Botswana Butchery — Restaurant in Waitematā

Disappointing Experience at Botswana Butchery – restaurant month $65 each.

I’ve always wanted to try Botswana Butchery, so when I saw it was participating in Restaurant Month, I suggested to my husband that we go. The menu looked promising, and while it did say it was designed for two people sharing, we were completely unprepared for just how insubstantial it would be.

Sharing usually indicates the portions are big enough to share, not that you will be sharing one portion between two people.

First tip: if you’re hungry, eat before or plan to eat again afterwards.

The service was on the slower side, but I want to be clear — I don’t fault the wait staff or chefs. What really let the evening down was management, in a big way.

Things started to go wrong when the “filet mignon” arrived. It was two tiny skewers with minuscule pieces of filet sandwiched between large hunks of pork. When I queried this, the waiter explained that “filet mignon means different things” and that “in Europe, it often comes with bacon.” As someone who is from Europe and has travelled extensively across France and Italy — the very places where filet mignon originates — I can confidently say I’ve never seen filet mignon served this way, let alone with pork.

To make it worse, the skewers came with a disproportionate side of duck-fat potatoes and barely any sauce. The potatoes were dry, and without enough sauce or meat to balance them, they were a chore to get through.

Next came two lamb ribs each (yes, only two) with another serving of potato. Thankfully, we had ordered a side of Brussels sprouts, recognising that the set menu had a glaring lack of vegetables.

We still held out hope for dessert, thinking it might redeem the experience — but that was the final straw. We were given a single serve of chocolate mousse to share, far smaller than what’s usually served as an individual portion (confirmed by photos on their own website). I mentioned this to our waiter, who understandably looked uncomfortable but kindly took our concerns to the manager again.

When he returned, he relayed that we’d normally pay $70 just for the lamb, and that they “needed to recover costs,” which is apparently why we were served pork instead of beef and such a small dessert. He added that management would discuss the menu at the end of the night. I really felt for the waiter — he shouldn’t have been left to explain these decisions. That should have come directly from the manager.

To add insult to injury, the payment machine at our table wasn’t working, so we had to go to the front to pay — where the manager, Shaun, was taking payments. He casually asked how the meal was, and when I told him we were unhappy with our experience, he didn’t say a word. No apology, no acknowledgment — just pushed the bill and payment machine toward us.

I pointed out that leaving the waiter to deal with complaints was inappropriate, and that as the front-of-house manager, it was his job to speak to customers directly. His facial expression and body language made it clear he didn’t care, and he continued to push the bill toward us. I finally said we wouldn’t be returning, his indifference only confirmed what we suspected: they don’t care about retaining local business — they’ve got enough traffic from cruise ships and tourists.

I’m a petite woman (5’3", small build) — it doesn’t take much to fill me up, but even I left hungry.

In the end, the only thing Botswana Butchery truly butchered was my bank account: $146.

On the other hand I highly recommend Beast & Butterfly across the road, consistently great food, adequate portions, appropriately priced, great service and atmosphere. And I'll guarantee you won't need to visit Gelatimo (best gelato just like in Europe) to compensate.

P.s I didn't get a photo of the skewers, that's how taken...

Botswana Butchery, a gem in the heart of Auckland, offers a culinary experience that is as rich and diverse as the culture of the country it's named after. Nestled in a charming heritage building, the restaurant exudes an ambiance of rustic elegance, making it the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining adventure.

The culinary journey at Botswana Butchery begins with their sensational scallops. Sourced from the pure waters surrounding New Zealand, these scallops are a testament to the freshness and quality that the restaurant prides itself on. Each piece is seared to perfection, creating a delicate crust that gives way to a melt-in-your-mouth tender center, setting the stage for the culinary delights that follow.

The sirloin steak is the star of the show, a masterpiece of the menu. This isn’t just a steak; it’s a celebration of New Zealand’s finest beef, expertly aged and cooked with a precision that ensures each slice is a harmonious blend of flavor and texture. The sirloin is juicy, flavorful, and cooked to your exact liking, making each bite a moment to savor.

No culinary experience is complete without a sweet note, and the apple strudel dessert at Botswana Butchery is a symphony of flavors. The strudel, with its flaky pastry, tender spiced apples, and subtle sweetness, is a heartwarming nod to traditional European cuisine, yet it's presented with a modern twist that is both delightful and surprising.

Pairing perfectly with the meal are the meticulously curated wines, each selected to complement the dishes flawlessly. Whether you prefer a bold red to accompany your steak or a crisp white to balance the richness of the scallops, the wine list is both extensive and impressive. And for those seeking a more spirited end to their meal, the espresso martini cocktails are a must-try. Expertly mixed, these cocktails are the perfect blend of rich coffee flavor and smooth, velvety liquor, providing a decadent finish to an exquisite dining experience.

In conclusion, Botswana Butchery isn't just a restaurant; it's a destination for all who appreciate the finer things in life. From the impeccable scallops to the sublime sirloin, the comforting apple strudel, the refined wine selection, and the exquisite espresso martinis, every element of this restaurant is a testament to the art of fine dining. It’s more than a meal; it's an experience that leaves you with cherished memories and a...

Our recent experience at this restaurant left us deeply disappointed. Despite booking in advance and adjusting our reservation time, we encountered a series of unfortunate events that marred what was supposed to be a special evening. Upon arrival, at 8:30pm our table wasn't ready despite our punctuality, and we found ourselves waiting at the bar. The initial service was friendly, but it became apparent that our waiter was under considerable pressure. My husband ordered a drink, which took 20 minutes to come to him and prompting us to reiterate our requests. The confusion continued when placing our orders, as we specifically asked for mains and entrees simultaneously. Although the entrees arrived promptly, our main courses were nowhere in sight. Despite inquiring about our meals, we waited until 10:00 pm, growing increasingly hungry and frustrated. My husband and I decided to get up and leave as we were waiting for a long time. We attempted to address the situation at the reception, we were met with resistance from the presumed manager. Despite the extensive wait, she downplayed our concerns, attempting to justify the delay by explaining the typical restaurant order progression. Our attempts to clarify our specific order were met with dismissiveness. As the manager failed to recognize the gravity of the situation, we decided to cancel our order. To our dismay, we were still charged for the entrees and drinks. Requesting a discount for the ordeal was met with refusal, and the situation escalated to a point where the manager threatened to involve the police. Ultimately, we left the restaurant without having our main course, resorting to a late-night pizza for my husband's birthday celebration. Despite the commendable efforts of our server under pressure, the overall experience was marred by miscommunication, delays, and a lack of resolution from the management. We are deeply disappointed with the service received, and we feel compelled to share our unfortunate experience with others. A night that should have been celebratory turned into a regrettable ordeal, and we hope that improvements are made to prevent others from enduring...