Top Restaurants in Manukau
Where to Eat in Manukau: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Discover the best restaurant in Manukau, New Zealand including Broncos Steak House, Volare Restaurant, Urban Soul, Sakai Japanese Restaurant, Fisher House, Jamaica Blue, Granger's Taphouse & Kitchen, Star Cafe Seafood Restaurant, Amphora Restaurant, The Pita Pit
Things to do in Manukau
1. Broncos Steak House
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By Jim K - Masterton, New Zealand
Went with a work group of about 12 as most of us were staying around the corner from Broncos. When you arrive it’s pretty easy to predict the style and quality you can expect, and I wasn’t wrong.
Hearty sized meals of an average standard.
To start off we ordered drinks, the place was busy and it took a wee while for them to arrive, I had a Montieth’s crushed apple cider. This came with ice (not given a choice) a slice of lime & 1/2 a strawberry. There was scarcely any hint of cider in the glass and it was bordering on lemonade.
After that! I changed to Oyster Bay Savvie... that was marginal, no Sav smell on the nose, which we all know Marlborough Sav’s should have... the taste was also light, I say no more.
Meal: as we were going to get our meals quite late, I avoided steak... took the chicken fajita, this was good, so too was the beef one as a colleague had that.
Down side for a buddy who had the lamb shanks, he reckoned the mashed spuds was out of a packet.... not real spud, mmmm.
As my heading said, a predictable meal....
2. Volare Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By 2014traveller-b - Sydney, Australia
We were looking forward to dining here after Reading the reviews but were extremely disappointed with the very poor quality of the pasta selections served. You expect an Italian restaurant to at least get basic pasta right - it was disappointing.
My porcini ravioli, about 6 large parcels with sage brown butter, was the worst I've had ever. Compared with soft parcels with beautiful saucy mushroom filling that melt in the mouth I've enjoyed at other restaurants, my parcels were dry and tasted like cardboard. The filling was a dense mass of porcini like sausage that was also dry and tasted awful. The butter sauce was way too burnt and tasted horrible like they had used margarine instead of butter. Two parcels hidden at the bottom of the plate had broken open and looked uninviting. The 3 small shaves of Parmesan did nothing to enhance the dish.
The fettuccine al pollo had tiny pieces of dry chicken and lacked sauce - it seemed thrown together without love. The pasta was overcooked.
The tortellini boscaiola where do I start - overcooked pasta with slices of ham that looked straight from a supermarket packet added without being cooked, drowned in cream that was not reduced. The chicken pieces tasted like they were steamed beforehand - just awful.
The tagliatelle bolognese pasta too was overcooked. The meat sauce was watery and tasted bland - a store bought lasagna would have been much better.
The lack of care and love in the pasta dishes served was reflected in the dusty bottles high on shelves on the wall. I have eaten pasta at restaurants all over the world and this was the worst pasta I have ever been served in an Italian restaurant.
The service was okay if you like your bottle of wine plonked down noisily on the table in front of you.
We will certainly not be going back - yuk!
3. Urban Soul
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 153 reviews
Http://eyescout.blogspot.com/2011/09/urbansoul-soul-food.html
Reviewed By 367john - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Firstly, the food and service - very good indeed. The location is indeed urban, right near the motorway and not far from the Manukau shopping centre. It is bright and clean, with a good menu and efficient service. The food was well presented and came with a cheerful smile.
Parking is somewhat diabolical with most of the spots immediately outside the cafe threatening immediate tow away or worse. However, the larger parking area is not far away.
In a sense, which may be deliberate, the soul of this place is urban - clean lines, wood and polished metal, large windows, varied menu and swift service. It would be a mistake to anticipate a deep and meaningful experience over coffee but then, why would you be in urban Manukau if you were after deep and meaningful?
Easy to find, easy to access, clean and good menu. Urban right to its roots.
4. Sakai Japanese Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Ashil S - Auckland, New Zealand
I like the teriyaki chicken at the place, has a very fresh and authentic taste. The staff here are very friendly as well
5. Fisher House
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 104 reviews
Fisher House is Highbrook's heritage Bistro, Bar and Function establishment. Originally built by Sir Woolf Fisher, Fisher House has been tastefully refurbished to keep its proud Ra Ora Stud Homestead heritage. Fisher House incorporates bar,casual and formal dining areas and a stunning garden Terrace and lawn area, plus several versatile sized rooms that can be booked for cocktails parties, dinner parties, birthdays and meetings.
Reviewed By GJWNZ - Auckland, New Zealand
Eight of us decided to have a dinner together. We are glad we chose Fisher House. Atmosphere was relaxing and relatively quiet. Easy to talk to others without shouting. Food was excellent and great value for money . Staff very pleasant and eager to help. Great time had by all
6. Jamaica Blue
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 81 reviews
7. Granger's Taphouse & Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 103 reviews
8. Star Cafe Seafood Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By happysheepChina - Christchurch, New Zealand
Good selection of dishes including vegetarian dishes, with the trolley rolling out a new range each time it goes past.
9. Amphora Restaurant
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Tim E - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Amphora in Botany Junction - near Celsuis
My wife took me here for dinner as we have never tried it, and it had an Italian theme to it.
We were greeted at the door, and shown to our table. Menus and drink menu followed.
A good variety of food to choose from, and a blackboard special too. Most food groups covered, with starters, mains and desserts.
We ordered the house bread, which came with garlic butter, balsamic oil, and a herby dip.
My wife had the dumplings, and I had the oka (marinated snapper in coconut milk) which was a refreshing start.
We then had the pork belly, which had a good crackle to the top, and a Cajun salmon fillet (which was nice but had been overdone).
After finishing mains we had a break, then ordered dessert.
A cheesecake and a sticky date pudding - both tasty and well presented.
Overall it was a nice evening.
Negatives: The restaurant was open plan, so the noise was a little bit louder than other places, some planter boxes between tables would help this.
Decor on the walls needed attention.
10. The Pita Pit
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Tracy_ANTCC - Houston, Texas, USA
Great choice for families with kids or tourists who may need a cuisine a bit closer to home. Fantastic choice of toppings and vegetables too for vegans.
