Had such a good meal tonight at Ishtar. Everything was so good! A great late night spot - not many places are open till late so this place is definitely a winner over the alternative late spots that are open till 12.
I ordered the Lamb Tikka Dish with fried Mara bar for dessert. The lamb was so juicy and moist, I almost thought it was cubed scotch fillet it was that tender. The vegetables for the salad and slaw as well as the grilled onion and tomato were so FRESH and tasty. It wasn’t watery or tasted thawed out. The owner was so gracious enough to explain to us in detail that they always cut small pieces of lamb fresh, never using frozen meat. And you could really taste the difference. The portion size was great too. Everything was incredibly fresh! Finished my whole plate in under 10 minutes give or take. My husband ordered the Chicken Tikka dish and was equally satisfied with his meal. The Mars bars wasn’t oily and paired with a caramel sauce drizzle and pistachios with cream. Definitely tasted more sophisticated than the usual deep fried Mars bar from the takeaways.
The staff were so kind and polite as well. They kept the restaurant very clean. The owner was also so accomodating and friendly. Dust free. The atmosphere was great, it was so clean inside, very clean bathrooms and it was such a cozy, warm place to eat in. The decorum gave the place a lot of personality. The soft chairs along the side wall were so beautiful and comfortable!
The menu was priced very good considering the quality and portion sizes. We’re definitely coming back again to try more from the menu. The baklawa pieces on display were also very very big might I...
Read moreIshtar Restaurant and Takeaway is one of my favorite spots for delicious Middle Eastern cuisine. From the moment you walk in, you can tell this place takes pride in both its food and service. The menu is extensive, offering a wide variety of dishes that cater to all tastes. Every time I’ve ordered, whether dining in or getting takeaway, the food has been consistently fresh, flavorful, and well-presented. The quality of the ingredients really stands out. The meats are tender and perfectly cooked, the falafel is crispy on the outside and soft inside, and the sauces are rich and authentic. Portion sizes are generous, which makes it great value for money, especially if you’re taking food home for the family. The staff are always friendly, welcoming, and attentive. Even during busy times, service is efficient, and they make sure you have everything you need to enjoy your meal. I also appreciate how well-packaged the takeaway orders are, nothing ever spills or gets cold. Overall, Ishtar Restaurant and Takeaway provides an authentic dining experience that combines amazing food, friendly service, and great value. Whether you’re after a quick takeaway or a relaxed meal, it’s a reliable choice that never disappoints. Highly recommend for anyone craving tasty Middle...
Read moreAwesome experience, amazing staff, brilliant food and shisha. Delicious doogh, if you're Persian, you'll know most places in NZ don't make it the way they do back home. This was banging doogh 💯 Everyone of the staff members were lovely, courteous, checking in on us. On time and hospitable, patient and always smiling. It was a nice vibe, my friend said, it really feels like we're out of Auckland. Very low-key and personalized vibe, amazing job by the owners, I wish you prosperity. The shisha was perfect, metal pipe and lasting flavours, no skimping or changing the flavors because of low stock. Honest and always checking if we need coal. They had a variety of free games to play and we stayed back a lot longer. Clean bathroom and the place is in the works, very clean and comfortable. Shisha lounge is separate from the main dine in lounge to separate smokers and no smokers. The smoking area has heaters and fans and is covered overhead, breezy when needed and warm when needed. I feel very relaxed after this experience. Thank you for having us, the photo doesn't do justice, next time I'll post...
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