The 38 Essential Restaurants in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland, New Zealand)
"Sid and Chand Sahrawat are two of the most notable players developing Auckland’s particular blend of modern Indian cuisine. Cassia, the couple’s modern Indian bistro, boasts classic flavors reimagined and refined in a moody space just off Queen Street. Te Matuku oyster pakoras or Malabar-style fish with curry leaf deliver deep flavors alongside bubbling and blistered naan. Eight years in, the duo are still as sharp as ever. — HE" - Hillary Eaton, Leisha Jones
"Often lauded as Auckland 's best restaurant, Cassia boasts modern Indian plates that offer a stellar and spicy step up from a neighborhood curry house. The childhood culinary memories of chef Sid Sahrawat are channeled here into contemporary dishes by the team running Cassia's bustling open kitchen. Amid the intimate ambience of the brick-lined space, standout dishes include duck with kumara (sweet potato), lychee, and cardamom, and tandoori fish with smoked yogurt, macadamias, and sorrel. The drink list is equally eclectic, including a fine array of New Zealand craft beers (the zingy citrus hit of Liberty's Halo Pilsner goes nicely with the Indian flavors); one of Auckland's best gin selections provides the basis for suitably Subcontinental cocktails featuring cucumber, hibiscus syrup, and artisanal tonic water."
Well, what a fantastic food gem! There was nothing I don't like about the place. Considering I walk past it for several years and it never occurred to me to try it out. The dishes present well and taste beautifully, almost devine. I particularly enoyed the curry fish and the chocolate desert. There are a lot of thoughts in presentation and quality. The deco looks good, suitable for individuals, couples and groups. It ain't cheap But well worth every dollar. The business card is amazing too. If I have to comment on the negative: it was not apparent to me that it's Indian. I love Indian food and Thai food. What a pleasure to dine here for a rainy winter day. I basically did not order, just told them my budget and let them surprise me. My dinner turns out just perfect.
Bibin George
Google
Had a fantastic dining experience at cassia! The ambience was excellent perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable meal. Manager Manu was professional and ensured everything ran smoothly. The hospitality was warm and attentive from start to finish. Chef Micah truly impressed us with his skills the food was absolutely delicious. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking for great food and a welcoming atmosphere!
Em Dee
Google
When we first arrived, the bartender welcomed us and offered us a drinks menu. He was really nice and friendly. We asked if there was a table for two and he advised to wait at the bar whilst a waiter attends to us. We had a drink and went to the bathroom which was outside the restaurant and in the hotel next door. We spent almost 30 minutes until we asked if we can be seated to eat. He advised to go to the counter and ask. So we did and got a table straight away. We found it odd that we were placed at the bar to order drinks for a while.
We sat at the table and was offered more drinks, I had to ask for the food menu as we were hungry.
We were given the menu to figure out ourselves. We struggled for a good 10 minutes till the waiter approached us and I asked to explain the menu.
We went for the $120 per person option which came with a starter, enteee, main and dessert.
We waited 15 minutes for the food which wasn’t that bad.
It started off good with the starter and entree (first 7 photos), however, the two mains (duck and lamb curry, next 5 photos) were very spicy and salty with no authentic Indian spices and herbs. Followed by the not so pleasant dessert as the barfi (orange squares in the next 2 photos) stuck to our upper mouth and was just disgusting. The chocolate dessert was also unpleasant as something tasted burnt in it.
The good thing about it was that we could takeaway the leftovers for our dogs to enjoy the next day.
We were disappointed as usually at an Indian restaurant we leave satisfied but we left this place grossed out and hungry for actual food food.
Will not return and will not recommend, but good to experience a hit and miss at a renowned restaurant.
Foodoholicher - Rytham Shakti Dance group
Google
I really liked the atmosphere, service, and food quality and portions. My veggie main could have been better, but other than that, everything was top-notch.
I am Julie-Arianna
Google
Underwhelming I guess would have to be the fairest description of our Cassia experience. We had the four course set menu. The desert was the highlight and stand out dish. The food looks beautiful but there wasn't anything so super tasty that I would come back to have it again. Service was not friendly with no smiles or chat. The tables are tiny and close together so we were scared to move in case we knocked something off or banged the guests at table next to us. Thanks for the opportunity to sample the menu but there are better fusion Indian restaurants with banging flavors and better atmosphere.
Rimante Vaitkeviciute
Google
Food was exceptional! The food was very flavoursome and excellent service!
Zuhayr Siddiqui
Google
I had a lovely dinner here with my girlfriend and her parents. As a British Pakistani, I was a little apprehensive about the concept. But the food was delicious and had clever twists on traditional recipes.
Every dish was delicious, but highlights were certainly the crayfish cone, the chicken Tandoori tacos, and the Lamb Sharer. There was enough heat for me to enjoy, but not too much for the members of the group with a lower spice tolerance.
The service was excellent and the atmosphere is cosy. Their selection of alcohol is vast, and the cocktails/mock tails were very fun.
I would highly recommend for anyone, looking for a nice Indian dinner with a twist
riat binnie
Google
Disappointed. I came in hoping for a comforting Indian meal but left underwhelmed. The food was served cold—both literally and emotionally. Dishes that should’ve been bursting with flavor and warmth were bland and barely heated. For the prices they charge, I expected much better quality and service. The staff seemed disinterested, and the overall atmosphere felt uninviting. Sadly, there was no warmth in the food or the experience.