New Zealand Herald

Reviews for Clooney

by Julie
23rd July 2011

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You do wonder sometimes if restaurants that get rave reviews by everyone really will live up to your expectations. Clooney has on all accounts – the food was superb (pork belly was amazing), the service was impeccable and the enviornment/ atmosphere with the beaded curtains was really cool.

About half way through the meal we keep wondering what this funny noise was, and peaked through our curtains to see one of the waiters up a ladder picking wine bottles from their storage space in the ceiling. The ladder can back and forth on wheels, hence the noise. That is cool.

After scrumptious entree and main I didnt feel like a dessert, but wanted something sweet and asked the waiter to recommend one of the glasses of dessert wine – the one he suggested I would never have chosen, but it was delicious – light and sweet with even some slight bubbles in it.

If you havent had the Clooney experience, then save up, make room on your credit card and go!

by Larisa
17th February 2013

By far the best place I have been to in Auckland. Went there for my 30th Birthday and it was absolutely stunning. Great service, divine food, excellent wine. Still remember the blue cheese dessert…yum!
It is a bit pricey but it was worth every cent.

by Suzanne T.
17th November 2012

Went to Clooney for our 15th wedding anniversary. So to set the scene we were there to celebrate a wonderful marriage with our best friends. We had high expectations based on reviews and weren’t disappointed. WOW we went for romance and got that and sexy with exceptional service. And the food was amazing. Highly recommend for any special occasion.

by Tania
1st November 2012

This was everything we expected and more. A restaurant that really lives up to it’s fine dining reputation. All four of us ordered different meals and we all rated them highly. Ideal for a special occasion.

by Karen
22nd September 2012

I have been to Clooney twice this year together with my husband and friends and on both occassions we have been throughly impressed, not only by the fabulous decor, but by the wait staff, whose attention to detail was exceptional and explanations of the food were spot-on, together with wine matches. Most importantly the food was exceptional, each dish like a piece of art, not just great in looks, but divine in flavour – really an amazing taste experience. We all had entrees, mains, and dessert and each portion was perfect especially given we were eating a 3-course meal. Prices are at the higher end, but I think you get what you pay for and it is definately worth it. I look forward to our next visit.

by Ger
9th September 2012

My partner dined in Clooney a year ago, and though she had a bad experience that time, she decided to give it another shot. For me it was my first visit and one I had been looking forward to for some time. Coming off the back of some exceptional reviews and magazine awards, we thought we would be in for an amazing experience, especially as Metro magazine had written that while this restaurant wasn’t at the top of its game a year ago, it is now much improved. Sadly for us, this visit was a disappointment. The service was efficient and amiable, but the food was inconsisitent. We both had the scallop starters and they were excellent. Very tasty, although the portion was a little on the small side. My hapuka main was delicious but my partner’s steak was very disappointing. We shared a chocolate dessert and a mini cheese board, which was hopelessly under-accompanied by just three crackers. We knew Clooney would be expensive, but for what we got compared with what we paid, their prices are seriously misjudged.

by David
28th April 2012

Yes the portion was small but who cares. It has the right ambient, the food was beautiful (both in terms of the look and the taste), and the waiting staff did a great job. Honestly I didn’t like the pricing but it was well justified, so I won’t complain. Not a place that you will go weekly, but definitely the perfect place for a romantic date~

by Charlie
16th March 2012

Arrive at Clooney and found it to be dimly lit with dark string like curtains for dividers between tables. Was seated at a cosy semi circular maroon coloured bench style seat. Ambiance was nice, in dark décor, high ceilings and exposed concrete columns and beams. The decorative lighting is balloon like with antique style globes within. The lighting is well designed. A small unnoticeable spotlight aimed at the table, subtly allows the menu and meal to be visible.

Ordered the entrée Saikou Salmon and mains Angus pure beef fillet with a suggested side of steamed French beans.

Bread was served with and scoop of butter. The butter was beautifully soft and fluffy and a perfect taste with white and dark bread. The warm bread had a crunchy crust that perfectly contrasted with the butter.

Saikou Salmon was served with some kind of foam on top. Couldn’t work out what it was as it was tasteless. It reminded me of dish washing suds and a little off putting. Being tasteless it was not needed and visually distracted from the dish. It was like the dishwasher had plated up. The Salmon was well cooked but acidic. The accompanying sauces didn’t neutralise or enhance the taste. The scallops on the plate were very good and complemented the dish. The square crunchy seaweed pieces and fake fish eggs added texture and dimension. There was a distinct aniseed taste to the sauce which was unusual and complementing.

