Blue Elephant Thai Restaurant Parnell
Blue Elephant Thai Restaurant Parnell
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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+64 9-358 3095+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
5:30 pm - 12:00 am
Tue
5:30 pm - 12:00 am
Wed
5:30 pm - 12:00 am
Thu
11:30 am - 2:30 pm5:30 pm - 12:00 am
Fri
11:30 am - 2:30 pm5:30 pm - 12:00 am
Sat
5:30 pm - 12:00 am
Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
$11.00 – $55.00
CUISINES
Asian, Thai
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Is this restaurant romantic?
Details
About
Auckland's taste sensation in a warm cosy atmosphere with great service. Whether for a romantic dinner or lunch, a catch up with friends or family or for business entertainment, we can cater for your needs. With seating capacity maxing out at around 40 to 50 (depending on seating arrangements), it is advisable to make a telephone reservation. The restaurant also offers great wines, cocktails, beers and a nice selection of teas. Open 6 nights (closed Mondays & public holidays)
PRICE RANGE
$11.00 – $55.00
CUISINES
Asian, Thai
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Cash Only, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.5
827 reviews
Excellent
619
Very good
151
Average
42
Poor
9
Terrible
6
Csilla S
Auckland2 contributions
May 2020 • none
While restaurants are closed for eating in because of Covid-19, we decided to order takeaway to celebrate the anniversary of our engagement and support our favourite restaurant in Auckland. Not only is the food delicious, but the staff always gives that extra attention and warmth to make us feel special. Karen, the owner, was there today to give my husband our order (keeping distance, etc. as required, of course). Our meals were delicious as always (lots of fresh vegetables, generous portions and so yummy). We missed the wonderful ambience of the restaurant, but we look forward to being back there when things properly reopen.
Written 2 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil_S_NZ
Auckland14 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
We had a meal here on the last night that restaurants were permitted to be open before the nationwide lockdown (Sunday 22nd March). We decided to celebrate my wife's birthday a few day's early as we didn't know at that time whether restaurants would still be operating a few days later, and it is a good thing we did. Although it was much quieter than usual (as expected given international situation) we were given our usual warm welcome and treated well by the friendly staff, while taking all appropriate & recommended health precautions. The food was delicious as always - we particularly like the Herb Wraps, Scallops, Blue Elephant Friends, Chubby Young Blue Elephant and Peanut Lovers. We particularly like the decor in the Parnell restaurant. This is our number 1 choice of place to go in Auckland for all special occasions
Written 17 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wayneb583
Thank you for your delightful review. We are currently creating an order/payment system online - hopefully this can be completed this week in time for any move the Government may make to level 3.
Regards Karen and Wayne
Written 19 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Annemarie
21 contributions
July 2020 • none
we went here for Friday lunch and enjoyed the elephant themed decor and gracious service. our food was very well done, piping hot and super tasty.
a wonderful satay sauce on tender chicken (so often saty can be tough). huge range of vegeterian options as nearly all meals can be made with tofu.
quiet location and not to busy.
excellent value for money as it is reasonably priced food for the quality of it.
my only small grumble was my ginger beer was erved at room temperature with no ice, and even though it was a bottle of Bundaberg I only got a glass and needed to ask for the rest of the bottle. my husbands beer was in a glass with the remaining in the bottle and was chilled
Written 20 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sian J
44 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
The staff were very pleasant but didn’t seem that “with it” (offered my husband rice with his spicy rice dish, which was made of, guess what...rice). The portions are way too big meaning there must be so much wasted food. I had the cashew nut stir fry with tofu but the pieces of tofu were so chunky they hadn’t taken on any of the flavour of the sauce. Also, the vegetables were massive & therefore very difficult to eat. My favourite cuisine is Thai & I’ve had so much better than this for a fraction of the cost. If you fancy Thai in Central Auckland, my suggestion would be to try somewhere else.
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wayneb583
What can I say? It actually sounds like a kind review. The rice would have been brought out for your wive's dish. We have fresh herbs on our food so it will not taste like most food from Thai restaurants that flavour with enhancers.
Written 19 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Diane C
Auckland141 contributions
Nov 2022 • none
For our last visit to The Blue Elephant my title was "Return visit essential". This visit we were very surprised that there were only two FoH staff, and, though pleasant enough seemed overworked. The entree was barely adequate for the price with one piece of five items to share between two people, no knife to cut them in half. We then had to wait 30 minutes for our two mains which was not really acceptable as people who arrived after us were served within 10 minutes of arrival. Previously hot towels were offered to us at the end of the meal, not on this occasion. On a rainy night the walk up the cobbles to find the toilet is fraught with danger.
Written 27 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wayne B
Thank you for your review. Staff issues have happened to us lately and unfortunately it can be hard to control. The hot towels have not been available for 3 years as the lady that provided them closed down so we are sorry about that as well. I'm not sure what entree for two you had - our normal entree for two has 2 of all our popular entrees. And yes the loilets are scattered around the village which operates under one licence. We do provide umbrellas in case it is raining. In summary I'm sorry your visit was so disappointing
Written 28 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AmandaW
10 contributions
Aug 2021 • family
My family of 4 dined here last night to celebrate my son's birthday and were made to feel very special indeed! Very polite and attentive service in a warm and friendly environment. My 11yr old had chosen this place for his birthday dinner after we dined here for the first time last year. At the end of the meal, they brought him a free dessert of fried banana and icecream (with spoons for us all!) and sang him happy birthday! Such super lovely staff and really tasty food. Highly recommend, we will definitely be back!
