A friend and l had dinner there a couple of weeks ago, I had heard that is was under new management since i last went which was an awesome experience, but this visit was definitely different. The food was awesome, decor fab, staff vary helpful/pleasant; but we seemed to be over approached making it x4 while just waiting on the comfy couches, hard to make conversation. It was quite chilly being taken away from the lovely open fire. The table wasn’t covered and had scratches and just looked awful (and no it wasn’t the shabby chic look). I know that staff are probably just doing what they’re told taking cutlery away if you don’t order a wine or starter but honestly the table was really bare. With all said l will definitely go back as the chef’s food and presentation was excellent.

Under new management we are told! There were only 3 tables with guests for Sunday lunch. That was the first indication things had changed.
Front man for the day, very nonchalant,didn’t seem to care if we came or went.
The young waitress tried very hard.
Our steaks which were on the menu with white beans,tomatoes and spinach, also came with chorizo and mushrooms. I do NOT eat mushrooms.Otherwise the meals came out on hot plates and were tasty, all credit to the chef. When it came to settle the bill, it took 3 staff to sort it.
Service not good here.

Having loved the atmostphere, decor & food over the past few years but sometimes finding the service a little lacking, I was pleased to see that the new management have sorted this issue.
A table of 4, we were welcomed & seated on the comfy sofas by the fire. Drink orders were taken & promptly delivered & we enjoyed discreet but attentive service for the entire night. Food was delicious, wine recommendations spot on. Fantastic night & definately recommend the ‘new’ Old Church.

A group of five couples 64yrs to 73yrs of age who celebrate wedding anniversary dinners and have so for 20yrs so far at different venues.Chose The Old Church this year and for the 1st time i feel obliged to review the service given.8/10 for the food by all concerned.Table service unfortunately was slow we decided we had wasted $60 per couple on Taxis as the chance of being over the limit for alcohol would have run us out of time.The water was tap temperature and the waitress seemed as though she would rather we went home,we were on time for our agreed 7.30pm with only a limited clientele on the night it seemed incredulous that we had to wait so long for our water and drinks,at the start of the evening.The meal order taking seemed rushed,we were not offered coffees etc and had to ask but unfortunately we had to leave as our taxi arrived early but felt they were just as happy to see the end of us.I am sorry to write this note but we all were unhappy and feel management should be advised.

We had a family dinner here and the whole evening was amazing. We had my elderly parents with us and Cassandra the waitress couldn’t have been more attentive and lovely paying special attention to my parents. The food was fabulous and the setting is stunning. I have done a fair bit of travelling and the food and service here would match and in most cases better than what I have had overseas and in NZ.I would definitely recommend the restaurant and will be returning. Thank you for making a special evening even more special.

My husband and i went to The Old Church for our first wedding anniversary in September 2010.
We were seated by the fireplace and left for quite a while before we were asked what we would like to drink.
The cocktail we ordered was not nice at all – a margarita and a berry daquiri I think it was – very sour needed more sugar syrup.
It was a long time before we were seated. I guess they may have thought that as a couple we wanted to hang by the fire for ages but we just wanted to eat and enjoy the food!
The food was amazing!
The wine list was very confusing – too many wines I thought!
The service – very goodand attentive without being intrusive.
The decor was certainly a novelty to eat amongst.
If you fancy somewhere a bit different to enjoy good food then I recommend the old church if you are visiting the Hawkes Bay region.

Have read reviews and agree the food is ok, but service was not good and have also heard about extra charges for friends that have been there. Just didn’t get the warm and fuzzies – sorry but not returning.

December 4 th.
We had fantastic wedding annervarsary meal at The Old Church. Great menu, excellent service, beautiful food and very good timing between dishes. Very friendly staff and stunning surroundings.
Best dining experience we have had in Napier and probably one of the best all round dining experiences we have had for a long time.
I can’t say enough about this restaurant – A+.

Warning Warning – check your bill before leaving the restaurant, a tip of $30 was added without authorisation by the female manager on duty evening of Thursday 18th November 10.

We don’t hesitate to tip for good dining experiences … and certainly would NOT have given one this time because of her unpleasant attitude.

It must be said the food was very very nice and service by waiting staff was very good & attentive, absolutely no complaints there and it saddens me to feel compelled write a review like this.

The problem was with the on-duty female manager who seemed to have issues right from the start. A most uncomfortable experience which unfortunately coloured our evening. Needless to say we probably would have ignored that part of the evening had it not been for the blatant overcharging.

The Old Church apologised in writing for the error and refunded the so called TIP!!

But I just have to wonder how many other people have TIPS slipped onto their final bill. I will not bring guests to this restaurant again.

The Old Church should be your first on the list to do when you come to Hawkes Bay. Restoring this historical places must be the pride and joy of the owners. I love the dramatic entry upon arrival and the very welcoming attention of their Manager on Duty Ristan.Nice live music and awesome food! I can’t wait to come back next month so we can enjoy sitting outside for lunch and cocktails.

If I was judging this purely on food, 5 star, however the service lets them down time and time again. 1.5 hours is not ok to wait for a meal not matter how many excuses you give us.

