Antoine's is a rather mysterious eaterie In New Zealand, as some people used to say. Well, it's not - it is only "special" in itself. We started with the pig's trotter, paua & snail congee with tempura oysters, and the tripe served in a special Antoine's sauce. These were just outstanding - must be amongst the top tier of the fine-dining starters. For the mains, my wife had the ox tongue with prune barley risotto & beef tendon spring roll, while I had the tea-smoked baby chicken (replacing the unavailable quail), black rice with chicken & aubergine sausage. They were very delicious. (However, not a WOW.) We ended our dinner with the chocolate soufflé with cassis jelly & cream. It's splendid. Its 30-minute preparation time was absolutely worth the wait.
N.B. G.S.T. is not included in the menu.
(Food - 5/5; Service - 4.5/5; Ambience - 5/5)
Visited on 3 November 2018
I went to Antoine for my birthday dinner. The food was amazing everything so fresh and tasty very good detailing on good. We was very enjoy our meal and bread also nice too.
The food was absolutely amazing and the service was fantastic. We celebrated my dad's birthday at Antoines and we couldn't fault it. I think it has to be the nicest, or at least one of the best fine dining restaurants I have been to.
We had a ball at Antoine's last weekend. I hadn't been for many years and Tony and team did not disappoint!! We skipped the main menu going straight to the Nostalgic choices, which was the plan! My blue cheese soufflé was outstanding and hubby loved his ox tail stew!
Fab night, great crew of wait staff and Mr Astle was on form in the kitchen!
See you again soon!!
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We have been here many times over the years and Tony delivered delicious meals everytime for our big parties. We love the attention to our comfort and attention from his waiting staff. I agree with another review that the staff made sure we did not need to touch the door handle. We had 4 oxtails which was bought to the table in little casseroles. It had a rich and deep quality to it. Tony explained it contained a 45 year base stock. I usually go for the ox tongue but it was so popular on the night that one portion was put aside for us. My tuna was subtle and sat on a mushy risotto. We also the the chicken pie which was surprisingly large and had the most delicious pastry, ever. Chicken filling was very tasty and fresh. We had the beef rib and this was huge. We had the snapper which was egg coated. We ordered a melon and 2 bread and butter puddings to share amongst the ten in our group. The pudding was light and held together with a velvet custard. I would have like the whole dessert! I will plan my next visit with this dessert in mind.
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I read the reviews about Antoine's and saw that some people were disappointed with the experience, probably expecting more for the price. But we decided to go anyway, and we don't regret it.
Had an anniversary dinner on a Thursday around 6pm and there were just us in the whole restaurant, so it felt very cozy and private.
After ringing the doorbell someone will see you in to your table. Same when you leave, you will never have to touch the main entrance door handle.
The restaurant looks very posh inside, as you would expect for an above average dinner for two price.
The ambient was nice, the music was on a very low volume so you can have a conversation without raising your tone.
Looking at the layout inside, I would say that the tables are a bit too close to one another, and if 2-3 tables in the same room would be occupied at the same time you would probably need to talk in a mild tone so not to disturb the others. But this wasn't the case for us, we were alone in the whole restaurant as I mentioned above, being a wet Thursday evening.
The service was irreproachable as expected and the waiting times very short for our mains.
Compared to other fine dining restaurants I've been to in Auckland (TriBeca, One Tree Grill, The Wine Chambers), Antoine's offers a bit more in terms of customer experience, and a much more varied menu. The food we had was simply beautiful, and quite filling portions as well, which I wouldn't expect from a fine dining restaurant. This was the first time in such a restaurant when I couldn't eat dessert because I was too full.
You mostly pay a bit more at Antoine's for the experience and food, which is both excellent and a decent size serving.
I personally recommend to try the oxtail or ox tongue, as it's something you may not find in other restaurants, and they are simply delicious.
Things to watch out for:
- On the menu they say they don't accept EFTPOS
- GST is not included in the menu prices (I found that a bit odd and sneaky)
- The water served is not tap, but bottled, and will appear on your bill at the end
I have been going to this to Hees for over 49 years and I still love their food and now taking my grandchildren Thanks to all the staff for looking after us for all those years
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I've been to Antoines many times and the food and service has always been consistently excellent. The last time we went I ordered the raw spinach salad with sautéed chicken livers, onions, bacon and warm vinaigrette as an entree, and the chicken, leek and wild mushroom pie. The livers were cooked to absolute perfection with an exquisite texture that was almost crumbly like lightly cooked black pudding, and the spinach salad, onions, and bacon were the perfect compliment & gave it perfect balance - best livers I've ever tasted, highly recommended.
