Barulho — Restaurant in Waitematā

We had a great impression of Barulho when it first started as a little tapas & drinking hole. Always gave us an impression where we can find great (and authentic) Spanish-ish cuisine we love so much.

Been a while since, and while the service is relatively attentive, I was kind of bothered being served what seem to be a “white wine” glass when we ordered a bottle of red (we referenced other table’s red wine glasses!). We were so looking forward to reminiscing what we had in Portugal/Spain and so it didn’t live up to it- Charcoal grilled octopus comes with a few rings of calamari in the plate… not sure what’s the point?! Is it to fill up the plate or fool the customers ?! What’s your intention? While I did enjoy the generous Pimenton-olive oil sauce, I don’t quite understand the purpose of the bed of marinated olives served with it, over-powering the grilled octopus.

Cos lettuce salad dish, which traditionally (the Spanish version) had the cos lettuce charred, served with manchego cheese and anchovy dressing, an absolute delight. But this salad is simply raw & cold, and without a hint of anchovy in its dressing, if any… so I can only describe the dish as a normal lettuce from fridge, tasteless, though with cheese & green apple stripes.. totally under-seasoned!

Then the grilled rack of lamb, well, nothing Portuguese/Spanish about it. If anything, it’s simply drowned in sweet marinate. It says “charcoal grilled” on the menu and I see them using the Josper charcoal but nothing smoky nor grilled; again, disappointed- simply drowned in some sweet marinate.

So overall, well, if you have not been to Portugal/Spain or had any knowledge of what the cuisines are about, maybe it’s not too bad, just another restaurant serving...

Restaurant had good ambiance, and food was decent. If it wasn't for that, I would give it 5 stars.

However, when I made the booking, I was under the impression that we had table for 2 hours: when I called to make the booking, a staff member told me that I can have the table until 7:15 when I asked about 5:30 reservation, so I made the booking for 5:15. About 1:30 into the booking, a staff came to say that we only had 5 more minutes left. I thought this was odd, but about 5 minutes later, the same staff came back to say that we should leave and can pay at the table. I paid and looked at the clock, and we still had 15 minutes of the booking left, so when I told the staff member that I was under the impression that we had the booking for 2 hours, she feigned ignorance and stepped away. Finally, a male staff member came and told me when we still had 5-10 mins of booking time left if we could leave early because the 7:15 reservation arrived.

I found this incident to be extremely unprofessional and rude. Coming up to the table three times and asking them to leave is just straight up bad service. At the time, I was with company, so I did not ask to see the manager, but in hindsight, I should have. It begs the question of why make a booking time to be 2 hours when you want customers to leave at 1:30? If people made booking for 7:15... regardless of when they arrive.... can wait until 7:15. I don't think the restaurant should push paying customers out because a booking...

Barulho is an absolute gem nestled in the heart of Parnell, Auckland, offering an extraordinary Spanish dining experience. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with a vibrant ambiance that perfectly complements the authentic flavors awaiting you.

Their menu is a culinary masterpiece, showcasing the best of Spanish cuisine with an array of tapas, paellas, and other traditional dishes. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, meticulously prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients that transport you straight to Spain.

The service at Barulho is exemplary, with attentive staff who are passionate about ensuring every guest has an unforgettable dining experience. They're knowledgeable about the menu and eager to provide recommendations, making you feel right at home from the moment you arrive.

One cannot overlook the exquisite sangria, a must-try beverage that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the food. And for dessert lovers, the sweet treats on offer provide a delightful conclusion to an already remarkable meal.

In summary, Barulho is a culinary treasure in Auckland, offering an unparalleled taste of Spain that will leave you craving more. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, this restaurant delivers on every front. I can't recommend it highly enough and can't wait to return for another...