Gerome is the latest newcomer to Parnell’s dining scene, occupying the space where the famous Iguacu used to be. This new restaurant is serving up beautiful modern Greek food, matched with an elegant dining experience and friendly and attentive service. Three of us dined here last week for a special birthday, and we were very impressed.

The restaurant is very sophisticated. Hanging chandeliers, turquoise velvet booths, gold adornments and quality tableware make for a very beautiful setting. You almost feel like you could be dining in New York or Hollywood. I also loved the impressive open kitchen – definitely sit downstairs to be a part of all the action!

We started off with a glass of prosecco while perusing the menu, which is designed to be shared, consisting of smaller plates, larger plates, sides and a few desserts. We shared three smaller dishes and one larger dish among three of us, and dessert devoured by one. The dishes were rich and full of flavour, and left us feeling very satisfied. We enjoyed the following:

Warm buttermilk flatbreads with a salty taramasalata (Greek dip made with fish roe), and interestingly, a carrot tzatziki (although I prefer it with cucumber), house olives and sumac. A great start to a lovely meal ahead.

The Charred Broccoli, served with a white bean skordalia, preserved lemon and sheep’s quark was my favourite dish of the night. I love broccoli, but wow, Gerome, I will never look at a broccoli the same again. Perfectly cooked, full of flavour and I loved the creaminess of the sheep’s quark.

We also tried the Burnt eggplant, with a tahini and cauliflower puree, pine nuts, lemon and white raisins. Unfortunately, it was nothing to write home about. Interestingly, this dish is classified as a ‘larger plate’ on the menu, but the serving size was small. It was also far too salty for me, so I wouldn’t order this dish again.

Our third and final dish for the evening was the Ox Tongue. My Mum used to cook it a lot back in the day, so we were very intrigued to try it! I was also very interested in how the dish would be presented – would it be served like a tongue? Of course, it wasn’t. Instead it was served on skewers, topped with mizithra (a fresh cheese made with milk and whey) and capers. The meat was tender and melt in your mouth, making it my second favourite dish of the night.

While I had intended on ordering Gerome’s grilled pineapple, with creme fraiche ice cream and candied pistachios, I couldn’t go past their ‘Loukoumades’ – light and fluffy Greek doughnuts, served with a divine coffee ice cream, nutella sauce and topped with hazelnuts. You will definitely want to save room for this dessert!

Overall, Gerome is a lovely addition to Parnell and Auckland’s dining scene. I highly recommend you dine here next time you are in the area.  It is a great place for dinner, but also the perfect place to have a few drinks, accompanied by a few of their smaller plates. I will most definitely be returning!

Gerome
Open Monday to Friday from 7am to 4pm, Saturday & Sunday from 8am to 4pm
Address 269 Parnell Road, Parnell
Notes Definitely book a table (via email) as it gets super busy… unless you arrive on opening time! Great for groups, a date or a special birthday.
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