Pilkingtons is a different experience. The marble patterned staircase, the glasshouse, the plants, the carved out shelf, the floral cushions, booths and ceiling detail. It is all very impressive and very beautiful. We spent a good 15 minutes admiring the decor and its intricate details. We expected great things. From the new Winter menu we had the Shared Plate (tempura prawns, serrano ham croquettes, Szechuan salt n pepper squid, pork belly caramelised apple $49). The croquettes are out-of-the-world amazing. So. Incredibly. Delicious. The salt n pepper squid though was a terrible letdown. The batter was hard, thick, stale and flavourless. We sent this feedback back to our waiter who tried time and time again to justify it. It felt like they were trying to prove us wrong. The market fish risotto ($34) and the wild boar ragout ($33) were the best of the four mains we had. But at that price we've had better. The kingfish ceviche had an overwhelming amount of sauce, it was way too sour and you couldn't taste anything else on the plate (and usually I am a big fan of sour things!). We'll probably go back for those heavenly croquettes and a drink for a chance to sit in those beautiful booths and enjoy the atmosphere. read more

Pilkingtons - Shared plate - Modern European Near Me - Auckland, AUK

See all

We were wandering the city trying to decide where to go for dinner and suddenly this gorgeous place appeared out of nowhere. The beautiful lighting and intense floral decorations were simply too difficult to resist. Fortunately we were seated on the balcony even without a reservation. We started with the Manchego & Serrano ham croquettes ($12 for three) which just melted in our mouth. I'm not a fan of cheese but this croquette had just the right flavour and texture to enjoy. I ordered Marinated mushrooms ($18) which was very unlike me (as a meat lover) but it turned out to be the choice of the night. Four different kinds of mushrooms were cooked with baby beets, hazelnuts and grilled halloumi which complemented each other perfectly. Mushrooms were soft and tangy and I was craving for more. Semolina & squid ink pasta was little disappointing with its lack of flavours. Hand-cut fries with olive & anchovy mayonnaise weren't very special - in fact, I didn't take any notice of the dip. However it was lovely just sitting in an environment which was put together with a vast amount of effort. Result was a beautiful and enjoyable night out. read more

Pilkingtons - Modern European Near Me - Auckland, AUK

Great drinks menu and good snacks, but the setting and service wasn't as fab. Three of us came for drinks after work on a Tuesday, wearing suits/corporate robot gear and casual shoes to walk home in, ready to stay for dinner if the menu looked good. The first round of drinks was great! Yummy strawberry daiquiri and decent beers. We then got fries, and they came with a delicious anchovy sauce. Unfortunately we sat outside, next to a gas heater that was leaking. We told the waitress, and would have moved inside, but there weren't tables for three inside. Add the fact that we felt unexpectedly under dressed in our work clothes, and we decided to go to Fort St for dinner. read more

See all

Open a few months now, this new restaurant looks almost elite and quite swanky. You have to walk up stairs whilst patrons look down on you entering from the terrace areas, like your Cinderella going to the ball. Apparently the lawyer next door is very very expensive. I could imagine this place would have Lawyers and accountants on Shortland Street frequent it. The fit-out is light and airy, the upholstery fabric is pretty and floral; quirkily shaped handblown glass globe lights hang from the ceiling and loads of indoor plants finish it off. It's a shame that the classiness is blown with the loud nightclub music blaring from 5pm to 9pm totally killing audible conversation and an enjoyable dinner time occasion. I think they should change this and then they might get more mature patrons that have the money to spend rather than luring in young party-goes and trying to suit everyone - it doesn't work. What comes out of the kitchen at Pilkington's you would think would be at the level of O'Connell Street Bistro and French Café but alas it is not. The ham and cheese croquettes were creamy and dreamy. I heard all about the medley of mushrooms with baby beets and Haloumi - shame the halloumi was killed to the consistency of wooden drum sticks. The highlight was definitely the Wild boar Tortellini with broad beans and parmesan shavings. It was cooked perfectly and was very tasty. Brave the parking and try this one but be warned about the music and that it's not at the top of my list for recommendations. read more

