Went with another couple, took our own wine, though meals are a little on the high side the meals were just as we wanted them.
The surroundings and atmosphere were perfect would definitely
go again for that special occasion.

Had a meal at Somerset Cottage last saturday, booked a table for 8.30 it was very busy when we got there but we couldn’t fault it, good service and great food. Yes it is pricy and the meals aren’t huge but our meals were divine, great atmosphere and friendly staff.

Fine Dining? … How about rudeness at its best. It was my partners first time to Somerset Cottage, to which we had gone to celebrate her birthday and enjoy an experience and food we would remember, NOT THE CASE; it was remembered but for all the wrong reasons. The food was average, the service; well there was none and the owner spent all night with her feet rocking on a chair schmoozing with the regulars – no consideration or thought for new blood that would have turned in to good regulars. Not once were asked how we enjoyed the meals, we sat there for 45 minutes with empty glasses and even when paying the bill we were told the price and still no service given or enquiry as to how the meals were. After the bill was paid I spoke with the owner and expressed our disappointment to which all she said was ‘that’s just your interpretation of a bad experience’ no apology, too busy being complacent and too comfortable! In these scary economic times you’d think they would be making an extra effort to keep every single client as happy and comfortable as possible. Would not recommend. Very disappointed.

I have been to Somerset cottage a number of times in the past two years. recently I went with a group of 10 people and the Surly waitress, the small over priced meals and the lack of atmosphere would next see me rather go to the cornerstone Bethlehem than go through that experience again.

Excellent food and service. Staff and owner were friendly. The food is pricey but worth it. The quality of the food was delicious, just scrumptious and well presented. Pleasant restaurant – more to fine dining. You need to eat a complete 3 main course meal and savour it, take your time in order to enjoy and feel full by the end of the night! We’re happy to come back if I can afford this regularly! Love it!

Outstanding food and generally good service, but the Maitre d’ can be a little intrusive. You pay top dollar here for what are generally small meals, but they’re invariably delicious.

I just love Somerset Cottage, we frequent there every season if poss. You never get a bad meal there, and there is always something new to try on the menu. Well done guys – keep up the good work “)

Somerset is one of the best restaurants in Tauranga if you are into fine dining. Somerset is always our first choice for a special dinner or occassion as we know we will never be disappointed with the food or service. We save our best bottles of wine to take there as they appreciate fine wine and are very knowledgeable in this department.Well done Rick and Ann and team

Please do not be put off by some of the reviews on this page. We eat here more than 15 times a year and have NEVER had a bad meal or even a bad dish. As for the wait staff, they could not be more friendly or helpful.
I rate this as one of the best restaurants I eat at, anywhere in the world, for consistency and quality and service.

My husband and i have dined at the Somerset many times and i would have to say it and one other restaurant in Tauranga is the best nothing even comes close and we have eaten at most of Tauranga restaurants. And as for price middle of the road so well done somerset chefs you know what your doing we will continue to go back.

A very disappointing experience! We will not return, nor would we recommend this restaurant. Our meals were bland and lacked any ‘zing’ or imagination; I would describe them as meat and fish with sauce. And for $118 for 2 mains, 4 glasses of wine and 1 coffee, it is not cheap. The staff did not engage with us at all apart from taking our orders – we were not once asked how our meals were, not even when we paid.

$171 for two people (two entree, two main, 1 dessert, 1 coffee & 1 very average bottle of wine) and then having to stop for drive through on the way home because The Man is still starving? Not value for money in our books.

We had heard that Somerset Cottage was the place to go for a special occasion so we booked to dine there for our 25th anniversary. The duck was good, however the eye fillet(possibly the most expensive steak in Tauranga!) that I ordered medium rare was closer to well-done. Once our meals had been delivered the rather unfriendly staff steered a wide berth around our table and no-one came to check whether everything was satisfactory. I eventually managed to attract the attention of one of the staff who seemed rather disgruntled that I wanted to speak with her. (At this stage we had almost finished our meal). When I explained that the meat was overdone (which I thought they should be aware of) she just said she would inform the kitchen & marched off. She returned a while later to ask ‘So what exactly is it you wanted us to do about your steak – cook you another one?’ She also informed me, when I pointed out that it is a normal courtesy for someone to come around and check on the meal, that it is ‘not their policy’. The overriding impression we had was that she was doing us a huge favour by serving us. When we came to pay, the fillet had been removed from the bill which we appreciate but by then our special evening had been turned into a less than perfect experience, and the lack of friendliness & charm from all except 1 of the staff had turned us right off going back there. An error in a meal is forgiveable but bad service is not.

First let me say that the food at Somerset is as good as you will get anywhere in Tauranga. But it is also somewhat boring and almost old fashioned, the main dishes lack flair and innovation. So, while we are confident we will get well cooked food, we always come away feeling a little disappointed. They are OK with you taking your own wine which helps keep the cost down, our meal of two entrees, two mains and corkage came to $118.

Its been about 6 months since I went, having only heard it was THE place to eat, I was disappointed at the menu, I had no trouble choosing what I wanted because there was not much that appealed, whereas other more affordable local restaurants have so much more appetizing offerings I struggle to make up my mind.

Unfortunately the enduring memory I have is the price, paying a small fortune, with corkage (I was glad we took our own Villa Maria Private Bin as equivalent wines were twice what we paid) for a forgettable meal is the biggest disappointment.

The decor itself did not particularly appeal to me either, the problem I see is Someset Cottage is fighting to retain its exclusivity when it is no better than most others in Tauranga. However, I guess with the multitude of restaurants in Tauranga some need to create a point of difference, sadly, price is the only one here.

In my top 5 of all restaurants.. Fantastic food, fantastic atmosphere, great service, prices are on the higher side but still well worth a visit..

The atmosphere and decor at this restaurant is terrific, it is so nice to eat in a restaurant that has those fine dining touches that many restaurants fall down on today. The food itself was very nice but without the wow factor that I was expecting. The prices being charged therefore, are in my opinion a little too high for the taste experienced. I had the chicken liver pate for an entree, which I must say was delightful, however the small pickled orange marmalade dish accompanying the pate tended to be a little overpowering. The two slices of toasted foccacia was not quite enough for the dish which meant one either left some pate or ate it on its own. At $19.50 I think the extra toast would make this dish more palatable.
For my main course I chose the oven roasted duck which again was very nice but not outstanding, the price of $34.50 is about what I would expect for this dish. Disapointing I thought, was that all seven people dining at our table had to share one dish of vegetables, while there was just enough to go round, I know some people held back so that every one got some. How about individual dishes or at least dishes for two people. One big plate of veges just says lazy to me. Finally the restaurant allows you to take your own wine which is terrific but $10 corkage is almost highway robbery in this modern day of screw caps. Come on Somerset pick up your game.

Having read this restaurant was one of the best in New Zealand we couldn’t wait to try it. What a disappointment !! we went on Friday night it wasn’t even half full we didn’t have to book and who said fine dining was a scrawny chicken leg at $34.50 we wont be going back

Consistently outstanding food & service The best dining in the Bay!
A restaurant that is always at least half full on a midweek night is indicative of its popularity.
Bookings essential