When my two younger brothers were little, my mum used to take them to this humble family run restaurant on Dominion Rd all the time for their dumplings🥟. I only accompanied them once and remember the queues back then. After being overseas for a few years, I was happy to hear that the restaurant is still going strong and opened a second store down the road where a Shanghainese restaurant once was. Barilla has now gathered a cult following of dumpling lovers & built a reputation of one of the popular Cheap Eats in Auckland. Good job guys👍!
Visited the new location on a Friday evening in a group of 5️⃣ as one friend absolutely loves their Sliced Beef and Beef Tripe in Chili Sauce (夫妻肺片, a popular Sichuan dish, served cold and the name literally means “husband and wife lung pieces”) – he would rate this the best in the entire Auckland and said he has tried them all😅. Can’t really argue as the tender beef and tripe slices were served in this spicy and mouth-numbing sauce that has the perfect balance of seasonings and topped with peanuts and coriander – every bite is bursting with flavour❗️
We also ordered their Tossed Mung Clear Noodles, steamed Port & Chive dumplings, Tofu in Oyster Sauce, Eggplant in Brown Sauce, Sizzling Sliced Beef with Black Pepper & a fish dish with chili. The fish dish was a letdown as it looked nothing like the photo in the menu and the sweetness of the steam fish was buried by the salty chili paste when we were expecting fresh chili. The🥟🥟were amazing as always – you can’t fault them – hot and quivering and firm to the bite❣️It ended up being $26/person and everyone left super full and satisfied 😋.
Barilla has done a good job with the marketing to reach out to the wider demographic - upon leaving the restaurant a quick scan revealed that almost 90% of the customers were...
Read moreBarill Dumplings is a decent spot for dumpling enthusiasts seeking a tasty fix without breaking the bank. While my experience was generally positive, there were a few aspects that left me with mixed feelings. First, let's talk about the dumplings - undoubtedly the highlight of the meal. The pork and chives dumplings were absolutely delightful! The combination of juicy pork and fresh chives created a burst of flavors that was simply mouthwatering. Each dumpling was expertly crafted, making it a pleasure to indulge in. If you visit Barill Dumplings, these dumplings are a must-try! However, despite the delectable dumplings, the overall ambiance of the place left a bit to be desired. The decor felt somewhat plain, and the seating arrangements were a tad cramped. While the cozy atmosphere could work for some, I prefer a more spacious and vibrant setting for an enjoyable dining experience. Now, let's talk about the pricing. Barill Dumplings offers reasonable prices, making it a budget-friendly option for those craving tasty dumplings. The portion sizes were satisfying, ensuring you get your fill without breaking the bank. The staff was polite, but I felt they could have been more attentive and engaging. In conclusion, Barill Dumplings is a good place for dumplings if you're primarily focused on taste and affordability. The pork and chives dumplings alone are...
Read moreI've never reviewed restaurants and food before. But the food was so disappointing that I had to write a review for the first time.
Last weekend, I visited "Barilla Dumpling"(305 Mt Eden, Auckland) to have a pleasant dinner with my friends after a long time. We ordered six to seven dishes, including dumplings, fish, beef and lamb. There were delicious foods like lamb, but nearly half of them were so bad. Especially sizzling beef fillet and fern root nodules were too salty to eat.
The customer service was not good either. The restaurant staff was taking our orders and suddenly went to the checkout counter to take orders by phone and repeatedly came back. Some of my friends came all the way from Takanini, but I felt so sorry for him because the food was not good enough and the customer service was not professional.
I don't think I'll ever tell my friends to go to this restaurant again. Other friends probably won't be...
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