The Engine Room

The Engine Room lived up to my high expectations at a recent visit. The service was exceptional as was the food and accompanying wine. I enjoyed the goat's cheese souffle to start, followed by the chicken with green papaya salad and ended with some of the delicious home made truffles. My partner was kind enough to share the chocolate churros which lived up to their reputation. Can't wait to go back to the Engine Room.

a visit to the Engine Room has been on my partner's dining bucket list ever since she settled in Auckland so with baby-sitters organised, off we went to Northcote Point.
Wasn't too sure about the whole sitting thing - but we got there for the 6.30 sitting and it was pretty apparent that this was the place to be.
We were welcomed really nicely and taken to a table by the window - a good location to not only view the mouth-watering blackboard menu but also see the kitchen at work.
Our waiter was spot on and really helpful - top bloke too. He guided us around the menu really well and was forthcoming with the wine suggestions.
Had to go with the souffle (sorry mum, your souffles just don't bear thinking about in comparison) and then the steak as a main - both exceptional dishes. The meal was finished off with some hand-made truffles - just the ticket.
We both had plenty to drink and three courses each and the bill just came to over $200 - I thought this was great value for such an experience and can easily see why the Engine Room was one of those must do dining experiences - thanks guys - can't speak highly enough of the Engine Room experience.

Love this place. Impeccable service, delicious, beautifully presented food. I can highly recommend the churros - they come with a full glass of chocolate to dip them into.

I really do like what they've got going at the Engine Room - and if you combine that with a movie at the Bridgeway just over the road, a really good night out and the perfect excuse to head to Northcote Point.
On our last visit I had the veal schnitzel and those rosti's...fantastic. My husbands lamb rump was pretty good to so there was a bit of food envy. We did share some dessert - the rhubarb tart with icecream is the perfect foil to winter and you cant go past the profiteroles - this is what eating out is all about.
Have bought the Engine Room book so here's hoping I can do it justice - probably another excuse to return there and do some background 'research'!

After dining at so many restaurants around Auckland & the world but hearing so much about the Engine Room my business partner invited us along on Saturday night to what she thought was to be a great evening at a top restaurant.
The service was below average and extremely disappointing, with an intrusive waiter who didn't listen to what we wanted and to top things off food which was absolutely horrible.
There is no way this restaurant comes close to being a fine dinning experience and i can speak for us all in saying that we were totally underwhelmed by the experience.
High prices with very very poor below average food.

I will not be recommending the Engine Room restaurant to anyone in the future.

The Engine Room is one of my favourite special occasion places. The service is very attentive (without being too much) and the food is just delicious. The schnitzel is one of my favourite meals, and I must admit I haven't tried any other mains (apart from having a bite of someone elses), because I always order it! I recently tried the twice baked goats cheese souffle after hearing so much about it in various publications, and it did not disappoint - so tasty and a beautiful texture. I didn't have room for dessert after the entree and main, but they are very good and the churros some of the best I've tried. Be aware that there are two sittings each night. You don't feel rushed at all, but it isn't really the kind of place you spend a whole evening at.

I went to The Food Show in Auckland 2yrs ago & was lucky to hear Peta Mathias talk about her travels. When someone asked her what was her favourite place to dine in Auckland was she replied "The Engine Room". She is a real food traveller & knows her stuff. I was lucky enough to be taken to The Engine Room last November for my 40th birthday. It was by far one birthday I'll never forget!!! The food totally blew me away. The atmosphere and service was fantastic. They soooooo deserve an award. Well Done!!!!

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).