The Taj & Tonic ( Indian kitchen and Bar ) — Restaurant in Hibiscus and Bays

Came with 2 friends for dinner on a busy Saturday night. They had been before and really enjoyed the food. We got a table and after 20min waitstaff asked if we were ready to order. But at this point we had not been given a menu or offered water. Also the music was unpleasantly loud so we were virtually shouting across the table. Friend 1 ordered chicken korma. Friend 2 ordered butter chicken mild/medium. I ordered Goan fish curry. Shortly afterwards the food arrived. Judging by the bones, the protein in the korma was lamb or goat. The mild/medium butter chicken was definitely medium & too hot for my friend's palate. The fish curry was a generous square of panfried salmon sat on top of a plate of curry sauce. This did not resemble previous versions of Goan fish curry I've eaten, but it was ok. I ate it. The lamb korma was replaced with chicken, and the butter chicken was replaced with mild. But the sauce on the 2 dishes was virtually identical as far as we could taste. The butter chicken mark II was also pink at the bone. Neither of my friends ate their meals. We heard conflicting stories about whether the kitchen was understaffed & whether the chef was a different one. The manager or owner was very apologetic and in fact texted a further apology to my friend later. My friends were embarrassed that the restaurant they'd recommended so highly had turned out to be less than great. On a good day Taj & Tonic serves a delicious curry, but it's not...

Absolutely outstanding experience at The Taj & Tonic! This Indian kitchen and bar has truly raised the bar for Indian cuisine in town. From the moment I walked in, the ambiance was warm and inviting, setting the perfect tone for the evening. The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, making recommendations that were spot on.

Now, let’s talk about the food. Wow. I’ve eaten Indian food in countless places, but the flavors here are unlike anything I’ve ever tasted in town. Every dish was bursting with authentic spices, perfectly balanced, and incredibly flavorful. The butter chicken was rich and creamy, yet light and delicate, while the lamb rogan josh was tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The naan was perfectly fluffy, and the samosas? Pure perfection—crispy, golden, and filled with just the right amount of spiced goodness.

What really stood out was the fusion of traditional flavors with a modern twist—it felt like every dish had been crafted with care, precision, and creativity. The cocktails were equally impressive, each one expertly crafted to complement the spices in the food.

I can honestly say that The Taj & Tonic offers the best Indian food I’ve had in this town, and I can’t wait to come back for more. If you love Indian food, this place is a must-visit. Five...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Unforgettable Culinary Experience!

If you haven’t been to Taj and Tonic, you are seriously missing out on one of the most incredible dining experiences in New Zealand! This is not just another Indian restaurant—it’s a revolution in flavor, a masterpiece of modern Indian cuisine that will leave you speechless.

From the very first bite, we knew we were in for something special. The panipuri burst with authentic yet innovative flavors, the paneer kulcha was perfection—crispy outside, soft and cheesy inside, and the paneer taco? Absolutely next level! Every dish was beautifully presented, packed with flavor, and crafted with such passion that you could taste it in every bite.

We have never had Indian food like this in New Zealand before! It’s a perfect balance of traditional and contemporary—bold, creative, and utterly delicious. The ambiance is stylish and inviting, the service is warm and welcoming, and every dish tells a story of culinary excellence.

If you’re a food lover, this is the place to be. If you appreciate bold flavors and top-tier hospitality, don’t walk—RUN to Taj and Tonic. This is the kind of place that deserves to be packed every night.

Highly, highly recommend! We will be back again and again. Thank you for an...