This was our first visit under the new owners. We found the whole experience excellent and appreciated the owner taking the time to chat on matters other than the norm.
I dont understand the previous ladys review. Perhaps she should visit $60 main course restaurants for her requirements

Was really looking forward to my first dining out experience in The Mount. A group of six discerning diners.
Firstly the service was very slow, took us going up to prompt the bar to actually get out drinks order which we had patiently waited to arrive.
We then had to ask for the menus. (The restaurant was not at capacity) and we were not told that they were running low on some items, until we were about to place our order.
The eye fillet we ordered was two thin bits of not sure what meat stacked on top of each other (out of the 3 ordered – only one came cooked as requested – one had been totally cooked to dead) super disappointing for the price as well.
The entrée we ordered of scallops which was suppose to be seared were insipid looking (not even a hint of golden brown on them) and they tasting like they had been stewed in dish washing water – my friend and I were sharing the $23 entrée, we had one each and could not eat the rest.
unfortunately I was not at the table when they cleared the entrees ( my dining partners had politely said things were fine) obviously when a plate with 3/4 of it left on it was there, things were not fine.
The garlic bread was soaked only with butter and not much hint of garlic.
The only two dishes that were good were the wedges (which I am surprised were on the menu)
The rack of lamb was cooked as requested and had good distinctive flavours.
We didn’t dare to order desserts as the meals as a whole had been a complete let down.
so our bill of not quite $500 (two bottles of wine counted for $140) made it a complete dining flop.
They did take the scallop entrée off after I went up and basically refused to pay –
So we won’t be back and just hope the rest of the restaurants at the Mount are just even a slightly bit better.

Absolutely terrible.

I walked in quite impressed by the art work and the nice atmosphere, but was quickly let down.

Ordered a chocolate brownie for dessert (at $12.50) I was expecting something a little nicer than a brownie you could purchase at a bakery.

It came with ice-cream that was completely melted. I got an apology for the ice-cream but my waitress walked off before I could get another. I took it back to her and asked for some frozen ice cream to which she said that all their ice cream was melted.

So I paid $12.50 for a brownie that tasted dry and floury and a small amount of melted ice cream.

Never. Again.

The quality continues under the new ownership. Smart cafe in the day and we went back for dinner in what turned out to be a very appealing restaurant atmosphere in the evening.

I was disappointed after reading rave reviews about this restaurant. Firstly we were not met at the door but had to wander through the restaurant to see several large umbrellas folded on chairs near the bar and cash register. Secondly the decor was poor. No ambience for any of our party. The food was quite good, not Michelin star as we’d been led to believe. Scallops main plate very small. Fruit dessert should have contained fresh local berries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries in season and the glass contained last winter’s orange, kiwi and imported pineapple. Sorry!

Top restaurant, we have been 3 times for dina now and it has been devine, tasty, and couldnt fault it.
James introduces himself and gives you a run down on menu on your first visit, very impressive i must say.
We took our son & daughter-in-law for dinner friday night, and even they said best restaurant they have been to.
You got try the spoons for entree, they the best.
Lamb cutlets for main are delicious.
Best restaurant in Tauranga, Mount area, and we dine out a lot.
Will be going back for sure.

We had lunch today -12 people – 4 to 78yrs. Menu suited all – service grand – food was great. Thanks so much for all the care and attention.

GHad entrees here nice but not overly outstanding as we had read a review bout the place and wanted to check it out. Didnt stay for mains had the baked scallops in parmasen cheese was a little sickly by the end. Not what i expect with such high external reviews. Not going bk sorry

Our new lunch place. Fantastic burgers, all of them… But especially the baby blue. Fish always very well presented, and the best value for money when it comes to lunch fine dining. Chilled atmosphere and great friendly service. We would recommend to friends in a second.

We went last night with some fellow foodie friends after hearing a few good things about this place. I’m pleased to report that they were all true- the food was fantastic.
We started with bloody marys, which were as good as reported.The seafood lovers enjoyed the good selection of seafood dishes on the entree list and the deep fried camembert was yummy.

Between us we had steak, lamb and ribs- all dishes were delicious, cooked to perfection and with great attention to detail- the extras on the plate (such as the pistachio crumb on the lamb, rosemary syrup on the camembert, purees etc) were also delicious and the side dishes were divine.

The potato gratin was sensational- we nicknamed it potato porn.
The desserts were also delicious- my berry crumble was amazing as was the creme brûlée.
The wine list was decent and the staff had a good knowledge of the wines and food pairings.

James has obviously taken the previous feedback on board too- no paper napkins anymore, and there was a nice ambience with background music too.

My only criticism was that they seemed understaffed for a busy Saturday night service- the lone waitress was pushed to her limits and we had to wait a bit longer than we would have liked to order repeat drinks etc. The service we did have was very friendly and accommodating however, and maybe they were in that predicament due to illness or something else beyond their control.
I’m looking forward to the next visit already!

Number 8 is fine dining at its best. James’s attention to detail was outstanding encouraging our large group to socialise while knowing exactly who ordered what food. This ensured our meal was served correctly and timely. The service and food was faultless and of the highest standard as you would expect having Michelin star chefs tucked away in the kitchen. I would highly recommend Number 8 to anybody including groups. Thank you James and Leanne for a great evening.

