Onslow

Even though I went solo, I made a reservation just to be safe but 6pm on a weekday seems to still be early enough since there were only a handful of people at that time. Food overall was good. Milk rolls were so soft and warm, and the maple butter was divine. Main course duck breast was perfectly cooked with a crispy skin. I got sold on the tiramisu and it turned out to be the perfect end to the meal. The only thing I wasn’t completely satisfied with were the potatoes. They were good, but for being triple-cooked (steamed and double-fried), they weren’t as crispy as I would’ve liked. Though I guess it’s not exactly advertised as “crispy potatoes”… I think if they were cut smaller, or maybe even parboiled instead, it would help them crisp more. Service was impeccable though. I’m sure it being so empty at the time had a part in it, but the servers were very attentive and came and went at appropriate times.

Onslow delivered a truly outstanding meal — easily among the best I’ve had in Auckland. From the moment we arrived, the service was warm and confident: the (French) receptionist was incredibly helpful in guiding us on dishes and portions, and every course that followed was executed beautifully. Every dish was delicious and delivered with such care. But the highlight for me was the 12-hour lamb shoulder — hands down the best lamb I’ve had anywhere in the world. It was so flavourful that it honestly outshone the (more expensive) Fruits of the Sea dish. A special shout-out as well to our waiter, Jean: attentive, friendly, and genuinely professional. His wine recommendation paired perfectly with the lamb and elevated the whole experience. We visited during Chinese New Year, and when the team realised we spoke Mandarin, they surprised us with a “Happy Chinese New Year” message (in Chinese characters) in chocolate on a plate — such a thoughtful touch and a real sign of top-tier hospitality. We were a party of four and spent close to NZD 1,000, and it felt absolutely worth it (and would cost even more back in Beijing). The only minor hiccup: I suspect we may have been double-charged for a glass of red wine — but overall, everyone left happy and thoroughly satisfied. We’ll definitely be back.

We had such a beautiful dining experience at Onslow, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect place for our wedding dinner. From the moment we arrived, the staff were incredibly warm, welcoming, and genuinely sweet, which made the whole evening feel even more special and memorable. The food was outstanding — every dish was beautifully presented and full of flavour. A special highlight has to be the 12-hour lamb from their menu. It was cooked to perfection: incredibly tender, rich, and packed with deep, well-balanced flavours. You could truly taste the care and time that went into preparing it. Each dish we tried was just as impressive, showcasing quality ingredients and thoughtful execution. The service throughout the evening was exceptional. The staff were attentive without being overbearing, always checking in with smiles and making sure everything was perfect for us. They went above and beyond to make our wedding dinner feel intimate, relaxed, and truly special. Overall, Onslow delivered an unforgettable experience with amazing food, outstanding service, and a lovely atmosphere. We couldn’t have chosen a better place to celebrate such an important milestone. Highly recommend for special occasions or anyone looking for a memorable dining experience.

Thoroughly enjoyed our lunch at Onslow today. The staff were exceptional: very knowledgeable and friendly. They made me feel very special on my birthday. The food was divine. The bite sized treats were just enough to start and the salmon carved on the trolley, just melted in my mouth. I don't usually eat meat when dining out, but on recommendation my partner and I shared the lamb and roast potatoes. Just perfect. Didn't think I'd have room for dessert but it would have been rude not to and it didn't disappoint. We will certainly be returning and thank you to my daughter for choosing the perfect place to dine.

My wife and I had the chance to have lunch on a Sunday recently. We decided to sit out on the terrace. You can feel the gentle breeze as well as enjoying the garden around you. Overall, it gives a warm and calm atmosphere. The only let down is that there’s a pool next to the garden which is used by the residents and you can hear the splashes which some may find disturbing. The food was good. Presentation of each dish was great. The use of spices and texture were delightful. The veal was gorgeous and this was our favorite dish of the day. Perhaps it was because how busy the restaurant was but we felt that there was quite a term between each course (20-30mins). Considering that Onslow is a fine dining restaurant, I felt that there were moments where little more detail could have made the experience much more outstanding. Each time a dish was presented, the dish wasn’t pointing me so I ended up having to reorient the dish to have a good look. The explanation of each dish was very short and quick. Perhaps it was because the restaurant was rather busy when we visited. Overall, it was still a very good experience, particularly for the price. We plan to revisit when we are back in Auckland. We’re already looking forward to it.

We’ve been exploring Auckland’s dining scene with fresh eyes lately, and Onslow delivered an evening that’s going to be hard to top. We arrived for my husband’s birthday dinner with his mum, and from the moment we stepped in, there was this sophisticated hum to the place. Not the kind of buzz that demands your attention. A gentle energy that suggested everyone around us was having exactly the kind of evening they’d hoped for. It felt worlds away from the business lunch vibe we’d imagined. More like a room full of people who’d chosen to be there for all the right reasons. The team looked after us beautifully from start to finish. Attentive without hovering, knowledgeable without being showy. You could sense they genuinely cared about the evening unfolding well. We started with the crayfish éclairs, and honestly, they set the tone for everything that followed. Delicate, inventive, with that beautiful balance of indulgence and restraint. They disappeared far too quickly. The duck breast was cooked with real precision. That richness I love about duck, the slight gaminess, the way good fat renders down into something almost buttery, all there. The venison steak that became the quiet hero of the night. Tender, deeply flavoured, cooked to that sweet spot where the meat still remembers what it is but yields beautifully under your fork. It’s the kind of dish that makes you slow down and pay attention. Josh Emett’s culinary delight is evident in every detail. The cooking is confident but not overcomplicated. Ingredients are given space to be themselves, elevated by thoughtful technique rather than buried under it. If you’re looking for somewhere that takes dining seriously without taking itself too seriously, Onslow is a great choice. It’s polished, personal, and worth the visit. Highly recommended by the Chic Retreats NZ team.

All-around exceptional experience. Fried bread was small but tasty. Tuna carpaccio melted in my mouth. Side salad was just greens - opt for something else. Market fish was hapuka, which I’d never heard of, but was perfect. Soufflé melted in my mouth. Server was friendly and the pace was just right. Nice environment and comfortable seating.

If you’re dining at a 2-Hat restaurant, expectations are already high, which makes it harder to be truly impressed — but Josh Emett’s Onslow, from one of NZ’s most respected chefs, exceeded ours. The service was polished and attentive, with excellent explanations throughout the nine-course dégustation. Every dish was superb, with standouts being the yellowfin tuna carpaccio, the Cambridge duck breast, and the goat’s cheese semifreddo to finish. The Ossetra caviar starter was a brilliant way to set the tone, and the wine pairings were perfectly matched to the food. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this restaurant — not only is it great value for money, it’s a truly gastronomic experience.