Reviews The Birdcage Tavern

Zomato
Tuku
+5
Booked online for our table, very good communication from the venue towards the event. Walked into the venue and it was beautifully set up for us next to the fireplace, nice decor and great vibe. The staff was too lovely and I was able to add my own decorations to the table ie; balloons and twinkle lights and we were able to bring our birthday cake onsite. Everything was brilliant, cosy and well looked after by the staff. The food was a smash from the platters to ordering our own mains. I would definitely celebrate at the birdcage again or just come in and taste the other food on the menus. They even cut our cakes up into pieces which was unexpected, as some places they don’t bother doing it. Thank you for the great atmosphere, vibe and the staff.
2 months ago
Zomato
Hannah Howells
+4
Blue cheese pizza is super!! The daily deals are definitely worth going for, as well as happy hour drinks! Food is good and varied. Veggie options - burger and pizza are both yummy! Great for sporting events - worth booking a table!
6 months ago
Zomato
Jedediah J
+5
Goodluck Birdcage cause you gonna be our (work) local bar.
Excellent service, staff were super friendly and catered well to a large group.
Food came out on time despite being quite busy and it's great for hot auckland summer day!
$1 wings with a drink is honestly a great deal since the wings itself were phenomenal and decent sized as well. Most places have the $1 wing deals but the wings are usually tiny. But birdcage doesnt hold out!!
The kronenbourg beer is highly recommended.
No doubt will come here again!!
9 months ago
Zomato
Keenen.leyson
+5
Great service! Waiter had advised us to order before everyone else to get ahead of the line. Glad we did!
9 months ago
Zomato
Erin - Gold Code For 20% Off : CATH6386
+4
Went here for farewell lunch for one of my colleagues, nice food and great place. They also have different promotion for different days in a week.
11 months ago
Zomato
SJ
+5
lunch chicken wings special. Nice wings. love them. definitely visit again. I also had the beef burger in another visit. really nice burger!
May 11, 2019
Zomato
Asianfoodie
+4
Amazing interior with friendly staff who are prompt with service. We went as a group and was served delicious dumplings and beef sliders - both were really good!
May 07, 2019
Zomato
Sean Clancy
+5
Stayed in Auckland for a couple of protracted periods during a 3 month stay in NZ last winter and the Birdcage Tavern was my go-to place for good value, great tasting food, a selection of craft ales,  friendly, efficient staff and a lovely outdoor eating area. I plan to visit again this UK winter and will certainly be enjoying good food, drink and company at the Birdcage again!
May 01, 2019
Zomato
Dean Lawrence
+5
I visited this restaurant for a late lunch and beers with the boys. Straight away we were seated and first cold ones served. The British dude behind the bar clearly has a passion for crafties, as he directed us to some delicious new brews for us to try. The food came out shortly after ordering and we loved it all. If I could give it more stars I would. 11/10 will be back !
May 01, 2019
Zomato
Trazy M Lata
+4
The venue is very nice, the drinks were decently sized and very yummy. The staff were very polite and prompt with our service. Loved the fries and my nachos were nice. 7/10 for the nachos as they were a bit too crispy and rather hard and not enough beans for dipping. Drinks 8.5/10, Fries 9/10. Overall, my vegetarian meal was very pleasant.
Mar 14, 2019
Zomato
Dini
+4
Beautiful centrally located place, lovely service, quite a big fan after just one visit!! The pink gin drinks are absolutely highly recommended, gorgeous!!
Oct 23, 2018
Zomato
Dwight Elmsly
+5
The Birdcage has become my favourite bar in the city, if you are after a relaxed atmosphere with good food in the city then I recommend this place
My favourite dish is the pork belly which is amaaaazing, and I also recommend the spicy chicken wings with blue cheese sauce
They have $20 jugs of craft beer, a happy hour between 4 and 6 and in the summer, looking across to Victoria Park while sitting outside watching the world go by and drinking a jug of Pimms is great

If you want a place that's not too boisterous to watch sports they have big screens all around the place and play all the big games
Jul 05, 2018
Zomato
Priscilla Melsert Borges
+5
My favourite pub in Auckland. Not overcrowded, friendly service, great food and decent music. I highly recommend the pork belly, the fish and chips (FYI it's on special on Fridays) and you can never go wrong with the mushroom and blue cheese pizza (I am a meat lover and this vegetarian pizza is my favourite!)
