Events at Advieh Restaurant And Bar, Auckland

About Advieh Restaurant And Bar

Advieh is a high-end Middle Eastern/Mediterranean restaurant and bar atop the new Deloitte Centre (InterContinental Auckland) on Queen Street. It offers a modern take on Persian cuisine, combining spice-rich recipes with top-quality New Zealand ingredients. Designed by Warren and Mahoney & Technē, the venue’s interior features volcanic-inspired elements: local basalt stone, smoked timbers and glowing red-orange glass lighting that mimic molten lava. Floor-to-ceiling windows afford sweeping Waitematā Harbour views, making Advieh a striking downtown destination. The restaurant opened with the InterContinental hotel in early 2024 and seats about 140 people. Partner chef Gareth Stewart (of Soul Bar & Bistro fame) leads the kitchen, crafting dishes like chicken liver “baklava,” lamb tagine and saffron desserts. Advieh has quickly gained acclaim in Auckland’s dining scene: it earned a Good Food Awards “Hat” for outstanding cuisine and was named the 2024 Hotel Restaurant of the Year. In short, Advieh matters as both a scenic harbourfront dining experience and a showcase of bold Middle Eastern flavours in the city centre.

Events and Programming

Advieh serves daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, and occasionally hosts special themed dinners. For example, the chef has staged cultural events like a Jamaican Independence Day feast with a multi-course menu. During festivals or holidays, they offer limited-run tasting dinners which often sell out. One themed night featured jerk-spiced lamb ribs, fried saltfish fritters and a coconut rum cake – each course paired with a custom cocktail reflecting Chef Stewart’s heritage. The bar plays soft lounge/jazz music; full-scale live concerts are not typical. The restaurant can also be reserved for private group events (corporate lunches or celebrations) with bespoke set menus. À la carte plates are about NZ$10–50 each; special multi-course dinners run around NZ$150–$180 per person. Additionally, Advieh occasionally partners on wine-pairing dinners or vineyard collaborations, matching dishes to local New Zealand vintages. For example, during Auckland’s Restaurant Month they once hosted a collaborative chef’s dinner menu. For example, besides special dinners they have a weekday 3–7pm Happy Hour and a weekend brunch menu. For the latest updates or promotions, check Advieh’s official announcements or ask staff about any current events.

Tickets and Booking

Advieh is a reservation-friendly restaurant rather than an entertainment venue, so “tickets” simply means dinner bookings. Reservations can be made through Advieh’s official site or by phone. Breakfast is typically walk-in friendly, but lunch and dinner tables are best booked in advance – especially on weekends, holidays or for special event menus. Specify date, time and party size when booking; if you need special seating (sea view, corner table, etc.) mention that too. Popular nights fill up quickly, so try to book weeks ahead. Cancellations usually must be made 24–48 hours in advance to avoid a fee. There’s no box office – you pay by credit card or cash at the end of your meal. Pricing depends on what you order: standard meals are à la carte (pay per dish), whereas special dinners are fixed-price. For example, Restaurant Month dinners ran at about NZ$180 per person. In summary, plan to reserve your table early if visiting on a Saturday or for any advertised special dinner. Walk-ins have a better chance on quieter weekday slots, but booking is recommended to guarantee entry.

Seating and Layout

Inside, Advieh is an open-plan dining room highlighted by a central wraparound bar and kitchen station. The layout seats roughly 140 guests: a mix of tables and banquettes arranged to maximize harbour views. Many tables face the floor-to-ceiling glass wall looking out over the Waitematā Harbour, so a window seat is ideal. The bar counter with stools runs along the open kitchen – perfect if you enjoy watching chefs and bartenders at work. Lighting is intentionally dim and warm, with a dramatic overhead glass feature in fiery reds and oranges guiding guests’ attention. The flooring is dark wood and the chairs are upholstered in New Zealand wool, giving the space a comfortable, lounge-like feel. Acoustically, a special ceiling paneling keeps noise reasonable, but at full capacity the buzz can be lively. For sightlines, Advieh doesn’t have any raised stage, so most seats have an unobstructed view of the bar and windows. The best ambiance is at tables by the windows or near the open kitchen. If you prefer a quieter meal, avoid tables right next to the entrance or service areas where staff circulate heavily. There is no outdoor seating – it’s an indoor venue only. Since it’s a long rectangular room, the very far back row sits a bit farther from the action. In general, sit toward the front or middle for the best experience. Guests commonly request a waterfront table for the view or a bar seat to catch the mixology craft. In short, nearly every seat in Advieh is acceptable, but the harbour-view spots stand out.

