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Hours
Sun
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Wed
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Thu
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Fri
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Sat
6:00 pm - 9:30 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travellers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Ratings and reviews
Travellers' Choice Best of the Best 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Seafood, Grill, New Zealand, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
Special Occasion Dining, Romantic, View, Groups, Business meetings
Details
About
Sails Restaurant has an amazing location. Set in the middle of Westhaven Marina, beside the Harbour Bridge, with breathtaking views of the harbour. There are few views in the world that capture the essence of the city than the one from Sails Restaurant. A couple of minutes from the centre of Auckland, yet in a world of its own, with unlimited free parking at the door, Sails Restaurant is not just about its location. Over the last three decades the restaurant has forged its reputation as one of New Zealand’s top restaurants through an uncompromising belief in using only the freshest ingredients, the most talented chefs, and professional waiting staff. The menu at Sails is seafood focused, but also includes New Zealand’s finest beef and lamb. The full menu and all the details can be found on our website.
PRICE RANGE
$19.00 – $45.00
CUISINES
Seafood, Grill, New Zealand
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Free off-street parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
Top 3 reasons to eat here
Sponsored by: Sails Restaurant
1. View That is The City of Sails
"It looks out over the marina and the beautifully lit up harbor bridge"
Nzgk
2. Ultimate Seafood Experience
"a truely spectacular seafood dining experience"
kookoo48
3. Attentive Friendly Service
"e service is attentive and excellent. We love Sails an"
ahhalls
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5.0
1,907 reviews
Excellent
1,655
Very good
135
Average
79
Poor
17
Terrible
21
AuntieRosie
Auckland2 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
Dined here as a special treat after husband had just worked a 12 hour day, which was bit of a gamble because he's usually exhausted. We walked in only 15 minutes from him finishing work and how we felt was instantly transformed by the atmosphere and friendly staff. Outstanding food followed with kitchen and service staff clearly delighted to accommodate a food allergy. Everything about our couples dinner was a special experience, and at the end of it all the cost was also a January special. Husband keeps saying how good an evening we had; he could be dropping hints for a revisit.
Review collected in partnership with www.restauranthub.co.nz
This business uses tools provided by Tripadvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one.
Written 15 January 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.
BartL250
That's lovely Rosie -- you could bring him in on his day off?
We are all happy that your dinner was such a great success.
Thank you and see you both soon.
Written 10 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AmandaandFraser
Auckland77 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
Lovely meal, we had the Jan meal deal of $68 for 3 courses which has been extended through Feb; great options and generous potions; the ceviche and cream brûlée were stand outs with the fish and lamb mains also cooked to perfection with delicious flavours. We has a super table with a perfect view of the marina and lights on the bridge when the sun went down. Friendly professional service; we had one main waitress and two others also look care of us including the friendly and efficient head of house and a very knowledgeable wine waiter so our service seamless. The restaurant was busy and buzzy with almost all tables full but still calm and running like clockwork so clearly three are plenty of other diners who are appreciative and recognise the quality meals and service Sails continues to provide; thank you.
Written 8 February 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.
Loyola C
Auckland917 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
In this world of coupon and Groupon promotions, I am always vary of purchasing a discounted meal. However, at Sails, our lunch experience was amazing. My wife and I purchased the January Lunch special - 3 course meal and washed it down with a Long Island Ice Tea and a Brooklyn.
-
The entree of Calamari was spot on, well cooked and soft and tender. The Lamb ribs cooked to perfection and the Creme Brulee' for dessert needed a push because I was full.
I congratulate SAILS for their promotion and the great value in the meal and experience.
Review collected in partnership with www.restauranthub.co.nz
This business uses tools provided by Tripadvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one.
Written 19 January 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.
BartL250
We think Sails is great value and you can be assured that we will always be good quality even if we are giving you Sunday lunch deal or a Crayfish Special in July.
Thanks For Choosing Sails and we will see you soon.
Join the Sails Club on the website for all our specials.
Written 10 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nikauld
2 contributions
Jun 2020 • none
We had a really delicious signature menu meal last night. They catered for my wife's pescetarian needs really well and the wine list included some great wines at reasonable prices. The service and attention was excellent. We look forward to returning.
