GOAT by Sid Chopra - From India, With Love — Restaurant in Waitematā

GOAT from India with Love – A Culinary Journey Worth Reliving

Auckland’s vibrant food scene has a gem that truly lives up to its name – GOAT from India with Love. Nestled in the heart of the city, this Indian fine-dining haven offers a gastronomic experience that seamlessly blends authenticity with innovation.

We had a catchup with our friends. From the moment we entered, the ambiance promised an evening of indulgence. The decor is modern and minimalistic, with a warm and inviting vibe.

For Entrees - we began our feast with the Lahori Fish Fry, Paneer Ghee Roast and Tamatar Chaat. The Lahori Fish Fry was a delight—perfectly spiced, and tender within, capturing the essence of traditional Lahore flavors. The Paneer Ghee Roast, rich and aromatic, was a vegetarian triumph, with the creamy paneer balancing the bold, ghee-laden masala. Tamatar (Tomato) Chaat was something different than the usual Indian Chaat.

Cocktails & Drinks The drink menu was equally impressive. We sipped on the Tamarind Chilli Margarita and Kohinoor—both masterfully crafted. The Margarita had a perfect balance of tangy tamarind and a hint of heat from the chilli, making it an adventurous choice. The Kohinoor was an elegant, smooth concoction with subtle hints of Indian spices. Meanwhile, the beer-drinkers among us enjoyed their well-chilled selections.

For mains, we dived into a medley of flavors: The Murg e Mussalam was a showstopper—a royal dish that was tender, succulent, and bursting with intricate spices. The Goat (Champaran), a signature dish, was the star of the evening. Slow-cooked to perfection, the rich, earthy flavors of the goat melted in the mouth, leaving us wanting more. The vegetarian Jalgaon Baingan brought the humble eggplant to life with its smoky, tangy flavors—a true ode to Indian culinary artistry.

The sides—Tandoori Roti, Chilli Varki Parantha, and Steamed Rice complemented the mains beautifully, ensuring we could savor every last bit of the luscious gravies.

Dessert To end on a sweet note, we tried the Chena Poda, a traditional dessert from Odisha. This baked cheese delight was a revelation—caramelized, creamy, and delicately sweet, it was the perfect finish to an impeccable meal.

Overall Experience GOAT from India with Love is not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Indian culture and cuisine. The service was attentive, the presentation exquisite, and the flavors unforgettable. Whether you’re a lover of Indian food or looking to explore it, this place is a must-visit. We left with our hearts full and a promise to return soon. Five stars are not enough to rate this exceptional culinary journey.

Highly Recommend so do visit them at GOAT from India with Love and prepare for a feast like no other! Thank you Chef...

An afternoon to Remember at G.O.A.T - From India, With Love

This review might be a bit long, but it perfectly captures the fairytale ending to our Auckland trip. Every moment of this outing was unforgettable, and I’m eager to share the details that made it so special.

From the moment we stepped into G.O.A.T, we were welcomed by a cozy, stylish atmosphere, complete with warm lighting and soothing music—ideal for a relaxed family afternoon. We started with signature starters that amazed us. The Delhi Chaat was a crispy, tangy, and sweet medley that elevated street food to perfection. The Prawn Balchao, a fiery Goan dish, featured perfectly cooked prawns in a bold, spicy sauce that was a coastal flavor explosion. The Tabrak Maas, a smoky Rajasthani specialty, was rich with garlic, chili, and traditional spices, showcasing the depth of regional cuisine.

For the main course, we tried the Jalgaon Baigan, Goat Champaran, and Chicken Titar Pur. The smoky Jalgaon Baigan, roasted to perfection, offered a rich, aromatic flavor that wasn’t too overpowering. The slow-cooked Goat Champaran was tender, indulgent, and bursting with deep, savory spices. The Chicken Titar Pur was a delightful surprise—succulent chicken with a bold, tangy-spicy twist that stood out among the dishes. Each bite was a feast for the senses, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone seeking bold, authentic flavors.

The dessert stole the show. The Thandai Tres Leches was a brilliant fusion of tradition and modernity, with a spongy cake soaked in aromatic thandai milk, perfectly balanced with saffron, cardamom, and rosewater. The Pista Kulfi was equally exceptional—creamy, smooth, and nutty, with a nostalgic touch of rose syrup and almonds. Both desserts not only showcased exceptional craftsmanship but also felt like a celebration of traditional Indian flavors, reimagined with a contemporary twist. A must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth or a love for culinary innovation!

What truly made the evening memorable was the exceptional service. Our server was attentive without being intrusive and gave fantastic recommendations when we were unsure of what to order. It was a perfect dining experience!

I’ll definitely be back, and I’m already recommending this gem to...

Not worth the Hype.

Website: Despite the website indicating the restaurant was fully booked, Chef Sid Chopra kindly accommodated us. Although the restaurant tables appeared empty until 7:30 pm, the website showed the tables were booked. This suggests a potential disconnect between the restaurant's online booking system and the actual availability of tables or may be a marketing strategy perhaps to show they are fully booked and creating an urge to pre book with them.

Parking: No instructions for parking on their website was hoping as you are fine dine restaurant which you’ll claim to be one there should have been a courtesy to mention parking instructions.

High Chair: Planning to dine here? I must suggest bring your own High chair as they only have one at the restaurant so you may have to take turns with other dinners.

Staff: The staff seemed rushed, urging us to order quickly before we had a chance to properly review the menu. Therefore make sure you study the menu from home as you won’t get enough time to go through the Menu and discuss what to order. I suggest brushing up on your attention-grabbing dance moves to flag down the servers. Overall disappointing service.

Drinking water: Please bring your own drink water bottle if you are planning to dine here as staff were least bothered to refill our glasses.

Food: The food did not live up to the hype. Despite the restaurant's social media savvy, the flavors were bland and underwhelming.

Drinks: The cocktails here do not seem to deliver on their expected flavor. Instead, I would suggest trying the beer, as it is not brewed by the restaurant and may provide a more satisfying taste experience.

Ambience: Logo was eye catching but rest was shambles. The ambiance feels cluttered and claustrophobic, with tables positioned so close together that you'll feel as if you're sitting on top of the other patrons.

Price: RIP off.

Overall Impression: In summary, this "GOAT" restaurant lived up to its name - it made a fool (or...