Without a doubt the culinary pick of the Bay of Islands.
I ordered the lamb which was exquisitely cooked. All the servings were generous and beautifully presented. An extensive quality wine list was provided, and we treated ourselves to a beautifully balanced local pinot gris (Marsden Point[?]). The service was right on the money – efficient and attentive, yet not overbearing. Despite only two of us eating, we were greeted by the manager and he personally organised a spot for two on the waterfront. I am a bit of a romantic, and being able to enjoy such a memorable meal in a restaurant housed in a historical building in a town of such historic significance was something very special, and not one I will forget for a long time.

I visited the Gables in mid-November with my girlfriend and a friend visiting from the Netherlands. We had been thoroughly impressed the year before and decided to take our friend, we were not disappointed. Russell is a stunning place and the Gables is in a lovely building on the waterfront.
We managed to get a table by the water, I suggest this to anyone who enjoys al fresco dining and a world class sun set. We shared a seafood platter to start as suggested by our waiter. It was very well cooked and the produce was fresh.
I had the Hapuka main, a bit unusual for me as an uncompromising carnivore, but it was superb. I was impressed that the waiter suggested a wine that was so well suited to my meal, the Marsden Black Rock Chardonnay. My girlfriend and our friend were very happy with their meals. The service was great, the staff are impressive young people with good knowledge about the food and wine list. We will definitely be back to try the Ostrich!
Tom, Papamoa

What a fabulous evening dining at the gables. We were seated overlooking the beautiful Russell waterfront and were well looked after by the friendly and professional staff. We started with a generous seafood platter which featured all the local treats and had a wonderful whole snapper as our main. The sunset was unforgettable and an experience I would love to repeat again soon.

What an amazing setting, beautiful view of the bay, oldest building in Russell. Relaxed atmosphere and owner and staff really friendly and made the meal an experience to remember. It was winter time and although people were still dinning outside on the terrace we decided to take a table inside where the fire was warming up the restaurant nicely, as well as adding to the special atmosphere. Had heard lots about deep fried oysters and The Gables were certainly the best place to try them really delicious. In fact the whole meal was of top quality and certainly value for money. Would recommend at least one visit during your stay…….

I visited Russell last November with 3 other friends, I live in Spain, two from UK and the other from Holland. We had a great night, the restaurant is in a perfect position beautiful views over the bay, the interior is warm and interesting. We all had something different, and enjoyed it all, the deep fried mussels were amazing! Spent the rest of our holiday in New Zealand looking for more. Would highly recommend The Gables and Russell we were all sorry to be leaving.
DJ, Spain

Missing this amazing restaurant very much. We ate there 2 of our 4 nights in Russell and it was outstanding both times. The local Chardonnay recommended by the lovely looking english waitress was the best wine we had all trip. The setting is gorgeous, looking out over the bay with warm weather late into the night. The snapper and rib of beef are highly recommended.

Although the old building is beautiful, it took an age for the drinks and food to arrive. The waiters were not unfriendly just inattentive. The main courses were tasty but by the time the food arrived we were unable to enjoy it. The starter bread and dips was shoddy and the very small glasses of wine we we were served was insulting (as was the $11 price for a bottle of water).

I loved everything about this charming old restaurant. Right on the Russell waterfront with stunning seaviews -
our window table was perfect. For seafood lovers there is much to choose from and dishes are beautifully presented and prepared. Just loved the whole snapper which we shared and the 1847(when the Gables was built) Mess (berries, meringue and cream) was a deliciously light dessert. An excellent wine list and very helpful staff. I cannot recommend the Gables highly enough.

I had an excellent dinner recently at the Gables, overlooking the water and beautiful sunset. This restaurant is housed in an historic building full of character and interesting memorabilia, built in 1847 on whale bone vertebrae, right on the Russell waterfront. The menu created by the new owner emphasises local produce and seafood and our seafood tasting plate which we shared as a starter was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. Choosing a main was difficult as we were very tempted by the paella and the freshly caught whole fish, but decided on a cote de boeuf for two, aged scotch fillet on the bone served with bearnaise and fries. Just like being in France! No room for dessert but the Chocolate Nemesis and lemon tart looked scrumptious. A young and energetic wait staff looked after us very well. We will definitely return to the Gables when next in the Bay of Islands. A magical evening.

I visited the gables with some family and friends and ate in the rear sun terrace,my wife and daughter wanted to use the bathroom,when asked where they were they was told to use dirty public toilets in Russell,my wife explained i am dinning at your establishment can i not use yours.With a rude reply “OK but only this once”.
I shall never go back there and i advise anyone needing to use the bathroom while dinning does not go to the Gables either.