The Cinnamon Club (Murrays Bay, North Shore City, New Zealand)

Honest review of The Cinnamon Club in Murrays Bay, Auckland covering butter chicken, beef korma, naan pricing, service, and overall dining experience.  Craving Indian after India? 🇮🇳🍛 The Cinnamon Club in Murrays Bay delivered smoky tikka masala, balanced butter chicken and one of the best naans on the North Shore. Plus the owner might just feed you extra.

After returning from India, the cravings were inevitable. Rich curries, warm naan, fragrant spices. So it felt fitting that our next review would be Indian food in Murrays Bay on Auckland’s North Shore. That is how we found ourselves at The Cinnamon Club for the very first time.

The North Shore dining scene is heavily dominated by Chinese restaurants, so finding a solid Indian restaurant in this area always feels like a welcome discovery. We had seen consistently strong reviews online and decided to give it a try. We are very glad we did.

First Impressions and Service

From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt warm and relaxed. The owner, Sunil, greeted us personally and immediately made us feel welcome. He is engaging, knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about his food. Throughout the evening he checked in without being intrusive, offered recommendations and made sure everything was to our liking.

There is something special about restaurants where regulars are greeted by name. We noticed plenty of takeaway customers coming in and out, which is always a positive sign. It tells you the food is trusted by the local community.

There is easy customer parking right outside the door, which is a bonus in Auckland. While you cannot fully see the sea from inside, there are small glimpses, and on a clear evening a walk along Murrays Bay beach after dinner would make the experience even better.

Starting with Poppadoms

We began with complimentary poppadoms to start. Light, crisp and perfect for dipping into chutneys, they set the tone for what was to come. Sometimes the smallest details reveal the care in a kitchen, and these were fresh and well prepared.

Butter Chicken

A Kiwi classic that simply has to be ordered, the butter chicken here is described as being cooked in a rich tomato cream sauce seasoned with secret spices.

At NZ$21.99, it sits slightly higher than some other Auckland Indian restaurants, but only by a few dollars. The difference is noticeable in flavour. Unlike many butter chicken versions in Auckland that lean heavily on sweetness, this one is more balanced. It still has that gentle sweetness expected from the dish, but you can clearly taste the spices layered underneath. The sauce is creamy without being cloying, and the chicken is tender and well cooked.

If you are dining here for the first time, this is a must order.

Beef Korma

The beef korma arrived in a mild onion and rich cashew cream sauce. Priced at NZ$21.99, it delivered a smooth and comforting flavour profile. The sauce was creamy but not heavy, and the beef cubes were tender.

Korma is often underestimated as a “safe” option, but when done well it is deeply satisfying. This version felt refined and well balanced rather than overly rich.

Chicken Tikka Masala

The chicken tikka masala, also NZ$21.99, came in a seasoned onion, capsicum and cream sauce. What stood out here was the subtle smokiness. You could taste the clay oven influence, which gave the dish depth beyond just cream and tomato.

The chicken pieces were juicy and coated evenly in sauce, making it perfect for scooping up with naan.

Naan

The plain naan was NZ$4.50, and we initially ordered just one as suggested by Sunil. When he noticed we devoured it within minutes, he surprised us with another serving on the house.

This was genuinely one of the best naans I have tried on the North Shore. The texture was light and chewy rather than dense and heavy. It had a gentle buttery layer without being greasy. Many naan breads can feel thick and doughy, but this one was airy and easy to eat, which made it dangerously addictive.

Sunil also offered extra rice when he saw we were running low, another example of the generous hospitality that defines this restaurant.

Spice Levels and Customisation

One small note from my perspective was the spice level. Like many restaurants in New Zealand, the heat is often adjusted to suit local demographics. I requested my korma to be spicy, but it arrived below what I would consider medium. That said, I do have a high spice tolerance.

The positive side is that the owner is very happy to tailor flavours and spice levels to your preference. If you enjoy more heat, be very clear and ask for it hot.

Overall Value and Experience

Yes, the menu is slightly pricier than some other Indian restaurants in Auckland, generally around NZ$2 to NZ$3 more per dish. However, the quality, portion sizes and attentive service justify the difference.

The food was beautifully presented, generously portioned and consistently delicious across all dishes. Service was fast but never rushed, allowing us to enjoy a relaxed dinner without interruptions.

More than anything, it is the hospitality that makes The Cinnamon Club stand out. Sunil truly makes you feel like part of the family. His warmth, attentiveness and willingness to go the extra mile elevate the entire dining experience.

Final Verdict

The Cinnamon Club in Murrays Bay is a fantastic addition to the North Shore dining scene. With balanced curries, excellent naan, friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere, it is a restaurant we are excited to return to.

If you are craving Indian food in Auckland’s North Shore, this is absolutely worth a visit. Just remember to specify your spice level if you like it hot.

The Cinnamon Club
Address: 470 Beach Road, Murrays Bay, Auckland 0630
Phone: +649 281 0146
Website: https://thecinnamonclubindian.co.nz/