About 27 Galway St
27 Galway Street is a historic heritage building in Auckland’s Britomart precinct. It occupies the ground and basement levels of the 1885-built Stanbeth House (britomart.org ), a Victorian-era warehouse originally serving the old port. Architects have preserved key features like exposed brick walls and kauri timber beams (concreteplayground.com ) while updating the space for hospitality. In fact, designers describe Stanbeth House as drawing its style from Florentine palaces viewed through a Victorian lens (britomart.org ) – an Italianate touch on Galway Street’s brickwork. This mix of old and new makes the venue architecturally notable.
Today, 27 Galway St hosts a cluster of restaurants and bars by the team behind Café Hanoi. On street level you’ll find Café Hanoi itself (a lively Vietnamese share-plate eatery) and the entrance to a private event lounge called The Parlour (above the restaurant). Below ground is Ghost Street , an underground Chinese restaurant and cocktail bar (www.nzherald.co.nz ). All three spaces use the original footprint: customers enter via the ground floor and walk down or up to reach each area. The whole complex capitalises on Britomart’s blend of heritage and hip, and each venue reflects the neighborhood’s warehouse history.
Interestingly, the site’s name and history go back to 1885. For example, it was once home to a swanky bar called “1885 Britomart Country Club”, named for the year the building was erected (britomart.org ). Concrete Playground wrote that 1885 featured restored brick, exposed kauri beams and leather lounges (concreteplayground.com ), and that it “quickly built a solid reputation” as a late-night jazz and cocktail lounge (concreteplayground.com ). Although that bar has since closed, its legacy set the tone. Now the address is known less for club nights and more for creative dining and intimate cocktails, but the historic aura remains part of the venue’s charm.
In recent years the focus has been on fusion food and atmosphere. Newcastle publications broadly agree that Ghost Street – the basement Chinese restaurant – is a stand-out new concept. One reviewer called it “one of the most exciting openings of 2021” (www.nzherald.co.nz ) and praised its “dark and moody, movie-set version of old-Beijing” ambience (ghoststreetakl.nz ). Ghost Street even received an 18/20 rating from a food critic (www.nzherald.co.nz ). These accolades reflect how 27 Galway St has become a foodie destination: it matters to Auckland’s dining scene for offering something unique, tying together Asian street-food flair and turn-of-the-century architecture under one roof.
Events and Programming
27 Galway Street is primarily a restaurant and bar location rather than a regular concert venue. The night-to-night “programming” consists of dinner services, social events and private functions. Ghost Street (basement) serves dinner as its main attraction – typically open Wed–Sat evenings (closed Mondays) – and may feature occasional special menus for Auckland Restaurant Month or private parties. It does not run on-sale ticketed shows. Upstairs, The Parlour is an event-based dining lounge that guests can book for celebrations or business functions (heartofthecity.co.nz ) (theparlour.nz ). Menu options in The Parlour are drawn from the award-winning dishes of Café Hanoi and Ghost Street, tailored to the event.
While public programming is food-oriented, the building does have nightlife roots. The old 1885 bar hosted regular jazz ensembles and DJ sets (concreteplayground.com ), and you can still feel that legacy in the music and cocktail vibe. These days, special events (like a Chef’s Table dinner or a private birthday party) might also pop up in the basement speakeasy or upstairs. Since Covid, Ghost Street itself has participated in city-wide dining festivals, but there is no separate box-office; guests simply show up for their reservation and enjoy the evening’s menu.
In sum, if you’re looking for performances or shows, this address isn’t like a theatre with tickets. Instead expect a steady stream of bookings for dinner. Busy weekends at Ghost Street sell out quickly – one review even noted it’s “hard to find a table” once the word is out (www.nzherald.co.nz ). The closest analogue to a “program” is the roster of special dining events and the use of The Parlour for private hire. Any public events (such as a tasting menu launch or New Year’s Eve party) would simply be announced on the venue’s website or social media.
