram was so incompetent we had to tell him what to do. To top it off we put a bar tab down but he was still charging our guests for drinks which was embarrassing on our part. We were so dispointed with the service and the food. The manager really made the night stressful when it should have been relaxing. So unhappy.

by Rosemary
11th March 2012

I used the $39 deal voucher for 2 at Athidi a few nights ago. The food was average. Definitely not anywhere near the best in Auckland, but it wasn’t terrible either. However, for the prices listed on the menu I would expect a lot more and find the quality unacceptable. Their horrible service, though, is where they really fail. After eating approximately half of our meal we asked for a take away box and were promptly denied. The waitress informed us that the vouchers are for “Dine In” only and do not permit “Take Away.” We couldn’t believe that this would apply to us, who most certainly did dine in, so we asked to speak to the manager, who repeated the same illogical argument as the waitress before him. Let’s let that sink in. Not only did we dine in, we also ordered naans and several beers which were not included in the voucher (which I would assume they are hoping you will do and is the reason behind the “dine in only” rule). We could just not wrap our heads around why these people would go so far to infuriate their customers, when clearly they have nothing to gain. How much would the box cost them? $0.50 maybe? So in order to save about $0.50 they not only unnecessarily wasted food, but also ensured that we will never eat there ever again. I have dined at restaurants ranging from fast food to $500 per person elite establishments and NEVER have I been denied a take away box.

Furthermore, both the waitress and the manager seemed stern and unapologetic in their responses to us. If this were just some dumb rule the owner made up and ordered them to follow, then fine, don’t give us the box. But at least have the decency to acknowledge that the customer is right and apologize. I still wouldn’t return, but at least I wouldn’t have felt slighted by the entire wait staff. And in case any of my gentle readers would question whether we were overreacting or asking for something inappropriate, the diners around us were just as offended as we were to hear the staff responses to us and let us know how ridiculous and unacceptable they found it.

In my view, service is equally as important as the quality of the food at fine dining establishments. Athidi On Parnell fails on both accounts.

by Ravi K.
10th March 2012

I knew the night was off to a bad start when my wife and I arrived at Adithi, and I told the restaurant manager that I had a reservation for 2 at 6:00 PM, and he said that he did not have our reservation on file, but [in the good graces of his heart] he allowed us to be seated at a table. This appeared humourous to us at the start as when we arrived, the entire restaurant was free except for one table. Thank you kind sir!

Similar to loads of other folks, we used the $39 deal voucher with the mystifying value of $107 for two entrees, two mains, and two desserts. Over the course of the evening, we also ordered drinks and naans to go with our meals. The food was average, nothing to write home about, and unless Adithi has found the most convincing meat-substitute material, our vegetarian entree included two pieces of chicken tikka and 2 pieces of lamb kebab. Boy am I glad that we’re not vegetarians, otherwise, this right there could have been a nightmare!

I’ll skip to the reason why I will never eat at Adithi again, and until the restaurant changes it’s policy, I recommend that no one eats there. When we finished our meals after 1.5 hours of sitting at the restaurant, we clearly had leftovers that we wanted to take home. This was when the unwavering rookie waitress and restaurant manager dropped the ball on us. When you use a voucher, you are not allowed to take your leftovers home with you! The manager said that the voucher is for “dine in only”, which I agree, they don’t want people to come in, order, and take the food home without staying for dinner, ordering drinks, or ordering additional food items. We were the epitome of a dine in customer. We stayed for 1.5 hours, ordered alcoholic beverages, ordered additional food items, but regardless, we could not take our leftovers that were purchased with the voucher home. My wife is pregnant and can’t eat large meals in a given sitting, so we frequently take our leftover food home to eat later when we get hungry. No! The staff at Adithi, including the restaurant manager said these exact words, “We would rather let this food go to waste than to allow our valued customers to take it home for their enjoyment later.”

I tried numerous approaches to talk sense into the staff at Adithi, explaining the moral shortcomings of their policy, but my advice fell on deaf ears. In the end, although we ended up paying the equivalent of a full priced meal ($39 meal + $22 of add-ons), the restaurant manager stayed firm in their position and threw our leftover food away. Oh wait, we got to take our leftover naans home because we paid for these separately. Thank you Adithi, we’ll just dip our naans in the imaginary curry, which we paid for, that you didn’t let us take home!

Do not eat at Adithi at Parnell. They don’t value their customers, they waste food, and their food is mediocre at best.

by Andrea L.
5th February 2012

We had a pre-booked table with a deal voucher for Athidi. The choice of an inside table or a table on the deck dining was given – a lovely setting but there is a definite ‘welcome’ missing from the staff here. It’s almost as if customers are an inconvenience.

However, over the course of the evening the service improved and the waiter warmed to us.

The mixed entree was adequate and the curries small but tasty – although obviously from other reviews from Groupon customers, we are not allowed prawns as these had conveniently ‘run out’ when I selected them as a main.

My major gripe is with the wine list. It is so terribly basic and inadequate!! This is Parnell and I don’t expect to select low end supermarket wines when I dine out! Please take note and upgrade your wine list. It is appalling for a fine dining Indian restaurant in the middle of Parnell. Until changes are made, I suggest you BYO (corkage $5) and any Groupon voucher holders should hold off revealing their coupons until the end of the evening as I feel they are discriminated against.

by Gabriel H.
4th January 2012

We went to Athidi with a $39 two person deal voucher ($107 value).

Reading through the menu I worked out immediately that it would be actually impossible to get to $107 with the allowed two entrees, two mains and two deserts.

Maybe if we bought two whole tandoori chickens – the most expensive entree at $18 we could have got close to the alleged value of the voucher deal.

But then our friendly waiter told us that such an order was out of the question.