See all

Pilkingtons is an oasis of sophisticated charm. Its exquisitely furnished, romantically lit and beautifully landscaped interior, creates a wonderful sense of warmth and intimacy. Alex and I had the shared plate which came with Manchego & Serrano ham croquettes, Szechuan salt & pepper squid, pork belly & caramelized apple, and tempura prawns. I enjoyed the pork belly and warm gooey croquettes but found the salt and pepper squid to be rather bland and the dipping sauce - too salty. Alas, the food was a bit of a let down. The service was however, GREAT!! I'm not sure I want to sample more of the main menu BUT I would love to order a few cocktails and read my copy of Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream, here! I'll be happy to try a few of the desserts, if it means I can stay and get lost in the beauty of this place! To be or not to be, that is the question!? read more

See all

I mean, wow! The décor in here is incredible like rainforest tree-hut meets 5 star beachside cabana. I'm talking tropical fabrics, wooden furnishings, marble tiles and plenty of lush indoor greenery. I completely forgot that I was bang, smack in the middle of the CBD. I came here late on a Monday night for a quick bite with none other than Druinie P. They were getting ready to close but still greeted with a smile and told us we could sit anywhere. They were only serving their small plates and sides so we quickly settled on the shared platter w pork belly, salt & pepper squid, manchengo and Serrano ham croquettas and tempura prawns ($49). It promptly arrived, piled up on gorgeous crockery (is it just me or have AKL restaurants & cafes really stepped up their crockery game recently?). The first thing that stuck me was how generous the serving of squid was (no complaints there) but that was closely followed by how beige the platter looked, there wasn't even a slice of lemon to squeeze over the calamari. Don't get me wrong, it was one of the best fried food platters I've ever had - everything was cooked perfectly (people who say they don't like fried food are just lying to themselves) but it was screaming out for something to freshen it up and cut through the fat - a salsa, a small herb salad or even just aforementioned slice of lemon. Still, i'm looking forward to going back and trying their full menu. It seems like it would be a wonderful spot for a girls lunch on a lazy Saturday afternoon. read more

Very enjoyable new restaurant and bar in the CBD. Pilkingtons has been superbly designed and fitted out - it has a real high end feel about it. There is also lovely landscaping in the courtyard area that gives a very relaxed atmosphere. The menu is interesting and has three different sizes of dishes so there is something for everyone. I had a gorgeous beef capricio and the presentation was lovely. My only gripe would be that the service was a but haphazard but that could be due to it only opening a week ago. Will definitely be back and I think it's a great addition to the Shortland Street food and beverage scene. read more

Good location. Maybe better during summer time when you can sit outside without heaters. We went to this place afterwork for drinks and decided to sit outside. Having the heaters outside, we thought it would be okay, but still it was cold and one of the heater that was facing us wasn't working properly. At least 3 of the waiters came to turn it back on and try to fix it, but it wasn't working at the end. The waiter offered a blanket which was a nice touch especially during winter time. Due to the weather and heater, we decided to sit inside. If you want nice cushion seating area inside, recommend to make reservation. We didn't have one and most of those cozy, cushion seating areas were reserved. Overall vibe of the place was warm, beautiful decor especially the lighting and behind the bar area. Yellow lighting made it more cozy and warm, intimate. Great choices of wines and sharing platter was semi-substantial, but may require more fresh items. Most of the tapas, small plates were fries. Ordered sharing plate and it had szechuan salt&pepper squid which was bit salty, but wasn't szechuan spicy at all, croquette were average, fried prawns were slightly flavoured, but again nothing special and pork belly were again average. It would have been nicer if the pork belly had crispy texture. For small plates/tapas, it would be good if there were more choices that are meaty and fresh other than "fried" Can't comment about overall food since we only had the sharing plate, but will come back and try main next time . This place is good for group or afterwork drinks, but it is bit noisy inside. If you want intimate "talk" time, this may not be the best place unless you sit next to each other or if you have super loud voice. Great wines, great service! read more

