A vegetarian restaurant serving modern Asian plant-focused cuisine. Chefs representing Japan, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, India and Sri Lanka take inspiration from the near and far East. The menu consists of bites, small plates and larger dishes all designed to share, some of which are vegan. The drinks menu features organic and vegan wines, bespoke cocktails and sustainable New Zealand craft beer. Open Mon-Sun 11:00am-10:00pm.
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63-67 Nelson St, Auckland CBD, Auckland, New Zealand, 1010
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Last update on 24 Aug 2022 by Tiggy
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Added by deadendjob on 13 Jan 2021
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57 Reviews
First Review by renatedesully
Scottish Clare
Points +518
Lovely meal for a special occasion - Edit
We visited East in March 2025 as a special treat at the end of our trip to New Zealand. We decided to try the vegan version of the 'Trust the chef' menu which was $85 each (NZ dollars). It gave us the opportunity to sample a selection of dishes - there's a photo of the menu attached to this review.
Read moreThe three starters were larger than we would have expected for a menu like this and absolutely delicious. The follow course, which was a potato noodle salad, wasn't anything special in our opinion and it was really big so felt like hard work to get through even some of it. The mains and sides were really tasty but we couldn't finish them as they were also very generous. The dessert was lovely and just the right size after everything else we had eaten.
There was a good choice of vegan wines and other drinks and the service was really good. The follow course came out a bit too quickly after the starters but once we asked if we could slow down a bit the pace was good with staff checking we were ready for the next dish before bringing it out.
Overall we enjoyed our experience there although it's definitely a bit more expensive than other places we tried so probably a bit more of a special occasion place.
Guest
FaithKelly
Points +162
Many vegan options & delicious - Edit
Ordered the summer roll, mushroom & truffle oil dumplings, typhoon shelter fried rice, and the black pepper tofu. I enjoyed the dumplings & black pepper tofu with chinese brocoli the best. The dumplings flavor and texture was so delicious and the tofu flavor was also amazing. We enjoyed some vegan wine that was also very good. This restaraunt is on the fancy side and so the dishes are a bit pricier than average. It’s worth checking out if you want to treat yourself!
Read morePros: Many unique vegan options , Good atmosphere
Cons: Expensive
Guest
YYCJosh
Points +102
Awesome Asian Spice! - Edit
We had the "trust the chef" menu. For $85 each, we got three appetizers, two mains, rice, and two desserts. By far the best vegan Asian food I've tried! We did specify "mild" but it was still a tad spicy. This was completely forgivable, as the flavors were just incredible. The bang bang shiitake mushrooms were a highlight, as was the potato noodle curry. This was worth the splurge for a meal we won't soon forget!
Read morePros: Extensive vegan menu, Good drink selection
Cons: Their "mild" is not mild enough for everybody
Guest
bfeitosa
Points +5368
Amazing appetizers, pretty good mains, great dessert! - Edit
We had the chef's selection with 6 courses, plus the truffle dumplings. Everything tasted great, but the appetizers certainly had more interesting flavors and textures, especially the gochujang mushrooms, the kichari, and the truffle dumplings, which reminded me of lobster. We also liked the main courses, especially the curry, but not as impressive as the appetizers. And my husband absolutely loved the chocolate truffle tart/pie with salted caramel, I thought it was very good as well. This is the perfect place for a special date or anniversary.
Read morePros: Interesting new flavors, Great ambiance
Cons: A bit expensive
Guest
hilsbish
Points +36
Recommended and mostly vegan - Edit
We really enjoyed our meal, even the omnivores gave it the thumbs up. Tasty, good variety and prompt service. Venue could get noisy I suspect, due to high ceilings and one large room. Handy to public car parks, not so handy to public transport unless you're on that particular bus route.
Read moreGuest
rajordan1997
Points +21
Great vibe, great food! - Edit
Food was really nice, and the vibe of the restaurant was fantastic! A little bit more expensive than other places.
Read moreOnly down side was the waiting staff were constantly watching you to see if you needed anything. It would have been nice to enjoy the food without eyes on you constantly!
Updated from previous review on 2024-10-17
Guest
Heretic68
Points +137
Sensational Asian Fusion Eats - Edit
Incredible array of plant based Asian dishes with influences from around all great Asian cuisines. Modern dining experience with generous servings and fantastic flavour combinations. 2 dishes use eggs but that is clearly labelled and can be removed.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-09-01
Guest
FreyaT
Points +613
Great place for a fancy meal out - Edit
We went for the "Trust The Chef" menu to get a bit more value for money (the prices are a little steep). All food was excellent, though not massive portions. The venue has a nice ambience and staff were friendly and attentive. They even decorated my dessert because we'd mentioned it was my birthday when booking 😊
Read morePros: Quality of food, Ambience
Cons: Cost
Guest
missionbee
Points +72
Yup, so far my favorite... - Edit
Agree with all the top ratings here 👍
Read moreGuest
oliviasbrooke
Points +260
one of our faves - Edit
amazing vegetarian (and mostly vegan) restaurant
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-12-20
Pros: lots of small sharing dishes to try , almost everything is amazing! , get the ginger shiitake and gochujang cauli ❤️
Cons: a bit expensive
Guest
AddisonMorris
Points +171
Amazing bao buns and dumplings! - Edit
We visited on a special menu day, so I’m not sure if these are always available, but the bao buns and dumplings we got were to die for. So many incredible flavor combinations, good prices, and great ambience.
