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Metro Top 50 Restaurants 2017: Woodpecker Hill

It may sound like an odd juxtaposition, but Che Barrington’s decision to combine American barbecue with Southeast-Asian flavours is a stroke of genius

Metro Top 50 Restaurants 2017: Woodpecker Hill

Jun 30, 2017 Restaurants

For the latest review, see the 2018 review of Woodpecker Hill.

Metro Top 50 Restaurants 2017: Woodpecker Hill

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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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Click below for each restaurant’s review

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Artwok
Augustus Bistro
Azabu
Baduzzi
Beirut
Cafe hanoi
Casita Miro
Cassia
Cazador
Cibo
Clooney
Cocoro
Coco’s Cantina
Culprit
Depot
Ebisu
Euro
Federal Delicatessen
Gemmazye St
Gusto at the Grand
Ima
Kazuya
Masu
Merediths
Molten
MooChowChow
O’Connell Street Bistro
Orphans Kitchen
Ortolana
Paris Butter
Pasta & Cuore
Pasture
Ponsonby Road Bistro
Rosie
Saan
Sidart
Siostra
Soul Bar & Bistro
Spacca
Blue Breeze Inn
The Engine Room
The French Cafe
The Grill by Sean Connolly
The Grove
The Oyster Inn
The Shed , Te Motu
The Tasting Shed

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