Making its long-awaited New Zealand debut, modern American steakhouse Saxon + Parole has opened in Commercial Bay bringing accolades and attitude from New York City.
We’ve already been introduced to three fun and frisky venues that have opened in Commercial Bay under American hospitality group AvroKO — The Poni Room, Ghost Donkey and Liquorette — all of which have solidified themselves as must-visit destinations for good food, good drinks and good times.
Saxon + Parole is set to continue on this theme, rounding out the group’s New Zealand hospitality portfolio on a high having been named one of the “Best Bars in America” by Esquire magazine. Its New Zealand outpost is undeniably stunning; a triple-height space offers sweeping views of the Waitematā Harbour, with a 48-seat mezzanine situated above the main floor.
For an entirely intimate experience, the Martini Room seats up to four guests, with a martini service and record player, perfect for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap. The wine room is also notable, with custom fridges that hold the restaurant’s 80+ bottle list, and a large table where guests can wait for their booking or sit specifically for a guided tasting.
Executive chef Brad Farmerie has designed a food menu with a particular emphasis on locally-sourced meat and seafood; the extensive raw bar selection is a highlight, featuring impressively abundant seafood platters that are both a joy to look at and a joy to eat, as is an award-winning burger made with 28-day dry-aged beef.
For dessert, nostalgia reigns supreme with the seasonal American pie selection delivered by trolley service, served with custom ice cream flavours.
The wine and drinks list is extensive indeed, championing the unique ingredients on our shores in a selection of house-made syrups, sodas, juices and bitters to complement the curation of artisanal spirits, including a bespoke whiskey made especially for the restaurant.
Classic cocktails are mixed to perfection, and for a hopped-up weekend brunch don’t miss the DIY Bloody Mary bar, the DIY martini trolley (we’ll take ours dirty with extra olives, thanks), and Manhattans on tap.
With so many details carefully considered, fair to say Saxon + Parole is the latest restaurant drawing us, with haste, to Commercial Bay.