Jul 05, 2018
Zomato
Kiwilisa
+4
Went with family on Sunday for lunch - ordered the lamb salad, kumara chips, half rack ribs, and the sirloin steak! It was amazing! The food was top notch, the ribs - only half rack - but it was huge! We enjoyed that the most. The sirloin was just ok - but still enjoyable. They have a nice outdoor seating area which ja great on a sunny day. Also, the customer service was incredible! We had a really nice wait staff who always had a smile on his face and kept filling our water. They also have connect four and other various games to play :)
Mar 19, 2018
Zomato
Larson Manazes
+4.5
What your looking for - Great food, great music, great location and excellent service.
catch up with my friends here few days ago. Nice ambiance and cozy feeling. Good place for together and family gathering or romantic dinner.
Recommended - Fish and chips
Must try - Daily special..
Mar 12, 2018
Zomato
SeriousFoodie
+4
The food was actually good! The half pork ribs was huge! and it was a starter! Beef was cooked very good too :) onion rings were cooked perfectly too. Only thing was it took 20mins for food.
Mar 09, 2018
Zomato
KR Dixon
+5
Went to the Birdcage Tavern on a Sunday afternoon and loved it! I was looking for a child friendly restaurant to have lunch and a drink with my husband, and hopefully my daughter might actually eat too (she’s super picky). It was pretty empty except for a few other diners—but I’m guessing it’s because most of their happy hour deals seems to be Tuesday through Saturday. We ordered the jug of Pimms to drink, the nachos (large), half rack of ribs, and my daughter got a cheese pizza from the the kids menu. The nachos and half rack of ribs were HUGE- we may order less next time since it was too much for us, but it was good. Also, the Pimm’s was delicious and worth the price for the jug. Also happy to report my daughter was pleased with her pizza! Service was A+.. We will definitely visit again!
Feb 04, 2018
Zomato
Mandi Van Eeden
+4
a wonderful place to visit on a sunny weekend afternoon. This place has its own car park so what a joy not to have to scurrel around looking for a car park. the staff was great service prompt, and the food was good. in fact the best kumera chips I have had ever!! will definitely return!!
May 22, 2017
Zomato
Yorkshire Pudding
+5
Stunningly restored to a high end gastro pub with a nod to its heritage.
The birdcage could arguably be one of aucklands hidden treasures. Having served residents and visitors delicious fare and liquor for over a hundred years you'd be forgiven for expecting a few cracks to show.
This is not the case.
Having had a complete overhaul two years ago this venue is perfect for couples and groups of all ages.
We had 2 chicken salads and a couple of beers and we're very well attended to. As were our two dogs who were given lots of attention and water.
We thoroughly recommend!!
Feb 10, 2017
Zomato
Hungusmcfatty
+4
Reliable burger and beers with lots of outdoor seating. Enjoyed the homemade tomato sauce that came with the fries. The pork belly looked legit (menu envy).
Dec 22, 2016
Zomato
Jade Lim
+4
Our first time at Birdcage and will definitely be back.

Firstly, strategic location and there's free parking for diners...yes, free parking in the CBD!

These guys know what high quality means. We can tell that the ingredients used are of good quality... from their homemade tomato sauce, to their fries and burger patties, and from their pies to their desserts. Mmm...simply delicious!

Fantastic restaurant, with great offerings at reasonable price, topped with friendly service. What more you could ask for if you're after a chill out bar/restaurant for your group of mates on a Thursday evening? The Birdcage is your answer.
