We loved our dining experience at Ahi. It was a special dinner for our honeymoon. The ambiance was exquisite & classy. As you walk towards the restaurant, you are immediately greeted by the wood decor that is about to take you into an amazing dining experience that Auckland has to offer. We were 10 minutes late for our reservation and as a result, we had to wait a bit for a table to open up. However once we did, our server was on a roll from explaining to us the experience to providing wine pairing recommendations for our entries and even dessert. I ordered the fish which was buttery while my husband ordered their wagyu beef. We were both extremely satisfied with our entrees. We had cheese and wine for dessert and they even gave us a surprise dessert once they found out it was our honeymoon dinner. I would definitely recommend trying Ahi if ever you're in Auckland and want to celebrate a special occasion. read more

I looked online to experience New Zealand meals and found Ahi. I am glad that I did! I did the New Zealand story package and it was delicious. I first started with the TIO (oyster), and omg I love that oyster. I wish I bought 2 dozen of those oysters alone! DO NOT MISS OUT IN THE OYSTERS! Then I received the SCAMPI CORN DOG, and it was delicious and the sauce went very well with it. Next up was the WĀRAPI (wallaby tartare). I know, I wasn't sure whether to eat it or not but apparently the wallaby's are considered pests in New Zealand and kill the kiwi's (birds not fruit) so I used that to eat it. It was good, the very, very, very light hot sauce tastes good with it as did the puffed tendon. Try it! After that I received the APAREKA (asparagus) and was lucky since it was the end of the season. I don't know how but they managed to make it so flavorful! But that Russian salad on the side was so delicious! I would buy a pint of it! The Eel Taco came after and that was delicious. It was smeared in bbq sauce and other stuff I can't remember. I remember I ate it like a taco while staring at the eels skull. It was very good but it was made for me as an allergy substitution. I'm not sure if you can ask for it. The HĀMANA was tasty and had the crunch of the crispy fermented rye that blended well together. The crème on top blends really well. For the last of the savories, I got TIA (red deer). They explained it was wild caught and has a smoky flavor to it. I'm not one for smoky flavors but everything did blend well. I personally would have preferred the cod next time. They then gave me a palate cleanser, a sugar cane icicle that was good and worked! Then came the part I was excited for, the PAPAYA PAVLOVA. Apparently pavlova is very famous in Australia (it might come from there?) and is famous here. I went right into it before I realized I never took a picture! Sorry about that, but take my word for it, it's delicious! Overall, I think Ahi. is a hidden gem and if you are ever in Auckland, you have to try it out! Bring me back an oyster! read more

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This is a tough one! How to rank a restaurant with good food - but suboptimal experience? I lived in LA, Chicago, NYC, Charlottesville, Louisville, and Atlanta - and grew up not far from Seattle... just so you have my reference point. I will ignore the part about Ahi. being in a mall and not easy to find. But upon arrival, I was greeted by a charming young woman who proceeded to seat a single woman IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROOM - thank you for punishing me for being a single woman who can afford fine dining solo. I even asked to be moved to an edge - "those seats are reserved" was the response I received. So while I order the fixed chefs menu with parings, I watch multiple young couples sit at the edge table (and have their 1 glass of wine and 1 shared app) while I was made a spectacle as I attempted to enjoy a multi course menu - Middle Aged woman dining alone. With that now behind us - the actual waiter was fantastic! We talked about wine and football - the World Cup in Qatar - he was great! The food was good - flavors were rather typical except for the tuna that had fennel leaves - I did not recognize the leaves and had to ask "what is this green part with an anise or licorice flavor" duh! But I'm was surprised by the flavor profile - in a good way! Nonetheless, as soon as that waiter went on break, I was totally ignored! In the time it has taken me to write this review - and edit it multiple time - not one person has approached me to offer coffee or ask if I prefer the check. Ignored! Food 3-4, location 3 (not a good view), service 2-3 (with bonus points for my waiter when he was at the table, experience 1.Overall that's a C - average (expensive!) experience. Not recommended for a single woman traveling solo - you will be made to feel insignificant in their empty restaurant with bad view! Maybe better at night - but I doubt that. Definitely make a reservation - as clearly there is priority. read more

Ahi - Empty table - no you can't sit on the edge - we insist you feel awkward in the middle of the room dining by yourself! - Restaurants Near Me - Auckland, AUK

Wow, just too good to be true! It's hard to find any fault with this gem, we loved every aspect of our dinner, drink and service. The menu is a little confusing and while we all selected the "corn dog" taste, I am not sure the table can select more than one type of taste. The pork was our favorite and the fish while fresh and beautiful it did not compared to the pork. Don't miss dessert, there is something for every taste and appetite. Kudos for low and No alcohol adult beverages. read more

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The meal at Ahi was my best so far in Auckland and Sydney. Start to finish, excellent in all respects. First, we started out at a table right at the window with an excellent view from which to enjoy the excellent cocktails. I was about to go for one of their enticing custom cocktails but then I noticed they had the Glenfarclas 25 yr old, which is my favorite single malts. I then proceeded to have 3 different single bits (an oyster, the abalone tart and the scampi corn dog) all excellent. The oyster was so good I had to order another. Had the Blue Cod for my main course, absolutely delicious. Finished with the banana something dessert, also outstanding. Finally, service was excellent and the French sommelier really knew her stuff and was exceptionally approachable. Great experience and would absolutely go back!! read more