The steak was excellent like many good class restaraunts in Tauranga. I wouldn’t recommend this restaraunt for a group booking. Despite being required to make out choice for all 3 courses prior to the evening, the restaraunt owner/manager seemed stressed. On arrival we were told to sit in seats determined by the manager in order for his staff to serve food. I thought who was the customer? We were not allowed to sit near our friends. For the price it wasn’t special, no table clothes, paper napkins and very little attempt to raise the christmas spirit. For those who say it’s a good place They mustn’t get out much. We will not be be , David g

Arrived half and hour early after making a booking three days before by leaving a message on their answerphone, only to be told they had been so busy making coffees that they hadn’t had time to check it. After some discussion they eventually made a table available.

Service was very good, food was good but you would expect that for the price. Two entrees, two mains and one bottle of wine $172.

A couple of tips to make the experience change from good to great,1, Have some background music playing at a low level. 2. Dim the lights slightly so that it doesn’t feel like a hotel lobby. 3. Get rid of the paper napkins for $172 I expect to have cloth ones.

Otherwise an OK night.

Me and my partner love dining here, by far the best restaurant in town. Service is exceptional and James enthusiasm is infectious. I have recommended this place to friends and they have all came back to me with great experiences

Highly recommended, what a great food, cooked to perfection. Absolute outstanding service and very nice atmosphere. The only problem is that the food is so good you definitely want seconds! We went with the entertainment card which made it very affordable. We shared the spoons with sea food, just loved the sweet and spicy combination, followed by lamb for my husband and eye fillet for me. Loved it both. As dessert I had berry crumble but my husband (who usually does not really care for desserts) ate more than half! Really love it that the friendly owner came to explain the menu and recommended dishes. Can not wait to go again.

I cant rave more highly about this restaurant. Food and service was impeccable. All food was brilliant. A credit to all, thanks James, a memory to be used as a yardstick to judge all other restaurants by.

fabulous dinner!
the food is just devine and the service is fabulous.
the staff definitely take pride in the food served
i recommend this restaurant for all, it is definitely my new favourite at the Mount

Fantastic service, food and coffee! Consistently high standards and in my opinion the best Cafe/Restaurant in Tauranga.

The eye fillet and venison for dinner and blue cheese burger for lunch are all amazing and they have the best Bloody Mary’s in town! The owner genuinely cares and takes all feedback on board.

Will definitely be returning!

We also went to Number 8 after reading the reviews on this site. My husband & I, along with my 2 children & my parents, dined there last Saturday night. The food was amazing & the service was wonderful, (from their knowledge of the menu, to even sending us a txt before we arrived to tell us about where we could park) they were fantastic with the girls & we were able to pre-order a special kids meal for them. We will most definitely be back, thanks for a wonderful birthday dinner experience!

My wife and I went to Number 8 because of the rave reviews on this site and not only were our expectations met, they were well exceeded. The service was impeccable, the owner was very friendly and explained how to get the best meal with our choices. Then we got the food, I had the steak which was perfection on a plate, there is nothing that I could fault on Number 8. I will definitely be returning.

My partner and I dined at Number 8 in The Mount over the Xmas / New Year period a few months ago. We were very impressed by service but more so by the incredible food! When discovering on departure that the Chef was from South America, I thought that was a very clever move. I traveled around South America last year and was blown away by the cuisine and I was pleased to hear some of that fine flair had reached our shores. I would highly recommend Number 8

As good as it gets – my No8 experience always starts with a fine wine and great company. There is something very special about the food there – presentation, aromas and tastes that behoves one to comment that no comparison can be made to any other restaurant – making this a truly unique and outstanding experience. We all agree. My compliments to the team and acknowledgement to their undoubted artistry and passion in creating a new standard of excellence. Thank you.

Best dining experience I have had in Tauranga. Superb lamb with the most amazing mushroom rissotto.

The scollops were a sensation, absolutely the best ones I’ve ever had. The eye fillet was cooked perfectly and tasted incredible. Comfortable atmosphere and excellent staff. Thank you Number 8, great meal, will definitely be back!

This beautifully set out restaurant is definitely a five star! beautiful set out, and they definitely set the atmosphere with the lit candles! amazing wine selection and great menu to choose from, the manager was friendly and helped to all our needs. The food was beautiful, had to find out about there chefs, 2 Argentinian Chef’s, BEAUTIFUL food thanks number 8 i will definitely be going back with more friends and family! cheers

I had a leisurely lunch at the Number 8 Cafe. There was a good selection of meals to choose from and the one I had was of good proportion and absolutely yummy. The coffee was impressive, coming from Auckland where expectations are high, their coffee was equal to if not exceeding what is considered to be a quality espresso. The staff were all very helpful and polite creating a relaxed and friendly environment. Cheers No. 8.

There for a private function, and well looked after. Had the Angus Eye and cooked perfectly. Nice outdoor setting for friends and sun. Can’t wait to go back for a more private dinner for 2.

went tonight to enjoy happy hour supposedly at $2 off per drink but charged differently. 5 wines were bought which should have equaled 5 x $6= 30, however charged a bottle plus 1x 6 even though did not ask for a bottle when we were offered one. Raised with staff who chose to overcharge by $13 for the evening. They chose how they charge, we chose where we will spend our money in future. NOT RECOMMENDED. We dine out regularly and will not return.