Hello Beasty

Restaurants key icon.
Restaurants key icon.

Monday12:00 – 10:00 pm.

Tuesday12:00 – 10:00 pm.

Wednesday12:00 – 10:00 pm.

Thursday12:00 – 10:00 pm.

Friday12:00 – 10:00 pm.

Saturday12:00 – 10:00 pm.

Sunday12:00 – 10:00 pm.

95-97 Customs St W, Auckland Central, Auckland

021 554 496

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. 

Words by Jess Willemse & Photography by Anna Briggs

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

95-97 Customs St W, Auckland Central, Auckland

Nearby Places

Federal Delicatessen

Green entrance skirting.
Place Auckland
Restaurants key icon.

This place is off the chain good.

Bowler

Exterior view of Bowler.
Place Auckland
Cafes key icon.

Bowler has stepped onto the Wynyard Quarter dining scene, bringing a fresh new energy to the mix.

Zambesi

The store.
Place Auckland
Fashion key icon.

A New Zealand fashion icon whose name has been synonymous with edgy fashion for as long as we can remember.

Cassia

The black entrance to Cassia restaurant on a rainy day.
Place Auckland
Restaurants key icon.

Fans of one of Auckland’s finest restaurants, Cassia, breathed a sigh of relief when the much loved contemporary Indian restaurant reopened within the SkyCity precinct.

Similar Places

Tanuki's Cave

A packed restaurant on a dark night.
Place Auckland
Restaurants key icon.

Tucked away on Queen Street (in the middle of Auckland’s arts precinct) lies Tanuki’s Cave: a not-so-secret, gem of a yakitori bar.

Tosca

Wooden interior of Tosca in Remuera Auckland with smiling barista standing behind counter with coffee menu in background
Place Auckland

Tosca, a beloved espresso bar nestled in the heart of Remuera's vibrant 1050 precinct, has quickly become a local favourite.

Bar Martin

A table of customers being served by a man at Bar Martin, Auckland.
Place Auckland
Bars key icon.

After a long week, there’s something extremely comforting about pulling up to your local for a pint.

Freida Margolis

Alcohol in a shelf inside.
Place Auckland
Bars key icon.

A fine establishment full of colour and character with a penchant for the drink.