Metro Top 50 Restaurants 2017: Woodpecker Hill
For the latest review, see the 2018 review of Woodpecker Hill.
Woodpecker Hill
City-Fringe Bistro—American/Southeast-Asian barbecue
Woodpecker Hill occupies a diverting tardis of a building, and at night it emits onto Parnell Rd the small-windowed warmth of an American ski lodge. Inside, thick sheepskins and mustard plaid extend the metaphor, interrupted by stained black coconut wood and Chinese parasols. It may sound like an odd juxtaposition, but Che Barrington’s decision to combine American barbecue with Southeast-Asian flavours was and still is a stroke of genius. From freshly shucked oysters with ginger, smoked chilli and coriander to 14-hour smoked beef brisket with green chilli, lemongrass and galangal, each dish is a tease of the palate. We love that there are American wines and a “bourbon library”; they add to the metropolitan coolness of this exceptional city-fringe bistro.
A favourite dish
Coconut-braised beef short rib, chilli jam, mint, ginger and kohlrabi with thick house-made barbecue sauce.
What it offers
Shared-plate options / Free-range chicken and/or pork / Takes large groups / Bar / Bourbon and whisky library / Craft beer selection
Hours—L D 7 days
Bookings—Yes
Price—$$
Seats—100
Chef—Che Barrington
PARNELL
196 Parnell Rd
Ph 309-5055
woodpeckerhill.co.nz
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