The Riverhead

Riverhead

 20/05/2013

We came out on a winters Sunday as we had heard and read so much about the tavern. We came by the Red Boats – which was just a fantastic trip and well worth it! We got told on the boat to get your orders in early as they do get very busy and the boat leaves at 3pm sharp. We did not realise you had to book the restaurant – its a pity they don’t tell you that as you book the boat trip… so upon arrival we got shunted out into the boat shed…after finally getting to the bar was very disappointed with the choice on the menu…. it is very very basic!! The place was absolutely heaving and on this wet cold day the only option left was to sit outside in the wet paddock. Partner finally found a table up in the outside bar area that at least was firm under foot and had umbrellas open -so we took the kids and went up there. Chaos then ensued. Because we had ordered our meals in the downstairs bar area – we had now committed the cardinal sin of moving to a new zone. Meals took over an hour to come. They were very disappointing upon arrival. Its the little things that stand out- no butter on the burger or even mayonnaise, no tomato sauce on the kids hot dogs, very bland boring food. paper plates for serving. Not quite what i had been expecting. The boat trip is well worth it – but don’t have high expectations for the food when you get there. They would be better off having a fantastic carvery on a Sunday where at least you could get a delicious hot roast dinner – have more time for another drink and even dessert – enjoy the music without having to be pinned to your seat waiting for food. Good luck it is a fantastic venue.

Woody’s Bar & Grill

Waiwera

 18/05/2013

Went there on a cold Saturday night and was treated to an intimate and enjoyable dining experience with my partner thanks to the team at woodys. Good range of dishes on the menu, with standard menu, special board and hot lamb roast. Each plate was served fresh hot and tasty. Service was second to none, with staff happy to accommodate all our needs. Will go back again, and recommend to friends

Blossoms Espresso Cafe

Kumeu

 18/05/2013

Fantastic meals and coffee !! Very very generous serving sizes absolutely beautiful fresh cakes and muffins will defiantly be back just a note if you are a group over 4 you should book in advance as they can get seriously busy over the weekend !

Ruby’s WineBar & Grill

Huapai

 18/05/2013

We visited Ruby’s on Friday evening for Dinner and were very pleased with all aspects of the service that we received. The meals we were served were excellent and they were nice and hot when we got them. The staff were very pleasant and attentive. A very good experience all round and I would recommend Ruby’s to any of my friends. A great local restaurant.

Markovina Vineyard Estate

Kumeu

 17/05/2013

We had the most wonderful, perfect and magical autumn wedding day, thanks to Rina and her very professional team who deliver 5 star service, fantastic food and amazing dessert. Markovina stole our heart the moment we laid eyes on it, even when our first visit was on a rainy, cloudy and cold winter day, walking down the gardens with umbrella in hand fighting the winds and heels sinking into the ground; there were no flowers or leaves in the trees but still… the venue and the ground were just perfect to us and took our breath away. Markovina surpassed all our expectations and we will have no hesitation in recommending it to any newly engaged couple as a superb wedding venue. Thank you again for making our wedding special, amazing and memorable. Garry and Mia Smith – 21st April 2013

Hell Pizza

Whangaparaoa

 16/05/2013

Friendly staff Which was great to see in a takeaway place, Great food, something for everyone. Clean place, we sat down and dined there and was clean and tidy. Definitely a place to check out if you are up that way.

Ruby’s WineBar & Grill

Huapai

 15/05/2013

What a treat to have Ruby’s in our local area! We visited on a Saturday night without a reservation and even though the restaurant was extremely busy we were warmly welcomed and seated without fuss. All four of us agreed that our meals were delicious, well presented and cooked to perfection. The great selection of beverages and meals are definitely value for money while the atmosphere, décor and efficient but friendly staff combined to make it a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience and one we will return again and again for. Well done!

JAC’s Trading Co.

Whangaparaoa

 15/05/2013

Went to Jac’s bar. Had a great night, food was really good. We went on Saturday night. Ladies night $8 cocktails. But I ordered my drink just before 11pm under the impression it was going to be $8. But by the time the bar tender had finished making my drink, it had just turned 11pm, ladies night was over so my drink was $14. He had not warned me this would happen. Your staff really should inform customers when prices will change.

Gusto Cafe

Whangaparaoa

 15/05/2013

They are superb the staff are friendly welcoming nothing is too much trouble. the spot for toddlers is great. The food is very nice. love having a bite to eat there. thanks guys !!!