Getting There and Parking

Advieh’s address is **1 Queen Street** (Commercial Bay precinct, downtown Auckland). It’s very central and easy to reach by all transport modes. If using public transit, the closest train station is **Britomart** (a 3–5 minute walk north on Queen Street). Multiple city buses also stop along Queen Street and nearby Lower Customs Street. The Auckland ferry terminal (for Devonport/Waiheke ferries) is at the end of Queen St, also a short stroll north. For drivers, there is limited hotel parking, but public parking is close by. The nearest big lot is the Downtown Auckland Car Park at 31 Customs Street West (about 2 blocks north); fee parking there is roughly NZ$6 per hour during the day and drops to around $2.50–$3 per hour after 6pm or on weekends. Another option is the Wilson Parking lot at 7 Queen Street (one block south). Street parking on adjacent roads is metered – you use the Auckland Transport pay-by-phone app (area code 100315) to pay. Rideshare or taxi can drop off right at the hotel entrance on Queen Street. Cyclists can use the bike racks in the Commercial Bay concourse. In any case, allow extra time for city traffic or parking, but rest assured the heart of the city has many transit links. Late at night the CityLink free bus (yellow loop) and regular buses run in the CBD, and taxis/Uber are easily hailed on Queen Street.

Inside the Venue

When you enter Advieh, you’ll pass through the hotel lobby and be greeted by the hostess at the restaurant door. There is no formal security screening – just a confirmation of your reservation or waitlist. The vibe is upscale yet relaxed: earthy stone floors, dark wood and leather accents create warmth. Tables are set with crisp glassware and linen napkins. The open kitchen is visible from many tables, so you might see chefs plating dishes or stretching dough. The fully licensed bar serves creative cocktails, New Zealand wines and local spirits. Drinks are crafted to complement the menu – for example, soon expect cocktails featuring Middle Eastern spices or NZ botanicals. Service is professional and attentive. Staff wear smart uniforms and speak English (and often another language). They will explain the menu’s Middle Eastern influences and recommend popular dishes. Daily specials or chef’s tableside preparations might be offered. Each table gets complimentary bread or flatbreads with dip as a starter. Cooking finishes are sometimes done tableside from a trolley (e.g. flambe or cheese grating). Practical amenities: Free Wi-Fi is available via the hotel’s network (ask for the login). Restrooms are located just off to the side; there is an accessible unisex bathroom with handrails. The restaurant provides a coat-check stand – no fees – and can hold umbrellas/coats during dinner. The seating is comfortable (each chair has wool padding) and countertops are smooth. Lighting is mostly low, so the city view and candlelight create ambiance. Help yourself at the drinks station: water jugs and wine lists are on the bar. Connectivity: power outlets are scarce inside, so charge devices beforehand. Cell reception and use of phones is fine (people do text photos), but keep phone volume down. Smoking is banned indoors – a smoking area is outside, away from the entrance. Children are welcome during normal hours (advieh offers some child-friendly foods), but guests may pre-arrange high chairs if needed. Pets are not allowed (service dogs only). Cardiograms: none. Facilities: Advieh can do rooms-service for hotel guests (their menu is used for in-room orders). Group events may include decorations or cakes (check policies with event manager).

