This is the first time I’ve been moved to write a review for a restaurant.

I will preface this by saying it was obviously a quiet evening. Myself and a friend were wondering around looking for a place to eat with a great atmosphere. We felt very indecisive. Yet we peered into the window and felt this was the place for us.

The premises this time of year (Xmas) was warm and inviting. The music very relaxing. Although quiet, it was still felt very appealing.

The menu itself featured dishes that other eating places offer at a premium but we found it affordable and well executed. I had slow cooked rabbit and it was very enjoyable. The truffles were some of the best I’ve eaten in a restaurant. The wine list was extensive and featured some very favourable wines.

Altogether it was a very enjoyable evening but what stood out strongly was the service. It was OUTSTANDING. Our waitress was intuitive and gave us such an excellent run down of the menu and it’s ingredients.

This is our new haunt for sure I cannot recommend it enough. It exceeded our expectations. If you read this, thank you so much for such an enjoyable meal!!!

I had been to Merlot many years ago and loved it so when I saw the deal voucher for Merlot I grabbed it. We went there for dinner on Saturday night and it was possibly the worst eating experience I have ever had. We were greeted and set to our table and shown the set menu which was very unattractive. We started off with the Pea and ham soup with a twist, well it was served in a white bowl and looked almost white itself… no roll or any type of decoration on it. The worst was yet to come.. I ordered the Homemade ravioli with pine nuts, spinach and ricotta in a lemon butter sauce.. well.. when it arrived, it looked like the sauce had split and was so butter it was almost inedible.. when I took my 1st bite, I was greeted with a frozen centre.. I almost had to spit it out. the entire centre of my ravioli was frozen..

I sent it back and was offered anything on the menu.. I chose the snapper which was okay, but was served on a bed or potato chips.. which were all soggy when the dish arrived

Awful experience, awful ambiance and awful dining experience.

I will never go back there again

Great service, reasonable atmosphere and OK food.
I had the scotch fillet, ordered rare, but it was closer to well (over) done than rare, and only average on the flavour front. the dish was swimming in thin juice. Veges were nice, but…
Prices were on the steep side, and the wine, whilst good, was very expensive.
Overall, fairly unimpressed – Tony’s offer better for less.

Went there for dinner, ordered the squid, Caesar salad ($17each) and the creamy potato salad ($8). All of them tasted like average pub fare and the Caesar salad came in a small glass – it was extremely difficult to eat and had no taste whatsoever. Both the squid and the Caesar salad were a bit too small for the price we paid. I will not go there again.

Great wine list, great food & atmosphere

Looking for a good restaurant to kick start a night on the town for two couples without the kids. Initially drawn to Merlot by its central city location and then after a preview of the menu we agreed it would definitely be worthwhile – Merlot did not disappoint. Entries were a good size with some beers and bubbles. I started with the Szechwan salt & pepper squid – which was perfectly cooked and my mate the Sticky BBQ pork ribs & aromatic broth – different but nice. The ladies went with the grilled haloumi salad and thoroughly enjoyed it. For mains we had the Scotch fillet w potato rosti; duo of lamb – chermoula neck fillet and Moroccan meatballs, and the ladies the lemon almond crumbled snapper with an indulgent Te Awa Left Field Merlot – brilliant!!! Presentation and portion size was great on all counts and the quality and taste of the food was A1. Price wise reasonable but I know I have enjoyed myself and had a good meal when I tip – and I did.

Wonderful restaurant. Had dinner last night and was the best food and service we’ve experienced in a long time.
The steak was absolutely beautiful and also the Duck risotto. And don’t forget the dessert. We had three different mousses on one plate which I wish I hadn’t agreed to share as it was sooooo good. Will be returning and highly recommend this restaurant.

What a lovely place for lunch. The place was full and I can see why. We had the special Business Lunch which was a Main/Wine/Coffee and a chocolate Truffle for $27.50. I choose the pasta of the day which was a chicken and three cheese pasta with rocket. O my god is was amazing. Best pasta I have had. You could tell it was made fresh that day. It just melted in your mouth. All washed down with a good Matakana wine. The only down point if there had to be one was we were pushed for time so did not get time for the coffee. Maybe next time I would make a point of letting them know we only had an hour.

I have eaten at this restaurant twice this year for, once for dinner and once for lunch. The food and ambience was terrific, a great friendly restaurant, with an excellent wine list.

Went there mid week – very slack service, we were left at our table for about half an hour before we were offered a drinks menu. Food was below average and wine way overpriced. Would not go back.

Lovely romantic atmosphere, gorgeous food & great wine