New Zealand Herald

Reviews for Ima Bistro

by Michelle w.
22nd August 2012

This business is a MenuMania SponsorOne of the Business' Favourite Reviews

Wow! What a fantastic place! We celebrated my sister Doms birthday and the food was OUT OF THIS WORLD! The lamb was the best i have ever had and the chicken so full of flavor? The salad and veg were beautifully prepared and fresh produce makes such a huge difference to the meal. Will be back !

by Bridget M.
21st March 2013

Excellent restaurant. The lamb, salads, pate, and dessert with Gorgonzola/mozzarella/ and pistachios were delicious. Plus it offers a pleasant place to sit and more than accommodating staff. We had a flight to catch and they opened 30 mins early for dinner for us! Reasonably priced for what you get.

by Mel
20th October 2012

I adore this restaurant. It’s the only one in Auckland I go to regularly. The food is consistently great. Yael is extremely passionate and her food reflects that. The chicken liver pate is superb. I have to have it every time I go there. Another of my favourites is the brik, an out-of-this-world pastry a bit like a large won ton, stuffed with fresh tuna and lemon.The pastry is home made and you can tell. For a main course I often have the chicken breast which is succulent and delicious, especially the superb stuffing.

by Liv W.
12th June 2012

A delightful experience at this middle-Eastern bistro. My dear Israeli friend brought me here, and for a truely Israel experience, she recommended I try the Shakshuka: “Spicy slow roasted tomato with Moroccan merguez sausage and poached eggs. Served with toast.”

She said she makes it at home herself – for lunch, or breakfast, or dinner – any time of day. I thought it was like an Israeli version of of a very hearty Kiwi fry-up. But it comes in semi-liquified form, served in a deep frypan, and with eggs poaching and swimming in beautiful rich tomatoes. So you dip the toast into the mixture to load great gloops of runny golden egg yolk onto your hunks of bread.

Smiley, helpful service. A bohemian feel to the decor. I liked it.

by Alison M.
19th April 2012

Wonderful Middle Eastern food in cosy , homestyle surroundings. Generous portions which made my husband and teenage children very happy. Friendly waitress , convivial atmosphere.

by Amanda C.
24th January 2012

We had a meal here on Friday night following the restaurants review in Metro last year. We just walked in off the street and didn’t read the menu before taking a seat. The moment I did I wanted to leave because I thought it was terribly expensive for a cafe/bistro and we were the only people there.
My father and I order the stuffed chicken leg and my partner got the lamb. I think they were $31 each. The chicken itself was ok and had a lot of flavour when you incorporated the stuffing otherwise it was bland. The “sauce” it came sitting in and the couscous were incredibly watery and bland and needed a lot of salt and pepper.
The place was full when we left but I don’t think we’ll be returning as you can get some really tasty meals in Auckland for under $30 per person and they have some flavour!

Comment from Yael S. of Ima Bistro 26/01/2012    Hide »

The price of a meal reflects the cost of ingredients and labour in…    More »

The price of a meal reflects the cost of ingredients and labour in this case top of the range free range chicken that is deboned stuffed then stitched together, another suburban restaurant using the same product with a much less labour intensive treatment is charging $32 that is without taking in consideration the difference in rent we pay in the CBD.

by gianpaolo g.
4th April 2011

This Place really stands out from The average Cafes.

The food is exceptional. The mozzarella in carrozza is to’ die for. The Owner is very passionate. She is really
Into something extra ordinary. I loved every single bit…

Thank you

by Zeena
3rd May 2009

Very authentic and delicious flavour You can ever taste of Middle Eastern FOOD:)The Chef is very talented and the customer service is amazing!. Top Score!

by Ray Ray
19th March 2009

100/100…simply the best. food is divine, seating area is large, great customer service and of course they have my fave..argelieh!!!!

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