Sep 12, 2016
Zomato
Olivia
+5
Very pleased with our meal at Birdcage last night! We had the chicken salad and the steak. They were delicious! The best we have had in a long time. Great portion sizes and amazing taste. The desert was just as good. We had the cheesecake and the brownie. The only thing I would say is that it should be made clearer that there are no greens with the steak. This is a good opportunity for them to up sell. Overall we were very impressed. What an amazing chef!
Oct 08, 2015
Zomato
Helena Chen
+4.5
This was an amazing venue for a friends 21st birthday. They sectioned off a small area for the party guests, with it’s own bar area, tall standing tables and bar stools. They also provided 21st balloons, which was really nice of them! There was a nice selection of wines, and the catering provided was delicious as well as plentiful. Lot’s of different choices available, the best probably being the fried calamari with dipping sauce, so good!
Sep 30, 2015
Zomato
Chris Harris
+4
Thought we would drop in for some drinks and dinner after a long day at work. It was very busy with a function inside so decided to sit out side, a little cold but they had some gas heaters hich they turn on for us and made it much moe enjoyable. God selection of wines. Food was prompt and very reasonable for the price. I will be back again.
Sep 24, 2015
Zomato
Mary Underwood
+4
Not sure if people's expectations of this place are too high but nonetheless, I had a pleasant dining experience here last night. Came for after drink socializing with work. Platters were ordered for us. I thought the selection was lovely from the polenta chips to the squid. The pizza was perfect. Thin and crispy and the fries!! Wow. Not sure what the seasoning was but they were incredibly moorish. The venue itself is tastefully decorated from the over head chandeliers to seating. Great nice and I will be back.
Sep 10, 2015
Zomato
Heidi M
+4
I visited this restaurant after an interview id had in ponsonby i started with the Chorizo, beer with sultanas
and tortilla corn chips and a glass of moet and progressed to the margaherita pizza and a form of berry martini,
All the food was great, but i had a few smart remarks about eating a pizza and drinking a martini at 4pm, obviously
i was having a bad day, but i felt i was an out of place comment.
Sep 27, 2014
Zomato
Frankie Ross
+5
We hosted our engagement party at The Birdcage, and cannot speak highly enough of the venue and the management. The venue itself if beautiful, and very well laid out. My fiance wanted the rugby on, while others did not want to watch. The screen came down near the bar, and played the rugby and those who did not want to watch were able to socialise in front of the fireplaces. The food was fantastic - everybody loved the platters and Phil ensured they came out at suitable timings. The staff were also fantastic, and ensured we had the most fantastic night. Everyone we have spoken to about our event, have all mentioned what a great venue it was and that they will be looking at it for any future events. Thanks so much Phil, we had a fantastic time!
Aug 28, 2014
Zomato
Andrew McIlwrick
+5
Girlfriend and I had a lovely lunch 2 weeks ago. We had a selection of tapas that were delicious and staff were very accommodating. Tapas were kumara chips, avocado salad, chicken nibbles and crispy squid. Look forward to our next meal here.
Nov 07, 2013
Zomato
Rodney Shadbolt
+5
We enjoyed a delicious meal while relaxing with a Moa and an Old Mout cider beer. The meal was elegantly presented and tasted supreme. It's worth the wait and we will definitely be back.

Subsequently, we have booked our daughters 21st as a result of their fine food, drink and excellent service.

Compliments to the chef and delightful staff for making our brunch all the worthwhile.
Oct 21, 2013
Zomato
Courtney Maloyd
+4
This was the second time I have visited. Once for lunch and once now for dinner (within last 2 weeks), I have tried alot of the tapas on the menu and really enjoyed most of them. Kumura fries are amazing and found it good value for money! Will definately be returning :)
Jul 29, 2013
Zomato
Anastacia S
+5
My husband and I got together with friends and family at the Bird Cage to celebrate our Anniversary. We were extremely impressed with the authentic renovations that have been done, the high quality of the food and the attentive service of the staff. We especially loved the shared boards which gave everyone the opportunity to taste a variety of food and to enjoy it at a leisurely pace. Very European!! The desserts were scrumptious and couldn't get enough of the tart! Looking forward to our next visit where we want to try the pizza's for only $20 each.
