Windross House Restaurant

About Windross House Restaurant

Windross House Restaurant occupies a gracious historical villa on a tranquil beach-front reserve at Cockle Bay, in Auckland's eastern bays. With a sun-drenched wrap-around verandah and beautiful sea views from its romantic setting, the restaurant serves both everyday diners and those marking special occasions, including weddings.

Inside, the decor exudes timeless elegance: pristine white tablecloths, sparkling glassware, soft background music and professional, attentive service all contribute to a dining experience built around ambience as much as the plate.

The kitchen offers an Italian-style menu with European influences, spanning antipasti, seafood entrees, pasta and risotto, and hearty mains, alongside a comprehensive wine list featuring both local and imported wines. Windross has ample parking and is not BYO. Gift vouchers are available for the food and wine lovers in your life.

Windross House Restaurant: Italian Dining in a Historic Cockle Bay Beachfront Villa

Some restaurants chase trends. Windross House Restaurant leans into something rarer: a gracious historical villa set on a tranquil beach-front reserve at Cockle Bay, in Auckland's eastern bays. With its sun-drenched wrap-around verandah and beautiful sea views, it has become a favourite for both everyday dining and the celebrations people remember for years — weddings included.

A Setting Made for Lingering

Step inside and the tone is set immediately. The decor exudes what the team calls timeless elegance: pristine white tablecloths, sparkling glassware, soft background music and professional, attentive service. It is a room designed for patrons seeking ambience as much as a meal, and reviews from regulars echo the same themes — gorgeous, idyllic, quaint, with superb service and food that is beautifully presented and bursting with flavour.

An Italian Menu with European Influences

The kitchen serves an Italian-style menu with European influences. Entrees range from garlic focaccia and marinated olives with feta to calamari al ferri, pan-fried scallops over arborio rice and the much-loved garlic prawns in a garlic cream sauce — a dish one diner summed up simply as sumptuous.

Pasta and risotto hold the traditional line: spaghetti bolognese with the house beef mince sauce, layered lasagne with bechamel, mozzarella and salami, fiery penne arabiata, and saffron risotto alla Milanese with spinach, mushrooms and onion. Mains climb heartier — chicken mango with camembert in a creamy white wine sauce, veal Marsala flamed in white wine, lamb cutlets in a mint and cream sauce, eye fillet al pepe with stone-ground pepper, and venison ciliegia in a black cherry and red wine sauce. Fish of the day, grilled with olive oil, garlic and fresh lemon, keeps things tied to the coast. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are marked, and gluten-free options are available on request.

Sweet Endings and a Serious Wine Cellar

Dessert deserves its own moment. The tiramisu layers espresso-soaked sponge with chocolate mousse and cream cheese, finished with creme anglaise and chocolate; there is a house cheesecake whose flavour changes daily, cassata folded through Italian vanilla gelato, brandy snaps, affogato and New Zealand sorbet. A full coffee menu follows, from flat whites to affogato-ready espresso.

The wine list is comprehensive, spanning local and imported labels: Marlborough sauvignon blanc and Central Otago pinot noir, Italian pinot grigio and Chianti, Prosecco and Champagne for celebrations, plus ports, dessert wines, whiskies and cognacs. Cocktails run from an Aperol Spritz to an Espresso Martini, with non-alcoholic fizzes alongside. One thing to note: Windross is not BYO, so plan to explore the cellar.

Weddings, Christmas and Celebrations

Windross House is a stunning location for ceremonies, photos, canapes and receptions, with a wedding brochure available to download from the website. Each Christmas the restaurant serves a three-course set menu, with a special price for children aged ten and under; bookings are essential and a deposit per person secures the reservation. Gift vouchers make the experience easy to share with the food and wine lovers in your life.

Planning Your Visit

You will find Windross House at 41 Shelly Beach Parade, Cockle Bay, Auckland, where ample parking takes the stress out of arriving. Reservations can be made online, which is wise for weekends and festive-season dates. Whether it is a long lunch on the verandah, a milestone dinner by white tablecloth light, or the biggest day of your life, the formula stays the same: a gracious villa by the sea, an Italian heart in the kitchen, and service that makes the occasion feel looked after.