Tickets and Booking
Reservations: Because Ghost Street is a small, popular restaurant, advance booking is strongly recommended rather than risking walk-in entry. Guests can reserve a table by phone ((09) 306-2233 (www.mapquest.com )) or via the restaurant website. Weekends and peak times often book out weeks ahead. Large groups should book in advance, possibly in The Parlour if a private room is preferred (theparlour.nz ).Duration: Note that Ghost Street enforces time limits per booking. For example, tables for up to 4 people are allocated 1 hour 45 minutes, parties of 5–6 get 2 hours, and 7 or more get 2¼ hours (ghoststreetakl.nz ). This ensures the restaurant can host multiple seatings in an evening.Pricing: There is no entry fee or concert ticket – you simply pay for food and drinks. Ghost Street’s menu is mid-range priced. Many shared dishes run roughly $16–26 (www.nzherald.co.nz ), and cocktails generally $14–18. (As a guide, starters like pickled vegetables are around $9, scallop dumplings $23 (www.nzherald.co.nz ).) The Parlour events can be arranged with fixed-menu packages at set per-person rates if needed.Holiday Surcharge: Note that the restaurant adds a 15% surcharge on overall checks for public holidays (ghoststreetakl.nz ). This is a common practice in New Zealand for restaurant dining.Walk-ups and Door Sales: Ghost Street operates on a reservation model. Walk-in seating is unpredictable, especially after prime time (6–9pm). Visitors hoping for a last-minute spot may ask, but should be prepared to wait or take any available table. The Parlour (private room upstairs) is only available by separate hire.
Seating and Layout
Ghost Street (Basement): The main dining room is underground. Seating is casual and communal – long timber tables with bench seats and stools that many diners share together. In fact, decoration details like hessian-cushioned benches and elm stools have been noted (heartofthecity.co.nz ). There is no formal stage or VIP section, and all guests have equal access to the menu. If you prefer privacy, a corner spot or the end of a bench is best. The open kitchen at the back can be fun to watch. Overall the layout feels like a ‘hole-in-the-wall’ alley eatery, as intended by the designers.The Parlour (Upstairs): This private dining room is accessed via the main entrance of Café Hanoi and a small staircase (theparlour.nz ). It is set up for events with about 44 seats (or up to 50 standing) for banquets or conferences (theparlour.nz ). Seating is more formal (tables with chairs) and separate from the ground floor. It is acoustically quiet and has its own Bar/catering area, making it feel like a specially rented function space.Cafe Hanoi (Ground Floor): Although part of 27 Galway, Café Hanoi has its own layout. Metro magazine describes the new location as “bright and open” with plenty of natural light from a side street (www.metromag.co.nz ). Long communal benches and shared-plate tables encourage a social atmosphere similar to Ghost Street’s. This is a fully indoor space.Acoustics: Expect the general buzz of conversation at dinner. The brick walls and low ceiling in the basement can make it lively when crowded. If noise is a concern, try an early weeknight or a table near the back. The Parlour upstairs is quiet for private functions. There is no amplified live music in the restaurant spaces (unlike the old jazz bar), but background music is typically played at a moderate volume.
Getting There and Parking
27 Galway Street is located in Auckland’s Britomart precinct, near the corner of Customs Street East and Galway Street. The Hotel Britomart (29 Galway St) is immediately next door to the right, and Britomart Country Club is at 31 Galway St a couple of doors away. The area is well-served by transport:
Train & Bus: Britomart Station (the central rail and bus terminal) is literally at one end of the street (www.seeker.info ). You can get off there and walk 50m to 27 Galway. Several city bus routes stop on Tyler Street or Customs Street (only a block from Congress Street) (www.seeker.info ). So public transit access is excellent: downtown, suburban and airport-link trains all connect via Britomart.Parking: Street parking on Galway itself is very limited (mostly short-term meters). The nearest parking garages are a short walk away. Parkopedia lists the Britomart Car Park (on Fort St) at roughly $30 for 2 hours (www.parkopedia.co.nz ). A more affordable option is the Downtown Car Park (corner of Fort and Quay) at about $7.50 for 2 hours (www.parkopedia.co.nz ). Both require payment by eftpos. Allow extra time if you plan to park – you may need to walk a few blocks.Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis and Uber/Lyft can drop off on Galway Street or Customs Street near Queen Street. Be aware these streets can be busy, so plan a meeting spot (e.g. outside Café Hanoi at 27 Galway). Late-night pick-ups are usually easy from nearby Quay Street or Fort Street.Walking/Biking: If you’re already in the city centre, 27 Galway is an easy walking distance from Queen Street, the waterfront or the Viaduct. There are public bike racks and scooters in Britomart if needed (though note Ghost Street itself is down stairs, so you’ll leave your bike/scooter parked on the street level).
