Oyster and Chop — Restaurant in Waitematā

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...

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...

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...