519 reviews
#18 of 2,238 Restaurants in Auckland Central$$$$, Contemporary, New Zealand, Vegetarian friendly+64 22 524 4255+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Mon
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Tue
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Wed
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Thu
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Fri
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sat
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
5.0
Travellers' Choice Best of the Best 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Contemporary, New Zealand, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
“From the start with an oyster that was supercharged, right through to the des...”
“... had in a long time … the Prawn corn dogs are a must I definitely am going...”
“Hard to pick a favourite but the abalone “avocado toast” and the venison with...”
“... favourites were the oyster and a surprise as we had never eaten oysters.”
Is this restaurant good for large groups?
Details
About
Ahi. strives to deliver the best, freshest New Zealand dining experience, right in the heart of Downtown Auckland.
PRICE RANGE
$33.00 – $55.00
CUISINES
Contemporary, New Zealand
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront, Non-smoking restaurants, Gift Cards Available
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5.0
519 reviews
Excellent
456
Very good
28
Average
19
Poor
12
Terrible
4
Tania L
Porto21 contributions
Nov 2020 • none
Saw Ben Bayly's tv programme - And as we love to try amazing food, we weren't disappointed. The staff were very accommodating and the recommendations made for types of food and drink were on par. From the Restaurant vibe to the views - it gave us a thoroughly enjoyable experience. It can get a bit pricey, but the value of everything was worth it. I am so happy my husband, son and partner and I had a fabulous time. Will definitely come again.
Written 3 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Topdog
Sunshine Coast59 contributions
Dec 2020 • none
Four of us had lunch yesterday and a very enjoyable and entertaining experience . All food courses were beautifully presented, lovely matching flavours and obviously a lot of thought has gone into the creativity and presentation of each dish .
Ambience is good with noise levels very tolerable which is nice in this day and age , service little on slow side to start but very knowledgeable staff around all food. Certainly on the expensive side as a restaurant and portion sizes just ok , only complaint wine list very expensive and very limited Selection of Central Otago Pinot Noirs, overall very nice meal
Written 22 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elocker
Auckland31 contributions
Sept 2020 • friends
It was with much excitement that I visited Ahi with my wife and a close friend. After three splendid hours of food, wine and a classic Auckland vibe, I walked away feeling deeply satisfied.
The decor and small kiwi touches are thoughtful and emotive. The kiwiana laid back environment, combined with attentive service made for an authentic stamp of what ‘kiwi silver service’ looks like.
As for the food. Amazing. The tribute to New Zealand’s array of produce and cooking techniques is authentic and delicious.
We can’t wait for the next visit!
Written 23 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
H H
Auckland Central74 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
I had read so many impressive reviews of Ahi and was eager to try it finally myself. The restaurant has a beautiful ambiance and the service was exception. However, perhaps it was a bad Sunday night because I found the food quite uninspired.
For snacks, we had the oyster (not so fresh), scampi (lacks flavor) and beignet (you can get a fried snack anywhere). They do score good points for presentation imo since the scampi and beignet came served on a bed of rocks and lichen so looked beautiful although the garnishes were completely inedible.
For mains we had their mushrooms with Te Puke truffle. Sadly the truffle had likely seen better days since it had lost most of the aroma days ago or after it had been frozen. And we also tried their hapuka which arrived swimming in a pool of butter. Now don't misunderstand me, I love fish in butter but this is supposed to be a really inspired menu and that just seemed boring to me - especially when you compare that to Depot's hapuka belly with eggplant kasundi which is 20% cheaper.
Sadly, the highlight of the meal was the fried agria potatoes. It arrived as a dish of crispy perfection with a mushroom aioli and fried rosemary. However, it is still a variation of fries and I would have hoped to enjoy something besides fries at a restaurant with a reputation such as Ahi.
Written 2 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jade W
Auckland Central32 contributions
Mar 2021 • none
We went for our anniversary dinner and tried the tasting menu. The food was great however the service was lacking. The table we were first seated at in the corner was extremely small and cramped. We asked to be moved which they did which as appreciated. For a $550 dinner, I would expect the staff to be more formally presented instead of wearing jeans and converse trainers. The contract of fine dining but casual staff just does not mix well when your paying premium $$. We were served the next course of treats whilst we were still eating the previous course and had to ask for our wine to be poured constantly when we had empty glasses.
Having dined at Onslow the week prior, paying very similar prices, the service was far superior with each course being explained thoroughly including where the ingredients were sourced from. At Ahi, the waitress would whisper the course and run off before we could ask her to repeat it. No detail or enthusiasm about the dish.
Even though we enjoyed the food, I would not rush to return. This restaurant has great potential but the service and presentation needs to be fine tuned as this lets down the amazing food.
Written 24 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leegraceee
Adelaide234 contributions
Jul 2021 • couples
came for the matariki long lunch, the location of the restaurant was interesting it's somehow in the middle of a food court which not my favourite. We had a bit of a mis communication with my booking but called up and got it back quick thanks to Chris who answered the phone.
We just recently moved in Auckland from Singapore the service approach for fnb is different I'd say we was spoiled in Singapore. It was our first Matariki and long lunch experience so we don't really know whats gonna happen upon arrival at the desk the guy just confirmed our reservations and just asked us to sit anywhere we want. So now we know it is a long table sharing kinda thing lunch. It was a bit awkward but it was an experience.
