Ima Cuisine

Incredible first time experience. Food and service was absolutely top notch!! The care and attention taken for myself being a gluten-free eater was so awesome and hugely appreciated. Thanks so much for the fantastic evening.

Ima Cuisine has a great reputation in Auckland, and while there are indeed positives to the dining experience, my recent visit left me with mixed feelings. The labne, pita, and carrot salad were simple yet well-executed, providing a reminder of the restaurant's capability to produce good food. The katayef and crumble were also enjoyable, ending the meal on a sweet note. However, the dining experience was marred by several issues. The entrance, with door handles missing, resulting in confusion and an unwelcome wait in the rain for most guests. Inside, while the staff were friendly, their service lacked coordination, which meant we had to actively seek assistance throughout our meal. The portion sizes were on the smaller side, which might surprise those expecting the abundance suggested by the menu. The gluten-free pita was disappointing, and the main courses varied in quality; the lamb shoulder was bland and watery, and while the mesachan chicken was flavorful, it was unfortunately dry. The tomato salad didn't hit the mark either, lacking freshness and seasoning, and the minced lamb shish kebab was initially served undercooked, necessitating a do-over, although the second attempt was much improved. It’s disheartening to report these shortcomings because Ima Cuisine has previously shown that they can do better. Whether it’s a shift in focus or loss of staff, it seems that a critical assessment and some adjustments are necessary to elevate the restaurant back to its renowned standards. For now, there are alternative places in Auckland offering similar dishes with more consistency.