East Restaurant — Restaurant in Waitematā

This is a review for my 40th Birthday hosted and catered by the team at East Restaurant. I was so happy to offer healthy and yummy vegan & vegetarian food to my guests as a vegan myself. I was so glad to discover this establishment, the first time I could actually eat from a full set off of a dim sum and yum cha menu! It made my heart so full of joy that we have been coming back since!

So I chose this restaurant for my 40th birthday party and they did not disappoint. To this day, my guests are still raving about the food. Some items on my chef's special menu quickly became guest favourites. The food & bevvy team at East looked after my party so well, they were efficient and kind, and polite - they made everyone's experience memorable. We had sharing dim sum (yum cha) with tea for starters, then a sumptuous buffet of yummy vegan and vegetarian eats! The dessert pudding was also a highlight. Everyone really enjoyed the yum cha and the tofu! The sticky savoury rice and potato bao were chef's kiss Drinks were also very efficiently brought over to guests. They accommodated our party at one of their function venues on the top floor with lovely views of the city and harbour, they also accommodated my request to have a Lion Dance performance for my family & friends. This event brought so much happiness to myself, my husband, family and friends. Shoutout to the entire team at East. Thank you!

We went back to the restaurant again just a few weeks ago to order some of the same items on the menu from the party - and they tasted just as good. We will keep coming back for more awesome and tasty...

We were excited to try East Eats because it was advertised as a plant based restaurant and though the food was fantastic the overall experience did not meet our expectations and we will not return nor will we recommend to others. The food came out far too quickly- it would have been far better with a slightly more staggered approach especially for appetisers vs mains. In particular, with the pancake we were surprised it was not already made up and the ingredients provided were very dry like they had been sitting out for a while which was very disappointing. Though the servers were kind and helpful it felt like we were being watched closely and the moment we put our utensils down they had the plates picked up. Though prompt service in this regard can be good, it felt like we were rushed in terms of eating the food. A large part of the meal experience is the cocktails or drinks. In this respect we were severely let down, in short, they were trying far too hard. They were simply not enjoyable drinks and did not complement the food at all. This was the primary way our experience was ruined. Even if there was the more classic cocktail options available in conjunction to the restaurant creations that would certainly help. There are other restaurants we have been to when we have come into town for the theatre which have been far more cost effective, with a higher quality of drinks and far better service. Without some sort of change to the drinks menu at minimum, we would not...

Tucked gracefully within Auckland’s vibrant dining scene, East offers an experience that transcends the ordinary.

The ambiance is a harmonious blend of contemporary elegance and subtle Asian influences, without falling into clichés. Every detail, from the warm lighting to the impeccable table settings, whispers intention and thoughtfulness.

The menu, a masterpiece of vegetarian Asian fusion, is a triumph of creativity and respect for the ingredients. Dishes arrive like little works of art: beautifully plated, with layers of flavor that dance between the familiar and the thrillingly unexpected. Standouts included the smoked tofu dumplings (which could convert even the most ardent carnivore) and the truffle fried rice, a decadent symphony in every mouthful.

The wine list is equally refined, with a delicate curation that embraces both local New Zealand treasures and exceptional international labels — and for those feeling adventurous, the cocktail menu is a playground of aromatic wonders.

Service is polished yet relaxed, striking that perfect balance between attentiveness and letting you lose yourself in the experience. There’s a genuine warmth to the team that feels rare and precious.

East isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a quiet celebration of craftsmanship, hospitality, and the pure joy of eating. Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or simply someone who appreciates exceptional food, East will leave you nourished in...