Mozaik Coffee

Orewa

 15/05/2013

Have been once with a friend. In the summer the place is way too hot with no air flow. It’s in a prime location you can see the beach. But sadly the food was a disappointment, the salad looked like it had been in the fridge for a week. The drinking glasses were dirty I had to change them 2x. The waiter was very attentive and to his credit was very pleasant. For a place with the Mozaik name it is a let down. Won’t be back.

Alley Katz Cafe

Orewa

 15/05/2013

The food here is fabulous with a great variety!!!!! its delicious. The staff are helpful and its got a great location opposite the beach. We do find the coffees are very small for the price though taste nice. And the kids fluffy drinks are too expensive.

The Stables Restaurant

Matakana

 14/05/2013

Very busy Wednesday evening, no booking, but made us very welcome and quickly prepared a table for us by the open fireplace. Half price burgers were great, followed by a huge banana split dessert, great quick service from very attentive young staff members. Impressed, we returned next evening to enjoy a steak with prawns, cooked just as requested. Again, great service from staff who recognized us from the previous night. Wished we could get that from a restaurant we go to regularly here in Oz. Will return to The Stables on our next trip to the Matakana region.

Abruzzo Ristorante Italiano

Stanmore Bay

 14/05/2013

On a short holiday from Australia, this establishment was recommended by the lodge where we were staying. As strangers to this area, better lighting would help to find at night but was very well worth the search! Fantastic bread, a good sized main each and a shared dessert. Attentive, quick service with tasty, authentic food cooked perfectly. So good, we returned the following night, to be greeted by friendly staff who recognized us from the previous night, a good omen. Chose different items from the menu and were not disappointed, even happy to prepare takeaway killer desserts for us to have later! Top of our list for the next visit to NZ.

The Riverhead

Riverhead

 14/05/2013

I cannot rave enough about the friendly staff, the excellent service and the amazing food at The Landing. We went on a very busy Saturday for a family lunch, 10 of us ranging in age from 21 to 90 and everyone totally enjoyed the experience. Satisfied the vegetarians in the group too. Perfect setting for a perfect day! Well done, love you and we’ll be back.

Leigh Fish & Chips

Leigh

 13/05/2013

2013 – The whole family went out the other weekend, and I have to say, it’s most likely the best fish and chips in New Zealand. The chips were cooked perfect, our fish was fantastic. I think they need to work on there service, all the effort is put into the food yet our arrival was met with a head nod from the mario lady. All the food was good value except for the fish which was a bit pricey. Over all, highly recommended if your coming for extremely good food and not for the service.

The Farmhouse Cafe

Orewa

 13/05/2013

Been going there for about 18 months the COFFEE sizes are great now. A bucket !!!! sorry to say however the food both in quality and price lets them down big time. We no longer bother with the food. Its a shame because outside seating is lovely in the sun.

The Fireplace Bar & Brasserie

Kumeu

 13/05/2013

We had a fairly average experience. Initial greeting was great but that’s as far as it goes. The waitress that was assigned to us seemed a little inexperienced. We got our drinks quickly, however the soft drinks were terrible. The waitress stood there and didn’t really know what to do, but then eventually came back and took them away to replace them. When she cleared the table after we’d eaten, she was a little clumsy followed with swearing under her breath when she made a mistake. Not professional at all. Meals came out quickly and they looked worse than a pub meal. Small, plain and boring. Even a little salad on the side as a garnish or whatever, would have made it look better. Plating was not good and portions were tiny. Even though it didn’t look good, I was hoping that it would still taste great. It was average! I’ve had worse, but I’ve also definitely had a lot better. I wouldn’t be in a rush to head back there unfortunately.

Curry Leaf Indian Restaurant

Kumeu

 13/05/2013

We had a family lunch (party of17) for my dads 80th. Service was outstanding and food was delicious fresh and hot. We will definitely be returning.

Ribier Restaurant

Huapai

 12/05/2013

Just got home from a wonderful night & dining experience on Mother’s day and had to share it with everyone!! We have been to Ribier a number of times before and have always enjoyed such great quality of food & service. Today we took our parents out for a meal & as usual it was a great combination of tasty food & lovely company. All the meals were cooked & presented perfectly and were a pleasure to eat, we especially enjoyed the beef tenderloin and crispy pork belly. Thanks again to the staff at Ribier, we are so lucky to have such a great restaurant in our area – no wonder they have so many awards! We highly recommend!

Abruzzo Ristorante Italiano

Stanmore Bay

 12/05/2013

Went for Mother’s Day and had best meal I have had in many years. Chicken liver entree was best I’ve ever had and the rest of the meal was just and nice. Cannot wait to eat my way through their menu! I cannot recommend this place enough. They were very busy but service was still excellent!