If you’re looking for a fantastic dining experience complete with delicious food, brilliant service and a great atmosphere, then head to Depot now!

We were a party of five on a bustling Friday night. It was incredibly busy when we (my sister and I) arrived at 6pm, so we were put on the waiting list. Due to our other friends arriving late, we didn’t sit down until 7.30pm. [Note that your whole group has to arrive before they seat you]. If we were at any other restaurant, we would have left, but this was Depot and we were all dead keen to try it out!

While waiting, you can find a table outside and order a few drinks. We had beer and cocktails [note that there is no cocktail list on the drinks menu, so just tell the waiter your favourite ingredient i.e. ‘something with tequila’ or ‘something fruity’ – trust me they did an amazing job!]. Also ordering a few snacks like their potato skins may be an option, and then you can stand back, relax and chat to people. A group of oldies even asked my sister for a marriage proposal – for their nephew!

Once seated, service continued to be friendly, professional and swift. We had a bit of a challenge deciding what to order and had to ask our waiter a lot of questions – three of us were meat eaters, one a pescetarian and one a vegan! The great thing about Depot is that their food is made for sharing – so we went crazy! We started off with complimentary pita bread, hummus and olive oil and then ordered the Tio Point oysters, Tuatua clams, zucchini flowers, smoked brisket tortillas, turbot sliders, Depot slaw with rutabaga (like swede) and macadamia nuts, and potato skins.

Everything was delicious – we honestly couldn’t fault any of the dishes. We particularly loved the Tio Point oysters! I have to admit that I have never been ecstatic about oysters, but since trying them at Depot, I am now a huge fan!

Other highlights included the turbot sliders (melt in your mouth fish with the most delicious preserved lemon mayo) and the zucchini flowers. Definitely something I haven’t seen on a menu before! They came served with Persian feta and pine nuts – mmmmm!

Of course, we couldn’t go past dessert – Depot’s ‘Sugar Pie‘ (drool) with whipped cream and a block of White Rabbit Cacao chocolate. Both were sweet and naughty, but totally worth it!

So all in all, an amazing night at Depot, with plenty of food, drink and top service! Highly highly recommend!

Depot
86 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Open Monday to Sunday, 7am till late
Recommended: freshly shucked oysters, sliders and zucchini flowers
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