Cassia Auckland Review: The Indian Restaurant That Changed the City
Image: Cassia Restaurant
Auckland has no shortage of Indian restaurants. But there is only one Cassia.
For years it has been the restaurant that raised expectations for what Indian cooking in this city could be. Bold flavours, thoughtful technique and a dining room that people return to again and again.
Recently a new challenger arrived in the form of Aarth, a brilliant new opening from one of Cassia’s former chefs. It is exciting, ambitious and absolutely worth your attention.
But after our latest visit, it’s clear Cassia is still the restaurant everyone else is trying to catch.
Cassia has spent years appearing on the Metro Top 50 Restaurants, but awards alone do not explain its reputation. Plenty of restaurants collect trophies and slowly lose their edge. Cassia has somehow avoided that fate.
Image: Te Matuku Oyster Pakora
The restaurant now sits inside SkyCity Auckland after the flood that forced the closure of its original Fort Lane location in 2023. The new space is larger, but stepping inside, elements from the original restaurant still make it feel unmistakably Cassia. Emerald banquettes, warm lighting and a softly lit dining room that feels surprisingly intimate for such a large space.
Naturally we started with cocktails. The Pineapple Mezcal was the standout. Smoky, slightly spicy and bright with fresh pineapple and Indian spices. The sort of drink that quickly convinces you a second round is a very good idea.
Image: Hawkes Bay Lamb Chops
The pani puri arrived first. Crisp semolina shells filled with potato, chickpea and mint water that vanish in a single bite. The version with ghost chilli adds a flash of heat for those who like their spice just a little sweat-inducing.
Next came the goat cheese and corn pao. Soft, warm bread packed with a rich savoury filling that makes it dangerously easy to order another round.
The mixed mushroom dish with green chilli cream and enoki quickly became one of the highlights of the evening. Technically it is designed to share, although we would strongly consider ordering one per person. The mushrooms soak up the creamy sauce beautifully while the green chilli keeps the dish lively rather than heavy.
The Hawke’s Bay lamb chops followed, beautifully charred from the grill and served with a mushroom and spinach cream. This is the sort of dish that reminds you why Cassia has such loyal regulars.
Image: Short rib vindaloo
Then there was the beef short rib vindaloo. Vindaloo often carries a reputation for aggressive heat. Cassia’s version is far more thoughtful. The beef is slow cooked until meltingly tender while the sauce balances tangy vinegar, spice and depth without overwhelming the dish.
By this point we were already comfortably full, which of course did not stop us ordering dessert.
To celebrate a birthday at the table the kitchen sent out an off-menu surprise. A thin white chocolate shell cracked open to reveal custard and jammy berry compote beneath. Breaking through the chocolate felt almost ceremonial and the balance of creamy custard and bright fruit made for a perfect finish.
The current SkyCity location will close in June 2026 before Cassia moves into a new permanent home on the corner of Albert and Wyndham Streets.
If our recent dinner is anything to go by, Cassia is heading into that next chapter in very good form. Auckland has many good restaurants. Cassia remains one of the essential ones.
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