Jul 07, 2013
Zomato
Julie-Ann Bell
+5
This was our third visit here and each time has been a delight! The shared lamb board and kumara fries were always my top choice but found it hard to decide last week with the new menu and vast number of additional options. Tried the eye fillet on tostadas and it sent my taste buds into orbit. So did the blue cheese croquettes and the lemon crumble desert. Washed it all down with a great pinot - Crater Rim! My only complaint was that my stomach wasn't big enough to try more of the menu! Will definitely be back soon.
Jun 25, 2013
Zomato
Annie
+5
I have never written one of these reviews before, but felt that I needed to say such a huge thank you to the Birdcage for an amazing night last night.
It was "sort of" a special night and we'd heard about the Birdcage, and thought we'd try it out. We were a group of 6, and we had a fantastic time, the food was awesome.
The shared boards are such a great way to share food with friends. We had 3 boards between us. The duck on the Beijing Board was superbly cooked and everyone loved it, my favourite was the Butchers board with fantastic lamb and potatoes to die for (what's the secret?). We also had the Chicken board and it was just yum. There was plenty of food on the boards and price wise they were great value.
The waitress had some great suggestions for our wine and we tried quiet a few different ones (I'm sorry I can't remember what they all were). She was so helpful, told us about the restaurant and how it was moved and the renovations, and she even got us some extra potatoes!!
The restaurant has a really great atmosphere and having the food easy to share was so good and really different. The waitress seemed to know when we needed a "top up" but she wasn't pushy, we didn't really think we wanted desserts, but she suggested we share some truffles, that was just the perfect end to the meal.
I love the exposed brick walls and they have kept just enough of the old. It was such a fantastic night -thanks
Jun 01, 2013
Zomato
Michael Pritchard
+5
Being a high-maintenance customer, I contacted the restaurant before I went to ensure they offer meat from pasture-raised animals. The owner Phil promptly confirmed they do, in plenty of time for lunch. He even offered to have his chef prepare me a meal in advance of next month's new menu! How could I refuse?
I am extremely pleased I went. I was presented a professionally garnished, mouth-watering 300 gram beef sirloin cooked medium rare, served with a beautiful port-wine sauce, and accompanied by a bowlful of fries.
Sat in front of the bar I could see the kids playing on the sunlit skate rig in Victoria Park, and watch the surprisingly unobtrusive traffic go past on the motorway overhead. A very relaxing venue to have lunch in the city that I would recommend to anyone.
The attentive waiter Adam kept my glass topped off, and the spacious building and large chairs are extremely comfortable.
The $22.50 price tag was a very nice surprise after the meal; I expected closer to $49, which is what other places in the area charge just for the food.
I'd be happy taking my wife and son there for dinner, or going after work with the guys for a few drinks. What a great and versatile restaurant, thanks chaps.
May 27, 2013
Zomato
Frank
+4
Great food in an historic building, that was once on the water's edge, and was moved recently for the tunnel construction. I can't fault the service or the chicken salad I had, definitely try that, or go for the beef cheek pie! Even the gnocchi looked amazing and it's quite hard to find places that so gnocchi nowadays! If it's sunny sit outside in the courtyard, although it can get noisy with the nearby intersection and motorway overpass...
Jul 31, 2014
Zomato
Amy @ My Dining Journey
+3.5
The Birdcage - a stylish and refurbished causal eatery - was an accidental discovery which we stumbled upon when my partner and I were trying to find a place to eat on Anzac Day. Located in Victoria Park, this modern restaurant and bar has a large courtyard bar and dining area where patrons can satisfy their hunger and thirst as well as enjoy the little good weather that is left for us Aucklanders!

