Amano

Amano is one of those places where the reputation is completely deserved. The atmosphere is chic yet warm, with that perfect mix of buzz and comfort.nnWe began with their bread and fish cream—a deceptively simple starter that really shows the kitchen’s finesse: the bread was rustic and full of flavor, and the fish cream was smooth, delicate, and deeply satisfying. The beetroot salad followed, beautifully presented and layered with earthy sweetness, citrus brightness, and crunch.nnFor the main, the lamb dish was excellent: tender, full of flavor, and paired with accompaniments that lifted it beyond a classic preparation.nnTo finish, the polenta pie was a revelation—light yet rich, moist, and perfectly balanced with fruit and a touch of freshness. Easily one of the best desserts I’ve had in a while.nnService was attentive without being intrusive, and while pricing is on the higher end, the quality, execution, and overall experience make it worth every dollar.nnIn short: Amano delivers on all fronts—fresh, seasonal ingredients, beautifully executed dishes, and an atmosphere that makes dining feel truly special.

Excellent food and perfect ambiance. I had the best breakfast Mushroom, sourdough poached egg, Parmesan cheese. Very creamy and delicious. The coffee was fantastic. The only thing that concerned me a bit was they gave me a bar seat and I was sitting in front of the timber column and I saw 3 insects crawling to my plate and I guess it must be from the timber column. I did mention it to the server who said they usually do pest control. I hope they take it seriously. One of the highlights was their bakery next to the restaurant with fantastic croissants and bakery items.

I had such a lovely experience here! The staff were incredibly attentive and made sure everything was tailored to my needs — even kindly removing the chili from my dish since I’m currently pregnant, which I really appreciated.nnThe atmosphere was warm and intimate — perfect for a date night. And the food? Outstanding! The monkfish was cooked to absolute perfection: crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful inside. I’ll definitely be coming back. Highly recommend!

If you live in Auckland CBD, you’ve definitely heard of Amano—and if you haven’t been yet, consider this your sign.nnFrom their picture-perfect morning pastries to their incredible lunch and dinner offerings, Amano consistently delivers. The ambience is stunning—chic yet warm, bustling yet intimate—and the service is equally impressive. You’re always welcomed with genuine hospitality, whether you’re popping in for a croissant or settling in for a long dinner.nnI’ve lost count of how many times I’ve visited Amano. It only feels right to finally write this long-overdue review along with uploading far too many photos of their gorgeous dishes.nnLet’s address the obvious: with its popularity, Amano could easily come across as overrated. But it’s not. It absolutely lives up to the hype—every single time.nnIf you’re a fan of oysters, visit during oyster season. They’re always unbelievably fresh and some of the best I’ve had. The mains are beautifully curated and cater to all kinds of palates. If you’re adventurous, go for both lunch and dinner—the menus are distinct and worth exploring.nnThe steak? Flawless. Honestly, any restaurant that can’t do a decent steak should just close up shop—no risk of that here. Amano nails it.nnAnd don’t skip cocktails or dessert. Seriously. Their desserts are as thoughtful and delicious as the rest of the menu.nnAmano is the kind of place you return to again and again. If you haven’t been—don’t walk. Run. Then book your next visit while you’re still at the table.

Fantastic dining experience!nThe staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, and the food and drinks were top-notch. The atmosphere and decor were equally impressive—stylish and welcoming. We’re already planning to come back to try the pastries and lunch menu!nnWe had the Burrata, Mafalda, Butternut, Sage & Goat’s Cheese, Brussels Sprouts, and Cauliflower—every dish was absolutely delicious. To top it all off, our server was exceptional. Highly recommended!

Directions to Amano with public transportation

---