Review collected in partnership with www.restauranthub.co.nz
This business uses tools provided by Tripadvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one.
Written 25 June 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.
librariannz
Auckland Central6 contributions
Nov 2020 • none
Our wait staff was not in uniform and looked unkempt, with disheveled hair, a shirt button missing, and belly poking out (nothing against big bare bellies, I have one myself, but they don't belong at fine dining). He came and asked us how our meal was and even before we could answer he answered his own question and went on and on about how amazing his restaurant was and bragged about how no other restaurant in Auckland is good. Another wait staff seemed snobbish and irritated and made no attempt to hide that they were annoyed with our questions about the vegetarian options. It left a bad taste in our mouth and felt like we wasted our money going there because the whole experience was so unpleasant.
Our food was not awful, but also nothing to rave about. Definitely had better elsewhere with the same or lower price range. I can see why this place did well 10 years ago when there was little competition but it would be a waste of money going back here again. Going through the past reviews it seems like the management have a weird ego and handles complaints poorly. That's bizarre for any hospitality venue, let alone one that charges you an arm and a leg for mediocre, overly salty meals. The decor is hopelessly outdated. I was wondering if I was the only one who had a bad experience but others said they also wouldn't come back because it's overpriced for what it is. If you're looking for fine dining in central Auckland try the new Park Hyatt, their service is impeccable, the bathrooms cleaner, and food is infinitely better than sails.
Written 5 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.
Chris B
Auckland14 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Hi, I have to share this excellent service and food. I had the signature Menu on Sunday with my GF, Sister and husband it was absolutely fabulous, service is the best I've every had in New Zealand. For a non-seafood/fish eater, having the three of the first courses of seafood inspired me to start thing of having this type of food again. This was a fantastic meal, my family from the UK said it was the best meal and quality they have ever had, a fitting way to show of some of the best food in New Zealand, worth every dollar! And the view is so awesome to help you relax in a formal environment. Thanks you Sail's for making this special for us. Look forward to returning in the near future.
Written 16 February 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.
Auck_12
Auckland34 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Our group had a wonderful and most enjoyable Sunday lunch to celebrate a recent birthday.
The service was great and demonstrated excellent understanding of our needs. We were offered a sample of wine to check that it meet our needs. The servers hovered nearby without being obvious or intrusive. A piece of cutlery that had fallen onto the floor was promptly replaced without question.
Questions about the dishes on the menu were clearly explained. There was more than enough choice of dishes for our group.
Food presentation was excellent and plates brought to the table in a timely and co-ordinated manner.
The mushroom risotto was a standout and enjoyed by two of the group. The beer battered fish and chips was a very good sized portion and was most satisfying. The deep sea scallops were described as very tasty by two of our diners.
The location of the restaurant adds to the ambience. What's more the bright warm day and our table next to the window enhanced our experience.
The restaurant is very popular - all tables were booked on the day (there were several larger tables occupied by cruise ship passengers) - so it is best to reserve a table.
Written 31 March 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.
Michelle Y
Auckland Central1 contribution
Jul 2020 • none
This restaurant has:
- Good views ( provided that you will get a window seat)
-Decent seafood ( it's their signature, overall pleased with flavor, technique, portion size ok).
That is all I have to say about the good aspects.
I have been to this restaurant twice and have decided I will not return. The reason is of poor service and snobby attitude from the manager.
Why be on Zomato Gold when you will be so iffy about letting diners use the discount code? The first time I visited, the lady in charge snarkly commented, "if you want to get a discount, come back again" as apparently their system automatically shuts at 9pm. Ok, fair enough but that comment is just appallingly rude.
Second time I went, I learnt my lesson and wanted to pay for my bill before 9pm. I told the manager at 8:58pm that I will be paying using Zomato Gold. He replied "I don't know how that works, you have to wait." I got a feeling that this man was being cheeky and wanted to wait till 9pm where the system shuts so that I cannot use Zomato. I replied " I have already paid using Zomato" and he got impatient and said again for me to wait for the lady in charge to come and check. But at that point I have already paid and had my proof of payment there ready on the screen. Around 9:05pm he finally decided to check for himself and was silent after seeing that my payment went through.