I wished we were informed on what's happening on the day, in our table we didn't had a menu as the group beside us took extra. We had to ask on what's happening on the beverage if we can order or how does it work. The service was good these are just a few key points I feel is missing.
It was a good value for money for about 6 course meal and a predrink cocktail it was such a great deal. The food was sufficient and it was really good. We appreciate that the chef's itself serves and explained the food without even just focusing on special/VIP guests, they treated each guest with respect and we appreciate it.
From the truffled pie, terrine and sourdough, scampi, brisket and all the sides and the dessert it was a celebration of flavor and the dishes was really good, beautiful presentation and it was a celebration in the palate.
will definitely put Ahi in our list to try their normal menu. highly recommended.
Written 3 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
simon d
13 contributions
Jun 2021 • couples
What can I say, this is the best that New Zealand may offer.
Attentive service, beautiful presentation and a melange of tastes..
We had the degustation of four tasters with four mains.
Premium wine matches also
Pete the sommelier did not disappoint on the matches.
Everything was beautiful and harmonious.
Best meal I've eaten in over twenty years in NZ.
Just go, you will not be disappointed.
Written 3 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mo0o0o
58 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
Whilst presentation of dishes is beautiful, then menu is unimaginative and meat focused with very few seafood or vegetable dishes. The waiter informed us that none of us would be able to eat the set menu as one of the group is pescatarian. He then brought us each a complimentary pork puff (obviously not suitable). The presentation of dishes was beautiful but quality of food was very poor: mushrooms had been cooked with roots (and soil) attached. Food was very greasy and flavour was uninspired.
Written 4 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chris
Dear Mo0o0o
Thank you for taking the time to write a review of Ahi. I am shocked to hear your comments regarding our lack of options and inflexibility regarding our menus! At all times we offer vegetarian & pescatarian dishes. We also offer pescatarian, vegetarian and vegan set menus and degustation's.
We would NEVER tell a table they can't do a set menu because someone is pescatarian! We also have never served a "pork puff". I am also not sure what you mean when you refer to a mushroom dish with roots attached?
Please feel free to call me directly if you wish to discuss you experience as I would love to get to the bottom of what might have happened and when it occurred.
Kind regards,
Chris Martin
Owner
0210532437
Written 6 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
suzemac452015
Auckland Central11 contributions
Dec 2021 • none
Our first night out after 100+ days in lockdown.
Every mouthful was divine.
I want to go back and taste that Clevedon tomato on buffalo curd one more time.
The staff were amazing, friendly as and it was so good to be out and talking to strangers (the restaurant staff)
I counted about nine chefs in the open kitchen, this is why it's expensive and why the food is so damn good.
Thanks so much Ahi team. I can't wait to come back.
Written 3 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anton G
Auckland Central115 contributions
Mar 2021 • none
Friendly and attentive staff, lovely food, great outlook over Quay St, all round a fantastic meal. Great celiac (gluten free) options too. We had a table at the windows with the sliding doors open which created a great indoor/outdoor feel. Most of our meal was seafood - so very tasty. We had the "let us choose" option where the staff choose 4 starters and 4 other dishes - oysters, scampi, paua, salmon, tuna, wagyu - delicious!
Written 16 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IanB1965
Auckland Central429 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
Looked forward to this new restaurant in Commercial Bay.
The setting is nice albeit, you walk through the food court to get there.
The food was delicious although not plentiful.
Service was very slow and we paid $270 with only one glass of wine.
Written 26 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Applemoth
Auckland14 contributions
Dec 2020 • none
I've been to Ahi twice now. The service was excellent both times. Less usual native ingredients are used to great effect and the food was beautifully presented and delicious. The prices are more than some restaurants but I have been to plenty of other restaurants that consider themselves deserving of $40 per dish and quite frankly aren't. Ahi does what it does extremely well and when the roadworks below have finally finished, the view will be stunning.
Written 13 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katy J
8 contributions
Dec 2020 • none
Firstly the service was exceptional, from asking to be seated early and every attempt made to do so to ensuring we were cared for and had everything we wanted without being too obtrusive. We chose the 'Trust us' menu and enjoyed the mix of creative fare and new takes on Kiwi favourites, all presented well and with that little something special you expect when going to a premium restaurant. The cocktails were fresh and interesting. I look forward to returning.
Written 25 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kay M
Auckland Central136 contributions
Feb 2021 • none
We recently had lunch at wonderful Ahi, we sat at the Kitchen Bar stools and everything was so great we didn't want to leave. The personalised service was outstanding, chatting to owner Ben about his boutique style suppliers was really interesting, the food absolutely outstanding and the restaurant fit out and location incredible. NZ on a plate !! Before we left we made a booking to return in March. Can hardly wait !
Written 17 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KevinAM45
Auckland Central64 contributions
Nov 2020 • none
We went to Ahi for a family birthday dinner on Saturday night.
The booking, and service experience were spot on thank you. Great service, and lovely location, and ambience .
Starters for the Table ; The sourdough bread and butter was very nice but at $5 a slice left a sour taste I am afraid ?
The prawn corndogs were excellent.
Myself and two others had the Wagyu Beef, which was "okay" (sorry i don't want to sound like some difficult to please pick. Just want to give honest feedback). The Kohlrahi was "interesting but I was not a fan of sorry, and also the yellowish puree (excuse my ignorance as I don't remember what it was) beside the beef was underwhelming and rather tasteless.
The others had quail which they both liked.
The desserts were all excellent thanks.
Hope that is useful feedback.
Thanks
Written 15 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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