Na Na Thai Restaurant — Restaurant in Howick

came as a family of 5, overall: food was not bad - could've been more spicy. it was leaning more on the sweeter side. we ordered: 1x naughty chicken (which turned out to be a curry/sauce with chicken breast - unfortunately because it was breast it wasn't the most tender pieces of meat). because there was no picture. the description didn't really explain if it was a curry/sauce it only mentioned it was marinated. 1x somtom salad. pretty classic thai style salad that is served cold, was fresh and it had clear visual menu so i def knew what i was expecting. 1x garlic pepper fish ($45.5) (deep fried parts of a whole fish presented nicely, what type of fish - we don;t know); we felt compared to other chinese places-wise, it wasn't bad at all. so value v portion v taste this fish a good choice, in our opinion. 1x mango crush drink ($8.5): not bad however def not top level drink making, the ice was a little bitsy and couldve been smoother. not too sugary which i prefer. 1x heineken ($8.5): can't complain they just pour that into a glass same as any other place, wouldve been classier if it were on a coaster + the bottle was provided on the side. shows more care. 1x lamb curry. not too bad however because the lamb meat was sliced we felt it shouldve been more chunky-like. again on the sweet side even though i had asked for mild. if you have a spice option, then why not be committed to it. if people complain then they understand to not order that level next time. it's not a bad thing. it should be something to be proud of esp if you are trying to serve authentic dishes. restaurant atmosphere: it looks, feels and sounds very busy. it's nothing fancy however with the space i can tell part of it looks a little dated and could prob use better organization/storage or a classier way of concealing spaces/corners. there isn;t really much of an ''atmosphere'' like a ponsonby, intimate type of restaurant as it is a well lit place with kids and families alike. the music is a little unnecessarily loud. there are always a lot of staff running around. i could tell from their different uniforms that different staff had different tasks etc. the person that took our order, we didnt see her again after we ordered and that can be a little slack esp for this style of restaurant where you have so many customers. in a more typical caucasian restaurant like lone star for example you get one server or waiter for your table so they understand and remember your needs/orders. we had to ask someone else to follow up (and we could see that they went to someone else to follow up then that person came to us) with two dishes that were missing even after we had finished our first two dishes already. this tells me clearly that their customer service/wait staff organisation is not the typical type and can come off to look a little messy in action. also: you should';t rush to clear out a customer;s table esp if they are still sitting there and eating their food lol, it's a little rude and passive aggressive-like. this tells me that their staff when not moving about, need to ''look busy''. parking: it can get quite busy (we booked for 6pm and there was no onsite parking left) there are no restaurant dedicated carparks so it's mostly all public parking. feedback: not bad experience, not bad food (i cant speak for authenticity as i barely ever go to thai restaurants) however i really encourage them to combine their on site menus into one big menu and use a laminated piece of plastic or something with clear visuals. it's much easier communication wise esp if you are a restaurant that caters to families, kids alike. those materials age and will get ripped, stained etc. for context: we were given 3 menus, 1 was drinks, it was falling apart. 1 was a book menu and the other was a visual menu. none of them had the same thing so when u have a big party for example it can feel confusing when you are all looking at different things on separate menus. best to keep it simple :) everything could use a touch of class and standing from the customers pov to refresh...

As a top-tier Google Local Guide, I am always on the lookout for exceptional dining experiences, and Na Na Thai Restaurant truly stands out. This gem offers an authentic taste of Thai cuisine, providing a delightful culinary journey that is both memorable and satisfying.

Ambiance: The moment you step into Na Na Thai, you are greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The décor is tastefully done, blending traditional Thai elements with a modern touch. The soft lighting and comfortable seating create a relaxing environment, perfect for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings.

Service: The service at Na Na Thai is impeccable. The staff are courteous, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They are always ready to provide recommendations and ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of excellent. The timing of the service is well-paced, allowing you to enjoy each course without feeling rushed.

Food: The menu at Na Na Thai is extensive, offering a wide range of dishes that cater to various preferences. From classic appetizers like spring rolls and satay to flavorful mains such as Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Tom Yum soup, each dish is prepared with the freshest ingredients and authentic spices. The presentation is visually appealing, and the flavors are perfectly balanced, capturing the essence of Thai cuisine.

Value for Money: Na Na Thai offers excellent value for money. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, especially considering the high quality of the food and service. Whether you’re dining in or taking away, you can expect a satisfying meal that delivers great value.

Conclusion: Na Na Thai Restaurant is a standout destination for anyone craving authentic Thai cuisine. With its inviting ambiance, exceptional service, and mouthwatering dishes, it provides an outstanding dining experience that I highly recommend. Whether you’re a Thai food enthusiast or new to the cuisine, Na Na Thai is sure to impress and leave you...

Bland, mild, sugary shadow of Thai cuisine with low quality ingredients, a canteen atmosphere and awful service. We were really disappointed. The dishes are about as authentic as Thai chicken pie - just not as good. It was so expensive and AWFUL. Overpriced and lacking all vibrancy. If you want authentic, flavourful, light, spicy Thai with succulent meats and excellent spice/herb/sour/earthy balance it’s a 30sec walk to ‘Thai Licious’ - my favourite Thai spot in Auckland. Should have stuck with the best instead of trying the rest. We paid $24.50 for a tiny, congealed massaman curry with sinewy chicken - it’s $19.90 at Thai Licious only fresher, bigger and SO much better. The Na Na Thai vibe is depressing - the bar was entirely covered with dirty glasses during our visit and the staff didn’t really show much respect for diners attempting to eat in peace - they smashed the glasses about into dishwashers and even begun vacuuming the carpet next to people eating. We felt uncomfortable and wanted to leave so asked if they could wrap the food up for us (the rice at least was worth taking) but instead of removing the four dishes and wrapping them in the kitchen they dumped two takeaway containers on the table and began clearing the plates while my partner was still eating....