These types of cheeky and snobby service is why I will NOT return. Trust me, there are plenty of restaurants around Auckland with better views , food and service.
Highly disappointing.
Review collected in partnership with www.restauranthub.co.nz
This business uses tools provided by Tripadvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one.
Written 5 July 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.
BartL250
Thank you for your positive comments about the food and views at our restaurant
However, your comments on the service (especially mine) are not founded and the easiest way for me to explain is to post the email I sent you (that you chose not to respond to)
Hi Michelle
I have tried to call you several times to discuss your Poor Service review on TripAdvisor without success
I am the owner of Sails and was on the desk on the night you visited as I required my Restaurant Manager on the floor as we were so busy. We allocated you the only table for two on the window that night at your request and the restaurant was full full over 120 guests. Your Zomato transaction was the first that I have dealt with on the new system that is why I needed clarification from my managers on the procedure. You seem very tense and I was unsure why but now I understand that you thought I was trying to avoid the zomato discount (but the new app does not have a cut off time)
The first time you visited Sails with Zomato for the 1 plus 1 food promotion was in force with the following rules
How do you use zomato gold in restaurants?
1. When you arrive at a partner restaurant, open its page on Zomato app.
2. Unlock your Zomato gold visit and show your phone to the staff before placing the order.
3. Place your order and have the privilege of Zomato gold.
So you did not follow the rules (as you pointed out) and you did return to my restaurant to get the zomato discount.
This 1 plus 1 system was not working for me in the restaurant so in February -- I gave notice to Zomato to remove my listing-- however they had come up with a new system of FLAT DISCOUNT which they convinced me to try.
This was a totally new system and conducted payment through the Zomarto app (which started after lockdown)
No need to let the restaurant know in advance -- however we would advise you to let them know -- as the Zomato discount does not apply to special offers (like our current crayfish offer)
I look forward to your response
Kind regards
Bart Littlejohn
Restaurateur
Sails Restaurant
Westhaven Marina, Auckland
Written 5 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MichelleF325
Picton58 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
We've been coming to Sails for decades, and we have never had a bad meal here. Last nights Six-Course Signature Menu with wine pairing was no exception. Exquisitely prepared and presented, delicious food. Excellent service, and the best ambience of any restaurant we've been to in Auckland. Sitting with friends at a table with a great view of the Harbour Bridge and Marina, at a spacious table where you can actually hear yourselves talk without hearing the other tables nearby is rare these days. Our service staff could not have been better. Dean was an oracle of information about the different wines we were drinking, which really enhanced our whole experience. Finally, it is just so nice to have decent table linen and cutlery, these details really lift Sails above many of the others. Final note: we used a GrabOne voucher for our food, but we didn't see the a la carte menu to compare with "normal" prices.
Review collected in partnership with www.restauranthub.co.nz
This business uses tools provided by Tripadvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one.
Written 4 July 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.
Thomas P
3 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
We visited Sails Restaurant several times last year and found the food and service of a very high standard. We decided to start the New Year with their 6-course signature degustation last Sunday for lunch. The menu is on their web-site, so there are no big surprises. You need to book the degustation when you make a reservation, which has the advantage that you don't have to wait too long for the first course to arrive. Each of the six courses was delicious and the presentation was great. The staff was very friendly and the young waiter explained how every course was prepared. The atmosphere was excellent as the restaurant has large windows that offer stunning views of Westhaven marina and the harbour bridge.
Review collected in partnership with www.restauranthub.co.nz
This business uses tools provided by Tripadvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one.
Written 19 January 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.
BartL250
Thank you Thomas
"Excellent signature degustation" -- great menu
Hope to see you soon back down here in Westhaven Marina.
Written 10 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chefantoni
2 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
First up BIG applause to Bart and the wonderful staff of Sails.
I first came to Sails about 20 years ago, impressed by the prime waterfront location and stunning food. Twenty years on and it's safe to say the torch of brilliance is still shining bright. I visited on NYE with my wife, and as requested were given a table by the window. We were on the NYE Deg menu and being a chef myself with 20+ years experience you can understand my expectations were pretty high on this decade welcoming occasion. I'm happy to report the whole evening was sublime. From the delicate snapper sashimi with flavours of Thai, to the perfectly cooked John Dory and slow cooked Duck leg- couldn't fault a thing... But what topped if off-, the awesome service, from our waitress who I best described as passionate and "intuitive" knowing exactly when to enter a conversation,when to add humour, and even offered up a premium dessert table to view the NYE fireworks, to Dino the passionate someillier hwo I could listen to all night- to Bart who worked the floor with charm, character and grace...can't applaud this team enough,and feel proud to have a restaurant like this in this great city that keeps on impressing......well done Sails!
