I am a New Zealander who has been living in the UK for about 8 months. This was one of our favourite 'special occasion' restaurants back home. It is situated at the top of the Sky Tower, an Auckland landmark, and is a revolving restaurant
An a la carte restaurant, the menu changes quite frequently, therefore any of the past dishes I have had, they will probably not be serving. I am a real fan of seafood and have had many seafood dishes (steamed mussels, tuna steak, snapper, hapuka) and these are the meals that stick out in my mind. I have had entrees, mains, desserts and cheeseboards and have never once been disappointed.
Prices are reasonable for a fine dining establishment, entrees $16-20 and mains £29-30 approx. There is a minimum charge of $25/head, but this is easily reached. The trip to the top of the tower (normally $15) is free so the minimum charge is fair enough.
We've always received excellent service, waiters are attentive and knowledgeable.
The décor is smart with tables situated on two levels around the outside of the circular shaped restaurant. This is the part that revolves. The centre, stationary part, is where lifts, toilets, kitchen, bar and service area is. Try and request a window seat as this has the best views. Although if you can't it doesn't matter as you will still very easily be able to see the view.
Before of after your meal you can go to the viewing platform, make sure you do this as it is such a shame to go to the top of the Sky Tower and not do this. If you want to freak yourself out a bit walk over the glass bottom plates.
You will need to book in advance, for weekend bookings you often need to book several weeks in advance so it's not a spur of the moment restaurant. Obviously you will get a much better view if the weather is fine and there is little cloud cover.
It takes about one hour to do a complete loop. When you are seated be careful not to place any handbags/jackets etc on the ledge closest to the window, this part revolves and you might not see your belongings again!
If you have time it's quite interesting to take a look at the Casino, bear in mind you must be 18 years+ to visit this area so isn't suitable if you have children.
There are a couple of other restaurants at the Sky Tower, another one near the top of the tower, this one is buffet although I haven't visited it. There are also several restaurants and cafes at the bottom but by far the best is Orbit.
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Just did a revolving tower restaurant in Las Vegas - very disconcerting at first but you get used to it! The prices sound pretty reasonable - and the seafood sounds delicious! I absolutely love Snapper - its just very hard to find over here in UK! Thanks Heather
salem_witch 30.12.2005 22:08
Can you feel it move? Hmm I don't think I'd like that if you could...
yukki28 30.12.2005 16:29
Don't think I'll ever go there, but nice reading about it all the same - Ang.
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