Angus pure beef fillet was cooked exceptionally well and was nice on the palate. Once again I was disappointed to find the same foam like substance on top. The brown sauce underneath was not very tasty as I would describe it as like liver pate – this might have been the marrow. There were a few large bubbles of black liquid in the sauce which I thought would season – but no. A gelatine substance on top of the beef was not tasty and not needed.

The side of beans were beautifully firm, not crunchy, and served at a nice warm temperature. They were seasoned well and the seasoning could be seen on the beans.

The Wine list is extensive and in fact some drinks are repeated over a number of menus. Three menus were presented, wine, cocktail and food. There seems to be too much focus on artistic presentation and not enough on taste and flavour. Overall the ambience and service were exceptional but the experience was let down by the presentation of the dishes and taste of some of the elements.

by Anita W.
6th January 2012

We ate here last week, it was my Mum’s birthday and there were four of us. We have been to Clooney before but this time wasn’t such a good experience. I booked online and the website told me that the only available table was at 5.30pm, it didn’t bother me but then we were the only customers there for at least an hour and even when we left at about 7.30 there were only two other groups there. I would definitely ring to book next time, because this is a restaurant that is all about the atmosphere, which is kinda lacking when you are the only ones there!
We tried the early bird menu seeing as we were there so early… It was three courses for $50, although it was a great way to taste lots of different things on the menu the portion sizes were really, really small. I really wished that the waiter had warned us, because I’m not even a big eater but I think that the only people who would be satisfied by that meal would be elderly ladies or young children! Haha.
I will definitely go back though, the atmosphere is really good, especially for groups of four or six, and the service is attentive without being in your face, the food is superb.

On previous visits I have found the portions to be larger than any other fine dining restaurant in town, although other reviews here say that they are small. You can always order a couple of sides if you are a big eater anyway. My advice is to stay away from the early bird menu!

by oscar
21st November 2011

Went pre-theater dinner with my partner. Interesting deco with friendly staff but pretentious maitre d’. Food very artistic looking but lack flavour, portions are ridiculously small so make you eat before you go there. Only worthy if you have $$$$$$$ to spare. Better off going to Cibo or French Cafe if you want to enjoy nice food at those prices.

by Stuart G.
4th July 2011

We went to Clooneys to celebrate a birthday and walked out extremely disappointed. we had a 7:30 booking, arrived on time only to be put in the ‘holding pens’ for 30 minutes until our table became available. We ordered drink in the’pen’ and to my amusement they were served by a Waiter coming through the front door… Surely not I though.

1hr 45min later we were served our first course. Very poor, lacked taste, thrown on the plate…the next course had to be better. But no it was equally poor, not well bought together as a well thought through combination…salty…yuk – wholly unsophisticated. My wife order wine from the menu and was served something quite different without being consulted…

Sorry, very poor

by Mike S.
7th May 2011

We have only been to Clooneys a few times but it has been the best dining experience I have had in Auckland, AMAZING food, fantastic decor and setup, excellent service. Its a great all round dining experience – looking forward to going back.

by murray w.
28th March 2011

Where do I start.
This is not the first time I have been to Clooneys but it was by far the most amazing oral experience I have ever had. My wife and I were celebrating 5 years of marriage and figured where better than one of Auckland best. We chose the tasting menue with the accompanying wines and settled in for 5 hours of mouth orgasms. It’s not just the amazing food, it’s the decor- intimate, very cool, and not too posh to make you feel like you can be yourself. It is also the staff, they give you JUST the exact amount of care and attention you could ask for. explaining each dish, and wine and making sure you are as happy as you will ever be.
Well done Clooneys. You are the very best of the very best.

by Rosemary S.
22nd March 2011

My husband and I recently had amazing dinner at Clooney while celebrating his birthday.
Each course was presented beautifully and the quality of each dish was outstanding. My quail and pork dishes were both full of flavour and each mouthful was enjoyable. We found that our desserts perhaps didn’t quite live up to the standard of the other dishes but still very tasty.
The service was lacking a little but it did not effect our dining experience.
3 courses + wine and cocktails came to a little over $300 which for this level of quality, was great value.
The decor is stunning and a real joy to sit amongst.
Highly recommended!

by djbtak
24th January 2011

Degustation menu here gave a good chance to get the range on offer – definitely the most sophisticated dining experience I’ve had in Auckland, can understand why people would see it as pretentious or try-hard but I’d just say: get over yourselves and enjoy the fact that there is someone trying to step up a level from the kiwi down-home conviviality that we enjoy. The dining area and the food are spectacular, if sometimes bringing a few mis-steps/over-reaches. It’s not cheap, but I think that if you are interested in food/dining then you should try it at least once for the experience. I’m not sure I’d go back over going to The Grove or French Cafe, but probably would before going back to Merediths, and if I earned more money I’d feel happy going here and getting something notable and interesting. Auckland could use more of that.

