Aarth has introduced a modern take on traditional Indian Cuisine in the heart of Parnell, where every detail tells a story.
A new chapter in modern Indian dining arrives in Auckland with Aarth, welcoming diners from 11th February 2026, a restaurant shaped by meaning, memory and meticulous intent.
From chef and owner Vicky Shah, Aarth is a deeply personal expression that challenges preconceptions of Indian cuisine in New Zealand. Rather than recreating the familiar, the menu draws on lesser-seen Indian flavours and regional influences, reworked through contemporary formats, refined technique and playful experimentation. Dishes move between comfort and surprise, edging the known into the unexpected, whether it’s white bait bhaji or heirloom tomatoes infused with a pav bhaji palate. Aarth invites diners to let go of what they think they know, and experience Indian cuisine as fluid, modern and quietly daring.
Dishes are expressive but grounded: oyster sol kadhi, sev puri, and palak patta chaat sit alongside more substantial plates such as duck nihari, beef laal maas, lamb with layered chutneys, and buffalo milk paneer. Desserts nod to nostalgia, from a reworked mango lassi to a refined take on Black Forest.
The space itself reflects the same layered thinking. Subtle interior updates introduce warmth, intimacy and depth, creating a dining room designed for connection rather than spectacle. At its heart will sit a custom botanical artwork by Auckland studio The Plant Parlour NZ, interpreting the Ganges River, a powerful symbol of life, continuity and nourishment in Indian culture. The piece anchors the room, reinforcing the idea that at Aarth, nothing is decorative without purpose.
“Aarth is my way of welcoming people into my home,” said Shah.
“It’s a love letter to the Indian diaspora and the communities that have shaped me. The food draws from my heritage, expressed through where I am now in New Zealand, created as a third space for locals, travellers and first- and second-generation Indians alike. It’s personal, intentional and unapologetically me.”
Located at 1/333 Parnell Road and open for dinner, Aarth is both grounded and forward-looking. Rooted in Indian culinary heritage yet driven by New Zealand innovation and ambition, the restaurant honours tradition without treating it as fixed. Though early in its journey, Aarth has its sights set beyond Auckland, striving to deliver a Michelin-worthy experience while contributing to the city’s emergence as a serious player on the global dining stage.
From the symbolism embedded throughout the space to the restraint and precision of the menu, every element has been approached with care. The result is something low, subtly distinctive: a modern Indian restaurant that finds new meaning in familiarity, and invites diners to slow down, look closer, and taste between the lines.
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