Vibe

Lots of recycled natural wood combines with an industrial tinge and white butchershop’s tiles for an unpretentious and relaxed atmosphere.


Service

The Depot Eatery is laidback, but also knowledgeable and professional. A very good fit for the casual ambience of the restaurant, and perfectly reflecting owner Al Brown’s easygoing on-air TV personality.


Drinks List

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and Central Otago Pinot Noir on tap – yes, you read that right – and a concise but well-chosen winelist featuring the best of NZ with a couple of Aussie invited guests. For the beer fan, the Depot Eatery offering includes Tuatara Helles lager and Old Mout cider on tap, and a hoppy who’s who of Kiwi craft beer by the bottle. Well done to Al Brown for supporting NZ’s microbrewery scene.


Highlights

Depot Eatery just maybe Auckland’s most versatile new eatery, with everything from freshly-shucked oysters and cockles ($2.50 to $6 each) to hearty larger plates like wood-roasted chicken with a tomato and white-bean ragout ($29), and crisp pork hock with apple and horseradish salsa verde ($29). Battered snapper tortillas ($18) and smoked kahawai cakes ($14) are both superior bar snacks and compelling evidence of Al Brown’s renown with seafood.


Most Suprising Dish

Skirt steak with tobacco onions and habanero mustard ($24).


The Bottom Line

Al Brown’s first venture into the Auckland restaurant scene is a terrific combination of international flavours, locally-sourced produce and seafood, and a laidback but cosmopolitan vibe.


A Reason To Return

For another session matching Kiwi craft beers with Depot’s excellent small plates. We’re already lining up lamb ribs with skordalia and cumin paprika oil, and Depot’s thick-cut potato skins with manchego cheese and porcini salt. The breakfast combination of coffee, fresh beignets and Depot’s bacon roll is also a ‘must-try’.

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