Hello Beasty

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with foodie offerings around Viaduct Harbour, but spots like Hello Beasty are certainly a cut above the usual tourist eateries. Situated between Customs Street West and the Viaduct Basin, Hello Beasty offers hidden gem vibes in a super convenient location. 

Upon entry, you’ll initially be delighted with the playful yet tasteful interior. Expect plush velvet booths complemented by natural wood tones and curved furnishings. The star of the show is the vibrant neon cat sign, casting a cosy and playful atmosphere upon the restaurant. 

Food-wise, this is Asian-fusion at its best. The brainchild of Stuart Rogan, Hello Beasty reflects the chef’s travels, cooking his way across countries and cultures. The menu boasts influences from Japan, Korea and China, combined with traditional New Zealand philosophies of simple techniques, stellar produce and fresh ingredients.  

Open for both lunch and dinner, there is a decent selection of share-plates on offer, as well as some mouth-watering vegetarian and no added gluten options. From crispy fried brussel sprouts with white miso to Korean fried cauliflower with spicy gochujang glaze, the team knows how to do veg damn well. 

On the meat and seafood front, the Hibachi grill takes centre stage. Chow down on the likes of wild-caught Australian banana prawns with kombu butter and crispy pork belly with pickled kohlrabi. Melt-in-your-mouth moments also include the slow-cooked lamb shoulder with Sichuan sauce or the crispy fried soft-shell crab.

Desserts don’t disappoint either, with Hibachi-toasted banana marshmallows or Kkwabaegi twisted doughnuts with miso caramel rounding out a pretty epic meal. Add to that a cocktail or two—we like the sound of the Beasty G&T with ​​Roku Gin—and you’ll likely be rolling home. Look, there are worse things in life.