We have been many times to No.1 The Strand and it’s by far the best restaurant/bar in the city. It’s down the quiet end, the northern side in a quiet culdesac with excellent free parking, out of the mayhem of the main part of Tauranga’s Strand. So there’s no drunks or noise or idiots on the street.

The food and service is simply superb. That Heather in a previous review doesn’t know what she’s talking about. No.1 didn’t even have steak on the menu in April, (though it is now part of the excellent platters) The servings are plentiful and the dessert selection fantastic. She has mixed No.1 up with a lesser joint, One Bar, which opened with a ridiculously similar name, on the same street after No.1 and has since closed. And No.1 will happily serve any number, any time. Pays to get your facts right before mouthing off!

As for No.1’s fabulous conservatory, it has a wonderful, huge fireplace which warms the place beautifully, it’s indoor/outdoor and wonderful ambience. There’s also a heat pump and the staff are only too happy to ensure our comfort levels.

The glass tables are sensational and combined with the vintage furniture, made from centuries old wagon wheels, it’s a unique setting.

We’ve also heard from people who’ve attended No.1 for weddings and private functions and they absolutely rave about the place.

The historic building has incredible acoustics, the best in Tauranga, which is why all the local musicians are clamouring to play on the live music nights, usually Thursdays and Sunday afternoons.

If you are visiting Tauranga, don’t miss out, and you might have to book because this amazing place only opens four days, Thursdays till Sundays. The programme is published every week in the Weekend Sun which comes out on a Friday and on the No.1 The Strand website, http://www.no1thestrand.co.nz

The platters at No 1 are fantastic, i have tried approximately 6 or 7 dishes, the mussels wrapped in eggplant and the fish have to be tried! There is a great variety to choose from and plenty of food for the price! The best thing is you dont have to leave your seat, the service is tops!

My sister took our family for a Sunday lunch to No 1 The Strand when we visited Tauranga. I was very impressed. The food was delicious, the service very friendly and there was also great jazz music playing. Not sure what the last review was talking about because we all had 2 dishes each and it more than filled us up-admittedly it was only lunch. The variety of food was also fantastic-So good infact, I would like to buy my parents a voucher for Christmas to enjoy a meal there next year.

Lord where do I start…Well, the food was wonderful, service very good and music entertaining. But that’s where it ends. We were sat at crummy little glass tables in the freezing unheated conservatory(not helped by the door being opened every few minutes)as they had gotten our reservation wrong and planned for a far larger party than we actually were. The food was lukewarm. Half the desserts were off – mainly the hot ones, all that was left on a chilly night were cold desserts. We were informed that chef refused to cook the steaks the way we wanted.
And not that they seem to publicise it, but the menu ONLY consists of light snacks and platters for a minimum of 2 people. If you want a hearty meat + 3 veg (or if you’re on your own), go somewhere else.
Despite certain news media raving about this place, we won’t be back.