Nice and lively spot for jet lagged tourists, day time drinking. The Central Otago Pinot Noir on tap was pretty good. I like the idea of wines on tap. The Orongo Bay and Mahurangi oysters were good, not mind blowing, but good. They are worth a taste, as you don't find them in the US. Tuatua clams, cute and tasty, like the name. read more

Now I had been wanting to go here for some time..... Not worth the wait or the wait to get in either, we rocked up knowing there was no pre-booking although if you are a "known face" there seems to be a booking system, yeah not good! Anyway food was good however the seats I am sure are made so you only stay for a very very short time I ended up standing to eat my meal, wasn't impressed at all. No where near where it thinks it is in the market and other hangers on think it is! read more

We made it to Auckland in the middle of the afternoon, and we knew that today (New Year's Eve) was the last day the restaurant would be open while we were in town. Seeing lots of tasty seafood on the menu, we thus made a decision to do a late lunch as soon as we had checked in at SkyCity Grand. The restaurant is not accessible from inside the hotel, but it is right next door, and you can charge the bill to your room. It was a bit crowded inside despite the relatively late hour for lunch, so we got a table at the very back facing the kitchen - a nice view if you're into the nuts and bolts of how the food gets put together. Service was good overall, although I think our waitress was switched out after we got seated, so there were a couple waits that were longer than anticipated. Nonetheless, everyone was very friendly, and it had no impact on the overall experience. There may be other drinks besides wine, but as that was on the menu, I went with a couple very solid pinot noirs from Marlborough and Central Otago. With a wide variety of wines from NZ, you will probably find something to fit your tastes. The only thing I was not a huge fan of was having wine by the glass served in smallish standard drinking cups, as opposed to wine glasses. Given Depot is a seafood joint, we ended up going with all seafood dishes, and I can report that they do a phenomenal job here. We started with the oysters, both of which are Pacific oysters from the North Island. They were both creamy but had varying levels of brininess. However, both were delicious and worked very well with the mignonette that they were served with. Next up was the kingfisher sashimi - also very good (albeit not absolutely top-notch sashimi-grade quality, IMO), and the oyster cream helps to accentuate the seafood nature of the dish. My favorite was probably the hapuka sliders; the outside of each piece of fish was perfectly crisped, and the mayo on the slider really added a slightly sweet flavor to every bite. Combine it with a soft bun, and you have the makings of one of the best seafood sliders I've eaten (which, to be fair, is not many...most sliders are meat-based). We were then adventurous and decided to add the Kahawai belly to split as well. This is a big cut of fish that would definitely be hard to take down solo, but it was cooked really well - tender around the edges, a little bit more done (which could be less IMO) in the middle - and served with toasted slices of bread to eat on. There was also some sort of savory topping to add that definitely has Indian influences, but I like the different turn and flavor that adds. Small leaves that tasted like cilantro but looked quite different added a nice dash of additional herbal flavor to each bite as well. I'm definitely glad that we were able to make it here, as the food was great and was reasonably priced to boot. I do hope that when we make it back to this side of the planet again, we will stop by Auckland and have another delicious meal here! The somewhat trendy ambiance (with exposed ceiling and lots of rustic wood finishes) makes it feel like a classy place to chow down and fulfill your seafood cravings. read more

Aah Depot...always brings the good memories for me. That's where my partner and I had our first date and that's where we go back every year. And often in between - guilty as charged. But only because good food and positive atmosphere is guaranteed. Interior decor - very modern, industrial but somehow these guys manage to keep it cozy. Staff - very friendly, positive and super professional. We always felt welcomed here. Food - delicious, delicious, delicious... so innovative and well presented. Prices - very good value for money. You do pay a bit more than your usual Wednesday night takeaway but hey - it is not cooked in the backyard of a Dominion Rd shop :-) Menu - always something new on it to try but I like how they keep the good ol' signature dishes. If you don't mind the wait for a table which can sometimes take up to hour - hour and a half and you want some consistently good quality food then this is the place to go. The only thing I would change about Depot is the wine list. I am a shiraz fan and only stuck with the same two options every time. read more

