Nishiki Freemans Bay — Restaurant in Waitematā

I used to go to Nishiki a lot when they first opened many many many years ago. The chef used to come out and play his trumpet and sing happy birthday to people. I remember the excitement and the fanfare when they expanded and took over the chemist next door.

The service used to be gracious and friendly and the food was lovely. Even going there for a weekday dinner was a treat. I realised things had changed for the worse when we were shown to our table and I folded up my Dad's walker and no-one offered to put it out of the way for me, so I spent the whole meal with it wedged in next to me. In all of the places I've gone to eat with my parents, this was the first time that I had experienced this. Even at busy, bustling yum cha restaurants, the staff have always solicitously found somewhere to put it out of the way. Yes, I could've asked, but at that point I just wanted to eat and go. At least the ordering screen sped things up so we didn't have to linger.

Now it's somewhere you go for a quick-ish bite with minimal service, minimal flair. At least the lack of staff is reflected in the pretty good prices. The food was acceptable except for the very stodgy, chewy (I'm not kidding) tempura, which was so bad that I even left some of it, which is saying a lot.

You order via a touchscreen fixed to the wall at your table, which is efficient. Just don't expect to be able to ask the staff any questions about any of the dishes. No one checks if you're happy with the food. Dirty dishes are left sitting on your table for ages. It's a great place for introverts who don't want to interact with anyone. It's popular but it's not the Nishiki I used to...

Arrived where there were a few tables available. Waited at the front for 10 minutes while many employees walked by us without acknowledging us. Sat down at a two person free table, asked to activate the iPad to order, started ordering. All good. Then 10 minutes after sitting down, a server came up to us and asked if we had a reservation. We said no. He said we have to leave because it’s fully booked. I asked if we could sit at the bar where there were 4 free spaces and he said no. I said, “well, how are we supposed to make a booking when your online booking system doesn’t work?” He said we needed to call. So we got up and left and avoided making a scene. Absolutely terrible customer service and so rude! We were shocked and appalled. At a time when Auckland businesses are screaming about not having enough workers and needing the business, you’d think that they’d go the extra mile. Never have I ever had such a rude and unacceptable restaurant experience! Would suggest they take the iPads away so the servers get some people experience rather than just delivering food like robots! Good news was we called up K10 nearby, had never been, and it was an absolutely amazing experience. So nice inside, lovely servers and manager, so attentive and they made space for us even though they were fully booked. Will 100% go back to K10! Delicious and are treated...

I went to Nishiki for my birthday dinner on Saturday night. Booked a table for 8 at 8pm because 7pm was too busy (made booking day before). One bill per table which we knew in advance as were told when we booked.

Arrived and were seated. The atmosphere was so overstimulating and loud. It was only half full but people were yelling and screaming, clearly drunk, and accidentally smashing glasses on the table next to us. We could barely hear each other making dinner conversation really awkward and difficult. Even yelling at each other it was difficult to hear. When outside tables cleared up we asked to be moved because the noise was horrific indoors and were declined by staff because they’d already put the chairs up (would have taken a few minutes to take them down again). Very disappointing and honestly just lazy? We’re paying hundreds of dollars in food and alcohol over a couple of hours. It wouldn’t have been hard to accomodate this basic request.

The food was really good and it always is - but everything else was actually pretty awful and kind of ruined my birthday. I come to Nishiki several times a year usually bringing a group along but I don’t think I’ll be back for a while.

Probably a great spot if you’re just looking for somewhere to get drunk on BYOW and yell at your friends...