Cooke's Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Waitematā

me and my wife came into Fable Auckland / Cooke’s restaurant and bar for lunch today. We had seen pictures and had high expectations to start with. We clearly mentioned we were there for lunch and were given a standard menu off which we ordered. We both thought the food was of poor quality.

When we had finished and were grabbing the bill, I saw a pamphlet of Cooke’s also being a restaurant of the month. When asked we were told there was a 2 course menu priced at $45 each as per the promotion. When asked why we weren’t offered the option or told about it earlier, the staff made it seem like it was a mistake and simply said “Maybe next time you can try it”

So, it’s clear that they wanted us to pay regular prices. It’s a shame that a hotel of this standard is miss selling to its patrons. We paid $125 for one entree, one side and a main (with 2 drinks) when we could have had more food for $90. I think that’s very unfair and I will be writing about this to Heart of the City who are organisers of this promotion. Absolutely disappointed in Fable Auckland.

Prior to dining I asked the staff (In suit) if we could have a look at the rooms as we were planing a hotel stay in town for my birthday this September. We were told to speak to the front office staff and that this could be arranged.

On our way out, I spoke to the front office staff who then asked if we could come in on a weekday to have a look at the rooms. It’s like he didn’t care that we were potential guests. His excuse was “We’ve had a busy week and most rooms are being cleaned. We’re short staff today as well so, can you come back on a weekday”

What a joke! Maybe that would have been an option if Fable was the only hotel in Auckland. I understand that there are limitations around servicing a customer but you can never drop your service standards. Specially not when you’re boasting to be one of the best hotels...

I live nearby so I wouldn’t usually stay here, but this morning I needed a calm, relaxing space before work and this spot offered just that. (Admittedly, being asked for a room number right at the entrance was a bit abrupt, but fair enough considering the setting.) The coffee wasn’t just served in a standard mass-produced cup, it came in a beautifully crafted piece of ceramic ware, and that made all the difference. It elevated the whole experience, and somehow made the coffee taste even better. In the middle of a busy morning, that small moment of quiet luxury genuinely lifted my mood. It’s the kind of place where even the busiest people can pause and breathe for a minute and for that reason, I’d especially recommend it to those rushing through their day. But if you do have time to spare, all the better. You’ll be able to truly settle in and enjoy it at your own pace. I had the Eggs Benedict. The menu listed bacon, but I was happy to be able to swap it for salmon. The base wasn’t your usual English muffin either...it was hash browns, which added a satisfying crunch. The eggs themselves were noticeably fresh, with beautifully rich, golden yolks. Absolutely delicious. As you’d expect from a hotel setting, the service was top-notch. The staff made me feel truly looked after, it was hospitality at its finest. It felt like I’d stumbled across a hidden little sanctuary to escape the everyday busyness and recharge. I’d say it’s a perfect little treat for yourself on an ordinary day, but also a wonderful place to celebrate something special. The only real letdown was the artificial flowers on the tables. It’s a small detail, but in such an elegant and thoughtfully presented space, they felt a bit out of place. Fresh flowers or even just a more subtle touch...would have matched the atmosphere...

Cooke’s is located right on Queen Street, in the heart of Auckland’s vibrant CBD. The space offers a blend of vintage charm and modern elegance, making it a lovely spot to unwind. I visited with a friend on a busy Friday afternoon for High Tea, and the service was warm and attentive.

The High Tea was beautifully presented with great attention to detail—everything you’d expect from a traditional experience. The selection was petite, offering just enough for a light afternoon treat. Each sweet and savoury item was artfully arranged, and there was a nice variety of teas options to choose from. We also appreciated how accommodating they were with dietary needs.

While the savoury bites were excellent, many of the sweets were overly sugary for my personal taste—slightly adjusting the recipes could bring better balance. Also, though the tea was served in an elegant teapot, it cooled far too quickly. A more practical teapot would definitely improve the experience—cold tea during High Tea is a bit of a letdown.

That said, I’d still recommend Cooke’s High Tea for its beautiful setting and attentive service. With a few small tweaks, it has the potential to be even...