Signature items

• Garlic Prawns
• Eye Fillet al Pepe
• Venison Ciliegia
• Fish of the Day
• Antipasto Misto
• Tiramisu

Menu

Port

• Taylor's Fine Tawny — Portuguese tawny port.
• Taylor's 10 Year Old — Aged tawny port from Portugal.
• Taylor's 20 Year Old — Aged tawny port from Portugal.

Rose

• Bondblock Rose — Gisborne rose.
• Growers Mark Pinot Rose — Gisborne pinot rose.
• Jules Taylor Rose — Gisborne rose.
• Chateau Routas Rose — French rose.
• Pasqua 11 Minutes Rose — Italian rose.

Mains

• Chicken Mango — Marinated chicken breast with camembert and mango in a creamy white wine sauce.
• Eggplant Parmigiana — Grilled eggplant, spinach, mashed potato and mozzarella.
• Eye Fillet al Pepe — Eye fillet with stone-ground pepper and roasted garlic cream, seasonal vegetables.
• Veal Marsala — Sliced veal flamed in white wine with garlic and mushrooms, Marsala cream sauce.
• Lamb Cutlets — Grilled and finished in a mint and cream sauce, with mashed potato and vegetables.
• Venison Ciliegia — Pan-fried in a black cherry and red wine sauce with seasonal vegetables.
• Fish of the Day — Grilled with olive oil, garlic and fresh lemon; the menu lists orange roughy.

Sides

• Insalata Verde — Mixed leaves with a homemade Italian vinaigrette.
• Insalata Della Casa — Mixed leaves, tomato, cucumber, capsicum, olives and feta in balsamic vinaigrette.
• Patate Al Rosmarino — Potatoes with garlic and rosemary.
• Seasonal Vegetables — Fresh seasonal vegetables.

Entrees

• Garlic Focaccia Bread — Warm focaccia bread with garlic.
• Olive e Feta — Marinated olives, feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Soup of the Day — Rotating daily soup; seafood chowder is listed on the menu.
• Antipasto Misto — A fine assortment of Italian and New Zealand delicacies.
• Fegatini Di Pollo — Chicken livers, onions, mushrooms, garlic and herbs in a Marsala cream sauce.
• Funghi Trifolatti — Mushrooms, onions, herbs and garlic in white wine, served on toasted focaccia.
• Calamari al Ferri — Grilled calamari with olive oil, garlic, Italian parsley and fresh lemon juice.
• Garlic Prawns — Prawn cutlets served in a garlic cream sauce.
• Scallops — Pan-fried scallops with creamy napoletana sauce over arborio rice.
• Avocado Shrimp Salad — Shrimp and avocado drizzled in a homemade lemon-based mayo sauce.
• Mozzarella Caprese — Mozzarella, tomato, basil, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic.

Desserts

• Tiramisu — Espresso-soaked sponge with chocolate mousse, cream cheese, creme anglaise and chocolate.
• Cheesecake — Cream cheese, lemon juice, fresh cream and biscuit base; ask for today's flavour.
• Cassata — Dried fruit, cherries and nuts in rum, brandy and Marsala, folded into vanilla gelato.
• Lemon Sorrento — Lemon sorbet with a passionfruit centre and lemon cream gelato on vanilla sponge.
• Brandy Snaps — Filled with fresh cream, topped with berry sauce and chocolate.
• Affogato — Vanilla ice cream served with espresso and amaretto liqueur.
• Sorbet — Three scoops of New Zealand sorbet; ask your waiter for today's flavours.

Red Wine

• Waipara Hills Pinot Noir — Canterbury pinot noir.
• Rua Pinot Noir — Central Otago pinot noir.
• Rockburn Pinot Noir — Central Otago pinot noir.
• Akarua Pinot Noir — Central Otago pinot noir.
• Mud House Merlot — Hawke's Bay merlot.
• Pask Declaration Merlot — Hawke's Bay merlot.
• Brookfields Gold Label Cabernet Merlot — Hawke's Bay cabernet merlot blend.
• Chapel Hill The Parson Cabernet Sauvignon — McLaren Vale cabernet sauvignon.
• Pasqua Romeo And Juliets Wall Passimento — Italian red.
• Brookfields Back Block Syrah — Hawke's Bay syrah.
• Pask Declaration Syrah — Hawke's Bay syrah.
• Chapel Hill The Parson Shiraz — McLaren Vale shiraz.
• Geoff Merrill Bush Vine Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre — Shiraz, grenache and mourvedre blend.
• Kaesler Old Bastard Shiraz — Barossa shiraz.
• Marques De Caceres Gran Reserva — Gran reserva red.
• Beretta Terre Di Cariano Amarone DOCG — Italian Amarone from the Veneto.
• Mr Mick Tempranillo — Spanish-style tempranillo.
• Montes Classic Malbec — Malbec.

