188 Quay Street,
Auckland Central
Auckland,
(09) 357 0188
The ViewAuckland Review
3 out of 5 stars
If you haven’t been told about it, or work in the Price Waterhouse Coopers building with the rest of Auckland’s corporate suits and ties, then you probably don’t even know it’s there.
Prime Bistro is tucked away from the never ending levels of offices on the fourth floor (but really it’s only one escalator ride up from the lobby) of the office location in the heart of the city’s CBD. It’s weird that not many people know where the restaurant is, because the location is what separates it from its competitors.
There’s room for 90 diners inside and a further 40 outside on the deck which overlooks Auckland’s Quay St and ferry building. Floor to ceiling glass windows divide the inside from the out, and in the warmer months are opened offering a nice indoor-outdoor flow.
In the cooler months the location is just as appealing, especially if you land a space next to the windows like we did. The afternoon sun was pouring through the glass warming me to my bones while I was protected from the bitter wind whipping across the harbour.
The high ceilings and windows also let plenty of light in. The interior design is smart and simple with plenty of room between tables giving enough privacy for those corporate types holding important lunchtime meetings.
The kitchen is only open for lunch on weekdays between mid day and 4pm, and turns into a bar until 7pm.
For lunch, the menu is surprisingly detailed. I decide against sharing a tasting platter and opt for the open veal schnitzel sandwich with prawn and onion rings ($17.50). My companion settles for the tortellini with slices of apple and parmesan ($27).
Considering the venue turns into a corporate bar after 4pm, the drinks menu is also full of body and choices from beer, wine and cocktails to ‘special’ coffee and hot chocolates.
The service is spot on, professional, but not too over the top for a place that serves lunch. I never see the bottom of my water glass, and though there’s a bit of a wait for the food to arrive, at least it arrives with a smile and before the table of 10 that has piled in next to us.
Though Prime Bistro mainly caters for those working in the building, you won’t feel out of place if you do decide to visit and aren’t wearing a suit. It’s corporate, but not wanky and worth visiting for lunch if you’re sick of the same old sandwich bar across the road from work.
Prime Bistro has been reviewed by 1 users