Last Night's Dinner – FISH Restaurant

Make your way to Auckland's glittering Princes Wharf and sample the ocean's best local bounty. We discover what makes FISH Restaurant's new menu something special.

There is something incredibly romantic about dining close to the water, and The Hilton's FISH Restaurant in no exception.

Even on a dreary, miserably wet autumn night, the Auckland harbour is glittering, a cruise ship is in port and downtown is buzzing beneath us. There is arguably no better address to enjoy the harbour from above, rain or shine, than FISH. Located on the first level of The Hilton in Auckland's Princes Wharf, FISH offers a refined, contemporary autumn menu that's predominantly seafood, decadent desserts and world-class wine.

The kitchen is spearheaded by head chef Fraser Shenton, who's fresh twist on a classic line-up of tried and true seafood dishes is nothing short of innovative. We start with a flute of champagne and work our way through the show-stopping sashimi platter – a towering-yet-elegant raw medley of king prawns, salmon, tuna and crab, served alongside a variety of dipping sauces and a generous dollop of wasabi. If you're craving a light, flavoursome start (read: date night) then this beautifully curated platter is it.

Make no mistake, FISH offers precisely what its name suggests – fresh New Zealand seafood, and plenty of it. Dishes to graze on like the queen crab, chilli crab bisque, turnip and green onions are a flavoursome standout while nostalgic and playful dishes like the crayfish mac n' cheese, topped with pancetta crumbs, ticks every box. If you're dining with the seafood-averse, the tender Origin South lamb served with carrots, cumin, thyme brown butter and roasted garlic, provides a succulent alternative to an otherwise fantastically fishy line-up.

For those who believe dessert is mandatory, you'll be pleased to learn that the after-dark sweet treats on offer here certainly do not disappoint. We settle on the Valrhona chocolate mousse, served on cocoa nib soil, topped with poached red fruit and cherry sorbet; a decadently rich dish that calls for two spoons and two devout chocolate-lovers.

FISH is an understated harbourside offering that'll delight at every turn. If you're seeking dinner with a dazzling view, look no further.
 

FISH Restaurant,
Shed 21, 
Princes Wharf, 
147 Quay Street, 
Auckland.
Opening hours: 
Monday – Friday: 6.30am – 10pm
Saturday – Sunday: 7am – 10pm