Cocktails

• Aperol Spritz — Aperol, Prosecco, orange and soda.
• Chilli Margarita — El Jimador Blanco tequila, Cointreau, chilli and lime.
• Americano — Campari, red vermouth, orange and soda.
• Espresso Martini — Finlandia vodka, Kahlua, white chocolate liqueur and espresso.

White Wine

• Lake Chalice Falcon Sauvignon Blanc — Marlborough sauvignon blanc.
• Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc — Marlborough sauvignon blanc.
• The Maker Knighthood Chardonnay — Gisborne chardonnay.
• Duck Hunter Chardonnay — Gisborne chardonnay.
• Jules Taylor Chardonnay — Marlborough chardonnay.
• Pask Declaration Chardonnay — Hawke's Bay chardonnay.
• Allan Scott Riesling — Marlborough riesling.
• Loveblock Sweet Riesling — Marlborough sweet riesling.
• Brookfields Robertson Pinot Gris — Hawke's Bay pinot gris.
• Bondblock Pinot Gris — Gisborne pinot gris.
• Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio DOC — Italian pinot grigio.
• Zephyr Organic Gewurztraminer — Organic gewurztraminer.

Beer & Cider

• Peroni — Italian lager.
• Peroni Libera 0% — Alcohol-free Italian lager.
• Heineken — Dutch lager.
• Steinlager Light — Lower-alcohol New Zealand lager.
• Asahi — Japanese lager.
• Mac's Gold — New Zealand lager.
• Mac's Black — New Zealand dark beer.
• Stella Artois — Belgian lager.
• Corona — Mexican lager.
• Monteith's IPA — India pale ale.
• Carlsberg Pilsner — Danish pilsner.
• Monteith's Apple Cider — Apple cider.
• Rekorderlig Range — Fruit ciders.

Coffee & Tea

• Espresso — Classic short black.
• Macchiato — Espresso marked with milk.
• Long Black — Espresso over hot water.
• Americano — Espresso topped with hot water.
• Flat White — Espresso with steamed milk.
• Cappuccino — Espresso, steamed milk and foam.
• Latte — Espresso with plenty of steamed milk.
• Mochaccino — Chocolate, espresso and milk.
• Hot Chocolate — Rich chocolate with steamed milk.
• Decaffeinated Coffee — All the classics, caffeine-free.
• Tea — English Breakfast, Peppermint, Chamomile, Earl Grey or Green.

Dessert Wine

• Zephyr Noble Riesling — Marlborough noble riesling.
• De Bortoli Noble One — Botrytis dessert wine from NSW.
• Jackson Estate Botrytis Riesling — Marlborough botrytis riesling.
• Akarua Alchemy Ice — Central Otago ice wine style.

Cognac & Brandy

• Delord Bas Armagnac 8 Year Old — Bas armagnac aged eight years.
• Remy Martin VSOP — VSOP cognac.
• Remy Martin XO — XO cognac.

Pasta & Risotto

• Spaghetti Bolognese — With the restaurant's traditional homemade beef mince sauce.
• Spaghetti con Prawn — Prawns, shrimps, mushrooms, parsley and garlic tossed in olive oil and chilli.
• Fettucine di Pollo — Pan-fried chicken with mushrooms, fresh garlic and herbs in a cream sauce.
• Penne Arabiata — Mushrooms, capers, garlic, black olives and chilli in homemade salsa di pomodoro.
• Penne Ciao Bella — Sautéed chicken with basil, pesto, garlic and vegetables in homemade tomato sauce.
• Lasagne — Layers of egg pasta, bechamel, bolognese, mozzarella and salami in homemade tomato sauce.
• Risotto alla Milanese — Saffron risotto with spinach, mushrooms, onion and white wine.

