Jun 30, 2017 Restaurants
For the latest review, see the 2018 review of Gemmayze St .
Gemmayze St
City-Fringe Bistro—Modern Lebanese
After five years alongside Ben Bayly at The Grove , chef Samir Allen didn’t plan to open his first restaurant last year. But when the opportunity arose to occupy one of Auckland’s very special venues (the park end of St Kevins Arcade), he couldn’t say no. Thank goodness. With his mother, Liane Farry, he’s created a bubble of Lebanese hospitality that reflects the family’s 129-year history in New Zealand. Named for Beirut’s vibrant dining street, Gemmayze St encourages diners to order the Lebanese way. Say “jeeb” — Arabic for “bring” — and for $60, a selection of exquisite dishes will appear. Staples such as baba ganoush, hummus and falafel have smart-dining finesse — the use of pickled turnip in the falafel and Allen’s ability to present hummus elegantly are special touches — and sourness, the secret to comfortable feasting, is rightly appreciated.
A favourite dish
Kibbeh bi sayneyeh: lamb, burghul, pinenuts, pomegranate molasses and mint.
What it offers
Shared-plate options / Good for vegetarians / Fixed-price meal options ($60 “jeeb” offer) / Free-range chicken and/or pork / Bar / Craft beer selection / Good Lebanese wine selection / Good for kids / Takes large groups
Hours—L Thu & Fri; D Tue-Sat
Bookings—Yes
Price—$
Seats—80
Chef—Samir Allen
K’ RD PRECINCT
Shop 15-16
St Kevins Arcade
183 Karangahape Rd
Ph 600-1545
@gemmayze_st on Instagram
Click below for each restaurant’s review
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