We were very lucky to be blessed with good weather on Anzac Day and we made the most of it by having a glass of cold beer in their courtyard with our unhealthy lunch of pizza and chips. We ordered the spicy chorizo pizza with fried capers and tiger prawns and a side of shoestring fries to share. I'm usually not a fan of pizza but the combination of the spicy chorizo with the fresh succulent prawns and capers was splendid. I particularly enjoyed the pizza base which was crispy on the edges but chewy on the inside as well as the presentation of our serving of crispy shoestring fries that was served piping hot and not over-seasoned

Overall, we had a really enjoyable meal at The Birdcage. The setting had a nice ambience, the food was good and they did not charge us any surcharges despite dining on a public holiday. The menu is rather limited for lunch and because they only open from 12pm onwards, they do not have any breakfast/brunch option. However, I would love to come back again to try their dinner menu.

Oh, did I mention that they have free parking available for diners?
Jan 09, 2014
5
Ran W
+5
Always great vibes inside and out in the courtyard on a sunny afternoon, and this week they have a collab with @GarageProject to raise funds for @EverybodyEats from sales of Good Shout beer. Good one!
5
Cyril Marychurch
+5
We recently hosted our son's 21st birthday celebration at The Birdcage Tavern, and it was an absolute triumph! The entire experience deserves not just five stars, but an extra plus for the outstanding service and unforgettable atmosphere. First and foremost, a huge shout-out to Phil, the owner, Jeremy, the manager, and the entire staff for doing a fantastic job. Their dedication and attention to detail made the night flow seamlessly, catering to all our needs. The culinary experience at The Birdcage Tavern deserves special mention. The food was nothing short of outstanding! A heartfelt thank you to the kitchen staff for their culinary prowess. Every dish was a delight, and our guests couldn't stop raving about the delicious spread. The venue itself is a gem with its fantastic character and a story to tell. It provided the perfect backdrop for our celebration, creating a unique and memorable atmosphere. The Birdcage Tavern goes beyond being just a venue; it's an experience filled with charm and history. In summary, if you're looking for a wonderful venue to host a special event, The Birdcage Tavern is the place to be. Kudos to Phil, Jeremy, and the entire team for making our son's 21st birthday celebration truly exceptional. Five stars plus, without a doubt!
5
Bronwyn Toamau
+5
Massive shout out to Phil and the Birdcage Tavern staff, our son had his 21st Birthday on 26/05/2023 Friday, wow what a night, The Birdcage Tavern made everything flow perfectly and the food was absolutely 💯, top recommendations to this establishment. Nga Mihi Kia koutou 🥳🎶.
5
SUSAN POWELL
+5
After doing two 21st birthdays myself we decided to book a venue for the last 21st - Phil and his team at the Birdcage made the whole process so easy. The venue is excellent and the food and the service was great. We put up a few of our own personal decorations but it is already well decorated. We had so many lovely comments from our guests about the venue and the night that we easily give the Birdcage and its Team a 10/10
5
Kiara Tiatia
+5
We had our wedding reception at the birdcage tavern! And it was so perfect for us! The service was amazing and super helpful! They had decor that went well with our theme already! Everyone raved of their food! Cannot recommend enough!
5
Lareesa Watkins
+5
I had my wedding Reception at The Birdcage Tavern, was amazing. The best communication leading up to the event and outstanding service. The food was delicious and catered for all types of requirements that I had asked for. The staff and owner felt like part of my family highly recommend any type of event or going for a meal 😁
5
Sheldon Marquis
+5
The restaurant was perfect for our social gathering! The staff were very attentive, had everything planned out for our large group, and the food came out super quickly. I"ll make sure to book with them again when we have large groups to accommodate for.
5
Toni Newson
+5
We had an amazing time at the Birdcage Tavern where we held our daughters 21st. Phil was the most attentive host and kept us informed throughout the night regarding the bar tab, food, cake etc. It was so easy for us to organize and on the night the staff were awesome. Highly recommend booking your private functions here. The carpark is also a huge bonus, one you won't find anywhere else in Auckland Central! Guests also raved about the food served and the timing of when they arrived were perfect. Thanks again to the team at The Birdcage tavern
5
Natasha Wilson
+5
What a fantastic night, I am so grateful to the team at the Birdcage! The food was great, the service was phenomenal everyone had a fantastic night. The whole process from going to view the space to booking in my event was so smooth and the communication around the event was top notch. Great value for money for the food, my guests were raving about the quality. Being able to have our own playlist playing and the bonus of the video screens for a few funny photos was a real bonus and helped personalise the space for our night. It was above and beyond my expectations, thank you so much. Will definitely be recommending to others.