Whisky & Whiskey

• Famous Grouse — Blended Scotch whisky.
• Jack Daniels — Tennessee whiskey.
• Jim Beam — Kentucky bourbon.
• Canadian Club — Canadian whisky.
• Southern Comfort — American whiskey-flavoured liqueur.
• Jameson — Irish whiskey.
• Woodford Reserve — Kentucky bourbon.
• Monkey Shoulder — Blended malt Scotch whisky.
• Glenmorangie 10 Year — Highland single malt Scotch.
• Glenfiddich 12 Year — Speyside single malt Scotch.
• Teeling — Irish whiskey.
• Talisker 10 Year — Islay single malt Scotch.
• The Glenlivet 18 Year — Speyside single malt Scotch.
• The Dalmore 18 Year — Highland single malt Scotch.

Champagne & Methode

• Armand De Chambray Blanc De Blancs Brut — French blanc de blancs brut.
• Villa Miazzi Prosecco — Italian prosecco.
• Santa Margherita Prosecco Superiore DOCG — Italian prosecco superiore.
• Drappier Carte D'Or Brut NV — French Champagne, non-vintage brut.
• Drappier Brut Rose Nature NV — French Champagne, non-vintage brut rose.
• Moet Brut Imperial NV — French Champagne, non-vintage brut.

Water & Non-Alcoholic

• Italian Sparkling Mineral Water — 1000ml bottle of Italian sparkling mineral water.
• House Made Lemonade — Fresh lemonade made in house.
• House Made Lemonade, Lime & Bitters — House lemonade with lime and bitters.
• Coca-Cola — Classic soft drink.
• Ginger Beer — Non-alcoholic ginger beer.
• Apple, Orange, Cranberry, Pineapple or Tomato Juice — Chilled fruit and vegetable juices.

Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

• Cetriolo Fizz — Elderflower, cucumber, lemon and soda.
• Passione Spritz — Passionfruit, pineapple, lemon and soda.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Windross House Restaurant located?

At 41 Shelly Beach Parade, Cockle Bay, Auckland — a historical villa on a tranquil beach-front reserve with sea views.

Is Windross House BYO?

No, the restaurant is not BYO. It offers a comprehensive wine list featuring both local and imported wines, plus cocktails and beer.

What kind of food does Windross House serve?

An Italian-style menu with European influences — antipasti, seafood entrees, pasta and risotto, and mains like eye fillet al pepe, veal Marsala and fish of the day.

Are there vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options?

Yes. The menu marks vegetarian and vegan dishes, and gluten-free options are available on request.

Can I hold a wedding or event at Windross House?

Yes. Windross House is a venue for ceremonies, photos, canapes and receptions, and a wedding brochure is available to download from its website.

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations can be made online via the restaurant's booking page. Bookings are essential for the Christmas set menu, which requires a deposit to secure.

Can I buy a gift voucher?

Yes, Windross House Restaurant vouchers can be purchased through its website — a popular gift for food and wine lovers.

What happens if I bring my own celebration cake?

Bringing your own cake incurs a cakeage charge, so factor that in for birthdays and celebrations.

Tips

• {"body":"Reservations can be made online; for the Christmas set menu, bookings are essential and a deposit per person is required to secure your table.","title":"Book ahead"}
• {"body":"Windross House is not BYO, so budget to order from its comprehensive list of local and imported wines, cocktails and beers.","title":"Leave the BYO wine at home"}
• {"body":"With white tablecloths, sea views and a wedding-friendly setting, this is a natural pick for anniversaries, engagements and milestone dinners.","title":"Go for the occasion"}
• {"body":"The soup of the day, fish of the day, cheesecake flavour and sorbet flavours rotate — ask your waiter what's on today.","title":"Ask about the day's specials"}
• {"body":"If you plan to bring your own cake, note that a cakeage charge applies — check with the team before the big day.","title":"Celebrating a birthday?"}

Good to know

• {"family":"Children welcome — a special children's price applies to the Christmas set menu for ages 10 and under.","dietary":"Vegetarian and vegan dishes marked on the menu; gluten free on request.","parking":"Ample parking on site."}