Read moreGuest
SuitableCoconut
Points +293
Incredible - Edit
Had the Trust the Chef (all vegan!). It was incredible. Best meal out I’ve ever had.
Read moreGuest
LC70PZJ70
Points +746
Great food and service - Edit
Food was tasty and service was good. More expensive than other restaurants, however the quality produce commands this.
Read moreGuest
SaraNorlin
Points +3752
Lovely food - Edit
There was some confusion when I walked in. First they said they were full. Then they said I could sit at the bar. Then they tried to move me to some high top tables. Then they said I could stay at the bar. Then they said they'd prepare a table for me if I'd only stay one hour. Then they prepared the table but forgot to seat me. Then they tried to move me to the high top tables again. Then they sat me at the table.
Read moreThe food was very very good though. Highly recommended. Maybe make a reservation though.
Guest
vannyy.o
Points +1925
Delicious Thai Food - Edit
Fancy restaurant, nice menu. I ordered the Pad Thai without egg, very tasty. The Massaman Curry with Tofu was also very delicious!
Read moreGuest
Claire1*
Points +100
Fantastic - Edit
The food at East is delicious and 75% of the menu is vegan. The portions are very generous and perfect for sharing. I found the price to be very reasonable for the food we were served.
Read moreThe restaurant ambiance is great and the staff friendly and knowledgable about the dishes.
I have no hesitation in recommending this restaurant and hope to visit again during my visit to Auckland.
Pros: Variety of vegan dishes, Portion size, Ambiance
Guest
abipatterick
Points +2666
Are there more stars I can give? - Edit
We came here on our first night in Auckland, which was New Year's Day. We struggled more than we had anticipated in finding somewhere to eat and were super relieved when I found East on Happy Cow and they said they would be open. Also super relieved that they didn't charge a public holiday surcharge (never seen this in a country before being in New Zealand / Australia)!
Read moreThe food was amazing. Particularly rated the bao buns. The staff were helpful in recommending dishes that were new/ different and how many we should order. The food itself is amazing - I wish I could bring you home with me!
Guest
vegandinosaur
Points +463
Amazing - Edit
Very good food. Reservation recommended, unless you got at off-peak hours by yourself.
Read moreGuest
JonathanBarnes
Points +67
Best black pepper tofu I’ve ever had - Edit
Cool spot. Good ambience, well decorated and the food was incredible. I had the Caramelised black pepper tofu, kimchi and a the salted caramel tart. Staff were super friendly. A little higher end in terms of pricing, but worth it imo.
Read morePros: Quality, Environment, Staff
Guest
JessicaChambers
Points +120
One of my Auckland favourites - Edit
I love East! Delicious food, pleasant atmosphere and always friendly service. A must visit.
Read moreGuest
Kate__3
Points +16
Yum - Edit
Great options
Read moreGuest
Vegesaur2020
Points +311
Great food, but not cheap - Edit
This is a top restaurant. If you are looking for fancy and quality this place has it all, but it comes at a high price.
Read morePros: Good food, Quite a few vegan options
Cons: Expensive, Awkward location to get to
Guest
spise01
Points +941
Delicious! 4 stars because they serve some egg/dairy - Edit
Everything was great. I had the Penang curry which was sweet and delicious, the wok Asian greens which were good but only bok choy, rice of course, and tried the chocolate tart and key lime kaffir. Both desserts were delicious but I highly recommend the chocolate tart.
Read morePros: Almost fully vegan, Friendly service , Delicious!
Guest
phynal
Points +172
Eat at east - Edit
We found most dishes were vegan and staff very knowledgable and helpful with choices. Highly recommend the gochujang cauliflower.
Read moreGuest
Lunatarius
Points +341
Amazing Vegetarian East Asian eats - Edit
Amazing selection of both vegan and vegetarian dishes, beautiful presentation and ambience. A bit on the pricier side but well worth the visit.
Read morePros: Lots of vegetarian and vegan dishes, Good service and ambience
Cons: A bit on the pricier side
Guest
DHAMLYN
Points +129
Tasty. and many vegan options. - Edit
Hot, fresh, tasty and fast vegan dishes. If I lived here this would be a regular dining spot.
Read moreGuest
Meiga
Points +51
Best kimchi ever! - Edit
I had lunch there recently and I was impressed by the food. Most of the time it's difficult to get good Asian vegetarian food, but here the choice was really big. I especially liked the kimchi, it was literally the best I've had outside Korea.
Read moreGuest
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