The Grill — Restaurant in Waitematā

Half a decade ago I first had the pleasure of dining at The Grill by Sean Connolly, in one of my most memorable and enjoyable meals in New Zealand. Now on the cusp of leaving for another shore, it seemed only fitting that I should make the pilgrimage to return.

The mood was different this time around; dining solo rather than with my companion, I was greeted warmly and then sat at a table which offered me full view of the kitchen. While in comparison I too felt similarly on display, I appreciated the position as it gave me such an insight into the operation.

The room is a fascinating flurry of white jackets, both behind the service counter and on the floor. In this scenario it is hard to know who is chef, and who is wait-staff as both are bedecked the same style. My waiter for the evening was an earnest young chap who was giving his best and didn’t put a foot wrong. I have also never dined at a fine-dining priced restaurant and been treated to Nirvana and Green Day blasted from the speakers. All well and fine, but not what one expects given the white tablecloths and polished sparkling glasses and moody elegant interior. Certainly gave me a chuckle.

On to the food; a welcome mushroom broth as an amouse bouche. Velvety and smooth, it set my palate up nicely for the meal to come. My Snow-Crab Cocktail was a retro, uplifted version of the familiar 70s prawn staple. Really well done dressing that let the crab come through without overpowering the delicate meat, a zing of citrus. The glassware was theatrical and fun but did seem to want to tip over if I wasn’t careful given its narrow base.

On to the main; I wanted to see what such a talented team could do with venison so I chose Peppered wild venison, celeriac puree, roast apples, sweet and sour sauce. Here’s where I feel The Grill takes liberties; at $49 I expect more of a complete dish than purely receiving the protein + sauce. No garnish, and the roast apple being another sauce, it was a very very delicious but also hideously expensive way to experience a beautiful cut of venison. I had chosen some onion rings to accompany as well for $12. The Grill goes for the dramatic thick-cut slices of onion for its rings; while pleasing to the eye these never eat as well as the greater surface volume means a longer cooking time, subsequently more grease absorbed and an oily eating experience.

My waiter had helped me choose an excellent red wine to go with this lavish main however, and I was in good enough spirits to choose the souffle to finish which was advertised to take 25 minutes. They weren’t wrong about the wait, but it was worth it. Dramatic and fluffy, the souffle held a hidden treasure of lemon syrup at its base while the berry sorbet to accompany was smooth and fresh. An espresso was just the night-cap I needed.

Still a magical place, the only thing I can say is that it must only be a special treat or occasion to justify the spend; sides at that price are to be shared for sure. There’s luxury, skill, but also liberty here. I’m...

Me and my wife went out for our 10th year anniversary dinner at The Grill Restaurant on Sunday 13th October. I stumbled across this restaurant via google, as my wife was craving for beef (mind you, she is pregnant and beef is just one craving amongst many!).

On our special day, we started off with a very warm and friendly greeting from the staffs. The receptionist escorted us to our table (sincerest apologies, I forgot your name) and Frederick was our server for the night. Everyone was extremely friendly, the service was excellent and the atmosphere was just perfect - the lights were not too bright, and the dinner space was not too dark either.

We started off with some delicious signature snacks; 2x Pork Croquette, as per recommended by our lovely Frederick. Truth be told, I initially only ordered 1 but after hearing from Frederick that it was one of the most popular and delicious snacks, I immediately changed to 2 servings - no regrets.

After the snacks, came the delicious Braised Pork Belly, and finally the main dish; the Beef Wellington! All of which was absolutely DELICIOUS by the way.

Did I mention the staffs were friendly and that the service was excellent? Oh wait, yes I did. As with every human beings on this planet, everyone makes mistakes and we are not perfect. Our main dish, the Beef Wellington, actually got served to another table beside us, and it was a bit of a shocker but a genuine mistake.

Frederick and his team sincerely apologized, not once, but many times. Me and my wife are all goods with it because we also both come from a customer-service background and we understand that mistakes do happen, and it is absolutely fine.

The team compensated us with a free cocktail for me and a sparking drink for my wife. We did not ask for it, Frederick just informed us that it was on the house for the hiccup that they caused. We were happy and said it is all goods, but thanks for the drink!

Fast forward 30 minutes or so while enjoying our Beef Wellington (and the free drinks!), we ordered some desserts. A Pineapple Lump and Scoop of the day. Upon receiving the delicious desserts to end the night beautifully, Frederick once again informed us that the desserts was also on the house. SAY WHAT? Come on... this is getting ridiculous and has taken us by surprise. We are extremely grateful for the dinner service and appreciate the hospitality/customer service. Thank you and definitely will visit again!

PS: To those who have not been to this restaurant, I recommend you do because it has everything; delicious food, great customer service and friendly staffs. And apologies for the pictures, my wife isn't that great at taking...

Went here 5th June for dinner, I can't wait to go back one day. Absolutely outstanding and we've been to a number of restaurants & food places nationwide. The waiters & bar staff were unquestionably some of the best I've come across, friendly, extremely helpful and service was A+. Thanks guys, I know the Grill will appreciate your professionalism and conduct, awesome.

I hate going into city places being a country person, but the atmosphere was relaxing and the first lady we walked into was awesome and very welcoming, seating us almost immediately with no reservation.

The food, beautiful we had the prawns & pork belly. (see photos) Dinner was Duck duck duck, & a crab dish, A+, lovely, and I wish we could have had seconds. Chefs working hard in the background there, thanks for that Chefs we really enjoyed the Kai last night.

The staff immediately noted & appropriately prepared food for my heavily pregnant partner - outstanding care and service there, and point to note they were immediately concerned with ensuring her food was prepared safely, you can't ask for more than that I thought, was very impressed how they jumped on this straight away with care and compassion towards her/us. This crew are on point.

The drinks flowing, I enjoyed too many beers. No problems getting drinks to and from the table.

Pudding was bliss, Cheesecake and I can't remember what the other one was, see photos. But a lovely way to end the meal.

Price wise? absolutely appropriate and fair for what you're getting kai and service wise. Those that would complain about it? shouldn't be in there simple as that. We are not rich and were out for a treat night, expected nothing less - in fact probably expected it to be more. Good price, well in line for what you are getting

I have no cons in all honesty, only thing I can say is we were staying at the Grand Hotel, so not sure how those that want to come in would go about parking as Auckland City is mental - I suppose you will park in the sky city parking, or taxi in.

Otherwise it went perfectly staying at the hotel, there is a door in and out to the Hotel foyer.

Otherwise, anyone that was serving us last night will know who we are from this review, thank you for an awesome dinner. I know we'll be back one day and it's a dinner we won't forget for sometime.

Definitely head to the Grill, awesome thanks...