Inside the Venue
When you enter 27 Galway Street, expect a modern restaurant atmosphere with historic touches. Ghost Street’s entrance is tucked at basement level (thanks to the Britomart refurbishment), so diners descend a short stairway into a dimly lit dining room. The mood is intimate and movie-like – magazines describe Ghost Street as a “dark and moody, movie-set version of old-Beijing” (ghoststreetakl.nz ). Walls are painted black, featuring Chinese characters and stories, and low lanterns or candles give warm red lighting. The Parlour (above) feels very different – it’s bright, subtly decorated and set up for formal dining or conferences.
Entry procedure is relaxed. There is usually no door fee or cover charge; staff greet you with a smile and nest a Sharpie pens. Notably, Ghost Street uses an interactive ordering system – each table artistically ticks orders on a printed menu with a Sharpie pen (www.nzherald.co.nz ). (One critic even said it’s “reassuring about ticking your choices with a Sharpie so that you and your waiter are literally on the same page” (www.nzherald.co.nz ).) Coat checks are not provided, so guests typically hang coats on chair backs or keep them nearby.
The bar is fully licensed. Along with tea and soft drinks, Ghost Street offers Chinese and Western beers, wine, sake and signature cocktails. The cocktail menu features Asian flavors – for example, patrons can sip a Sichuan Pepper Negroni or a Lychee Martini, and even a Ghost Street Iced Tea infused with Chinese green tea (heartofthecity.co.nz ). Bartenders tend to be knowledgeable about the ingredients. Food service is prompt and friendly; servers explain dishes to newcomers and help with seating at communal tables.
Restrooms are available on-site (separate facilities for men and women). The Parlour has its own washrooms upstairs, and Café Hanoi/the ground floor have theirs. Free Wi-Fi is typically provided (the building broadband even serves the lobby level). Mobile phone coverage works well downstairs. Most visitors dress “up” for dining here – smart-casual attire is common – but the atmosphere is friendly and not overly formal. Nepthing special is required in terms of dress code.
Nearby Amenities
27 Galway Street sits in the heart of Britomart, a busy precinct of shops, restaurants and bars. Within a few minutes’ walk you’ll find dozens of options:
Café Hanoi – On-site Vietnamese restaurant (same address). It’s very convenient to arrive early or grab coffee here (www.metromag.co.nz ).The Parlour – The private dining room above Café Hanoi, available for parties up to 50 (theparlour.nz ).Britomart Country Club (31 Galway St) – A nearby garden bar/restaurant known for pizza and cocktails.The Hotel Britomart (29 Galway St) – Luxury boutique hotel next door; its lobby lounge and restaurants (like Kingi) are walk-ins if looking for a drink or bite (heartofthecity.co.nz ).Perch Britomart – Mediterranean small plates restaurant just off Galway (accessible via an alley), great for pre- or post-dinner for nibblies.Centrally located cafes/bakeries – Muchas such as Pastificio, Majestic (coffee), and Ponsonby Road eateries are all a short stroll into the Britomart and Queen Street areas.Hotels – In addition to Hotel Britomart, other upscale lodging nearby includes Sofitel at the Viaduct (100m away) and the InterContinental on Customs. These are useful if you want a quick walk home after the meal.Transportation – The Britomart train station and downtown ferry terminals (to Devonport, Waiheke, etc.) are all a few blocks away, making onward travel easy after dining.