It's so popular that it's even been called, unofficially, the "national dish of the Pieces of tandoori chicken are cut up and stewed in a rich, spicy tomato-based sauce consisting of a spice mix called garam masala. read more

This place is amazing! The hummus and pita sets the experience, as the pita has a smokey flavor--nice and surprising touch! The meat board was spectacular (heck even the mustard, was memorable) as were the lamb ribs. We tried a few other things too, all of which were good. The seating is a bit cramped, especially because of how crowded this place seems to be. But otherwise, we'll be back, next time we travel to NZ. Highly recommend! read more

This was our first dinner in New Zealand, and it was great! Was a little bit disappointed they didn't have oysters the day we were there, but happy that they are committed to sustainable and fresh seafood. We got: - Grilled octopus with potatoes - very tasty flavors, but felt like they were a bit skimpy with the amount of octopus... - Squid ink pasta with clams - definitely get a large order of this if you are sharing - it came out, and I don't know if it's just American expectations, but we were all like...thank goodness we got the large! The amount of clams were fantastic though :) - Lamb ribs - great flavors if you like lamb. Very cumin-y, and I have never seen meat just fall off the bones like these ribs - so so tender. - Kahawai sliders - very very tasty, great little bites with a nice balance of flavors - Kahawai belly - also very tasty. This was our first time trying Kahawai, and we loved it. The eggplant chutney that comes on the side is delicious with this dish. Minus one star for the weird seating situation - the setting is great, and they have outdoor seating as well. It was just weird because we were told it was a long wait, which was fine...so we put our names down but didn't have a local number. Came back 20 minutes later after we decided to first get some drinks at the bar, and saw that our names had been crossed off the list? They still hadn't seated the people before us, so it's not like they had called our names and we weren't there (we also knew this was the case because I was actually just sitting right outside of the restaurant on a bench). Anyways, the seater person seemed to be a bit confused and it was a weird situation. Our server was fantastic though and gave us great suggestions. read more

Very busy place without any reservation. Lot of good delicious tapas, but upscale not the normal tapas type. You can have fresh seafood also if you wish so. Excellent with a nice bottle of wine and delicious food with friends. Got very packed so be ready to wait wait and wait... And sometimes service is a bit messy. read more

This place is really good. The only problem is the size of the restaurant. All tables are too close together.

This place is seriously as good as it gets. From the staff to the incredible food, I just cant say enough great things about this place. Such a fun atmosphere, no matter if you are sitting inside or outside. Luckily, we are able to snag a table outside just about every time. But when we have had to wait, we are still able to order drinks and hang around comfortably. Its too bad they took the fig toasties off the menu, they were seriously a TREAT! other great recommendations are the OYSTERS....not sure which one but it starts with a "M".....I go home and dream about having more of these. Also, the sliders and the skirt steak with a side dish of potato wedges......your night couldn't get any better. I recommend this place to anyone who lives in the are and any visitors that want a delicious and reasonably priced dinner!! read more

One of the best atmospheres in the city - this place absolutely cranks, and for a good reason. The food is really stand out New Zealand fare, fresh quality ingredients presented in a simple un-fussed way. The menu is really ideal for sharing, it's hard to say what's good cos I love it all but - the turbot sliders, snapper tacos, courgette flowers, Hapuka belly and pork hock. The oysters are always amazing and they has a selection which is nice. Service is outstanding, the staff are fast, charming and knowledgeable. This place is good for 4 or less. And it's well worth the wait. read more

The Depot menu is based around sharing plates. They have some amazing dishes such as craydog, skirt steak, sugar pie and potato skins. Nice setting and lively atmosphere. Right up there with the best in Auckland. read more

One of my favorite restaurants in Auckland - so many tasty options to choose from. The sliders are a definite! The staff are always really friendly. A great place for a pre-show meal or just any occasion really. read more

Love the busy fun vibe. Everything on the menu so good. Great place for lunch or dinner with a small group.