Also not permitted, he told us, was for us Groupon plebs to order any dish containing seafood- including prawn curries that were only $1 dollar more than a beef vindaloo.

Needless to say neither the prohibition on seafood, or on starters costing $18 was a condition listed as part of the deal voucher. This doubtless amounts to a breach of the Fair Trading Act but we didn’t kick up a fuss because we have young children and don’t get out often and just wanted to enjoy each others company, and at least they did provide a lovely setting, sitting out on the large covered wooden balcony with the rain beating down.

As for the food, well it was decidedly third rate.

The starter- a mixed platter for two at around $22, was okay although on the mean side, with two small pieces of tikka masala chicken. Oh well, I suppose that came to one piece each.

For mains we settled on a saag beef curry (the most expensive we were allowed, from memory) and a vegetarian dumpling dish (the name escapes me but paneer was involved). The dumplings and beef both arrived bobbing around in that thick, blended sauce that makes up all second rate curries. No other discernible ingredients, no textures, no interest. Saag dishes, to my mind at least, should be earthy in colour, rather than lurid green.

Worst of all was that the dumpling dish contained only two dumplings – smaller than golf balls – despite costing $16.70.

The dumplings were on the dry side but both curries were perfectly edible, if not anywhere near ‘fine dining’ standard. Think bog standard corner takeaway and you will be not far off.

The deserts were the worst, a gluggy mango lassi and an unpleasant ‘rice pudding’ (the recommended special of the day) which appeared to be simply leftover basmati submerged in sweetened milk and left to partially congeal in a sundae cup in the fridge.

Having only managed to put together a food order totalling roughly $70 our deal voucher gave us a discount of $31 – for decidedly mediocre food. As mentioned, even if we had been allowed to order seafood and two $18 entrees I don’t think it was possible from the menu to get to $107 our voucher entitled us to.

Then of course, we had to pay about $9 extra for raita and two roti as well as $5 for corkage. All in all then, we paid a total of $53 for a meal that was little better than what you would get at a food hall.

Lovely setting though, and we did have a nice time in spite of the lousy food, false advertising, and obviously pre- planned bias against Groupon holders.

My advice to anyone still with a deal voucher for Athidi is to not tell them you have it until it’s time to pay the bill. Your entitlement to any 2 starters, 2 mains, and 2 entrees is clear and that way if you have to duke it out with them, at least they won’t be able to give you half portions or worse, do something unspeakable to your food.

by manoj
2nd January 2012

Bought a voucher frm Groupon for Indian Restraunt (Athidi – Parnell) for $39….. allowed 2 entree, 2mains, 2 dessert (Valued up to $107.50) but all together its came up only $80. Had to pay extra for beer and an extra curry ($47)………..wt a rip off & false advertisment………………and i booked a table for new year eve they call me up day earlier saying we got booking for 40 soo have to cancell you booking ……………wtf

by Matt
18th November 2011

Shocking! Service was just appalling. We waited for ages for everything, I had to ask where my beer had got to, even had to get up and go and ask where the dessert menus we were promised were coming had gotten to. We asked 2 different waiters to turn on the heater because it was cold…nothing happened. Food was good, but I would never eat here again if this is how they treat patrons. It seemed that at least 3 other couples dining around us were having exactly the same experience, waiting and waiting and waiting for anything to actually happen.

by Rob D.
17th September 2011

In September 2010 two of went to this restaurant 10 times in two weeks, while touring and working in the area.

The people are very friendly, and each meal we had was SUPERB! These are some of the best curries I have ever eaten, the chef is fantastic, and I have owned and operated an Indian restaurant and eaten in some great places.

We were going through the menu, trying to find a favourite or perhaps find something nuder par. Each dish is magnificent. If you love curry, you will love this place. We are here again and will be visiting again when we arrive in Auckland next week ) Cant wait!

by minn g.
8th August 2011

I was making a 15 people banquet in Athidi. We have less than 10 curries in the banquet, having 16 shots of Vodka and the total bill was $922 (Rip Off).

It is alright if all my guest are happy. But we wait for almost 2 hours for 10 curriess and 10 Entree, that was really a rip off. The customer service is good in the beginning but it turns out to be really slow at last, our food arrived 2 hours later and every of my guest is so unhappy.

The manager keep promising that the food will be ready in next 15 to 20 minutes but it turns out to be a lie after all.

After 2 hours later, 4 or 5 my guest left without having any food because they are just too hungry. The time is 12am when we get our food and that is only 10 curries.

Only 1 chef and 1 manager are working and we make a reservation 2 days before. They should have at least 2 chefs in the kitchen to speed it up but I think they just want to save cost and earn more money.

Please dont go to this restaurant because they are lier and fail to keep their promise. They even want to call police to get us out of the premise when we are complaining.

We should have went to Masala or Ravis but they have been promising very nicely: 2 Entries and 5 curries for each person in the banquet. Thanks for that, we only have 10 curries total up for 15 people.

None of us will returning!!

by daniel b.
7th August 2011

service was hit and miss you should never have to get up and ask for food
we went with a group of 10 and we were the only people in the place
the food was fantstic
the rice was also an issue for us we had to ask for the rice after our curries were on the table
but the $30 set menu is great!

by Jonelle W.
11th May 2010

I went to this restaurant for their $10.99 curry special on a Sunday evening. Our reservation was booked and seated at 7.30pm. Our orders were not taken until 8.00pm. Our meal had still not come to our table by 9.00pm. We had to ask the front desk how far away the food was and they advised 5 more minutes. Our rice came to the table (I think to show that the food was not too far away) but by the time the mains came out the rice had been sitting on the table so long that it had gone cold. Overall the service was absolutely appauling. The food was amazing and the special of the day was great, but considering the lack of service we will not be returning.

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