See all

Seating in Pilkingtons just informed they have run out of 4 dishes 2 of which were the only ones I could eat! It's Valentine's Day at 7:30 how could you run out of so many of your items on a busy day? Not impressed with this place so sorry it's our last night in Auckland.... Don't waste your time or money. read more

I have to say I continue to be impressed by this delightful brasserie! The ambiance, good food and service are all faultless. Interestingly, I arrived at 11.45am today for an "early" lunch, every table had a "reserved" sign on it, so Pilkington's must be doing something right!! I ordered the beef carpaccio which is a dish sized between entree and main size. It was accompanied by truffle oil, pesto, Parmesan and rocket, and was delicious. My two dining companions had the Crystal Bay prawns and puy lentil dish respectively, and we shared a bowl of the sensational fries. We drank Antipodes sparkling water throughout, and concluded with an excellent piccolo. I'm looking forward to next time already!! read more

Sorry to say it but the service is just so terribly slow here that whatever might be good has just become irrelevant. Have come here a few times now and have enjoyed the ambience the food and the location, but half hour and ongoing wait for two beers and one wine is total BS. Out of your control is not an excuse if you are busy. Man up. Restaurant business is hard sometimes. Post posting update: manager overheard waitress excuses and was rightly embarrassed, gracious and unasked for round on the house resulted. Added a star for that. read more

Was my first time walking into the venue, I must admit i was rather intimated by the marble staircase and beautiful interior considering that i was wearing Jeans and a T shirt. I ordered the 300 gram Rib eye steak mid rare ($39) and it was well worth my money. For a first impression it was a good one. I'll be coming back next time with the family read more

His Royal Highness would approve of this recently unveiled, elegantly designed and quintessentially modern dining establishment right in the heart of the CBD. Despite it's masculine title, no doubt designed to attract the hoards of hungry bankers employed within tipping distance, Pilkington's has a fashionable and feminine feel to its aesthetic and menu. From its designer green globed and orchid stuffed interior to its white marble terrace with bespoke italian style fabric-decked seating, not a single detail has been spared in its conception. The modern European menu and wine list are a suitable match for the space, with the former offering small, medium and large plates that can be mixed and match to suit ones taste. Manchego and Serrano ham croquettes, eel pancetta, beef carpaccio, semolina and squid ink pasta and market fish with prawn and octopus risotto give you some idea of the calibre of their chef. The marinated mushrooms with smoked haloumi is a refreshing twist on a vegetarian luncheon without going all paleo and hippie (God forbid!). The coffee is good, the service is smart and friendly. A beautiful place for a special lunch or dinner with friends, bedecked in your finest pearls or pocket kerchief. This place should do well. read more

See all

Standard slightly high end bistro-style food, well executed, no fancy alien sounding ingredients, very good wine list. The squid ink fetuccine is to die for, home made pasta, yum! We came here on a Wednesday night, Pilkingtons wasn't as packed as the many times i've seen it as I walk up Shortland St almost everyday. Perhaps that explains the super friendly and attentive waitstaff. Would love to come back on a Friday night to see how they cope with a full house. read more

Pilkingtons promises much and delivers mostly. A much needed quality restaurant in this part of the city, it opened with much aplomb. The fit out is beautiful and one of the most unique spaces in the city, revolutionizing what was once the soulless square in front of the AIG Building. The food is definitely a highlight here, a following in the style of Ortolana. The meals can be shared or eaten on their own and the three times I've been I haven't been disappointed in my choice. The service was slightly patchy the first time (we had to ask for cutlery and napkins after our meals were served) but recent visits left me very impressed read more

Some thing has happened !!!!!!! The food has gone from boring to amazing the changes that have been made are fantastic this place is sure to become the next top restaurant in Auckland word around town is you have hired a new chef you better keep him I travel to Nz on business a lot and your my no1 restaurant keep it up read more