I have eaten at the Old Church three times now and would not hesitate to recommend it.
We recently had an informal Sunday ‘girls lunch’ and all loved the experience. Each visit the service has been consistently friendly, punctual and welcoming (without being too over the top). The ambience and divine decor makes eating there a unique experience. Coupled with a fabulous menu selection which includes local produce, this venue is a must do in the Bay – I’ll be back…..

The surroundings are special and so is the atmosphere. We came here for a decade birthday treat and were not disappointed by the service or the food. what spoilt the experience for us were some discourteous people who gave the staff an unnecessarily hard time. we will come here again.

Incredible. The surroundings are beautiful. What are people complaining for when they say they had to wait for meals! I was in awe of the surroundings in this perfectly renovated environment.
The service was personable, but professional. Although the waitress did not no the menu inside out, she was excellent and I could not ask for better.

We spent New years Eve at The Old Church. it was an incredible 9 course menu executed flawlessly! A great deal of effort had obviously gone into the planning of the evening from the fun of being decked out in hats and leis to the horns and confetti on the tables. The night started in the beautiful garden with canapes and only got better! The flaming Dessert was paraded around the restaurant with much fanfare!At midnight the Scottish bagpiper came in and ceremoniously lead us into the new year. We could not have imagined a better experience!We’ll be back for 2011!!

The Old Church has been restored beautifully and if you’re lucky enough to have a walk through the wine cellar and Luxury Villa you’ll be even more impressed. This place is ultimate luxury and I can’t wait to have my dream wedding here.
They have a versatile menu from simple to succulent, the cocktails and wine lists are the best in town!! The front of house staff are immaculate and polite and very efficient.
I also have to comment on the grounds… they are beautifully manicured with grand trees, grape vines, water feature, loads of comfy seating and beautiful lighting.
The only thing I’d like to see is a man to meet and greet at the door to make the experience complete!
Great Place, highly recommend fora romantic date or party!

We went for the Spanish night promotion last night. What a great experience. The Church was decorated with Spanish Flags and colors. The girls had red flowers in their hair and put on their best Spanish accents. it was all quite fun. The Spanish music got us in the mood of being transported to Madrid. The degustation menu had lovely choices and my partner and I had one of each so we could taste everything.,The beef entree was nice and spicy and Our favorite was the chocolate doughnuts and hot chocolate sauce. yum! We have attended many of the world dinners and this was among the best.
The price is so reasonable at 39.00.Oh and the sangria was awesome. We love going to The Old Church. Highly recommended as a must experience in hawkes bay.

I love going to Hawkes Bay and this restaurant is never to be missed during my trip. I’ve been to The Old Church few times and I always adore it’s uniqueness.This time with my family from UK! They just love it and been talking all the way back to our hotel.The service was great! food and wide selection of wines and of course NOTHING IN COMPARE WITH THEIR PRICES! Money wise!you will enjoy your meal from complimentary bread till dessert.
Am looking forward to celebrate my anniversary with my wife and my retirement.

I was recently taken to The Old Church for dinner as a birthday surprise and wow! what a treat! I’d eaten there before when it first opened and loved it and this was as wonderful – if not even better. The food, setting, ambiance and staff were fantastic. The staff were very knowledgeable about the menu and were friendly but not intrusive. The food was of the highest quality with amazing taste, served beautifully and the perfect quantity. I cannot recommend the place high enough and if there is just one complaint – the evening was over all too soon! Can’t wait to visit again (won’t be waiting for another birthday!)

Last Friday night a friend invited me to the Old Church for a cocktail after work. What an experience – oustanding decor, an awesome cocktail menu, friendly and professional staff and to top it all off a gentleman playing and singing on a Grande Piano. There is no other place like this in Hawkes Bay!! My only disapointment was I already had plans and could not stay on for dinner (which looked fab) – but rest assured – I’ll BE BACK!!!

We have dined at the Old Church on two occasions. The third – we walked out. Our first two experiences were good, this was during the “Around the World” series of cuisine. Our latest experience however, we soon found that their standard menu left much to be desired – We didn’t stay long enough to receive our drinks (order 25 minutes prior). After having a DL flyer at home showing the menu selection, and upon arrival, finding only 5 choices for a main – we were disappointed to say the least. After querying the waiter for something different – we were rejected with the reply “Sorry, we have a new chef, and this IS the new menu” – which looks almost identical to that of the MED Wine Bar & Bistro. Ambiance is always pleasant, however.

Four of us dined here last night and oh what an experience. The food was excellent and the service was spot on. We did not think the ambiance could get but better, but it did. Much to our delight, a gentleman started playing the Grand piano in residence.The beautiful sounds of the piano and his singing just made the night. We felt like we were in a NY piano bar. Great addition old Church. We will be back.

Haven’t been at The Old Church for a while and had an absolutely awesome experience last night!
Excellent service by Shannon (he was such a delight) and gorgeous food.
I took one of my friends there,who has never been and,as always the case,he was just astounded by the decor.
This place is SO out of the ordinary,one absolutely MUST visit at least ones

A wonderful dining experience thoroughly spoilt by our waiter and the food was superb.
The decor is outstanding as is the outdoor dining area.As out of towners we will return on our next visit to the Bay.

