I've been trying to dine at depot eatery at least three times in the last 4 months but every time it's a fail because it's been packed to the rafters.
Finally I had the opportunity last night and I can so see why it is such a popular eatery with punters and critics alike.
Great vibrant atmosphere and relaxed setting make sure it's a comfortable, low key dining experience.
Al brown has done such a fantastic job here and deserves the accolades he has received so far.
The food- its an experience in itself. We shared a variety of smaller plates with the lamb rack and prosciutto toastie real highlights.
Let's hope it isn't another 4 months before I get to enjoy the delights of depot eatery again!

Wonderful food, great service from our waitress Sarah, pitty about the service at the door though, got a text to say that our table was ready
(we had turned up earlier in the evening to be told that it was too full as soon as a table is available they would text us) we turned up 5 mins later to get a hand in the face and a comment saying just back off...not great at all no matter how busy it was....we actually saw a couple walk out without paying as they were told to back up as well.( I dont think they appreciated been spoken to like that). We appreciate good food just as much as good customer service. Other than that stinker, would recommend Depot Eatery to our friends and family.

Finally got a chance to eat at Al Brown's Depot Eatery after trying so many times before but never fancying the wait to get a table.

But it was so worth it. Love the concept of sharing plates, wine on tap and served in tumblers, super friendly staff.

Loved it, loved it, loved it!

Definitely recommended!

Depot's food is fantastic - simple but rather complicated at the same time. Absolutely loved the freshness of the clams and the chardonnay and shallot sauce. Yum! If the sliders are on the menu, then you'll have to try these as well. Overall, very fresh produce and lovely flavours - simply delicious!

Wide range of drinks available.

The environment in Depot is rustic, down to the mackerel tins they use to hold your mismatched cutlery. Seating is a little uncomfortable as they have the high chairs and tables. Cramped. But I suppose you could call that cosy. Definitely not a place for a long dinner. Plenty of places around Depot for you to move onto after your meal though.

Staff are friendly and really helpful. Good service as the waitress offered to change our plates between the different meals and were attentive. I did go again for a lunch. Staff were still friendly but not quite as attentive. Still, not much to rant about their service.

Make sure everyone from your party arrives on time as you will not get seated until your party is there. A bit of a challenge with a bigger group, but the waitress was willing to give some leeway if almost everyone was there. Definitely head to Depot early to get a table if you're not inclined to waiting. Otherwise, turn up later and you'll get one as other patrons leave -- but you may miss out on things as they sell out.

took my man to Depot Eatery yesterday for brunch his birthday....sooo loved this place. The ambiance, the kaimoana, the staff and the sounds. You get such a chilled out feeling when entering which I have to say was a total opposite experience to when we visited Logan Browns in Wellington after reading so many rave reviews we decided to take ourselves along to celebrate a very special occasion - Our experience was the total opposite. Very disappointing- I know that it is a different type of dining experience however, ambiance was so pretentious and the amount of food dished up comparative to the price was horrendous. I have loved Hunger for the Wild series and watching your cooking finesse on television - a big fan because you come across like a mate - easy and relaxed. As I mentioned our experience in Wellington seemed so in-congruent with your style Mr. Brown...that was then and this is now ahhh! but now The Depot we will be back and back for sure!

caught up with a few mates at Depot Restaurant during the last week of the footy. Really rammed (few All Blacks around also I might add) but staff didn't seem to flustered. Naturally there was a bit of a wait but the pints were going down well so we really didnt notice. I had the pork hock that we'd been recommended from the waitress - this dish alone is a reason to head back to Depot Eatery very soon. Well done Al Brown - you've created another Auckland institution in a matter of weeks!

what a fantastic eatery. the fitout is superb and the food to die for - Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar is a welcome arrival in Auckland 0 thank you Al!

I have nothing but good things to say about the Depot Eatery restaurant. I loved the whole experience and would definitely recommend it to anyone. We visited the restaurant on the 2nd day of opening.
The service we got was amazing! All the waiters were friendly and happy to talk you through the menu, make recommendations as well as make small talk in general. They were all also very well-versed in what was on the menu and the recommendations we received for what to order were outstanding.
The atmosphere in the restaurant was great - kind of like an upmarket diner but so much better!
Food was amazing. I can't fault anything that we were served and the wait staff checked up on us after every dish to see how we were going and if we had any feedback or comments about the dish we just had.
All in all, it was a good experience and I would definitely go back to Depot Eatery again.