I've tried the chicken pie 3 times over the years and although I've always been happy with the result, the last time was the best - the sauce had a fuller flavour than before. I took the remains of it home and warmed it in the microwave the next day and the pastry, contrary to what I expected, strangely retained it's integrity and stayed dry, puffy, and flakey - how Tony managed to produce such a great pastry is beyond me, most pastry would just go soggy in the microwave.
The best food I've ever tried at Antoines was the scallops on black pudding with capers, and the oysters in champagne sauce. He hasn't had these items on the menu ever since that time, but I emailed him once and his wife replied saying that if we let them know a few days before coming they can usually cook anything that used to be on the menu to order. The brains are also excellent if you like that sort of thing, ask for them if they're not on the menu as they're always available. Also, most entrees can be made into a main if you ask.
A few hints for eating at Antoines - the portions are large (which is a refreshing change from the usual fine dining restaurants), so if you pick the right dishes then 2 entrees, or a single main is often enough. For example, the chicken pie ($45) with a glass of NICE wine ($12-16) will come to around $70 after GST is added, which is very good for a fine dining restaurant. No need for a mortgage, and you'll feel full after leaving. Note: GST is not included in the prices so don't forget to factor it in to the cost.
Excellent work Tony, I think I might have to book another visit in the near future.
I have been to Antoines at least once a year for the past 7 years. I felt the dishes there are good portion, even though it is a bit expensive, but they are unique and authentic. the service is always professional and polite. The chef himself is very nice too. I actually planned to go back again next Month.
I am not sure about the bad reviews, It was always good whenever I went there. and quality is pretty much consistent. I still like Antoines.
Had the pleasure of dining here tonight with the R/H John Key, prime minister of NZ. Service was acceptable and food was palatable. Having my security detail around me was distracting however it was necessary. A great evening with John and his team.
We had a great dinner here on a winters Saturday night ( 27th June). The food was classic and well prepared which comes as no surprise after so many years. A fantastic wine list coupled with excellent service. Comments about cost are misguided. You get what you pay for and they deliver. After all these years it still competes well with the other fine restaurants this city offers.
I disagree with the previous review. As a regular I have sampled many of their beautiful dishes and the staff are very good in terms of knowledge and expertise. If you want a classic French-European menu with generous servings in an intimate private boutique style setting you can't go wrong. You only need to see the regular clientele to know why it's still popular and able to command the prices it does, when compared to top European restaurants is very reasonable in comparison. For an establishment to be around over 36 years and the owner cooking each night they must be doing something right. Consistently good!
The most delicious French onion soup ever! Love everything about this traditional fine dining restaurant in Parnell. The crayfish is like no other so fresh and perfectly cooked with a magic dressing. The meals come with complimentary bread and vegetables which is nice. A fabulous wine list and a knowledgeable wine waiter made the evening go smoothly. A special occasion booking turned into an exclusive dining experience...impeccable service and great food...just like it has always been. A big salute to Tony for maintaining the highest standards for decades!
Very nice, very formal with delightful silver service. The food is nice, well cooked traditional dishes your grandmother would be proud of. Cuisine has moved on since Antoines inception and for premium food there are other options, especially given the cost. However still not a bad experience. And definitely somewhere to take your grandparents for a special treat.
We travel regulalry in the Antipodes, and have not eaten better than at Antoine's. The waiters were friendly and professional. The food was perfectly presented - and there was enough of it! The desert was exceptional also. An experience worth traveling for.
Really! ! This place is the old and the new!! Doing what you would expect! ! The best of the best! You really need to experience this place as 10/10 service, food and the last of last restaurant experience that tells you that you can still get the fine dining experience as the only one who actually knows ...... thank you Tony ...love what you do...never change as change is for the inexperienced.
Excellent food with silver service. A must eat venue...with the godfather of Auckland dining Chef Tony Astle. French onion soup is a must eat, especially in mid winter.
Antoine's is still one of the best dining experiences anywhere.
we had a marvellous celebratory meal before Christmas.
Congratulations on maintaining your high standards
Paul.
Amazing dishes and excellent service 👌
Such an amazing place for eat.
Excellent service, delicious food and wines and a comfy, spacious and private environment.
Completely recommended!!
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