Fire damages Masterchef Kitchen in Panmure

A fire has badly damaged a restaurant called Masterchef Kitchen in Panmure this morning.

Stuart Millar of Mt Wellington Fire Service said fire officers were called to the scene after a passing motorist saw smoke "pouring out" of the Chinese restaurant on Queens Rd shortly before 7am.

"Fire officers donned breathing apparatus and forced entry into the building," Millar said.

The fire was located in a kitchen in the rear of the restaurant and was brought under control before it spread throughout the entire building.

Millar said it was "a good save" by the fire officers.

"And we've probably got the passing motorist to thank for that."

An apartment above the restaurant was evacuated and a neighbouring shop was badly smoke-logged, Millar said.

Initial investigations suggest an electrical fault started the fire.