Written 5 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wayne B
Thank you so much for your lovely review
Written 26 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Somatoxi
Haywards Heath14 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
30 metres off Parnell street this is a hidden gem well worth seeking out. Friendly service, excellent food and plenty of it. What more could you want? The duck curry is warm and delicious and worth a special mention.
A hidden gem!
Written 4 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wayneb583
Thank you so much for your kind review
Written 6 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Muzza1947
Auckland17 contributions
Aug 2023 • friends
Despite receiving an afternoon telephone call to validate our dinner booking we had to wait far too long for our table to become available. Apparently a group occupying our table got their date wrong but we couldn't work out why it was us that had to stand around for far too long.
As for the food only one of our group of six rated it above average.
A terribly disappointing experience all round.
Staff were very pleasant.
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wayne Bevins
Thank you for taking the time to write this review.
Written 3 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
guy_pierce
Auckland Central15 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
We had take-aways during L3 . Quantity is good, quality of vegetables etc good, but the Thai flavours were very Kiwi Thai and not authentic Thai. Little to no flavour as we would expect of Thai food. Very disappointing, given the rave reviews we had heard about.
Written 20 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wayne B
Fresh herbs in our Thai food is a more milder cleaner style of cuisine as we do not use flavour enhancers like the majority of others
Written 17 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Traveller Enjoy
Dunedin93 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
I would not be able to classify this Parnell restaurant as excellent. Main staff member was sharp and business like rather than friendly ad helpful. very dark inside the restaurant. Toilet a long way from the restaurant up steps etc, There was a mistake with only receiving one entree instead of 2. Unusual to have to pay additional for rice.
Food was average compared to other cheaper Thai restaurants we have been to.
Written 17 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Acrobatic1
Cambridge76 contributions
Mar 2024 • family
We came here for a long awaited family reunion and were so looking forward to it, given the reviews and people we had talked to generally. We are not from Auckland but the family came together in Parnell for this special occasion.
The food, when it came- very ad hoc - was really very good, hence the 3 stars. The service however was forgetful and chaotic, probably the worst we had ever experienced in NZ. The waiting staff really did not know whether they were coming or going. Our orders were either simply forgotten or came so late that everyone ate at different times or lost interest by the time the food did arrive.
We noticed the takeaway service was thriving. At the same time, tables of people were patiently waiting for what seemed like an age for their food.
The service for us was so slow and forgetful and this will be our overriding memory of eating here. On a good day, maybe this place is the place to go but we won’t be returning.
Written 17 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wayne Bevins
Thank you.
Yes we know the day you are talking about. It was a very hectic day for us. From time to time this sort of thing can happen in restaurants - thankfully only on very rare occasions. We were advised by our manager and have put in place some suitable measures to help.
We are always looking for ways to remedy situations such as this, without creating issues for customers.
Our sincere apologies for any delays you endured.
Written 20 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wendy and Albie N
Auckland145 contributions
May 2021 • none
This was our first time here.
The ambience is nice, the staff are very friendly and accommodating.
The food choices were pretty amazing and the one entrée/appetizer and two mains that we shared were delicious.
We felt that the price of wine by the [small] glass or bottle was on the rather high side
Written 19 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wayne B
Thank you
Written 24 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Barbara H
Melbourne153 contributions
Nov 2023 • couples
Definitely worth a visit the food is amazing.
For entree we had the Elephant sausage which had a lovely kick to it. Enough pieces for two to share.
For main we had the sweet and sour pork which was excellent. The meat was so tender and the fruits in the sauce just gave it a lovely taste. We also tried duck pad Thai which was lovely. The duck gave it just a delicious touch. Both mains were enjoyed with the jasmine rice. Meals sizes were very large.
Dessert we shared the banana fritter again delicious.
Wine a little pricey but we shared a bottle of the Syrah from Hawke’s bay.
The restaurant is nearly deserving of a 5 but service was a little slow but don’t let that out you off.
Written 8 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wayne Bevins
Thank you
Written 21 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
coffeeight
Auckland Central113 contributions
Apr 2024 • couples
An unforgettable birthday dinner experience! From the warm welcome by the manager to the impeccable service throughout, our evening at Blue Elephant Thai Restaurant was nothing short of extraordinary. The authentic Thai dishes served were visually stunning and bursting with traditional flavors, a true testament to their commitment to authenticity. We left feeling fully satisfied and already planning our next visit. Highly recommended to all Thai food enthusiasts – Blue Elephant is truly the best Thai restaurant we’ve ever been to! Thank you so much again :))
Written 6 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wayne Bevins
Thank you so much
Written 9 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
philbonz
Auckland57 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
This is well above your usual Thai, and actually run by a Thai lady and her husband! Entrees are wonderful and more than just the standard choices. Possibly the best part of the meal. Go for the platter for 2 or several depending on party size.
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wayneb583
Thank you so much for your kind review.
Written 19 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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