From Plato to plate

When looking for the perfect event venue, look no further than Gerome in Parnell Auckland.

Located on a historical site where legends like Beaver and Ronnie Taylor have performed, Gerome transformed this tired venue into a gastronomic luxe location.

Influenced by the Greek style of cooking, all proteins are cooked on the char-grill and wood fire and then using the abundance of New Zealand cheeses, herbs and flavours, each stunning dish is brought to life and served with excellence. But don’t be fooled, this isn’t a fine dining restaurant. Despite the outstanding food, this ‘local’ has all the comforts for large groups or an early meal after work right through to intimate dining or bespoke events.

Their dining room is open seven days a week from 11.30am till late and yes you can see the who’s who here including celebrities and Auckland metro’s elite.

There are the usual suspects like Spanakopita, Dolmades and Kataifi prawns plus kiwi classics such as rib-eye, market fish and pork belly but it’s dishes such as the barbequed chicken and the potato skordalia and not to forget the pulled lamb souvlakis that suddenly brings your table to a happy quiet hum.

It’s Greek but not as you know it. It’s like they’ve taken the tradition and the original dishes and they’ve simplified them and enlarged the flavours, so that every bite is clean yet full-bodied; making each mouthful an experience.

This personal attention to the food is also carried out from the front of house right through to the farewell. The restaurant is softly lit, the music is perfect and very cool and the furnishings make you feel like you’re in a Hotel that has all the comforts of home. The staff are attentive but as they glide, nothings a problem, its almost like a dance. They don’t run but they don’t walk either and your every wish is their command.

You are not left wanting and in fact you’ll probably make this your local after your first experience, as your tastebuds will remind you of all the flavour bursts that made your night so memorable.

And this level of attention and experience doesn’t change for larger groups and events. So, if you’re wanting to impress someone or create an important or magical event, then the upstairs dining room which seats 40 can be closed off to the rest of the restaurant for privacy - for either side of the door!

Also upstairs, is the gorgeous Terrace which can seat 20 or standing 40 plus you can utilise the private bar for booked events. Not only that, but there are a further 60 seats in booth styles as well upstairs so if you take all three areas you can host a larger event for 120 seated or double that standing for canapes and drinks (they also have 50 seats on the ground floor).

The team at Gerome have thought of everything and even have a click and collect service for the die-hard foodies, so even if you wanted to cater at home, these guys have you covered.

The click and collect menu is a selection of their top dishes and you can also select the time you’d like to pick it up, so your home will thank you for the effort it took to let your fingers do the walking. Unlike their predecessors, Gerome isn’t going to go anywhere and continues to grow in popularity, so we recommend you book well in advance if your party is large or you require a private room but for after work drinks and delicious sharing plates you can just arrive and wait for a table or barstool.

Quaint and historical Parnell hosts one of Auckland’s most contemporary restaurants with time-honoured flavours and dishes that anchors their patrons respect and makes them a bustling destination. If you haven’t been there yet then this needs to be on your must-do list, in fact it’s the perfect place for a great strong coffee and loukoumades (Greek donut) or your next celebration or key event.