Tiger Bar & Restaurant — Restaurant in Puketāpapa

If you’re looking for a chill spot to grab some amazing food in Auckland, check out Tiger Bar at the Soho Hotel on Stoddard Road. This place is all about that sleek, modern vibe that makes you feel fancy without being stuffy.

From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a chic and minimalistic interior that gives off some serious sophistication. The atmosphere is a great mix of an upscale bar and a cozy lounge, thanks to the smooth deep house beats playing in the background. It’s the perfect backdrop for a relaxing lunch, which is exactly what I did on Sunday, January 19th, when I took advantage of their incredible $28 unlimited dumpling deal.

You can choose from three types of dumplings: bok choy, shaomai prawn, and pork & chive. Each round comes with six dumplings, and honestly, that’s a nice amount to sink your teeth into!

First up were the bok choy dumplings. They’re drizzled with a sweet and spicy bird's eye chili sauce and topped with scallions, sesame seeds, and arugula. These veggie dumplings pack a punch! They were so flavorful that after just four, I was reaching for water to cool my tongue. But seriously, they were delicious—though I do prefer a bit of protein usually.

Then came the true star: the shaomai prawn dumplings. These babies had a mirin ginger dressing on top, along with black sesame seeds and saffron. The fresh shrimp was perfectly steamed, and the ginger sauce just enhanced the taste without overpowering it. And can we talk about the texture? Those wrappers were spot on, chewy and just lovely!

Last but not least, I tried the pork & chive dumplings, which were drizzled with truffle oil and stuffed with minced mushrooms. These were packed with juicy, tender pork that made for a really satisfying combo with the truffle.

Let’s not forget the service—it was top-notch! The two ladies and one guy serving us were friendly and attentive. Their warm smiles and great vibes really made the whole experience feel special, turning what could have been just another lunch into something memorable.

For only $28, Tiger Bar serves up fantastic dumplings AND luxury hotel-style service. So whether you want a laid-back meal or a little culinary adventure, Tiger Bar’s got you covered with tasty food, a chic vibe, and friendly service. It truly stands out in Auckland’s...

I don't review anything, I don't rate things when asked. However, in Tiger Bar at SOHO's case, I'm making an exception.

Firstly, the food and drink was average at best yet cost CBD premium prices. Fine, that happens all the time.

However, you knew it was going to be average when, in open view, the bags and bags of Uber eats, clearly for some sort of ghost kitchen, were being pumped out from the kitchen - and at faster speed than the in room diners.

The service was a special level of hell even Dante would have had trouble cooking up.

Take this exchange:

"No we don't have that wine. We do have another, we've given it to you at a great discount, but you're not allowed to see how much it cost. We promise it's very good."

"Well, thank you I suppose. Mind you, it is corked, might we have it opened?"

"Again, we're sorry, we don't have an opener. But I could give it my best try and open it. This would be quicker."

"Without a cork screw."

"I'd be happy to give it my best."

This insanity, and at $30+ a plate, was only outweighed by the sheer lack of bodies at any sort of hospitality station. Two servers, one manager, and two cooks in the kitchen.

The house was full for the Luke Combs concert and to say service was slow would be a generous understatement. At least when it was time to leave for the show, the sound of chairs, booths, and other furniture could be heard sliding across their unanchored bases on the slippery floor. We too needed to reposition our booth seating as minor shifts in weight delivered massive shifts in seating space.

I recently dined with a grieving family after they lost their far too young child, this experience ranks higher in terms of service, food, vibe and pleasant atmosphere.

Your restaurant, it's decor, and the service is a punishment I hope few need to endure.

Eat elsewhere good people...

This year, we decided to have our Christmas dinner at Tiger Bar & Restaurant, located in the elegant SOHO Hotel. At first, I was a little nervous because the menu didn’t feature the traditional Christmas dishes we were expecting. However, we decided to stay—and we’re so glad we did.

It turns out that the Christmas buffet, complete with traditional holiday favorites, is offered during lunch (a tip I’ll remember for next year). For dinner, they served a set menu, which turned out to be an absolute delight.

The restaurant was clean, quiet, and comfortably cozy—perfect for a festive yet relaxing meal. The food was excellent, with every dish beautifully prepared and bursting with flavor. The attention to detail in both taste and presentation was flawless, making the experience truly memorable. We have zero regrets about staying for dinner.

A special mention goes to the staff, who were exceptionally friendly and kind. They were attentive without hovering, even when we were the only ones in the restaurant at one point. Their professionalism and warm demeanor added to the overall enjoyment of our evening.

The cost was reasonable and worthwhile at $69 per person, inclusive of GST. For the quality of food and service, it felt like incredible value for money.

I highly recommend Tiger Bar & Restaurant, both for its regular offerings and as a fantastic choice for Christmas dining. We’ll definitely return next year, this time making a point to enjoy the Christmas...