WAR Pacific Island Fusion is an upstairs Parnell restaurant built around a contemporary expression of Fijian food and culture. Chef-owner Krisneel Chand expands the initials as Wild and Raw, a useful clue to the menu’s willingness to move between traditional reference points and a modern dining format. Fijian-themed objects give the room a sense of place, while the food is composed for a full restaurant experience rather than presented as a simple takeaway selection.
The opening dishes show how that approach works in practice. Spicy fish pakora places seafood in a spinach and onion batter, while palusami spring rolls turn a familiar Pacific preparation into a crisp shared plate. Snapper kokoda stays closer to the dish’s cooling, citrus-led character: the fish is cured and paired with smoked coconut cream, salsa and lemon. Together, these choices introduce smoke, coconut, freshness and spice before the larger plates arrive.
Fish remains important further into the meal. Valolo Smoke combines pan-grilled fish with a smoked lemongrass and coconut broth, poached vudi, tomatoes and greens, bringing fruit, aromatics and savoury depth into one plate. Curry and thali-style options offer a different route, with several elements that suit diners who prefer a composed selection rather than a single centrepiece. The result is variety without losing the restaurant’s Fijian focus.
The drinks continue the same identity instead of feeling like an unrelated bar list. Fijian spirits appear alongside cocktails such as the smoked Lovo Whiskey Sour, allowing the bar to echo flavours and techniques found in the food. With table service upstairs and takeaway also available, WAR can work for a deliberate evening meal as well as a more casual Parnell order, but its strongest character comes through when dishes and drinks are explored together.
Address: Upstairs, 237 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland 1052, New Zealand
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