New Zealand Herald

Reviews for Restaurant Konditorei Carinthia

by Peter H.
5th December 2012

Austrian food is amazing.
Service is highly variable.
Decor is basic and lacks atmosphere not helped by the fact the place is usually less than half full.
Owner is a bit strange.

by Lyaysan
13th November 2012

The owner was unfriendly (dunno, maybe it’s his Austrian or German culture but i would agree with previous reviews, he was a bit of rude as well).
My friends ordered white sausages but me and my husband were not hungry and didn’t want just to sit and drink water so I asked if to try their food i could order a kids meal. He let me order one but didn’t let my husband saying “If everybody orders kids meal I won’t make any money”
I was very upset as I didn’t ask him to make a kids portion bigger, i just wanted to try what they serve there. I could haven’t ordered anything at all as wasn’t hungry and he would not have made any money on me and my husband.
To sum up with , the owner is unfriendly and food is average.
Never again!!

by Himmy
27th October 2012

Came here for their Oktoberfest celebration with a voucher. We were seated quickly and our pretzels arrived almost immediately. The atmosphere was fantastic – we were seated at long tables with others, just as you would at Oktoberfest, and there was a good crowd. The portions were very generous; both the schnitzels and pork hock were flavourful and authentic. The custard slice dessert was light and fluffy – great way to top off the evening. Of course, good beer too! Would not hesitate to come back next time.

by Kumi
23rd August 2012

We have left New Zealand and are now living in South Australia. Recently my family traveled to Hahndorf, South Australia where the area has got a name as a German village. This was the first time I tried a German/Austrian cuisine since we left New Zealand. I realized how wonderful the meals and desserts that Carinthia has offered to us for so many years since they opened the restaurant. Always we are fed enough with such tasty meals but we still had a little space left for a piece of cake after all.

Our children are never big cake eaters but this is the only place they always order cakes when we had any occasions came up. The cakes are so gorgeous to look at and full of flavours.

I just want to say thank you for Valentin and Stephan how wonderful you offered us a fantastic and personal hospitalities.

We always want to dine with you when we will be back to New Zealand and we definitely will.

by Peter C.
12th June 2012

Last week we had one of our family functions at Carinthia and it was as expected – Excellent! Not only did we (5 adults) have the super Schnitzel’s but an equally delicious Sacher-Torte, a typical Austrian chocolate cake which is often poorly copied but at Carinthia it is the real McCoy! As an Austrian, I can vouch for that
Call to make a reservation as he’s often fully booked and you don’t want to miss out on an excellent meal.

by Joel L.
8th June 2012

This review applies to August 2011 – took me this long to get over the experience and write a review.

The food was really nice – it was a good Schnitzel and very nice pretzels. Now I am German, and have lived in Germany for years and I feel I am in a pretty good position to judge these things, and I’d love to go back for the Schnitzel but not when taking into consideration the rest…

However where it all falls down is the chef / owner I presume – what an absolutely abhorent man. First of all we had tried to ring the restaurant all day as we had bought a voucher – however no-one ever picked up. We figured as we were very early we would try our luck only to be, in a very unfriendly way, told that it was the norm to leave a message and that as we hadn’t they wouldn’t accommodate us. I apologised, stating I had rang a few times and that we had even come from the North Shore, and had no luck. Nope, the guy wouldn’t have it. Only when I then spoke in German, and turned to leave saying that his attitude really did suck, did he then come after us saying okay okay he would seat us. We were then seated, only to not long after having our drinks be asked again by the rude chef (the waitress was lovely) to move our table around again, because it wasn’t where he wanted it. Overall the guy rushed around very hectic and just ruining the atmosphere for most of the night.

