Restaurant
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Ben Bayly's contemporary New Zealand restaurant on the second level of Commercial Bay, awarded a Michelin star in 2026 and cooking with produce from its own…
Gemmayze Street
Family-run Lebanese restaurant in the 1920s St Kevins Arcade on Karangahape Road, led by chef Samir Allen, with leadlight windows over Myers Park.
At a glance
- Type
- Lebanese
- Area
- Karangahape Road, Auckland, New Zealand
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Opening
- Open 5 days a week (closed Monday, Sunday)
- Official site
- gemmayzestreet.co.nz
Good to know
- Arcade setting
- Views over Myers Park
- Family run
Why we recommend it
Gemmayze Street is named after a well-known street in Beirut and serves modern Lebanese food in St Kevins Arcade, an early Art Deco arcade built in the 1920s off Karangahape Road. Chef Samir Allen, who previously spent several years as sous-chef at The Grove, runs the kitchen, while his mother Liane looks after front of house. The family's Lebanese roots go back to relatives who emigrated from Bsharri in the 1890s and settled in Dunedin, where Samir grew up, and the restaurant describes itself as the next chapter of a story written in food, love and family.
The dining room is on an upper level with leadlight windows that look out over Myers Park, and framed family photographs hang on the walls. It feels warm and personal rather than formal, which suits the generous, sharing style of the food.
The menu is built for sharing. Mezze plates open the meal, and the hummus, topped with crunchy fried chickpeas, has become a signature. Dishes that have featured include scampi with saffron and lemon purée, chickpeas and house-made noodles, a trevally crudo with citrus and mint and a braised lamb shoulder spiced with caraway, served with pearl couscous and deboned at the table. The menu changes, so check the current food and drink lists, which are published as downloads on the website, before you go.
Gemmayze Street was named a Bib Gourmand in the first Michelin Guide to New Zealand in 2026, recognising good cooking at moderate prices, and it holds a hat in the 2026 Cuisine Good Food Guide.
The restaurant opens for dinner only: Tuesday to Thursday from 6pm to 9.30pm, and Friday and Saturday from 6pm to 10pm. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Booking is advisable, especially at weekends and for groups, and can be done through the website. Gift cards are available and the restaurant also hosts events.
It suits groups of friends and families who like to share, and couples looking for a relaxed but distinctive dinner. The arcade's position off Karangahape Road, close to Myers Park, makes it easy to reach from the central city.
Gemmayze Street FAQs
What kind of food does Gemmayze Street serve?
Modern Lebanese food designed for sharing, starting with mezze.
When is it open?
Tuesday to Thursday 6pm to 9.30pm, Friday and Saturday 6pm to 10pm. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Where is Gemmayze Street?
In St Kevins Arcade, 183 Karangahape Road, on an upper level overlooking Myers Park.
Who is the chef?
Samir Allen, whose family has Lebanese roots going back to the 1890s.
What should you order?
The hummus with fried chickpeas is a signature, alongside mezze and whatever slow-cooked lamb dish is on the menu.
Has it won awards?
It received a Bib Gourmand in the 2026 Michelin Guide New Zealand.
Do you need to book?
Booking is advisable, especially at weekends; reservations are made through the website.
Where does the name come from?
Gemmayze is a street in Beirut.