If you’re looking for late-night options, most bars in Britomart close by midnight. You can continue the evening at places like Federal Street’s rooftop bars or Queen Wharf’s night spots (Barah). Just keep in mind that 27 Galway Street’s own venues are chiefly about food, so they wind down by around 10pm (Midnight on special nights). Taxis and ride-shares operate late, and Queen Street taxis are easy to flag down if you need to get home after dark.
What Makes This Venue Special
27 Galway Street stands out because it fuses a rich historic setting with creative dining. The building’s original 1885 heritage – visible in its brick facade and vintage tin ceilings – provides a unique backdrop you won’t find in a typical modern cafe (britomart.org ). Inside, attention to detail is memorable: for instance, Ghost Street’s walls are even adorned with Chinese script telling “ghost stories” from Beijing (heartofthecity.co.nz ), tying the space to its theme. One reviewer raves that dining here feels like being “immersed in a fabulous dark and moody, movie-set version of old-Beijing” (ghoststreetakl.nz ). That cinematic atmosphere, layered on top of Auckland’s heritage, really distinguishes the venue.
Culinary creativity also sets 27 Galway apart. The chefs combine local New Zealand ingredients with bold Asian flavors – the menu ranges from mapo tofu and noodle bowls to inventive cocktails using Sichuan peppercorns and lychees (heartofthecity.co.nz ). This authentic approach has won critical praise (Ghost Street scored 18/20 in a food review (www.nzherald.co.nz )). At the same time, the dining format is social and fun – families and friends gather at long tables to share dishes, using the hand-written Sharpie-menu system (www.nzherald.co.nz ). This blend of gourmet food, shared community vibe, and quirky touches (marker pens, communal benches) gives the place a cult following.
Moreover, 27 Galway’s role in Britomart’s culture helps make it special. It continues the area’s tradition of turning old warehouses into hot spots (britomart.org ). Younger locals appreciate that it pushes boundaries – for example, it revived dim-ly lit Asian speakeasy style in Auckland, and some visitors feel like they’ve discovered a hidden gem. The fact that major news outlets call it “one of the most exciting” new restaurants (www.nzherald.co.nz ) shows that it’s not just another chain eatery. For artists and diners alike, Ghost Street and its sister venues represent a kind of storytelling and ambience that feels novel in Auckland, which keeps foodies coming back.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The ground-floor spaces are mostly accessible – Café Hanoi can accommodate wheelchairs (as noted on its listing (www.metromag.co.nz )). However, Ghost Street itself is down a short flight of stairs and The Parlour is upstairs, so neither of those are wheelchair-friendly. If accessibility is a concern, note that seating in the street-level area is level and easier to access.What to Bring: Bring photo ID if you plan to drink alcohol – New Zealand law requires it for patrons 18–24. Dress is casual-smart (many diners wear collared shirts or dresses, but no formal uniform is required). Since the basement can be a bit cool, a light jacket or sweater is wise for evenings. Don’t forget an appetite and good company – the venue is designed for sharing dishes!Dining Style: Be prepared for the communal sharing format. Guests at Ghost Street often end up sitting with people they haven’t met, sharing a large bench. If you’d rather not share a table with strangers, try to reserve an isolated corner spot. Remember that you will mark your selections with a marker on a communal menu (www.nzherald.co.nz ) – it’s literally part of the experience.Peak Times: Fridays and Saturdays after 6pm are busiest. If you prefer a quieter experience, a midweek or Sunday (early dinner) visit will be calmer. Ghost Street does not serve lunch, and it closes early on Sunday and Monday, so plan dinner between Tuesday and Saturday. Arriving about 5–10 minutes before your reservation is courteous, as the kitchen will start promptly.Children and Families: The atmosphere is family-friendly and relaxed (there’s no nightclub environment anymore). High chairs are available at Café Hanoi, though not in the narrow leaning stool areas of Ghost Street. Menus have some milder options, but note that many dishes are spicy. If you have young children, consider dining earlier in the evening.Photography: Photos are allowed. Feel free to take pictures of the distinctive decor and dishes (no flash needed in the ambient light). It’s become a popular spot for Instagram shots, but just be considerate of other diners. The old 1885 bar used to prohibit cameras, but the current restaurants do not enforce that.Tipping: Optional in New Zealand. Service staff at 27 Galway St earn a living wage, so tipping is never expected – but if service is excellent, a tip of ~10% is appreciated.Mistakes to Avoid: A common mistake is underestimating how popular Ghost Street is. Don’t assume you can walk in on a Saturday night with a group of six and get seated immediately. Also, keep an eye on the unmarked stairwell entrance (behind Café Hanoi) so you don’t walk past it. If you order hallucinogenic cocktails, know that they do pack a punch (Sichuan pepper, chilis, alcohol), so sip slowly. Finally, remember that each table time is limited – pacing your dinner is good etiquette. Follow these tips and you’ll make the most of your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is at 27 Galway Street in Auckland?