Written 2 January 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.
Bart L
Thank you so much for this wonderful review.
And I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Sails team -- good players--
and Sails wouldn't be Sails without them.
So a big Thank You to all the Sails customers and team for your support over the last 29 years
and the LEGACY LIVES ON 👍
Written 26 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ChrisAuckland20
Auckland Central7 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
As a family group of four, we really enjoyed the lunch at Sails The service was excellent, wonderful dishes and great atmosphere. Everybody enjoyed their different choices and it was unexpected but very nice to have my chocolate ganache served with Happy Birthday written in chocolate on the plate. We're repeat diners and will come again for a special occasion.
Review collected in partnership with www.restauranthub.co.nz
This business uses tools provided by Tripadvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one.
Written 26 January 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.
Bronwen W
Auckland Central22 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
We really enjoyed our recent trip to Sails Restaurant for the 6 course dégustation menu. The food was exceptional, with two of us rating the snapper ceviche at the top of our list, and the other two going for the salmon entrée. Each course was presented with great flair, and our waiter made a special effort to find out from the chef exactly how the salmon had been prepared in order to make it melt in the mouth as it did. The duck was delicious and the lamb wonderful - and the dessert was the icing on the cake. I had been worried that 6 courses would leave me feeling bloated, but this menu gave us exactly the right amount of food. Covid restrictions had meant we had problems getting to our meal over the past few months - but Bart and Renée bent over backwards to accommodate us and we were so pleased that they did. The restaurant decor and furnishings meant it was easy for everyone to hear each other talk, and the view of the full moon and the harbour bridge was stupendous. Thanks Bart for making this happen - we really appreciated it!
Written 14 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.
BartL250
Thank you, Bronwen -- Fantastic review, and it's our pleasure to serve lovely guests like you
Cheers Bart
Written 21 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laura H
Onehunga9 contributions
Feb 2021 • none
We decided to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary at Sails after spotting an exceptionally good value 6-course degustation voucher on Grab One. The menu was a delicious taster of some of Sails signature dishes (calamari, cerviche, duck, beef). Hannah, our server, was delightful to deal with and looked after us exceptionally well. Renee, the manager, went above and beyond and we even received an extra few desserts with a 'happy anniversary' written on the plate. It was a perfect setting for us to celebrate this milestone. Thank you!
Review collected in partnership with www.restauranthub.co.nz
This business uses tools provided by Tripadvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one.
Written 19 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.
HannahB
6 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Sails restaurant is such a beautiful place and I thoroughly enjoy the treat that it is to spend an evening with you guys.
My partner Simon and I came to sails for our 2 year anniversary in 2017, we had such an amazing time that when Simon proposed we decided to come back here to celebrate.
When we arrived on Friday, Your host was warm and welcoming and promptly sat us, we didn't have to order as we were on the 6 course menu.
You came over shortly after to greet us which was lovely, and shortly after that the first course arrived.
The food was so beautiful, both Simon and I were so impressed with every dish, had we not been on our best behaviour, all the plates would have been licked clean. My favourite was the cured salmon and Simons, the Lamb. The speed of the food service was another highlight, the kitchen and wait staff timed the courses perfectly so that we were never waiting long, everything just flowed so nicely. We both ordered alcoholic drinks but also drink alot of water and were happy that our glasses were kept topped up the whole evening, a simple gesture I appreciate especially when its a busy Friday night. The ambiance, the sunset, the chill contemporary sexy music, iced the cake.
All and all though our night was so wonderful, so thank you for the beautiful experience. we will be back as soon as we can!
Written 12 January 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.
BartL250
"LOVED IT!" Says it all.
Thank you Hannah for this fabulous review and quite frankly we are just happy when people are having a great time at Sails.
And see you as soon as you can 😊
Written 9 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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