Y-Not Restaurant & Bar (Auckland CBD, New Zealand)
Tucked at the end of the Princes Wharf is this hidden gem called Y-Not Restaurant & Bar, it is so out of the main road hence it tends to be quiet here, which was sad since these guys do prepare some great food but unlike its neighbours who are nearer to the main street, they don’t get much love from locals or even tourists alike.
We came in here on a weekend, it was not very quiet but if you compare it with other establishments nearby then it was. There were several diners which is good for its patrons as you get more attention, like we did, there was one waiter who patiently stays with us a stone throw away during our whole dining experience, and she served always with a smile.
We opted to be seated near the water so we have good views, it was quite cold as the night goes near but they had outdoor heaters which was good. We started with some 6 Pacific oysters (NZ$ 15.50), never was a fan of these but my wife loved it.
I did grab one and most probably this was the sixth time I had it. I am starting to get the hang of it, probably three more occasions then I would start loving it. The oysters were fresh, juicy and plump, I did enjoy it with an ice-cold glass of Asahi.
For mains we ordered three things, starting with Mushroom and Duck Confit Risotto (NZ$ 25.50), a risotto prepared with confit of duck leg, button mushrooms creamy pinot gris, shaved parmesan. This was satisfying, creamy but not very heavy tasting, it was just rightly balanced with the pinot gris, tasty, delectable.
Then we had this Yellow Fin Tuna (NZ$ 31.50), basically a pan-fried generous block of tuna served with potato mash, green beans, roasted vine tomato and lemon caper sauce. Another fresh catch, very meaty. Cooked to perfection, the lemon caper sauce balanced out all the flavours on this plate, it was delicious dish and was one of our favourites.
We also had this Lamb shank (NZ$ 28.50), a large portion of two tender lamb shanks slowly cooked with tomato, carrots, rosemary and thyme with potato mash. This will certainly satisfy all the meat lovers out there, this hefty meal was amazing, fork tender lamb that is perfectly paired with a creamy potato mash, it was very satisfying to me, highly recommended to have this one if you want a proper single meal, this will fill you up.
After our dinner we thought of having some dessert but the servings here were large so we had no room for some sweets. All we need is a nice walk to digest all of that goodness. Dishes were great, I suggest if you want to have some quiet dinner in the city then this is your place. They are priced reasonably as well, specially knowing that they are in a prime location in the city, it was not overpriced. Luckily, we stumbled upon this place, a true hidden gem for you to try.
Y-Not Restaurant & Bar
Address: Princes Wharf, Shed 23, 145 Quay St, Auckland, 1010
Phone: +649 359 9998
Website: http://ynotonthewharf.co.nz/