I'm vegetariann and i was surprised that a european restaurant can offer me so much to eat,i have just been here once and its not bad at all... it was actually somethning really diffrent.yet yummy. give it a try :) read more

Everything is yummy here. You can order anything from the menu. Fresh oysters, super good blue cheese toasty. The price is medium high. But good value. You can't reserve for a table, need to wait up to 2 hours once. But it is still worth to wait. read more

There's very little to be said that hasn't already been said. This is a great place to slip in early before the crowds and spend either a long lunch or an early dinner grazing the hours away. The food is terrific and the atmosphere refreshingly unpretentious. If you're only in Auckland for a short spell put this on your must-visit list. read more

Easily my favourite place to eat in Auckland. I am a massive seafood fan so there are lots if yummy delights to find on the menu (which is updated regularly) but even if you are not keen on seafood there are plenty of other options. The atmosphere is awesome and always buzzing and staff are friendly and knowledgable about the menu. A visit to this place is a must! read more

Depot is probably my favorite place for taking friends and visitors to have a taste of what Auckland's food is about. In order to make great food, one must use the best available ingredients. This is the one thing that stands out for Deport. Apart from its friendly service and welcoming atmosphere, the ingredients this place use is super fresh, which makes its food extra tasty. Try the squid-ink linguini, it is unforgettable. read more

Wanted something unusual to celebrate our 30th anniversary. We welcomed casual and share plates. Weren't worried about no reservations as we decided early would suit us well. The only slight concern was that it sounded so busy it might feel rushed. We needn't have worried. The food was wonderful- interesting choices, fun presentation and fresh and tasty. Staff were lovely. Ready with explanations and water refills where needed. We went for 2 small plates - the turbot sliders and lamb yorkie puds - and the Hapuka belly with a side of Brussel sprouts. All wonderful and proved enough food that dessert wasn't necessary but when does that stop us... A rhubarb cobbler and chocolate pudding rounded off the meal. Recommended. read more

Really great atmosphere for good wine and tapas! You'll be lucky if you get a table on a Friday/Saturday night.

Came late for drinks and appetizers. Good food and service. Ate outside. Cold and waiter provided blankets. Nice touch.

Don't even think about going to the depot during busy time, you will end up waiting 3 hours. They don't take reservations and they are just way to popular. If you actually get in the door then you will get a pretty good meal, little overpriced but that's what it costs to be trendy in the expensive part of town read more

My wife and I visited last Spring on vacation. We dined on a Monday night and even with the construction outside, it was pretty full. We opted to take a seat at the bar and we were not disappointed. Our bartender (forgive me, I have forgotten his name but was from Manchester) and took very good care of us offering great recommendations on food and drink and paying just enough attention to never have to wait and never feel rushed. I would recommend Depot to anyone visiting Auckland and mahalo to all the other Yelpers who helped us to find this place. Kia ora! read more

Yes you will have to wait so go in put your name down. Go for a walk and a drink and come back in an hour and you should be good to go! Absolutely amazing food. What I love about Depot is that its simple food cooked to perfection. Good portion sizes and sitting right in front of the kitchen on the bar watching the chefs do there bizzo is great. Especially if you go on a date and she's not saying much you can remain entertained. read more

My husband was pressed to make sure we ate local, and not the same ol things we can get in the states! I could be totally ignorant, but I can assume this is Kiwi local food. I had a chop salad that was yum! My hubby had the brisket and was happy. He originally wanted the skirt steak, but it's cut so thin that they ONLY cook it medium rare. read more

Great service, amazing oysters, buzzy atmosphere. Some dishes were great and some dishes were ok. All in all it's a restaurant Auckland should be proud of. It's got a personality and is very well run. Like a place in NYC where they have obviously derived inspiration. read more

