Oyster and Chop
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I recently visited Oyster and Chop in Auckland's CBD during their Happy Hour, which runs from 3-5 pm, and overall, it was a mixed experience. We were there primarily for the $2 oyster deal, where you can indulge in fresh oysters at an unbeatable price. Both of us ordered 20 oysters each, and while they weren’t the premium kind you’d get at a high-end spot, they were fresh and definitely worth the price. The oysters had a pleasant briny flavor and a good texture—not too slimy or gritty. A squeeze of lemon and a bit of mignonette sauce made them even more enjoyable. For $2 a piece, it’s hard to beat this deal if you’re an oyster lover looking for something affordable yet satisfying. While they weren’t the luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth variety, they still exceeded our expectations for the price. The ambiance at Oyster and Chop was another highlight. Situated in the heart of Auckland with harbor views, the setting is perfect for a relaxed afternoon bite. The outdoor seating is especially inviting, and despite it being Happy Hour, the vibe was laid-back and never felt too crowded. The staff were attentive and friendly, ensuring we had a good experience without being intrusive. The location, combined with the affordable oyster deal, made it a great spot to unwind. However, the same can’t be said for the butter chicken, which we decided to try as well. Unfortunately, it was well below our expectations. For starters, the portion size was surprisingly tiny—almost laughably small—and left us wondering if it was meant to be a side dish rather than a main. The flavor was also underwhelming. While it wasn’t terrible, it lacked the rich, creamy depth that you would expect from a good butter chicken. The sauce was somewhat bland, missing the punch of spices that typically make this dish so comforting and flavorful. In short, while the oysters were a great deal and the overall atmosphere was pleasant, the butter chicken left much to be desired. If you’re visiting Oyster and Chop, I’d recommend sticking to the seafood offerings—especially the oysters during Happy Hour—and skipping the butter chicken unless they make significant improvements to both portion size and taste. All in all, it’s a nice spot for a casual, budget-friendly oyster fix, but other menu items might not deliver the same value.
Rhonda SRhonda S
00
Oyster & Chop, nestled in the heart of Auckland’s vibrant Viaduct Harbour, offers an unparalleled dining experience, particularly for those in pursuit of the perfect steak. With its chic, contemporary décor and an ambiance that blends casual elegance with a touch of sophistication, this restaurant sets the stage for a memorable culinary journey. The steak at Oyster & Chop is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of quality and craftsmanship. Sourced from premium New Zealand producers, each cut is a testament to the rich, natural flavours that only the finest quality beef can provide. The menu boasts an impressive selection, catering to all preferences, from the tender, butter-soft fillet to the richly marbled ribeye, each cooked to perfection. What sets Oyster & Chop’s steak apart is the meticulous attention to detail. The chefs, with their expert grilling techniques, ensure that every steak is seared to a succulent finish, locking in the natural juices and creating a beautifully caramelized crust that is simply irresistible. The result is a steak that is tender, flavorful, and cooked exactly to each diner’s preference, a true delight for the palate. But the experience doesn’t end with the steak. The restaurant's namesake oysters are a must-try, offering a fresh, oceanic burst of flavor that perfectly complements the rich savoriness of the steak. The side dishes are equally impressive, featuring a selection of seasonal, locally-sourced vegetables and perfectly executed classic accompaniments. The service at Oyster & Chop matches the high quality of the cuisine. The staff are knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely passionate about ensuring that each guest’s dining experience is exceptional. Coupled with an extensive wine list that features both local and international gems, every meal here is poised to become a cherished memory. In conclusion, Oyster & Chop is not just a restaurant; it’s a destination for any discerning food enthusiast. The superb steak, the fresh oysters, the elegant ambiance, and the impeccable service all come together to create not just a meal, but an exquisite dining experience that is truly unmatched in Auckland.
Luke StoreyLuke Storey
10
The first thing that we did when landed in Auckland was to have a very good lunch. In fact I had planned to enjoy hearty lunch in Auckland city before driving to our destination of the day which was 3 hours drive away. There is no way that we came all the way to New Zealand without tasting their delicious oysters. I had 2 places to choose from but decided for Oyster & Chop in the end due to the fact that it is the closest to Downtown carpark where our car was parked. Not sure whether it was our luck as we arrived quite late (after lunch hours) due to some delay at the airport and during pick-up of our rental car.. we saw the Happy Hour sign stated that it only cost $2.50 per piece of oyster (usual $5-6) provided that we sat at the bar area - not a problem at all for us. ◾we started with one dozen of freshly shucked oysters that comes with lemon & champagne mignonette - nothing beats tasting the natural flavour of oysters like this. In the end we ordered another half dozen because it was just so good ◾organic chicken breast with roasted corn puree, crispy kale, jus gras and baby vegetables - this proved to be another hit due to the excellent execution of the chicken breast meat (cooked just right with the tenderness that I like). The jus and crispy kale lifted the dish one notch up. ◾To settle the kids, we ordered their fish & chip plus chicken tenders & chip - seeing how they swallowed up the food made it all worthwhile. We tasted some and indeed they were good - fresh and cooked just right. ◾And it would not be complete without white wines to complement the oysters - Amisfield Sauvignon Blanc for her and Zephyr Chardonnay for me were perfect! We didn't regret the choice at all - this restaurant and bar overlooks the beautiful Auckland Viaduct. Service was friendly and attentive - my demanding kids were being entertained while we were having the lunch.
