Tony's Original Steak & Seafood Restaurant — Restaurant in Waitematā

I recently dined at Tony's, the iconic steakhouse in Auckland CBD, which has been serving patrons for an impressive 60 years. The moment I walked in, I was captivated by the charming decor that exuded vintage elegance. The display of vintage items and old black-and-white pictures of the city added a wonderful nostalgic touch.

The staff at Tony's were a delight - welcoming, kind, and exceptionally attentive throughout our meal. Their outstanding service was truly the highlight of our visit.

While the drinks were undeniably delicious, it's worth noting that the servings were on the smaller side, which might not suit everyone's preferences.

Our dining experience took a slight dip with the appetizer, as the calamari turned out to be a tad too salty for our liking, leaving us with half of it untouched. However, things quickly turned around when our T-bone steaks arrived. They were nothing short of amazing, boasting juiciness and just the right amount of char to elevate the flavor. Surprisingly, no sauce was necessary to enhance the taste. The potato and kumara mash were heavenly, and the brussel sprouts provided a tasty complement to the main dish. My partner's T-Bone was slightly drier than mine, but it was still an enjoyable dish overall.

Dessert was a mixed bag. We opted for the Pavlova, which, while having a delicious meringue, fell slightly short in terms of fruit and presentation. It wasn't as visually appealing as we hoped for, but the meringue itself was undeniably scrumptious.

In addition to the delightful dining experience, the affordable bill was a nice surprise. For the sumptuous feast we enjoyed, including two delectable T-Bone steaks and our delightful drinks, the total came to a mere $185. This outstanding value for money adds to the reasons why I would eagerly return to Tony's in the future. It's not every day you find such a combination of top-notch service, culinary excellence, and affordability in a restaurant, especially one with a rich history...

I got the T-Bone ($45.00) and 2 oysters ($2.50 ea). The oysters were AMAZING, 5 stars, def recommend. I ordered the T-bone medium-rare, and although i can't say it's the best I've ever had, it's up there. It came with a salad, which was pretty good and chips. Honestly the chips were a bit cardboard-y but they do offer ketchup (i went without). HOWEVER, they have POWDERED pepper. Just personally, the pepper was so mild you might as well not put any.

The service was up there, the receptionist/cashier was very kind, and you had waiters constantly patrolling around to check if you need anything. It can be a bit intimidating for introverts though, but they're all really nice and accommodating. I was dining around 6 or 7pm, so there was a pretty standard flow of people, and my food was ready quite fast. I was originally going to play on my phone but they were so efficient i didn't even get the chance too XD

The atmosphere was alright, I asked for a corner window seat :) I feel like the vibe (and the price TT) gave upper middle class, and there were quite a few families and friends hanging out.

Also they have affogato, juice and soft drinks available for anyone that doesn't drink alcohol at pretty reasonable prices, and water is already provided :)

Was recommended by a friend, worth a try (especially...

Tony’s is a solid spot in Auckland if you’re after classic comfort food, good service, and a laid-back atmosphere. I went in with high expectations and left mostly satisfied. The overall vibe was warm and welcoming, and the staff were genuinely friendly and attentive without being overbearing. The menu offers a nice range of options, and the pricing felt very reasonable considering the portion sizes and quality.

I ordered a steak, which I was really looking forward to—it came slightly overcooked compared to what I had requested, but it was still flavorful and well-seasoned. Not perfect, but not a deal-breaker either. The sides complemented the meal nicely, and everything was served promptly.

What stood out most was the service. The team on the floor made sure we were comfortable throughout the night, checked in at the right moments, and handled everything with a smile. That alone makes a big difference in the dining experience.

All in all, it was an enjoyable evening. Tony’s may not be pushing any culinary boundaries, but it delivers solid food, good value, and a friendly experience. I’d definitely return—and next time, I’ll just be more specific about how I...