Squiddies has brought this corporate food blogger much satisfaction over the years. It’s home to some of Auckland’s best seafood, served in a beautifully restored post-office building that now resembles a shrine to surfing and beach culture.
Seventies surf memorabilia graces Squiddies white-washed walls and Endless Summer perpetually plays on screens around the gastro-bar, making Eden Terrace feel that much closer to the beach.
While outdoor seating is limited, nothing beats a few Big Kahuna lagers and a platter of Salt n Pepper Squid in the sun during an afternoon meeting.
Squid Row offers a comprehensive lunch menu, which also features non-seafood options, all at very reasonable prices.
Service is generally fast and friendly with food arriving promptly, allowing lunch meetings to fit within the hour.
In terms of quality and value, Squiddies is a safe bet. Our party of three ordered the market fish, the Marlborough salmon fillet and the calamari and chips. The market fish featured a deliciously moist pan fried snapper, with roast capsicum, salad and rosemary fried potatoes.
While the main lunch menu features meals priced between $20 and $35, Squid Row also has a $12 lunch special menu available everyday from 12-3pm.
As a seafood lover and surfer, it’s hard to fault Squid Row. It’s not 5-star cuisine (though the French Cafe is right next door if that’s what you are after), but it’s some of the best seafood in a unique and quirky environment.
Overall rating: 8/10
- Location: 6
- Value: 8
- Service: 8
- Quality: 8
- Environment: 7
- X-Factor: 8
Squid Row, 224 Symonds St, Auckland
