LILLIUS
In typical Husk fashion, though we were tipped off prior that Lillius wasn’t a hoodie and jeans kind of spot, we were still unaware that we were in for quite the lunch experience.
Lillius sure knows how to make a great first impression. From the moment we stepped inside, away from the hustle and bustle that is Khyber Pass Road, it felt like we entered into something so picture perfect it should be in a magazine. The aesthetics alone certainly captured our wee designer hearts. Think plush velvet seating, brushed concrete walls, open kitchen framed by a concrete archway, dried floral chandelier… we could go on.
The aesthetics were just a taster of the high standard of food and service that was to follow. We were warmly welcomed and attended to from the moment we stepped inside, and thankfully so because Lillius has the upper-class feel of a place where you question if you’re fancy enough to be there (definitely a napkin-on-lap, use the right cutlery for the right course type-place).
If you’re looking for a fully immersive meal experience, we couldn’t recommend Lillius more. After selecting our combination of the three-course options, we were delivered freshly-baked bread and butter – what a way to start! These set the tone for the meal to come – the bread was perfectly light yet crispy and the butters also flavoursome and the perfect balance for the sourdough. Following the bread came complimentary snacks of Smoked Kahawai and Sourdough Custard – again, each mouthful was flavourful and reflected the carefully crafted details of the Lillius experience.
The intriguing names were a preview of the tantalising goodness that were the main course dishes. The ever-evolving menu offers a culinary adventure of flavours you’ve never tasted, let alone heard of before. We’ll be raving about this place, and saving our pennies so that we can use any special occasion as an excuse to dine here from now on!
Louise had the Kahawai, kawakawa and swede for her first course, the Houhora Pork, celeriac, leaves and endive for her second course, and the Kumara, chocolate and sourdough ice cream for her third course. She said, “I simply LOVE everything about Lillius – the aesthetic, the food and flavour, the plating, the mustard and navy. Current favourite place to eat!”
Katie had the NZ Octopus, chicken wing and leek for her first course, the Market Fish, courgette flower and shellfish for her second course, and the Kumara, chocolate and sourdough ice cream for her third course. She drank a glass of Rose Clos Marguerite 2018 Marlborough. She said, “Why aren’t more people talking about this? The vibes and flavours are right up there, gooooo.”
Mel had the Cauliflower, almond and millet for her first course, the Waikato Lamb, turnip, yoghurt and cos for her second course, and the Kumara, chocolate and sourdough ice cream for her third course. She drank a Lemon and Rosemary Cocktail. She said, “ WOW! This place is amazing and I’m telling all my friends! This is the sort of place you go when you want somewhere just a bit ‘fancy’, perfect for a celebration or a hot date to impress ;). Every mouthful is a treat to savour, the environment and decor is gorgeous. We went at lunch time and it was fab, I imagine the evenings are even more delightful. It’s not an ‘I’m on a budget’ type of experience, so save up your pennies and GO!”
Bri had a custom vegan variations of the set menu and drank a cocktail. She said, “I’m blown away by how accommodating the chefs were, creating custom vegan options of each dish for me. Luxurious fit out and the service was top notch!”
Jeffrey had the NZ Octopus, chicken wing and leek for his first course, the Waikato Lamb, turnip, yoghurt and cos for his second course, and the Kumara, chocolate and sourdough ice cream for his third course. He drank a Lemon and Rosemary Mocktail. He said, “A reasonable price for a three course meal, good food and service.”
Kate had the Cauliflower, almond and millet for her first course, the Waikato Lamb, turnip, yoghurt and cos for her second course, and the Citrus, fennel and goats cheese sorbet for her third course. She drank a Lemon and Rosemary Mocktail. She said, “Wow, how have I not heard of this place before?! The service and decor was stunning, and don’t even get me started on the food – so beyond delicious! I’ll be raving about this place to anyone who will listen. Couldn’t recommend it more!”