We booked because we had guests up from PN for the weekend and had previously had a wonderful lunch experience. Requested go be seated in under the chandelier which was fine. The service was appalling, the entrees and mains arrived for 5 of us at the same time, the sixth person go the main and no entree. Three different waiters. empty plates sat on the table for 40 minutes and had asked twice to have them removed. Overall a very disappointing experience and one we will not both to risk again.

I only wish i had read the reviews before going to this restaurant, as the service i recieved is exactly the some as others have described. Meal was tiny for the price, and very dry. Service was slow, and my partner had finished his meal before mine had arrived… i think i was forgotten about as i had to ask the waiter if my meal was on the way and he looked confused, and then realised i had not recieved anything to eat. very sad considering we were on our anniversary from wellington, i wish we went to another establishment.

We don’t believe in only giving a restaurant only one chance to wow us so we always go back two or three times to give the place a chance to rectify what we weren’t pleased about. We have dinned at the old church three times over the last 6 months and had bad experiences each time we always end up with about 7 people serving us with not having the same person come back once, the conservatory is cold and echo, and you get forgotten about, the restaurant chairs are uncomfortable, and the food is no way near worth the price!! We had the waiter argue over the drinks we ordered trying to tell us how we should drink our vodka and lemonade’s after forgetting them the first time then giving us the wrong ones and thats only scratching the surface very bad experience will never return again.

I’ve eaten at the Old Church six times over the past year and had varying experiences. Whether I’ve made a booking or walked in the reception has invariably been cool.
The food is generally OK and some I like very much, eg the Oyster Bloody Mary Shooters, but the menu doesn’t seem to have changed since they opened and can’t live up to it’s claimed reputation for fine dining.
The main problem is the slow and uncoordinated service: food arrives cold, with long delays in bringing out all diners plates and staff have to be reminded of the order and to clear plates.
The main reason for visiting is the over the top decor, a baroque chintz bordello boudoir with weird religious references thrown in, perhaps as a nod to the history of the building: eating outside on a warm evening is more relaxing.
Unless you specifically want to visit for the decor other choices provide far better food.

The staff were pleasant but not very professional.We were the only people in the conservatory and we had to ask for our menus to be brought. The waiter admitted he had forgotten about us!
The wine waiter was helpful with his recommendations.
The waiter forgot to bring us one drink and we had to ask twice.The restaurant was not busy so no excuses there.
The meals were very small.
Two of us had fish and it was very dry.Unacceptable for a so called top chef to not know how to cook fish!
The serving of belly pork was minute and did not justify $31.
The airconditioning became cold and the waitress put a plate and napkin over the vent!
VERY disappointing and we will not be back or recommending it to others.

The most mouthwatering delicious steak I have ever eaten. The service was exceptional, the salmon entree was very tasty and the atmosphere and surroundings, with a beautiful view of snow capped mountains in the distance made this a most memorable dining experience, would highly recommend it.

This is one of the finest dining experiences that Sue and I have had the pleasure of enjoying. The decor is absolutely stunning, the food exquisite and the service was friendly without being ‘over the top’. The selection of wine was extensive with options for all tastes and budgets. I would have to recommend this restaurant as one of the best we have experienced.

My husband and I dined at this restaurant in November 2007 to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. The entire evening was perfect – faultless meals, wonderful service, and the decor is beautiful making it a very romantic setting. We will be returning for our next wedding anniversary!

My wife & I & two friends decided to try out ‘the old church’ for a meal on saturday the 28th June 08.
We dine out together at least once a month at different restaurants in Hastings/Napier area and we cannot stress how disappointed we were in the meal we were served that night. The so called small offerings were acceptable, but the main course was definately not. My wife & I had the duck which was a very small portion on a ‘smashed potato’& piece of bokchoy for $29 each which we were very dissatisfied with, but the biggest disappointment was our friends $38 so called ‘rack of lamb’. It was basically 5 individual lamb chops with half a tomato,6 beans, resting on 2 small parcels of potato mash! Absolutely unnacceptable for the price. The cou de gras was the desserts- so called chocolate indulgence- a sliver of plastic tasting whatever that was abysmal.
Why did you not complain at the time, you are asking? We should have done, but did not,but after consultation at home we decided to put together this review. We certainly will not be back,and will definately NOT recommend your restaurant to anybody else.
Neil&Glenys Jennings.

This was without a doubt one of the most pleasant dining experiences we had in New Zealand and compares favourably in both ambiance and food quality for restaurants costing much more . With a modest cost makes this dining experience a must if travelling in New Zealand. As yet undiscovered for the most part there is no doubt that this will become a most sought after location in the coming years.The careful detail to the decor gives the restaurant a feeling of rich warmth. The serving staff were very caring and friendly. Having lived in Europe, the Middle East and Canada and having experienced dining at all classes of restaurants, I rate this establishment as one of the top five that I have eaten at. Outstanding!