Gilt Brasserie

The Verdict

If you consider yourself a bona fide food enthusiast, the mere mention of Josh Emett should send your taste buds into a frenzy. The esteemed chef having worked under Gordon Ramsay for 10 years has left his mark in Auckland with his upscale dining experiences at Onslow and The Oyster Inn on Waiheke, not to mention Queenstown's Rata. Now he's adding to his Auckland-based portfolio.

Meet Gilt—a European-style Brasserie nestled into the corner of Chancery and O’Connell Street, in the old Chancery Chambers building. Inspired by the European dining scene, you can indulge in hearty unpretentious food any time of the day. Think triple cheese souffle, pork and duck bolognese, crumbed lamb cutlets, and a dessert menu to die for. 

The menu is like a culinary world tour without the jetlag, it’s jam-packed with continental delights that will transport you to Europe with every bite. With vegetable dishes being front and centre, we suggest ordering the crumbed tomato schnitzel in a bed of tomato butter sauce and basil. It’s fresh, and vibrant and will leave you pining for more. 

If you’re a fan of seafood then you’re in luck as oysters, prawns, octopus, mussels, and crab are just some of the offerings available. Treat your palette to the Sicilian Crudo, a selection of raw tuna, salmon, kingfish served with salted capers, lemon, and olive oil—it’s pretty spesh. 

Not a fan of coastal fare? Never fear as there are plenty of other hearty dishes to tantalise your taste buds like the Waygu sirloin steak or the grilled pork loin with basil, mint, parsley, and capers. 

Now onto what you’ve been waiting for, the carbs! Unbuckle your belts ladies and gents, and make room for alllllll the pasta. Get your slurp on with the Spaghetti, broccoli verde and anchovy pecorino, a creamy green pasta dish with a kick that’s nothing short of magnifico. Or try the king crab pappardelle ricce with brandy bisque, crème fraîche, and Italian parsley if you’re after something light and juicy. 

Now you may be thinking ‘can it get much better than this?’ Well friends, yes it can. There’s a whole section of the menu dedicated to the potato. This has to be our fave section as the best things in life are made from this humble vege and proving just that is the parmesan beignets—basically potato-filled doughnuts sprinkled with Spanish paprika. Yum. 

Be sure to save some room for the show-stopping desserts. The Rum baba with vanilla chantilly and candied orange is a delicious boozy affair. The sponge is succulently soft and soaked in rum syrup. Get in our belly. For something on the lighter side, the Zabaglione topped with orange granita will do the trick but be careful it’s devilishly moreish. 

Now no brasserie is complete without a tipple or two. The seasonal creation Gilt Sgroppino made with blood orange sorbet, vodka and topped with prosecco is the perfect aperitif, while the extensive menu is home to a variety of old-world wines and all your fave cocktails. 

Gilt Brasserie is not just a restaurant; it's an experience. So, grab your mates, loved ones, co-workers—hell, anyone you can find and get ready for a culinary adventure you won't forget. Trust us, it’s guaranteed to be your fave spot in town that you’ll keep coming back to time and time again. 

Image credit: Gilt | Supplied