I should add, that despite his rudeness and inability to seat us properly – the place was still over half empty by the time we were finished and leaving. He could easily have accommodated us without the drama and rudeness.

by Antonia H.
1st June 2012

We love this restaurant and have been going to it for as long as it has been open. The menu is fantastic, the beers are fantastic and the owners are charming. During the day they also offer gorgeous pastries and coffee. Highly recommend.

by chrisnmn
26th April 2012

2nd time here, but this time we brought my in-laws from overseas…and to be honest…food and service was just outstanding!!… amazing…good prices…everything was perfect. we are definitely coming back before my in-laws fly back home!. amazing range of beers!!…

by goran
21st March 2012

Very authentic Austrian/German food,and a real Wiener Schnitzel,not just Panierter Schnitzel like in some ather establishments. Great selection of beer and deserts,nice
ambiente,friendly service. Il be back

by Gregor
10th March 2012

Best Schnitzel in New Zealand! Friendly staff, great food, easily recommendable.

I had the pork Wiener Schnitzel and my partner had the chicken cordon bleu, and both were delicious.

I have been there quite a few times now and it has always been a pleasure, so thank you!

by Peter C.
16th February 2012

What a great place! The food is excellent, the menu always includes goodies from Austria (despite being the “Greek” week). We had Greek starters and all I can say, they tasted superb.

For mains, as a group of five, we decided to go “Schnitzel” all the way and what a treat! Let’s just say I am “Mr.Schnitzel”, being from Vienna I love them, certainly know how they should taste and I can assure you, they are the real deal!

We had Austrian beer and a great time, the waitress was friendly and efficient and there’s some new Austrian themed decoration every time we visit.

Overall our family favorite restaurant in Auckland and very good value for money!

by Alan
15th February 2012

It has been a while since I was last here, but did notice quite a few changes in staff and decor. The food, however was as delicious as ever. I was particularly pleased with the Wiener schnitzel, which was just as well as I’d travelled across Auckland to dine there for my birthday. I suspect the owner has paid attention to the recent comments posted on this site as the service was attentive and comparatively quick, particularly for as busy an evening as St Valentine’s.
The only downside was the pineapple juice served to my partner was a bit off.

by Una H.
13th February 2012

Never again!!!

Having been here previously and enjoyed the Austrian food I was most disappointed to find the only Austrian item on the menu was Schnitzel. I feel we should have been informed when booking that they were serving Greek food.

Waited 45 minutes for a drink and over an hour for food. I ordered roast potatoes and was served chips. This was grudgingly replaced.

There was a distinct lack of customer service.

We were bombarded with music all night so we couldn’t hold a conversation. To crown it all we had to pay a cover charge for being forced to listen to it.

by Peter
13th February 2012

review for 10th Feb. I will keep it short.

Blond waitress was somewhat rude and flustered, was obviously inconvenienced when I asked to the drink menu before I could order, I don’t think her demeanour changed all evening. On a brighter not, the other waitress was much better, at least she was trying to cater for the customer.

Greek night – big mistake, calamari was soggy, all 5 or 6 pieces, flamed Saganaki might well have been out of a supermarket frozen food packet. Place was loud, table was placed well so it could be banged into every time someone walked past, I lost count of how many times the little vase with the pretend plant fell over.

In my opinion, the Chef was more interested in taking my $240 than hearing about how bad the exoerience was.
I could put it all down to a bad night as previously the place has been quite good, but I feel I have been conned out of a good evening and my hard earned money. I couldnt, and wouldnt take a chance on will it, or wont be good – so unfortunately it’s the last time I will take my custom or hard earned money to Carinthia.

PH

by GM
11th February 2012

Konditorei Carinthia’s big fat greek disaster with a cover charge!

