About
Welcome to WATDA, a charming Korean eatery nestled in the vibrant heart of Ponsonby, Auckland. Located at 8 Brown Street, this cozy restaurant has quickly become a must-visit destination for Korean food enthusiasts. With a phone number of +64 22 397 8441, WATDA stands out not only for its delightful dishes but also for its warm and inviting atmosphere.
The moment you step inside WATDA, you're greeted with a relaxed vibe that's perfect for a casual dining experience or even a romantic date night. Customers have lauded the friendly and prompt service, enhancing the overall dining experience. With a selection of petite tables for intimate gatherings and ample outdoor seating ideal for those sunny Auckland days, WATDA caters to various dining plans.
The menu may be small, but it packs a punch with classic Korean set dishes. A recurring favorite mentioned by guests is the Dolsot Octopus, which was described as bursting with flavor—a true standout that demands a second visit! Other highlights include the pork and bulgogi, both beautifully presented alongside an array of sides, including banchan that many patrons rave about. While some dishes may be priced a tad higher, the quality and flavors make it well worth the investment.
One notable aspect of WATDA is the attention to detail in their meal presentations. The flavorful portions, though not excessively generous, provide just the right amount to leave diners satisfied. Although a few reviews mention that some meats might lean towards the drier side, the accompanying sauces keep the meals enjoyable and tasty.
For those looking for a unique experience, the seafood tofu soup has also caught the attention of guests with its perfect seasoning, making for a delightful winter treat. The little heaters by some tables add a thoughtful touch, ensuring warmth during the colder months.
With its welcoming atmosphere, delicious Korean cuisine, and efficient service, WATDA proves to be a delightful journey into Korean gastronomy. Whether you are indulging in the vibrant dishes or savoring the thoughtful ambiance, WATDA is undoubtedly a spot you'll want to return to time and again. Don’t miss out on this dining gem—great Korean food awaits!
“ Lovely service, friendly and prompt. Atmosphere is pretty relaxed, petite tables but didn’t feel squeezed. Decent amount of outdoor seating also available perfect in summer. Small menu but a good selection-all the typical classics you could think of when it comes to Korean set dishes. Had to go for pork and bulgogi. Very nice presentation the set meals and each person had their array of sides. Slightly on the expenny side of Korean dishes but considering the soup and fried mushroom sides it works out to be fairly standard if not just a few dollars more from other places I’ve tried that doesn’t have a soup and fried mushroom sides. Note no kimchi sides. The meat portion was a good amount not overly generous but enough to keep one satisfied. Both meats were flavorful but a bit on the drier side, though enough sauce to keep the meal tasty. A good experience if you’re a lover of Korean food! ”
“ Went looking for Japanese, found Korean! The perfect set, crisp pickles and veggies, sweet pork, soup and rice. Balanced and well priced. ”
“ It was the most delicious Korean food I've had in Auckland. The food pairs perfectly with mocktail, so I highly recommend giving it a try. The staff was very friendly, which made the dining experience even more enjoyable. The restaurant offers a unique atmosphere, either reflecting a modern interior design. Sometimes, Korean music plays in the background, adding to the overall experience. ”
“ Had heard about Watda, so needed to go try the food! Always enjoy the banchan served with Korean mains and these were not disappointing. The Dolsot Octopus was a stand out dish and I'll order it again. The service was fast and efficient, with seating inside and out. Would definitely recommend. ”
“ Seafood tofu soup was nicely seasoned. Perfect portion for one but slightly expensive for $31. Side dishes were also nice. No bookings, walk in only. We waited 10ish minutes for a table. ”
“ Watda is truly worth the hype! The food is beyond amazing—I honestly can’t even put it into words. Every bite was bursting with flavor and left me wanting more. Definitely a spot I’ll be coming back to again and again. ”
“ Cosy restaurant with amazing food, perfect for a date night. Dishes are full of flavour and sides pair perfectly. Our table even had a little heater next to it which was a nice touch for a winter night. Some tables are shared in case that’s not your thing but we found there to be plenty of room. ”