by H W.
22nd January 2011

My boyfriend and I went to dinner at Clooney late 2010, we were seated half an hour late but to make up for this we were treated with outstanding service and received complimentary wine and entrees. Our meals were truly divine. Very unique and rich flavours. The location is nice and the fringe curtains give a sense of privacy. The only downside is it has a pretty sleazy feel to it, very dimly lit, there were a lot of drunk couples at tables around ours getting a bit carried away and to top it off my boyfriend caught a couple getting frisky in the mens toilets! We just had a good laugh about it and enjoyed our meal but the place definitely doesn’t have a family feel! Maybe we caught it on a bad night… I would still recommend it for couples or small adult groups

by Leah
17th August 2010

My partner and I went there for it’s “romantic dining” experience and were really quite disappointed. $200 later we decided it wasn’t so much romantic dining as it was amusing people watching… or people watching us. In all honesty, the food was quite good, but it was not $200 good. Another one of Auckland’s pretentious attempts at becoming a world class city I suppose.

by Jooles C.
21st May 2010

Clooney isn’t cheap but nor is it ridiculously expensive and you certainly get your money’s worth. The service is excellent, the food is fantastic – fine dining flavours and presentation coupled with hearty portions – and the dining room delivers privacy and great group-dining experiences with equal aplomb in its cool, retro-fit interior. I skipped the entrée – I prefer to walk rather than roll out after my meal! – and had the venison main and Crème Caramel for dessert. The main was delicious and more than a little daring with pinot noir macerated cherries, chocolate soil and licorice. I know! On paper it sounds bizarre (and a little unpleasant!) but chef, Desmond Harris, has created a truly memorable and delicious dish that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. The dessert too, was incredible but good food does not always make a good restaurant. There are many excellent working kitchens out there but unless you have the efficient, friendly and, most importantly, knowledgeable wait staff that Clooney boasts, then you haven’t succeeded.

by Karen R.
19th May 2010

I had the most amazing dish, which according to their menu here is described as “Firstlight Farm Raised Venison: preserved cherries, cocoa mille-feuille, black pudding & licorice”.

I saw it last week described as dish of the year by Metro magazine. And wow! I can see why.

What seemed to me like a bizarre combination of ingredients, actually had 6 different flavours that contrasted and worked together amazingly well. I’m not a big red-meat eater . . . so I was quite amazed at how succulent Venison was! It was truly beautiful.

by Jules
1st March 2010

Wonderful dining room with a really grown up sophisticated feel. The ever changing seasonal menu makes for a new experience every time.

Without question the best deserts in New Zealand!

by tony B.
2nd February 2010

Food excellent service great but I hate the restaurant I suppose you either love it or not.
I have eaten there twice once last year and again in January.
The food is easily 4 star but I like to see my food.
It is a brave business man who opens a restaurant in a factory unit it can work Cibu for example.
The food and service deserves a better venue

by Mark G.
29th January 2010

Have eaten at Clooney twice in recent months and found the food to be creative and cooked with a great deal of skill and care.

Service has continued to improve which is why 5 stars, they earned it on the basis of my last two visits.

Also it has to be said one of the most fabulous dining rooms in NZ.

by Sally W.
8th November 2009

Fabulous in every way. The interior is sophisticated and intimate. The service was lovely and unpretentious. The food was just divine. Would definitely recommend for a special night out.

by foodie
13th October 2009

Fabulous setting, very subdued, romantic and refined, food skillfully made to perfection. great wine selection. will be back.

by Richard
22nd June 2009

Nice to go to a restaurant and be treated like a grown up. Great atmosphere, you can dress up just like you’re in a real country.

You’re unlikely to leave without a big-ish hole in your wallet. Chances are that you went there to impress your friends or your secretary while the wife was out of town anyway so pay up and have fun. Sneaky little bar downstairs where you can have a cocktail and a smoke in their “outdoor” area. Unusual to find something (quasi) sophisticated in Auckland nowadays.

by Sarah
25th May 2009

Wow. What a great experience.

We went to dinner last Saturday night and we had an absolute blast!

We started in the bar where we asked the female bartender (cartier was her name I think) to make us some cocktails. We had a look at the list they had but we each asked her to make us something to each of our tastes. She made me a classic cocktail called a 20th Century which was JUST what a felt like. My partner had one with 42below feijoa and some other ingredients which he absolutely LOVED!