Nearby Amenities

Being in the Commercial Bay/Britomart area means you have many pre- and post-dinner options. Within the same building, ground-floor eateries (like a BBQ joint and a cafe) can serve as meeting points before. Across the street and around the corner are more fine-dining and casual restaurants: for pre-dinner drinks try one of the hotel bars or the Connecting lobby lounge in Commercial Bay. If you arrive early, the nearby waterfront has attractions: the City Gallery and ferry routes are steps away, and you can walk along the harbour edge. There are several bar and coffee options a block south (hint: Deacon’s Eatery, Amano bakery, or casual Thai-up). For those needing lodging, InterContinental Auckland is the address, but other hotels and apartments (Sofitel, W Auckland, etc.) are in easy walking distance. Public transport is plentiful: if flying in, SkyBus goes to nearby stops, and Britomart station connects trains to suburbs. On leaving, free inner-city shuttles and the ferry terminal make getting home safe. Lauren’s: this is a central hub – major stores and nightlife (Sky Tower, Viaduct clubs, cinemas) are all within a short taxi or stroll. If intoxicated after closing, the CityLink and all-night bus services can return you to central points.

What Makes This Venue Special

Advieh is a standout because it combines world-class design with a one-of-a-kind dining concept. The space was carved from a 1970s tower and blessed on Māori land (its building was named Te Kaha, “enduring strength”). Inside, architects used local natural motifs – the undulating wooden bar looks like layered earth strata, and the glazed ceiling casts a magma-like glow. Furniture by New Zealand designers and local artworks connect the Middle Eastern theme to the antipodes. Culturally, it brings upscale Persian-inspired cooking to Auckland’s heart. Chef Stewart infuses his family heritage (Jamaican/European/Persian influences) into everything from spice blends to desserts. The combination has already earned national fame: critics gave Advieh rave 19/20 reviews and top culinary awards. Foodies love the creativity (dishes are as artful as they are flavorful) and the chef’s frequent homegrown ingredient twists (e.g. using NZ honey and saffron in classic recipes). Locals enjoy its relaxed yet luxe atmosphere, noting that both hotel guests and city dwellers feel at home there. Globally, it’s unique – few cities have a Persian-themed fine-dining venue like this. Also special are Advieh’s memorable moments: it’s part of big celebrations (restaurant festivals, global chef collabs) and special events (like wine dinners). The name itself – referring to a spice mix – sums up the **experience**: a complex fusion of tastes, sights, and hospitality all in one room. In essence, Advieh is special because it delivers an “experience dining room”: every element (architecture, cooking, service) is wrapped in a thematic story. Both diners and visiting chefs rave about its blend of middle-eastern warmth with Kiwi ingredients, making each visit memorable and distinct.

Visitor Tips and Information

Bring ID (for drinking) and dress smart-casual (no beachwear or sweats). Arrive a few minutes early for your reservation – the lobby bar is a good waiting spot if needed. If driving, preview parking options: AT Park #100315 covers Queen St, or park at Downtown Carpark on Customs St. For transit, Britomart station and central buses are within a 5-min walk. Book ahead: on busy nights (Fri/Sat or during festivals) tables fill up. Let the host know of any special occasion (birthday, etc.) – they can add a flourish like a complimentary dessert. Plan to try multiple dishes; most items are for sharing. Tipping is discretionary (around 10–15% is courteous for great service). Advieh’s menu changes seasonally, so check for daily or evening specials (ramzou, etc.). Dietary needs: the kitchen is happy to adapt most dishes. They offer veg, vegan and gluten-free choices (hummus, salads, etc.), but it’s a meat-centric menu at heart. Inform staff of allergies or requests when ordering or booking. Guests with mobility aids: Advieh has ramp access and spacious seating (notify them so they can prepare). Take advantage of facilities: free Wi-Fi courtesy of the hotel, clean restrooms (incl. accessible stall), and on-premise coat check. Smoking is only outside. Happy hour tips: if you plan cocktails or wine, visit between 3–7pm on weekdays for advertised specials (e.g. $14 cocktails). Kid tip: the weekend brunch menu (12–3pm) offers familiar dishes if you tag along in daytime. Before you go, confirm opening hours on your planned date (especially holidays); the restaurant generally closes around 10–11pm for dinner. Finally, relax and enjoy – ask questions about the menu (the team is proud of their heritage) and get ready for a feast of flavours.