Boon Loong LeoBoon Loong Leo
00
After reading the not so great reviews online, I decided to book this place to give it a go for my husband's birthday. Contrary to all the bad service comments, I would like to give this place a 5 star on food and service. Initially, after reading the comments, I wasn't expecting much. I made an online booking and did not get a confirmation email. Decided to give them a call to ensure that my booking went through, I was told booking confirmation will be sent a day or two prior to your booking. But the man on the phone asked if I would like to confirm them via the phone so they do not have to sent out a confimation email to me. And I agreed. At the door while waiting to be served, we felt slightly ignored but understood that they were busy. So we stood there waiting for a little while. Shortly after, we were guided to our table. We were given enough time to go through the menu and then our server came to ask if he can take our drinks order or if we have any questions. But since I already had a look at the menu prior to being there, I know what I wanted and prooced with my order. The service was quick despite them being quite booked up on a Saturday night. The aroma of grilled prawns were heavenly. I also ordered the Merino as not many restaurant serves Merino as choice of meat. Overall, food was good and service was faultless. I would recommend this place for a celebration or even when I wanted some seafood and merino. Would definitely go back!
Vanessa ForkVanessa Fork
20
TOURIST TRAP AND FOOD SAFETY ISSUES Horrible restaurant experience from the service to the food. Gave us food poisoning which includes symptoms of severe stomach aches and pretty frequent trips to the bathroom. We paid $500 in total for a meal (incredibly overpriced for what it is) that firstly was not filling and secondly made us sick. What a lovely restaurant experience for a Friday night. On top of that the waiters were impossible to speak to, we had to wait 20 minutes to reach them for them to take our order. I then had to get up and ask them to take our order only to find them standing in a corner just chilling. Overall, rude service experience and audacity for them to ask for tips at the end of the night. I am worried about the food safety at this establishment due to the severe effects that we have endured. I would appreciate a refund of our tab but if not possible I can only recommend you AVOID this establishment on any nights out. Update - tried to get a refund but restaurant manager (Richard Pepper) did not want to provide a refund although we were sick from the food. Do not recommend this place at all, doesn’t seem to care about customers or foot safety.
Emilie PEmilie P
00
I went there with just one thing in mind: oysters. They had a wide variety, and the oyster guy, Sebastian, was incredibly helpful in guiding me to choose the right ones and pairing them with the perfect wine. However, the service at the beginning was somewhat lacking. I felt as though I wasn’t treated as a valued customer—they didn’t fill my water glass, and I genuinely felt a bit overlooked by the staff like a dining left-alone kid. Perhaps this was because I was dining without friends nor family, and they didn’t expect me to leave a large bill. I tried two types of oysters "Awa" which were very creamy and buttery, and "Te Kouma," which were less buttery but more meaty. I guess both were delicious and I can't compare them as its a matter of personal preference I was slightly disappointed that the garden didn’t open until 3 PM, as I had visited during lunchtime and hoped for a seat with fresh air and a nice view. However, I managed to get a window seat, which turned out to be absolutely fine. Overall a perfect place for oysters and I believe the restaurant should be aware of this and not treat oysters-only customers as ones of less value
Jakub SobońJakub Soboń
00
Nearby Attractions Of Oyster and Chop
Sky Tower
Auckland Art Gallery
Woolworths Metro Auckland Victoria Street West
Albert Park
SkyCity Auckland
Woolworths Auckland City
Victoria Park
SkyCity Auckland
The Civic
Event Cinemas Queen Street
Sky Tower
4.6
(7.4K)Click for details
Auckland Art Gallery
4.6
(2.7K)Click for details
Woolworths Metro Auckland Victoria Street West
4.1
(2.1K)Click for details
Albert Park
4.6
(2.1K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Oyster and Chop
Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing Co.
The Occidental
Elliott Stables
Headquarters
Tony's Original Steak & Seafood Restaurant
Auckland Fish Market
Baduzzi
Swashbucklers Restaurant & Bar
Soul Bar & Bistro
The Lula Inn
Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing Co.
4.3
(1.7K)$$
Click for details
The Occidental
4.4
(1.7K)Click for details
Elliott Stables
4.4
(1.5K)Click for details
Headquarters
4.1
(1.5K)$$
Click for details
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
Market Place, Viaduct, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Map
Phone
+64 9 870 3315
Call
Website
oysterandchop.co.nz
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Reviews
Overview
4.3
(1.2K reviews)
Ratings & Description
Description
Modern eatery located along Viaduct Harbour offering an oyster bar, steaks & other bistro fare.
attractions: Sky Tower, Auckland Art Gallery, Woolworths Metro Auckland Victoria Street West, Albert Park, SkyCity Auckland, Woolworths Auckland City, Victoria Park, SkyCity Auckland, The Civic, Event Cinemas Queen Street, restaurants: Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing Co., The Occidental, Elliott Stables, Headquarters, Tony's Original Steak & Seafood Restaurant, Auckland Fish Market, Baduzzi, Swashbucklers Restaurant & Bar, Soul Bar & Bistro, The Lula Inn
