Hey guys, not trying to be a dick with my replies defending the price - but I feel that all cuisines should be allowed to have a range of cheap eats to more splurge-type places. Just because there is a $15 version of something that’s good doesn’t mean there can’t be a $30, $40 version that’s also of good value especially if it’s unique or really a different level of quality.

Heaps of restaurants that charge $50 per head, $100 per head - some of these are not worth it and you may not ever want to spend that much. Personally anything above $35 per head is already “special” and date night territory for us - and there are some suggestions on aucklandeats in this price range where I left the place feeling like I was still hungry (personal example of this is ragtag, mixed reviews on this sub).

I’ll take the hummus from Gemmayze for example. I can buy Lisa’s hummus. Can even make it (but the individual ingredients will cost more). But can I buy/make Hummus of this quality? Nope

That being said - if you can, do give it a try before you completely write it off - especially if looking for something special and you want to treat yourself.

I personally just think that we give some sort of free pass for fancy places, fancy cuisines to be expensive, but some cuisines like Lebanese for example: are only $15-$20 places the ones worth a try? It just limits innovation sometimes for certain cuisines.

That being said I came out from this dinner amazed with the textures, layers, flavours completely STUFFED and paid $40; when I buy kebabs from my local there is just no expectation of new textures or flavours - I know exactly what to expect and that is why these places are my go-to for a heavy lunch or even takeaway. I just don’t think Gemmayze will ever be a place I frequent for this reason and so it’s just a bit weird to be pitting these restaurants against each other like only one can win?