Icons take time to evolve but the portents are exceptionally good for one of Auckland’s best restaurants, where a well-drilled kitchen continues to prepare food with the utmost respect.
Hidden away in a nondescript part of Khyber Pass is a tasteful refit that has seen a fabulous transformation from what was a dated eatery into a venue offering an upmarket dining experience. Red Elephant turns out a much imitated but rarely matched menu of modern Thai food rendered with a sense of balance and polish, and with an eye to authenticity.
There is real excitement on the menu with a familiar bill of fare with little that you won’t have seen before that includes a long selection of fresh and confident dishes ranging from appetisers, soup, salads, noodles and rice, curry, stir-fry and vegetarian, rounded off with chef’s specials and, for large gatherings, set menus.
The decor is striking enlivened by a cosy and comfortable interior full of chic furnishings complete with a separate intimate dining room for private dining and functions.
And keeping with the theme, the rest of the of the package includes a strong wine list that divides its loyalties between local and imported vintages by the bottle or glass from some of the best producers.
And the verdict? This is a dining experience worth seeking out and one of those rare occasions where we encountered a dining experience backed up with efficient service and food that treads a line between fresh and comforting. It’s no wonder the regulars looked so content.
195 Khyber Pass, Newmarket, 09 379 8704
Menu: 9.5; cuisine: 9.5; wine list: 8.5; service: 8.5; decor: 8.5; value for money: 8.5