5
Jiwon Kang
+5
Their daily specials are of great value, especially Thursday (burger) and Friday (fish n chips) specials, $24 + a beer/wine. I love how they have a panfried option for the fish and chips as well. There are tables to accommodate for large groups as well, both inside and outside are a vibe. Service is welcoming and attentive, the place feels well organized!
5
Helen Ansell
+5
We enjoyed wonderful hospitality from the staff at The Birdcage. Phil and his team run a great pub with quality food and staff are helpful and friendly. Our guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Phil's professionalism made organising our 50ths a piece of cake. I would highly recommended using The Birdcage for your next function.
5
Charles Wallace
+5
Wow what an amazing 40th my twin and I had at the Bird Cage. This is my local and Phil and his team are always amazing with their customer service and just general awesomeness but the night exceeded our expectations. The food was delish, drinks were flowing, great atmosphere and vibe and amazing staff. Slick operation from booking, food platters and drinks menu to pick from, doing our own music on Spotify etc nothing was too much trouble. Our guests had the best night and all commented on what a mint venue the Bird Cage is and how fabulous the staff were. Thanks heaps team for making it such a memorable party. For anyone looking at a venue I cannot recommend these guys high enough. From Emma Wallace.
5
Sally Floyd
+5
We had our daughters 21st at the Bitdcage last weekend. Was a huge success, great venue, platter food was awesome, subsidised bar and the guests thought it was the best 21st ever. Phil and his team were fabulous to work with, nothing was a problem, happy for us to decorate the Birdcage on Sat afternoon and the staff were very accommodating. Would absolutely recommend them for a function and I would not hesitate to have another function here. Thanks so much to the awesome Birdcage team for a great night. Best wishes, Sally Floyd.
5
Kelly Tawhai
+5
I was lucky enough to secure The Birdcage Tavern as the venue for my birthday party on 18 December 2021. I would wholeheartedly recommend booking your function here! The process was made super easy by quick and efficient communication from Phil. The venue has a great feel and vibe to it, it's in a beautiful historic building! The restaurant area is spacious and already had decorations up that worked well with my theme of pink and yellow. It boasts fantastic indoor and outdoor spaces, perfect for large events! Their staff were super helpful, incredibly friendly and a pleasure to deal with. The food was delicious and received rave reviews from my guests!! The sound system was great and the ability to play my own Spotify playlists meant I could tailor the evening's music exactly how I wanted it to go. Oh, and can highly recommend their cocktails!! If you are thinking about booking this place, do it now so you don't miss out!! 5 Stars!!!
5
Bobby Zak Bennett
+5
The fish and chips were just amazing! Fantastic value for money - especially on Thursday (edit: Friday). Hopefully it wasn't just a one off! The burger deal on Thursday is also amazing! Such awesome and friendly staff, too 😊
4
Lindy Lawn
+4
Lovely spot, great food, not sure why you keep your disabled toilet locked? Staff unlocked it for me but then locked it again, shouldn't need to find staff everytime you need a comfort stop?
4
Geena Han
+4
Had wonderful night at The Birdcage Tavern. The waitress are nice and we really enjoy the food tonight. most important they got own big carpark behind building so convenience.
5
Mihi Blair
+5
Such an amazing venue and for a 21st. We are really grateful that it was made it super easy for us to relax and enjoy with our family and friends.
5
Aingaran Manokaran
+5
Hosted my 30th birthday celebration here on a Friday night. Was a great location and the manager and staff were very helpful on the night. Platters came out in a timely manner as well as the main food. Highly recommend for an event.
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