We had read all the reviews and were very excited to eat here. We dine out frequently and love great food. Upon our arrival, we noticed there was Greek music playing and soon found out it was Greek night. Surprisingly, we were not advised of this important fact when we made our reservations. The Greek items on the menu looked well thought out and very traditional. We ordered flaming Saganaki Cheese, Calamari, Dolmades and Pasticcio. One of our diners ordered the Schnitzel, as there were some of the regular menu items available. I noticed that the staff seemed flustered and there were a few diners that had been waiting a long time for their food. I even heard one table ask to speak to the chef to complain about their meal. After a long wait, our food arrived. It was absolutely disgusting. The flaming Saganaki Cheese was not flaming, but was actually breaded Feta that had been deep fried like a fish stick. The Calamari was soggy and had a strange taste and rubbery consistency. The Dolmades were also nasty. The Pasticcio was okay but it was not really Pasticcio. It was more of a baked beefy noodle dish. In addition, the Schnitzel never arrived and we had to remind them of the order. It arrived 10 minutes later with fries. It was ordered with roasted potatoes. The server got snippy with us when we told her of the error and then she brought out boiled potatoes 10 minutes later. When we went to pay, the chef asked us how our dinner was. I told him it was not very good and it was a big disappointment. He gave me a crappy little grin and said sorry as he was taking my money. Now for the best part………we were all charged $5.00 each for a “cover charge” for the two person band that was so loud you could not hear anyone talking. This place is a bad joke and the chef should be absolutely ashamed of himself for not only serving totally horrible low quality food but for also ripping off the people in the neighborhood who patronize his establishment. I guess the restaurant business is rough and he is hurting for money. I will never go back and would advise all to stay far away from this place!

by Connie
19th November 2011

Fantastic food, warm atmosphere, great service, a must!

If you love schnitzel and wholesome traditional European cuisine then this is the restaurant for you. I can highly recommend the beef olive, gipsy schnitzel and the pork hock special if you have a group of 4 or more with very large appetites. The sides include seasonal veggies or salad and a carbo of you choice. Spatzel is very different but to die for, do give it a go.

Then, if you have any room left, you must try their homemade desserts. Please don’t choose the tiramisu… It is my personal favourite and I get grumpy when it is not available. There is loads to choose from, the apple strudel is particularly great as well.

Lots of traditional european beers to choose from, including some NZ beers and a really lovey wine list full of great choices. Finally the staff are really friendly and attentative. I have clearly been more than once. Bookings are essential due to space limitations and it’s open every day except Monday night.

Hope you enjoy your dining experience as much as we always do!

by mary u.
23rd October 2011

Ok, better late than never.
I have been meaning to write a review for ages. I brought my daughter here for her 10th birthday beginning of the year. She chose the restaurant as she wanted to sample european food.
Having lived in Germany for years and travelled around switzerland and Austria, I had a fair idea of what to expect and I wasn’t let down.
The schnitzels were fresh and generously sized and tasty.
We all loved our meals. I also ordered a sacher torte for my daughter which did not disappoint. I can’t wait to take my family there again and will be doing so soon. I believe a restaurant like this deserves recognition. Its as good as it gets for a lovely small, intimate european eatery.

by Lorraine C.
3rd October 2011

Finding a little gem like this is fantastic… tried last night for the first time and it was so delicious. Will be back again soon! Thank you.

by Peter C.
22nd September 2011

We (a family of four) are from Vienna and so glad we found Valentin and Stephan to remind us how well we eat in Austria. Try the Wiener Schnitzel or the Zwiebelrostbraten and I guarantee you will come back for more!
Stephan’s cakes and sweets are the best – ’nuff said. If you like good food and a cozy atmosphere you have got to try this.

by Arsene L.
5th September 2011

This is my first review here at Menu Mania and to Carinthia as well although we have been there before for several times now (7). Please don’t go there if you are a McDonald’s “fun” but you must go if you ever lived in Europe for a while, came from Europe or you like the real European taste.
Everyone is very friendly and helpful so if you have any problem with your order or any just ask for help from the friendly waiter(s).

They don’t have “food” or “meal”. They have artworks. We have been living in NZ for 8 years now but this was the (truly) first European restaurant where I finished my dinner with 100% satisfaction (I’ve already checked several restaurants in Wellington, Dunedin, Chch and here in Auckland as well but they are the best until now).
The cakes give me the spirit of real European life and culture (my favorite is tiramisu cake).
I can give you more details if you need. Just drop me an email.
Don’t miss them … because you’ll loose something important in your life.
I’d really keen to meet the chef and also the confectioner to know their opinion about the other restaurants in Auckland to know where should or shouldn’t go for a dinner.
…and no, I don’t work for them.

by Jimmy T.
30th July 2011

We found the place not that great! The guy who served us was not experienced and was swetting all the time!