Love the food & casual atmosphere here! Current favorites are the turbot sliders - deliciously juicy fish pieces, lightly toasted soft bun & the best mayo; skirt steak w crispy fried onions, iceberg wedge & mayo; roasted bone marrow w parsley & red onion salad on toast was rich an oh so good! read more

I love me some Al Brown, and after being an avid Fed Deli fan, I thought it was time to try my chances at getting a table at Depot. The food was really tasty and creative, but I just didn't 'get' it, ya know? What is the themes? What is the restaurant trying to say? How is the graffiti relevant to what they're trying to accomplish? I'm aware that these things aren't important, and the good food and good company should be what is focused on, but I think I'll forever be a Deli girl myself. read more

Take me to The Depot anytime. Has to be the best most consistent restaurant ever. Starting with the freshly shucked oysters I have eaten my way through the menu on different visits. Central Otago Pinot noir by the carafe is a bonus. Affordable and fabulous service read more

Love love love (did I mention love?) this place. Oysters are the best in Auckland. And the ambience keeps me coming back time and time again. I'd give 4 stars if there was room for improvement, but there isn't. read more

Great food, no wait, amazing food. I only wish they took bookings and had a larger location to accomodate all the people, it's always packed read more

The food is great but the thing that really makes Depot for me is the outstanding service. Efficient, and always friendly without being too pushy. Perfectly balanced & executed. read more

The staff are great and the food always top class. They even managed a cocktail that wasn't on the list with no problems meaning the bar staff were well trained and accommodating. Always a great choice anytime of the day. read more

WOW!! I don't think it gets more fresh or decadent than Depot. Came here with a group and got to try some of probably 10 different dishes. Fresh oysters, bone marrow, lamb, and the fish sliders were some of my favorites. Very classy place, would be the ideal perfect date spot or anniversary place. The oyster chefs are out in the open so you can see your plates being shucked and prepared fresh. This restaurant is right next to the Sky Tower so there's a beautiful view and the street is lined with lights outside. You will likely encounter a wait here --even on week days but there are bars nearby to get a drink. read more

It took me a while to get to Depot, but finally I made it. The feel of the restaurant is very trendy: dim lights, exposed vent shaft, tall wooden tables. The menu is small and seasonal. For three people we split two little plates: grilled mussels and the brisket tortilla and two big: black pasta and the pork. The little plates were both delish,I especially liked the brisket tortilla. But the real reason I came was for the black pasta. I love salty fishy brine black pasta. But Depot failed me here, the pasta was meh, maybe OK. I mean there was chorizo in it and while I like chorizo it does not belong in black pasta because it is too sweet.The Depot is one of those "it" restaurants in Auckland and maybe this was an off dish. I will give it another try in hope that it is not just a name. read more

Just ignore the long wait to get a table. Everything we had was very good. U wish I arrived a bit hungrier so I could have tried more dishes. The fish sliders were superb, the lamb was so tender it was melting in your mouth, the side of corn ha enough spice in it to make your mouth tingle. The sweet pie dessert was simple but satisfying. I would definitely come back. Did I mention that the bar tender and waitresses were very friendly? read more

Really great food and nice atmosphere. Our server was attentive which doesn't happen all the time overseas.

Awesome food and relaxing fun atmosphere. Located next to the sky tower this is a very popular restaurant that serves great food. We had the following entrees: 1-Special for the day-Blue Cod Fish and Chips, very moist and tasty fish with a crunchy outside batter, 2-Fresh raw clams from the Marlbourough Sound, the best tasting clams I've ever eaten and lastly the well known Bluff Oysters. Broke the Mouth! read more

This place was fantastic. The service was great, the server helped me choose three different beautiful local wines to go with my food. I had the sparkling Rose with our oysters (which were fantastic) the Pinot Gris with the tequila ceviche, and a Shiraz with the skirt steak, which was one of the better steaks I've eaten. All in all, a wonderful meal in downtown Auckland. read more