“At Olle, you can wander through a menu that’s both familiar and adventurous, with a focus on simple, fresh ingredients that invite you to take a culinary journey without leaving your comfort zone,” is how Kevin Choi describes his new co-venture, a beautifully conceived fusion eatery in the heart of Milford.
Here, the focus falls on inventive yet approachable modern-Asian/Kiwi fare served in a space that feels at once luxurious and laid-back, contemporary and cosy. “We’re passionate about creating a space that feels like a home away from home.” says Choi, “Olle is not just about food and drink — it’s about community, bringing people together, and introducing them to something new in a welcoming and approachable way.”
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The restaurant’s fit-out was left in the capable hands of February Design — a studio with a reputation for creating beautiful, functional, and innovative spaces. “Their ability to create unique, memorable environments that also prioritise the customer experience really stood out to us.” says Choi, adding that February didn’t just take charge of the design; they also took care of manufacturing the furniture, which allowed Choi and his team to have full control over the aesthetic and quality of the pieces within the eatery. “The furniture, carefully crafted in-house by their team, ties the whole space together” he tells me, “Each piece was thoughtfully designed to be both visually striking and highly functional. From the custom-made seating to the unique light fixtures, every element was chosen with the intention of creating an inviting atmosphere that would feel both sophisticated and accessible.”
As such, at Olle, the vibe is sophisticated yet relaxed — “Each visit feels like a little escape” according to Choi, and I have to agree. Olle is the perfect spot to indulge in some quality food and drinks and unwind, leaving feeling nourished — in every sense of the word.
The menu sits at the intersection of modern Asian flavours and the best of local produce — with a twist, featuring fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared with somewhat traditional techniques. As has become synonymous with dining culture in Auckland, the majority of the dishes are designed to be shared, making it easy for groups to explore a variety of flavours.
According to Choi, highlights include Olle’s signature double glazed wagyu galbi, which is paired with wasabi, confit garlic, and pickled kale, as well as the crispy eggplant with sichuan caramel, and cashew nut cream. But there are a host of creative share plates that bring something new to the table, and we’re enthusiastically eyeing up the Hawke’s Bay lamb rib with aged balsamic and cumin, and a very tasty and decadent looking scallop & crab ravioli with sweetcorn beurre blanc. Sublime.
The drinks menu at Olle was designed to complement the food and elevate the dining experience, and as such, you’ll find a list centred on carefully curated wines, local craft beers, and creative cocktails that bring out the flavours of our dishes.
“Our signature cocktails combine local spirits with unique Asian ingredients, such as Umeshu & Limoncello Spritz, giving them a distinctive edge,” Choi tells me. There is also a thoughtful edit of non-alcoholic beverages that reflect Olle’s ethos of fresh, bold flavours. The team at Olle feel passionately about supporting local producers, and every dish and drink is carefully crafted with that in mind.
With over 20 years experience — working in restaurants in different countries, gaining exposure to a wide range of culinary traditions and techniques, combined with obvious passion, Choi is throwing everything into Olle — and it shows. “I’ve always felt that New Zealand’s food scene is unique, its proximity to both the Pacific and Asia gives it an incredible culinary diversity that I wanted to explore further,” he tells me, adding, “At the core of my work, I focus on creating dishes that are not only delicious but that also bring something new to the table. I’m excited to bring everything I’ve learned to Olle and share that journey with our customers.” Watch this space, we’re predicting a bright future for this new dining destination.
Opening hours:
Wednesday — Friday, 12pm until 3pm & 5pm until 9pm
Saturday, 11am until 9pm
Sunday, 11am until 6pm
Olle
52 East Coast Road
Milford
