Return
Return is a restaurant built on intention. From the moment you walk through the door, there is a confidence that flows through every part of the experience, from the warm welcome and polished service to the thoughtful cooking coming from Matt Lambert's kitchen. Nothing feels overworked; instead, every decision is purposeful and every detail carefully considered. Guests can choose to dine à la carte or settle in for the six-course Short Story or 10-course Long Story tasting menus, each showcasing
Pearl is the En Primeur Club membership app — saves, bookings, and concierge access live there. Same editors, same standards.
- Address
- 165 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
- Phone
- +64 9 883 7165
- Website
- returnrestaurant.com
- Directions
- Get directions
Saves & bookings on Pearl
Return is a restaurant built on intention. From the moment you walk through the door, there is a confidence that flows through every part of the experience, from the warm welcome and polished service to the thoughtful cooking coming from Matt Lambert's kitchen. Nothing feels overworked; instead, every decision is purposeful and every detail carefully considered. Guests can choose to dine à la carte or settle in for the six-course Short Story or 10-course Long Story tasting menus, each showcasing
- pāua doughnut
- fish and chips (snack)
- steak and chips tartare
- chicken nuggets with caviar
- kingfish crudo
- Cambridge duck
- market fish hāpuku
- wild venison
- pavlova meringue cylinder
Recognition history
Dated appearances from independent guides and award organizations, with the underlying list record or original source where available.
Cuisine Good Food Awards New Restaurant of the Year
Cuisine Good Food Awards
Cuisine Good Food Guide 2 Hat
Cuisine Good Food Guide
Cuisine Good Food Guide Selection
Cuisine Good Food Guide
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At a Glance
- Sophisticated
- Modern
- Intimate
- Trendy
- Date Night
- Special Occasion
- Business Dinner
- Group Dining
- Celebration
- Design Destination
- Standalone
- Private Dining
- Extensive Wine List
- Local Sourcing
- Sustainable Seafood
- Street Scene
Current opening hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 5–10 PM
- Wednesday
- 5–10 PM
- Thursday
- 5–10 PM
- Friday
- 5–10 PM
- Saturday
- 5–10 PM
- Sunday
- Closed
Hours can change for holidays and private events. Last verified .
A refined, moody dining room with polished yet warm neighbourhood hospitality, offering a modern, considered atmosphere that feels like a grown-up, internationally prominent restaurant while remaining approachable.