Zoo Eatery & Lounge

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3.5
6-30, $$, $$$

The hugely popular Great North Road restaurant somehow manages to take animal-themed décor, a reputation for the best steaks in the neighbourhood and an east-meets-west-loving Japanese kitchen team and turn it into one of the most enjoyable places to eat this side of the Harbour Bridge. Open for lunch and dinner, Zoo Eatery and Lounge is famous for its burgers and steaks that will satisfy the hungriest of beasts. Dig a little deeper and you'll find a well-considered menu bursting with delicacies from some of New Zealand's top producers. Royal rice, anyone? There are flashes of innovation throughout the food and drink menu at Zoo. When the chef decided brown rice was way too humdrum, Forbidden Rice was introduced instead. Forbidden Rice is a black rice that is highly treasured throughout China. The health benefits of this ancient grain were once so highly revered that only the Emperor and the Royal Family were allowed to have it on their plate. Anyone caught scoffing black rice without the say-so of the Emperor would face life-threatening consequences. Thankfully, diners at the Zoo will not have to face the wrath of an Emperor when indulging in this curious delicacy. Good George! Those who know their IPAs from their Pale Ales will relish the arrival of the Good George Brewery range of beers at Zoo. Famous for the 1L bottle of beer, known as the Good George Squealer, there has never been a better reason to share a cold one with a mate. But we digress, back to the food. Fun, fusion and good fare One thing that's clear when reading through Zoo Eatery and Lounge's menu is a dedication to premium New Zealand fare. Carnivores will delight at the mouth-watering Angus and Wagyu beef options from the grill. Zoo Eatery proudly boasts that while it shares the same exclusive supplier as the country's best steak houses, it doesn't share the same 'exclusive' prices. Carnivores delight feat Tomahawk steak It's clear the kitchen team are having fun with the Asian fusion theme at Zoo Eatery and Lounge. The king crab entrée features Solander crab legs from Nelson and is worth battling Auckland traffic for. And you'll find a fresh and funky take on dessert classics like tiramisu and crème brulee. All the fun of the Zoo The fun and friendly atmosphere of Zoo Eatery and Lounge is what gives it its broad appeal. Amongst the zoo-themed decor, you're likely to find everyone from families to quiet diners to corporate groups as they enjoy burgers, artisan beers or east-meets-west-fusion desserts. How do they make it all work? You'll have to come in and see for yourself. Just take our word for it when we say that Zoo Eatery and Lounge's mix of styles, flavours and decor comes together in one big bundle of joy.