Found by googling " best restaraunts in Aukland ", and it delivered . Located upstairs in a food/ shopping space. Very cool space , loved the vibe . Server was friendly and answered questions and made suggestions . We went late afternoon and it was busy. We were seated immediately in a lovely spot where you could look out and see the street and harbor . As they say , they celebrate the ingredients of New Zealand . Don't pass on the shrimp corn dog ! So good we ordered a second ! The Steak melted in your mouth , precisely seasoned with a purpose . We did pass on wallaby taretare! But would return there for seconds of everything else ! read more

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My husband and I agreed this was the best meal we've ever had. Not just in Auckland but legitimately of all time. Every bite was inventive and balanced with exciting textures and flavors. The staff were all so kind and knowledgeable. We splurged for the tasting menu and did not regret it. Also the cocktails were superb. 10/10 read more

Ahi - Restaurants Near Me - Auckland, AUK

Ok - first off Ahi is not Ahi tuna (for us Americans) but rather it means "fire". So don't expect sushi - but rather an epicurean adventure. Be sure to look at all the natural different wood used through the construction and serving of meals. Truly one of the best meals I have had. We tried a lot of items and non disappointed. Sitting at one of the bar tops facing the kitchen was an extra treat. We ended up spending over 2 hours there - as we kept trying things and learning about the place. I did not mention the beer and wine selections-trust me when I say they are likewise good. I left the selections up to my server and had beers I never had before - all were good. If you in Auckland- go there for sure. A+ read more

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We heard about Ahi through the TV series on our flight to Auckland. We wanted to experience the real farm to table. The food was amazing. We ordered the set menu ( food story). We received 4 starters ( 4 servings each) and 4 main courses ( 4 servings). And a terrific dessert. We took the option of wine pairing ( for 2 of us). We don't recommend this option ( although the server was knowledgeable and gave us a story about each wine ( 4 in total). The ambiance was just ok. We had a reservation- but they made us wait at the bar for 15 min. The tables were close to each other so one could easily overhear others' conversations. Our whole experience took more than 2 hrs- and it wasn't due to us. We were the last table being served food- and it kind of lost luster when our dinner ended at 11pm. One final note- Ben ( the owner/chef) was not on site. It would have been nice to meet him or see him in action. read more

Amazing venison and scampi corn dog. Rest of food was a bit fussy. Convoluted flavors that hid the flavors of the ingredients. Great cocktails! Felt very understaffed. Understandable nowadays in a lot of restaurants but not really ok at these price points. read more

Auckland's new AHI Restaurant is an amazing experience. Great location in downtown Auckland. The food is outstanding with Pacific rim influences. The Paua is too die for!! Great modern ambience with very professional staff. read more

Ahi - View from AHI Restaurant towards Ferry Building in Auckland - Restaurants Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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We walked into the business by its name and later realized it meant wood fire!! Best restaurant ever.. karma .. loved the oyster, lamb, and chicken.. everything was excellent highly recommended and amazing.. try the lamb dish and scalloped chicken.. best oysters ever as the come from right across the bay. read more

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To start with the views from the restaurant we're unmatched anywhere. The food was all prepared with great care and each dish was described in detail when it arrived to the table. The head waiter we had was superb. Understood our needs very well. His assistant, Joaquina was a sheer delight to deal with. Our water glasses never got close to empty. Table was cleared as dishes were completed. The lamb dishes delivered to the table was the best lamb dish I have tasted. The cod was the most buttery and tender I have ever had. Who knew you could make cod taste that good. I have traveled all over the world, absolutely the best restaurant I have ever had the pleasure of eating at. 5 out of 5 stars does not do this place justice! It should be 10 out 10!! read more

Had a meal with friends on Friday night, excited to see what this new fine dining joint was like. Really nice decor, comfortable seating and very good service. We started with the Scampi Corn dog which is seriously delicious. I then had the venison and the others had fish of the day John Dory. Unfortunately we found all the mains under seasoned, and a bit bland. John Dory is my favorite fish but it wasn't as magical as it can be. Dessert was very good indeed, I had the lamington which was a very delicate custard. Fiends had the waffle cone which was amazingly presented in a animal horn of some sort. Overall the food was good but did feel let down by the mains. A couple of big problems I have: The restaurant has a table of cutlery and napkins etc right next to diners (in this case us) I'd have thought when everyone is being extra cautious about hygiene that this wouldn't be considered appropriate. All it would take is one innocent sneeze and I can imagine people would be nervous. The restaurant has only one bathroom. I know there are others in the mall but this is a really bad look for a fine dining restaurant. Your attention should be on the experience, the food and your company. I noticed all fellow diners around us looking up watchfully waiting for the toilet door to open, presenting an opportunity to grab it. It's ridiculous! I do know that the restaurant wouldn't have necessarily chosen just the one bathroom but it really was an unexpected negative for a high end restaurant. In short, if you have a capacious bladder, or don't mind leaving the restaurant and your guests looking for a bathroom in the mall this might not be the place for you. As I said above, great service (that spent a good chunk of their time directing people to the bathrooms) and clearly a skillful kitchen staff but let down by things probably mostly out of their control. All in all, can't really recommend. read more