The Good Home Onehunga — Restaurant in Maungakiekie-Tāmaki

This was hands down one of the worst dining experiences I have ever had. It took over 1 and a quarter hours for our meals to come and even that was only because we chased it up. We were only given one copy of the menu to share between 8 people, again until we asked for more. We weren't given enough glasses and some of the ones we were given were dirty, one was so sticky I had to wash my hands after handling it. Most of the food was nice when we finally got it. We were seated in the lower dining areas in front of a heater which was right next to the large doors opening to an outdoor dining area, which made for a very uncomfortable hour and a halfish (we left as soon as we had eaten our mains because why would you stay any longer than you had to) because the staff kept going in and out and leaving the doors open, despite repeated requests to close the doors after them because it was freezing. They were hostile and rude, their excuse was that they couldn't close them if they were carrying 2 plates but the fact is that there were very few times that they were, most of the time they only had their pads in their hands. The guests at other tables shared the task of getting up, very often!, to close the doors. It was a stressful, uncomfortable experience that I never care to repeat and anyone with compromised immunity should undertake because not only the bitterly cold, strong winds coming in leaving the room very cold but (a number of people eating with their coats on) the combination of the hot heater just starting to warm you then more cold blasts then hot then cold. Having to get up and go find staff to find out where your meals are, asking them (without success) to close the door behind them repeatedly, sending back filthy glasses, asking for more than one carafe of water per 8 people, asking for enough glasses for one per person, asking for more than one menu for the table, the floor in the bar area where you have to pay was so filthy it was sticky. Honestly it was an absolute nightmare. When I go out for a meal it is to relax and enjoy it but this was cold, stressful and unpleasant and if we hadn't managed to stumble across the only member of staff who gave a damn I'm pretty sure we would have still been waiting for our meal after 2 hours because despite their assurance that our meals were being plated up right now and would only be a couple of minutes we still waited nearly 20 minutes. The bright side is that most of the food was nice, not all, but most and the toilets are very nice and clean. In fairness our young waitress did seem to be trying but I suspect was not greatly experienced and thrown in the deep end, she and the lady who we found to get our meals were nice. The others we had to deal with were not only unpleasant but downright rude, and completely disinterested. There are too many options to put yourself through this nightmare...

I have visited The Good Home Onehunga 4 times now, twice for lunch and twice for an event (both 21st birthdays) I would like to say that they are AMAZING with events.

The layout is very neat and tidy, the decor is quite cool and old-fashioned in the inside area, but towards the outside area and the main deck it's quite modern which is a great mix. The food is amazing, especially the chicken karaage which is so delicious, and always such a big hit at events.

The first 21st I went to was my own only a few years back but I didn't think to write a review, they were absolutely amazing and catered for everything we needed, all with a smile. The second 21st was organised by myself and my partner. Considering this was our first time planning a birthday like this they were so easy to deal with and communicate with prior to the night, and on the actual night they were so attentive to us about everything we wanted so that the night could run as smooth as possible.

Special mention to Cleo, and another blonde waitress which I regret not getting the name of. They were both so kind and made sure that we were aware of everything such as changes, issues, concerns, etc. we had a special video we wanted to play straight after the speeches and Cleo had watched and waited for us to mention the video so that it would play straight away, I also fussed about the sound and some messages popping up on the screen while the video was playing in front of all our guests and they were more than happy to solve the issue.

The security guard was also very helpful and kind making sure we all had a good and safe night. I went into the kitchen to bring out the birthday cake which was quite large and heavy and the staff was yelling "cake coming through" to ensure no one would walk in my way. I went to collect the cake myself because they did not want to risk dropping the cake, and I was more than happy to bring it out again as I had dropped it off into the kitchen earlier that day as well. The security guard also offered to walk in front of me so that he could move anyone out of the way.

Overall, the staff at The Good Home Onehunga were more than hospitable and friendly to us and really made our night. Customer service was amazing not only from the two girls who were looking after our event but also the at the guy at the bar who gave us great customer service aswell which I unfortunately also did not catch the name of! Staff really did make it feel like a "Good Home". Very happy with the service here, and it won't be the last time we visit or recommend this...

As much as I'd love to talk about the great food, the experience was not. My brother already felt underdressed, wearing his beanie and basketball jersey over his tee, but after much convincing I dragged him here for lunch. He's here on holiday from Brisbane and its important to note that he owns his own transport business back home with what I'm about to say next.

Everything was okay until we picked a table outside. After ordering our food, staff member asked for a card. Was taken aback and found the request odd but gave my card willingingly. My brother wasn't impressed and asked if this was normal. I checked with another staff member who served our drinks and sides. She explained that because were seated outside they do request it, maybe because of previous incidents where customers have done a runner? I assumed. It wasn't really made clear then and was more insulted after noticing that we were the only brown ones there. There were two guys who had just walked in not long after us sitting two tables away and I can't recall them being asked after their orders were placed.

I can understand the high rise in crime in the Auckland area wth all the ram raids and stealing going on, and as much as I hate to pull the race card, I've never felt so discriminated against, all because we chose to sit outside.

It would really help if communication is made clear on why cards are requested but it wasnt so I'm only left to assume that it was because were Polynesian.

Do better Good Home! We're not...