27 Galway Street is a heritage building in the Britomart precinct housing multiple venues. At street level you’ll find Café Hanoi (a Vietnamese share-plate restaurant) and a stair entry to “The Parlour” (a private dining room). In the basement is Ghost Street , a Chinese restaurant and cocktail bar (www.nzherald.co.nz ). It was also formerly home to the 1885 bar (now closed). The entire site fuses historic 1885 architecture with modern Asian dining.
How do I make a reservation or buy tickets?
Ghost Street is a restaurant, so there’s no ticket booth. You make a booking by contacting the venue. The phone number (09 306 2233) is listed on-site (www.mapquest.com ), and reservations can also be made online via the restaurant’s website. Tables fill up, especially on weekends. It’s wise to reserve at least a week or two in advance and note that bookings are timed (1.75–2.25 hours depending on party size) (ghoststreetakl.nz ). The Parlour room also requires separate reservation through its own contacts.
Do I have to pay an entry fee or cover charge?
No cover charge or ticket is required. 27 Galway’s venues are restaurants/bars, so you simply pay for what you order. Your charges come from the menu (food, drinks, set menus for events), not an admission fee. Just walk in at your dinner time or reconfirm your reservation, and enjoy dining.
Where can I buy tickets or entry at the door?
Since this is a restaurant space, there are no door tickets. For Ghost Street itself, you either have a reservation or you can try to walk in; but busy evenings usually require booking. There is no “box office” to queue at. If a special event dinner is announced (for example at The Parlour), the venue handles sign-ups directly. Always book ahead via phone or email rather than arriving as a team without a reservation.
Is there public parking nearby and how much does it cost?
Street parking on Galway is very limited. The nearest public garages are a short walk away: Parkopedia lists Britomart Car Park (Fort St) with ~70 spaces at about NZ$30 for 2 hours (www.parkopedia.co.nz ) and the Downtown Car Park (Fort & Quay St) with nearly 2,000 spaces at about NZ$7.50 for 2 hours (www.parkopedia.co.nz ). Expect to pay by card. These are the cheapest large lots; otherwise you may find a metered spot in the city centre (short-term, often 1–2 hour limits).
What is the address in full and how do I get there?
The address is 27 Galway Street, Britomart, Auckland CBD 1010. It’s right in the Britomart precinct. If you’re coming by train or bus, get off at Britomart Station – the train platform is roughly at the corner of Galway and Customs (0 km from 27 Galway) (www.seeker.info ). By bus, routes on Tyler and Quay Street stop a block away (www.seeker.info ). On foot, it’s just a few minutes’ walk from Queen Street or the Viaduct area. Taxis or rideshares can drop you on Galway or Fort Street near Customs.
Which seats or areas have the best view or experience?
