sails restaurant

it’s called the hospitality industry for a reason. after interminable covid lockdowns, when a patron shows up, the least the maître d’ can do is to be polite. apparently, that’s too much to ask in ‘sails’, buoyed as they are by lots of customers and a reputation built over years. i asked after sitting at the table if the kitchen was closing at 2 pm (google listings show a 2-30 pm close). the front-of-house lady stared at me and said bluntly, “not sure where you got that from“, and after a pause, answered that they’re open for longer. that was a continuation of the check-in which did nothing to make the customer feel welcome. i was surprised at this frosty attitude, unwitnessed before in any of auckland’s best from french café, kazuya, grove, bracu et al. it’s a shame, as the waiters do their best to be polite and even charming, and the food is good.

the view, looking out over hundreds of sailboats in the auckland marina, with the auckland harbour bridge in the background, is superb. i counted at least 60 customers – the place was full to the gills, but high ceilings and an airy set-up accentuate the expansive feel of the sea-side place.

the six course signature menu showed an overall good standard of cooking, but revealed a paucity of creativity and shortcomings ranging from underwhelming ingredients to snafus in execution. the best savoury dish was the first one – an eminently moreish mix of golden beetroot, salted buffalo curd and candied walnuts on a pastry base. kingfish crudo was lacklustre. calamari was just about par for the course – what was this passable bistro dish doing in a signature tasting menu ? john dory fish was beautifully cooked, but a sweet corn sauce did nothing to complement the fish. duck, disappointingly, was overdone, veering on the chewy and drier side – a basic mistake in a fine-dining establishment. dessert saved some face, with an excellent crème brulee accessorized with a lovely apple sorbet.

i was glad the waiters were much more hospitable, one young man in particular entertaining me with his cheerful demeanour. as for the maître d’ wearing the black belt over her blue dress, i think she took the black belt too seriously. ‘some good eating there’, she said when i was signing out - the kind of inappropriate remark that sensible front-of-house learn to avoid early in their career. the views here are killer and the crayfish on offer sure tempts another visit but i have no intention of doing so – with a frosty captain, ‘sails’ needs no iceberg. - upnworld

food was high-quality and delicious. service was good except one occasion. one white hair waiter which i think his name is sebastian was a little rude when he pressed me about the selection of alcohol that i want when i was not ready. he needs some training.

good lunch...we had the 3 course lunch special.loved the deep fried scallops were amazing..!

salmon starter is too salty, but others are so great! fresh and delicious calamari, juicy and tender lamb main course, rich and creamy brûlée... great environment! definitely will come again!

i just rung wanting to find out if the restaurant accepts zomato gold on valentines day. the man that answered the phone rudely answered “absolutely not we are offering $130pp menu on valentine’s day and there is no way it’ll be accepted. it’s stated in the rules so don’t bother ringing other restaurants”

there’s no need to talk to me rudely when all i did was ask a question. it doesn’t say on the website you are only offering set menu on v day and there’s no need for you to tell me to not bother ringing other restaurants

there’s no need to be rude to customers who have zomato gold when you guys have opted to be in the program. i will definitely not visit this restaurant.

we were there for a family dinner. we were greeted with fantastic service. 
the food was well presented and delicious.
the view of the harbor bridge and cbd was first class. 
great overall experience.

had our xmas dinner here last friday
22 people
a lovely room
busy waiters
quite noisy
food was excellent
spicy calamari
chicken with mushroom
nice veggies
coconut creme brulee
good service
nice wines
still stands the test of time despite isolation

always a very enjoyable meal in sails , with amazing view and delicious food.
the lobster spaghetti was my highlight of the dinner , it was so tasteful!
staff are attentive and knowledgeable.

i definitely highly recommond sails to my family and friends. we had a wonderful evening, amazing harbour view, large portion and delicious dishes, the matching wines were perfect, good service, reasonble price and easy parking. sails always be the one of my first choice for special days.

we thoroughly enjoy the dinner there for celebrating our anniversary. the services are fantastic as well as the foods. there is plenty of parking. you can watch the bridge lights changing colours when you are dining.

i had been here before and really liked the seared scallops. however this time they were deep fried. this is not as decent as in a fine dining restaurant from my point of view. so i don't like it. others are very tasty. i like the prawn spaghetti the most. it was full of prawn flavor.

very nice resturant. a bit pricey but worth it for a nice night out. best oysters i have ever had in my whole entire life. service was good and food was yum! a very nice place to have a fancy dinner we defiantly recommend.

love the vibe. came here for chinese valentines day. about the food the eye fillet was of tiny portion but it comes with a complementary side to fill up your tummy. the lamb was tasty and good size. both desserts the chocolate somthing and the donuts were of huge portions. we got full after the dessert😂. appreciate zomato gold experience.

sails is an auckland institution that does not disappoint.  ambience, professionalism and most importantly excellent food. a small but comprehensive menu. definitely worth a return visit.

food was amazing! and beautifully presented!! our waiter was great, checked on us enough to make us feel like we were attended to but didn’t get in our face. he had a great sense of humour and joked around with us as well as answering our questions and making great suggestions! loved it!