FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What awards has Paris Butter won?

Paris Butter has been recognised both nationally and internationally, including:

• Cuisine Good Food Awards – 3 Hats

• Metro Top 50 Restaurants – Best Fine Dining Restaurant

• Metro Chef of the Year - Zennon Wijlens 

• World Culinary Awards – Best Restaurant in New Zealand

• The Best Chef Awards - 2 Knives for Zennon Wijlens, our Head Chef and Co-Owner

• Cuisine Chef of the Year - Zennon Wijlens 2023/2024

Is there a dress code?

There’s no formal dress code, but most guests opt for smart casual to dressy. We suggest wearing something comfortable and special.

WHEN DO RESERVATIONS OPEN?

Reservations open 90 days in advance.

If your preferred date is not yet available to book, we invite you to submit a reservation request through the booking page on our website. While we cannot guarantee availability, our team will do their best to accommodate your request on a first-come, first-served basis and will be in touch should a suitable table become available.

Who is Nick Honeyman?

Nick Honeyman is a Michelin-starred chef and co-owner of Paris Butter. With extensive experience working in some of the world’s leading kitchens, Nick brings a deep understanding of technique, flavour, and fine dining at the highest level. His international perspective and commitment to excellence play a key role in shaping Paris Butter’s culinary direction, alongside Head Chef Zennon Wijlens and co-owner Catherine George.

Do you allow children?

For the enjoyment of all our guests, we kindly ask that children under 10 not attend. As a fine-dining restaurant, this helps us ensure a calm, seamless experience for everyone.

Do you cater for dietary requirements and allergies?

Yes. We can accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, halal, and pregnancy-related requirements with advance notice.

Please note dietary needs when booking and let us know whether you are coeliac or gluten intolerant, if applicable. While we’ll always do our best, we may not be able to accommodate changes on the night without prior notice.

Is the menu set or does it change?

Our menu evolves constantly, reflecting hyper-seasonal ingredients and the best produce available on the day. While dishes may change without notice, the structure of the experience remains the same.

Can I see the menu in advance?

We share a sample menu on our website to give a sense of the experience's style and flow. As we focus on hyper-seasonal ingredients and work only with the best produce available on the day, the final menu may differ from the sample.

What’s the difference between the six- and eight-course menus?

Both menus showcase the best seasonal ingredients and the Paris Butter dining experience, with the primary difference being the number of courses and the inclusion of our premium signature touches.

The six-course menu offers a slightly shorter journey, featuring one fewer entrée and one fewer main course than the 8 Course Menu.

The eight-course menu is our premium offering, including an additional signature Paris Butter snack, extra courses, and luxury ingredients such as caviar and truffle. It has been designed for guests looking to experience the most complete expression of Paris Butter.

While some elements of the eight-course menu may occasionally be available as additions to the six-course menu, these are subject to availability and incur an additional charge. Guests wishing to enjoy the full premium experience with all the bells and whistles are encouraged to select the 8 Course Menu when booking.

How long does the dining experience take?

The six-course experience is approximately 2-2.5 hours, depending on the pace of eating and on wine pairings or additional courses. The eight-course experience is generally 3 to 3.5 hours; however, we can speed things up or slow them down depending on your preferences. We encourage guests to settle in and enjoy the journey.

What time should we arrive?

We recommend arriving right on time for your booking. This allows the kitchen to deliver the intended experience and keeps the pacing smooth for all guests.

Do you offer wine pairings?

Yes. We offer optional local or international wine pairings designed to complement each course. Pairings can be selected on the night or pre-booked in advance. 

What happens if I need to cancel or alter my party size? 

We ask that any cancellation or change to your reservation be made at least 24 hours in advance. For no-shows or late cancellations, you will be subject to a $195 per person fee, which will be applied to the credit card on file, or you may choose a voucher to return at another time.

Do you offer non-alcoholic pairings?

Yes, we can offer a non-alcoholic pairing. Please let us know in advance if you’d like this option.

What are your opening hours? 

We are open Tuesday to Saturday from 5.30 pm. During holiday periods, this may change. 

Can I add guests to my booking?

Yes, you’re welcome to add additional guests to your table. Any added guests will be charged at the full menu price. With prior notice, we may be able to add guests to your table, depending on the evening's booking structure, as we are a small restaurant. 

Can I use a gift voucher?

Yes, of course. If possible, please let us know in advance; we’re always happy to honour valid Paris Butter gift vouchers on the night.

Can I buy a gift voucher?

Yes. Gift vouchers can be purchased via our website here.

Do you celebrate special occasions?

Absolutely. If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or another special moment, please let us know when booking so we can help make it memorable.

What happens if we’re running late?

If you’re running late, please call us as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to accommodate you, significant delays may affect the experience.

Where can I park?

Street parking is available nearby and is free after 6 pm. We recommend allowing a little extra time to find a park, especially on busy evenings.

Is your restaurant accessible?

Yes, we can accommodate accessible booking. Please contact us ahead of your booking so we can discuss access requirements and ensure we can assist where possible.

Where is the bathroom?

If you head towards the kitchen at the end of the restaurant and turn right, you’ll find the bathroom.

Do you offer private dining or exclusive use?

Yes. We offer private dining and exclusive use options for special occasions. Please get in touch with our team to discuss availability and details.

Do you offer a private chef service? 

Yes, our team will help design a bespoke menu incorporating our unique Paris Butter flavours, service and personality for you and your guests. Talk to our team to create a Paris Butter experience in the comfort of your own home. For more information and to discuss your special evening, please email reservations@parisbutter.co.nz

Who owns Paris Butter?

Paris Butter is co-owned by Catherine George and Head Chef Zennon Wijlens, alongside Nick Honeyman, a Michelin-starred chef. Together, they bring a shared vision for creative New Zealand dining, grounded in exceptional produce, technique, and a deeply considered guest experience. You can find out more about our people here. 

Who is your sister restaurant?

Our sister restaurant is Le Petit Léon, founded by Michelin-starred chef and our co-owner Nick Honeyman. Le Petit Léon is a relaxed neighbourhood bistro focused on simple, seasonal cooking, great wine, and warm hospitality. While the experience is more casual than Paris Butter, both restaurants share the same values around quality produce, thoughtful cooking, and creating places people genuinely love to return to. 

CAN WE SPLIT THE BILL?

For parties of 4 or more guests, we kindly ask that payment is made either as a single bill or split into equal amounts between guests.

Unfortunately, we are unable to process itemised bill splitting, such as allocating specific dishes, beverages, or wine pairings to individual guests.

We appreciate your understanding, as this helps our team provide a smooth and seamless experience for all guests. If you are splitting the bill, please let our team know when requesting the bill so we can assist accordingly.

Still have questions?

If there’s anything we haven’t covered, feel free to reach out to our reservations team. We’re always happy to help.