Every table at Ghost Street provides a unique perspective. For watching the chefs, ask for a bench near the open kitchen. If you like people-watching, a corner seat at a communal table can be fun. The décor is immersive throughout, so there isn’t a “bad” seat per se. For private groups or events, the upstairs Parlour offers an entirely separate experience (book it as a group if you want exclusivity) (theparlour.nz ). In Café Hanoi on the street level, tables near the window are bright and airy. Ultimately, the experience is communal – sharing a table with other guests is part of the venue’s charm.
What is the dress code for Ghost Street/Café Hanoi?
Dress code is smart casual. Aucklanders typically wear neat everyday attire: collared shirts, blouses, nice jeans or skirts for dinner. No strict formalwear is needed, nor are shorts and flip-flops recommended for the evening service. If you’re dining at lunchtime in Café Hanoi, relaxed but tidy clothing is fine. Essentially, come dressed for a nice restaurant – polished but comfortable.
Are children allowed at this venue?
Yes, families are welcome. The dining spaces are casual and child-friendly. High chairs for young kids are available (especially at Café Hanoi). Keep in mind that many dishes are spicy, so you might ask for milder options if needed. As with any restaurant, children must be supervised. There are no age restrictions on entry, but standard liquor laws mean minors are served non-alcoholic drinks or share from adult plates. Overall it’s a relaxed, family-appropriate environment.
Is Ghost Street wheelchair accessible?
Partially. The ground level (Café Hanoi) is built to be wheelchair-accessible (www.metromag.co.nz ), and one can sit there. However, Ghost Street itself is in the basement down a stairwell, and The Parlour is upstairs via stairs – so neither of those are accessible by wheelchair. There is no elevator at 27 Galway. If accessibility is an issue, let the staff know when booking and they will do their best (e.g. seating in the café or lobby area).
Is food or drink from outside allowed?
No. Outside food or beverages are not permitted. All dining must be done with items purchased on-site. The restaurant serves its own full menu of drinks and dishes, and the policy is standard for most restaurants: you pay for the享. If you have specific dietary needs, inform your server, but bringing in your own items violates the venue policy.
Do I need to tip at this venue?
Tipping is not required in New Zealand, but is appreciated for great service. Service staff at Brisborough typically earn a decent wage, so any tip (usually 5–15% of the bill) is voluntary. If you receive attentive service, feel free to leave a small tip or round up your bill.
How much does a typical meal cost?
Meals are à la carte, with many dishes designed for sharing. As a guideline, most plates at Ghost Street range from roughly $15–26 (NZD) (www.nzherald.co.nz ). For example, a portion of dumplings might be ~$18 and noodle bowls ~$18. Cocktails run around $14–18. A full dinner (2–3 dishes per person plus drinks) often works out to NZ$40–60 per person. Exact pricing is on the menu posted online.
Are cameras and photography allowed?
Yes – photography is allowed. Many diners enjoy snapping photos of the unique decor and food. Just be mindful of other guests. The old 1885 bar was more restrictive, but under the current management, taking casual photos (no large tripod or flash) is fine. In fact, the candlelit ambiance and murals make for great pictures. Feel free to share your experience online, but avoid flash photography during service if it disturbs others.
Does 27 Galway Street ever close or redevelop?
As of the 2023–25 period, the building remains an active dining destination. Major Britomart redevelopment projects in the area have generally preserved this block’s use. The Hotel Britomart opened next door in the mid-2010s, but 27 Galway itself has continued operating as restaurants. Any future renovations would be minor (a refresh of the dining areas, for example). The historic status of Stanbeth House means the City Council oversees any structural changes. So far, Ghost Street and Café Hanoi appear stable and are planned to stay open for regular dining.
What is the meaning of “Ghost Street” and its connection to Beijing?
The restaurant’s name refers to “Gui Jie,” also known as Ghost Street, a famous food street in Beijing lined with late-night Chinese restaurants. Ghost Street Auckland is designed to evoke the flavors and spirit of that locale. Reviewers note the restaurant “reimagining Beijing’s famous street food scene” in a cinematic basement setting (heartofthecity.co.nz ). In short, it’s a tribute to the lively Beijing culinary alley for which it’s named, complete with Chinese decor and traditional dishes.
