Heavens! People who throw their toys out of the cot... If your meal is disappointing, say so and give them the opportunity to put things right. We have been to the Engine Room 4 times, for both lunch and dinner, and the food has been consistently excellent. It is expensive, the portions are large (HOW can people eat 3 courses?), but the flavours are superb. It is our 'special occasion' restaurant. The service is attentive, and Natalia is a wonderful host. Long may it stay in business! (NB It is actually the old Post Office, not one of the local character villas).

The worst dining experience ever! It was such a disappointment. The food was served in a pool of oil and I couldn't even eat my meal. The prices were for fine dining but the meals were worse than KFC.

Went to the Engine Room for dinner on a Friday night - the food was nothing short of spectacular and the service was great, however it is very pricey so more of a 'special occasion' place to go and they didn't hand out menus. The menu was written on a board above the kitchen which was very difficult to read (scrawly handwriting, not printed) and the light from above shone directly on it making it difficult to read. Menu aside, my experience was nothing short of outstanding and would most definitely go again. (4.5 out of 5)

Three weeks later I am still raving about the food and service at the Engine Room. Its obvious why it has received the awards it has. Having eaten at some of Auckland's top restaurants this far more modest, cosy, suburban place has blown me away with the whole experience. We dived in here on impulse on cold, winters evening after seeing a movie, great idea. I chose the entree size of the Handmade Potato Gnocchi in a rich tomato sauce with Ricotta - still cant get those incredible tastes out of my mind -it really was soul food. I cant recommend this place enough and cant wait to go back.

"The Engine Room" – Not yet found on any food guide or award winning list, but simply known in the best way, by "word of mouth" – The Engine Room is located across town at North Point, far from the fashion spots.
This is a very interesting newcomer restaurant run by the very promising chef Carl Koppenhagen and Natalia Schamroth, and is part of the large choice of restaurants for the city of Auckland. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of an old villa, and includes a melting pot of tables, kitchen, bar, all together. It's full every day and difficult, of course, to get a table without reservations.
By the way, since you come from abroad, reserve in advance for the tables on the far right back corner of the restaurant by the windows. If not, you need to accept any table in the middle, in front of the kitchen or near the entrance. But anywhere you sit, it is the only way to sample this "new gem" of Auckland’s favorite spots.
"The Menu" (*) My suggestions:
# Thai Duck Salad-Noodles, Coconut, Mung Sprouts, Coriander (*)
Chicken & Pork Terrine, Cress Cornichons, Pickled Cherries (*)
Grilled Scallops, Fennel, Radicchio and Green Chili (*)
Pan fried Kingfish, Cannelini Beans, Salsa Verde (*)
Churros con Chocolate (a Spanish delicacy) (*) Balinese Black Sticky Rice, Coconut, Pineapple (*)
So don’t hesitate on your next trip to Auckland, try to discover this nice little restaurant far from the tourist traps.

Two of us dined there 1/3/08
Service between two waitresses was excellent.
My starter was the pork and chicken terrine, i personally thought it was lacking in depth of flavour as if it was just out of the fridge and too cold, my expectation was of a sweeter relish and felt a little let down. 3/5.
I had the steak which was as good as any i have ever tasted! 5/5 highly recommended.
Panacotta/apricot desert was beautiful 5/5
My partner had the same except for starter which was pasta. 3/5.
Personally neither of us liked being so close to the next tables but if that doesnt bother you, you will really enjoy this restaurant.
All in all for us we had a lovely evening.

We live close to the restaurant,and love going out to the local restaurants and cafes, however we have experienced a disapointing approach from the staff at The Engine Room. We rang to book a month in advance, and was asked for credit card details. On prompting, we found that we would be charged $30 per head upon cancellation, automatically to the credit card. On principle, we decided not to book. This is considered to be unethical practice and an insult to our integrity, not to mention, a likely breach of credit card or consumer legalities.

What, are you guys kidding?....goes to show the kiwi tall poppy syndrome is alive and well! I've been to the Engine Room 3 times now since it opened it's doors and it has consistently not let me down.

In my opinion, without question one of the very best restaurants in Auckland and, reading some of the user reviews here, I don't see how people can say the food was great and still only give them 2 stars!

So take my advice, book early, take a few chums and order the Steak Frites - you will not be disappointed I assure you!