We then were then taken to our table by Guy who was out waiter. He was friendly and accommodating making the experience extra special.

I had the crayfish consumme which was so delicate and subtle = stunning! and I had the schnapper which was equally as nice.

My partner had the pork belly and the venison. THe venison was A+!!!! absolutely beautiful.

The best however was the deserts. STUNNING!

IT was an excellent night. The food and especially the service was definitely at a 5 star level.

I recommend everyone to give Clooney’s a try!

by Angela
16th March 2009

Wonderful cocktails, wonderful service, wonderful food. I love the decor – very gorgeous. Every course we had was mouth wateringly delicious – small portions but thats what fine dining is! Was the first time in ages i’ve been able to eat 3 courses so that was great to be able to try everything. Service was on the money, seated immediately, always ready to top up your drink and friendly staff. Definately a new favourite.

by Leana
8th December 2008

Had won a competition through work a dinner for 2 at a 5 star restaurant named Clooney’s, one of my work mates had experienced dinner a week before and was telling me all about it, both negative and positive stuff and wanted to check it out for myself…

Arrived at Clooney’s 5mins early for a booking at 6pm on a Saturday evening, was greeted by Matt. He was very nice.

The atmosphere was really nice, totally liked the look and style of the seating,
the ambience was very comfortable and welcoming.

We ordered x2 Poppy’s non alcoholic drinks it had a combination of cranberry, pineapple juice nice citrus’s flavour just to action our taste buds for what would lie ahead.

The menu’s were presented by our waiter Matt, he had helped out with certain questions we had raised.
We had ordered..
First light’ Wagyu Rump Cap
with fresh spring vegetables, sweet pea puree & red wine, it wasn’t very BIG on the size, although the taste was nice. My husband did really like it though phewww.

I had “Crayfish Consommé” with poached shellfish, fresh tarragon, grapefruit & lemon olive oil. I was hoping it was like some crayfish meat in the shell and some lemon, but it was far from that. It was presented in this round bowl kinda thing with 4 little things i think it was oyster, scallop, prawn & not sure of the last one, then some sauce was poured over the top, tasted different like a seafood taste but not my kinda thing.

After eating the entree we received compliments from the chef this yummy soup, it was a cold type soup which was definitely made with love, it tasted like puree cucumber, some italian spices and tomato, apparently this was given to ones on a hot day just to cool them down, definitely a perfect idea.

“Main Meal”
Prime Angus Beef Tenderloin with braised short rib, white truffle oil custard & organic miso infused kohlrabi very nice and filling my husband did like it alot the shape of the meat made it look really cool, and interesting. He says that he will buy this again.

I got Roasted Hawke’s Bay Natural Lamb
with lamb sweetbreads, sweet pea royale, savoury polenta & sweet spiced merlot jelly. I thought it was tasty, but very sweet, loved the sweetbread & jelly it was very different to what i would normally buy.

SIDE ORDERS was Shoestring Fries with truffle oil & parmesan.
Roasted Scolloppinni & Zucchinni with gremolata & toasted almonds.

The food was superb, the colours, the variety, the shapes and sizes the taste was really yummy. I give the above food 8/10, my husband rated 8/10 also.

Just one thing for improvement is the lighting in the place, it seemed way too dark. Otherwise the staff, seating, and foods was really nice.

Thanks for an awesome experience, my husband and i were pleased with the service and wanted to personally thank Matt (waiter) for making it an enjoyable evening, hope you received your tip from us also!!!

Thanks Leana & Phil

by Karen
16th July 2008

We had the pleasure of dining at Clooney on a Tuesday night; it was not overly busy but the attentive service from the minute we walked in the doors til we left culminated in a first-class dining experience. We could not fault the food; presentation was superb as was the quality of the meals. The servings were not huge; we would recommend ordering a few sides to accompany the mains. The decor of the restaurant is highly unusual and works splendidly.

by Maureen
7th May 2008

My husband and I don’t have the chance to get out as much as we used to since having children so were excited to go out last Sat night to Clooneys. How wrong we were. While the food was ok it was nothing to rave about – and a tip – if you don’t order all of the sides you’ll be pretty hungry!! We were booked for 8pm and left at 11pm – it tool 2 hours to get our mains. One couple next to us packed up and left because they were sick of waiting and one other table of 4 sent their meals back twice and ended up leaving. $240 for 2 entrees, mains & 1 dessert – pretty steep. Nice surroundings but won’t be trying again sadly.

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