Didnt have tap beer only bottled and only one or two kinds.

Most of the items in the menu werent on offer!

Ordered Bratkartoffeln and received mashed potatoes and when we let the kitchen know the chef came out personally and said something totally inapropriate and took it personally.

Not going back! Thx but no thanks!

by Cesar V.
8th June 2011

Great schnitzel, great service, great beer. Felt truely at home with the romantic candle lights and the atmosphere.
I had a Jager Schnitzel and it was cooked to perfection, My partner ate the Gypsy Schnitzel and she was suitably satisfied also. Go for the Konig Ludwig Beer as it is to DIE for! These guys have the winning formula.

by stephen s.
16th March 2011

Our party of seven each had a different dinner; each one was declared “delicious”.
Attentive table service; good wine selection , some by the glass;
Warning-if you want the ” pork belly” check that it is available for your booking

by Kyial S.
29th January 2011

I have been there twice just for a coffee and OMG I found the real ice coffee – with ICECREAM, not with ice (water) as you get in other places! SUPERB! SUPERB SUPERB!!! Also tried the cakes(with Berries)! AWESOME! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED PLACE

by John L.
29th May 2010

Have been here on a number of occasions always excellent service. Meals are very tasty if just a bit too large. The Gypsy Schnitzel is outstanding, the Cheese Spätzle “Kasespatzle” is also a favourite of mine.

The pastry chief there is one of the best in Auckland, if you get the chance try the Chestnut cake it’s amazing (but it’s not in season for long)

by Truby G.
28th May 2010

Excellent restaurant with a truly homely feel. Food is great, i would especially recommend the Beef Olive with a glass of Konig Ludvig to wash it down.
Definately leave room for the deserts, they are certainly up there with the best NZ has to offer.

by Garry
31st December 2009

Great food, the Chef/Boss is great. Good service, cannot beat the service.

Don’t miss the dessert, that’s the best part of the night.

No complain, would like to try the whole menu. Went twice tried the Pork Hock, the Schnitzel and cakes. Very good Pork is tender. Schnitzel is crispy.

Chef/Boss gave us free dessert to takeaway, the whole experience is great.

by Changaz
23rd August 2009

I would highly recommend this restaurant. The Food is so nice and unique. Give it A go..

by SpagBol
20th August 2009

I would HIGHLY recommend a trip to Restaurant Carinthia. Over the past 18 months we have enjoyed the excellent Austrian fare and warm personal welcome so much that we have become regulars. Meals are generous, desserts are superb. Strongly recommend the Pork Belly and a Konig Ludvig to go with it. Valentin and Stefan cater well for everyone and are DEFINITELY family friendly – kids meals are fabulous, and make sure you order the young ones the herbal lemonade that is specially imported. Stefan’s sweet creations are spectacular (esp. the Hazelnut Gateau) – we will not tolerate second-best from anywhere else!

by Peter
30th April 2009

The restaurant has a nice relaxed feel to it. The staff are very friendly and the service is excellent. The food was very good value for money and I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. I ordered the Chicken cordon bleu which was good but my wife’s schnitzel was even better. They have a range of Austrian beers to go with your schnitzel as well. We’ll definitely be heading back.

by EMB
6th April 2009

We loved this place. Great food and extremely generous servings. We had a main each and then struggled to fit in a delicious dessert. Very friendly service. Highly recommended.

by Matthew
27th September 2008

Wow! What an excellent restaurant.

Delicious food with fine Austrian beer! The owner is very friendly. Will be returning very soon.

by Michelle
18th September 2008

Fantastic authentic Austrian Restaurant. Have been back about 4 times since my first visit 2-3 months ago – in fact I’m taking group of friends there tonight.

Large tasty servings, big glasses of beer and the BESTEST Cakes.

Honestly, the schnitzel at Restaurant Konditorei Carinthia is the SHIZ-nitzel!

by Keith
4th December 2007

Fantastic restaurant and atmosphere. Huge portions and really delicious. Valentine is a chef God.

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