We were strolling through Takapuna with no plan and no rush. One of those easy walks along Eat Street, where you see what catches your eye.
Then this little spot stood out.
Bright lights. A clean glass display. Sushi lined up like artwork.
This is Glass Sushi Boutique.
It is a small shop with no fuss and a very welcoming feel. What really made me stop was something I get asked about all the time. There is no pork on the menu at all. Everything looked incredibly fresh, and according to the staff, they only use Tegal chicken, which is worth mentioning for those who care about ingredients.
We decided to share a few items rather than go all in on one thing.
First up were the sticks. The chicken teriyaki stick was juicy with a slight smokiness, finished with a sweet, savoury glaze that worked really well. The spicy chicken stick had a gentle heat. Nothing overpowering, just enough to keep you going back for another bite.
Then came the sushi, and this is where it got interesting.
The spicy chicken California roll had fresh rice, clean flavours, and a really good balance. Simple but very well executed. The fried prawn mayo roll was crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and creamy without feeling heavy. The salmon and avocado wrapped in yuba, which is Japanese bean curd skin, was soft, delicate, and almost melted in the mouth. To finish, we had agedashi tofu with teriyaki sauce. Crispy edges, silky inside, and pure comfort food.
Price and value
Everything together came to twenty-two dollars, which is very reasonable for the quality and freshness, especially in Takapuna.
This is the kind of place you might walk past without thinking twice. But once you notice it, you are glad you stopped.
Location details
Glass Sushi Boutique 5 40 Hurstmere Road Takapuna, Auckland 0622 Located along Eat Street in Takapuna
I am extremely disappointed with the service at Glass Sushi Boutique.
As an Uber driver, I arrived at the restaurant 10 minutes after accepting the order. Upon arrival, I was told it would take another 3 minutes. However, I ended up waiting for nearly double that time.
What’s even more upsetting is the blatant lack of basic courtesy toward drivers. When I tried to show my order information, the staff completely ignored me—they didn’t even look at the screen or make eye contact, instead turning away to talk to others. The restaurant was nearly empty at the time, so there was no excuse for such dismissive behavior.
I have dined here as a customer several times before and found the food to be average, but today’s experience was the final straw. The way a business treats its delivery partners reflects its true attitude toward service and customers. Deeply disappointing and unprofessional.
Glass Sushi has to be one of my favourite sushi spots. What made my experience especially great was the wide range of vegetarian and vegan options, far more than you usually find at an average sushi place. Even though the sushi is pre made, they are a busy spot and refill constantly, and it really shows. Everything tastes incredibly fresh and looks beautifully put together.
We tried quite a few different options and every single one was spot on. If you haven’t tried this place yet, definitely give it a go, you won’t be disappointed. The pricing is very fair, and there is also a cute seating area in front of the shop, which is a lovely bonus.
Delicious!
I absolutely love their Teriyaki Chicken Donburi. The best I have ever had! And I have had lots of Teriyaki chicken Donburi.
Probably from 65+ different places, including 10 or so in Japan.
I should also say, they really take care of regular customers, I have been there many times now and the food is consistently delicious, and they are also very generous with the chicken.
Thanks for the amazing food!
Sushi was excellent, great size and flavour. Katsu don was nice and price was pretty favourable as well. Good to be able to use the shared eating space so friends could eat at different places but sit together. They do have a 15% surcharge for public holiday so be aware.
This has to be the absolute best sushi in NZ. We have been to Glass Sushi in Takapuana many times and the sushi is always amazing.
I highly recommend the cooked tuna sushi rolls
Below scores are out of 5 ⭐️s
😉 Customer Service 5 ⭐️
🧑🍳 Food Quality 5 ⭐️
👌 Atmosphere 5 ⭐️
🙂 Presentation 5 ⭐️
🙂 Products 5 ⭐️
📍 Location 5 ⭐️
💰 Price $$ (rated between 1 - 5 $)
🅿️ Parking: Lots of paid parking available
Overall 5 ⭐️
This has to be the absolute best sushi in NZ. We have been to Glass Sushi in Takapuana many times and the sushi is always amazing.
I highly recommend the cooked tuna sushi rolls
Below scores are out of 5 ⭐️s
😉 Customer Service 5 ⭐️
🧑🍳 Food Quality 5 ⭐️
👌 Atmosphere 5 ⭐️
🙂 Presentation 5 ⭐️
🙂 Products 5 ⭐️
📍 Location 5 ⭐️
💰 Price $$ (rated between 1 - 5 $)
🅿️ Parking: Lots of paid parking available
Overall 5 ⭐️
I regret not having sushi here earlier. Easily the best sushi I’ve had in Auckland. Good portion, beautifully decorated dishes, great staff. With $15 you can have a decent meal with quality produce. Bang for bucks, you’ll get a much much better meal with the same budget as one box in other sushi takeaways.
Eye candy for sure.
Not only are these sushi big mouthful sizes, they taste and look amazing too. Love the freshness of ingredients and the sweet flavours. So beautiful you feel like you are eating a ball of nature itself.
Service: 5/5
Presentation: 5/5
Food Quality 4.5/5
Food Quantity: 4.5/5
Environment: 4.5/5
Price per person: $20-$30
They do not serve pork, and the staff confirmed they use Tegal chicken. There is no official halal certification mentioned, so those who require full certification should check directly with the shop.
