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Hours
Sun
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Thu
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Fri
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sat
11:00 am - 3:00 pm5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
$20.00 – $80.00
CUISINES
Philippine, Asian, New Zealand
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Is this an Asian restaurant?
Details
About
Led by Head Chef Neil Sapitula, Rothko's team crafts each menu using the freshest seasonal ingredients to deliver tasty, interesting dishes that celebrate local produce and suppliers. One of Matakana’s top 3 restaurants Rothko Restaurant provides a relaxed dining experience with attentive service in a spacious country setting.
PRICE RANGE
$20.00 – $80.00
CUISINES
Philippine, Asian, New Zealand
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
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4.5
380 reviews
Excellent
279
Very good
50
Average
29
Poor
9
Terrible
13
Paul.
Auckland66 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Expensive but yet exclusive. A place to enjoy, to share with others and remember.
As a snack we chose a basket of slim wedges cooked in truffle oil and parmesan cheese ($12) each, but were advised by the waitress one basket on its own was usually enough for two people, so we ordered one basket and found that to be the case. The one basket was a huge amount and all we needed to fill our needs.
It was. Wbetween us which was more than enough for a quick snack.
,
Written 17 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SculptureumMatakana
Thanks Paul! Hope to see you again soon so you can try the full Rothko menu..its amazing :)
Written 12 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
602Tony
Perth522 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Rothko Restaurant at Matakana is an easy one hours drive from Auckland. It is located in beautiful gardens and adjacent to the renowned Sculptureum. We had an appointment for lunch and were welcomed by very obliging and friendly staff who seated us in the enclosed veranda which gave a feeling of almost being in the garden. The Restaurant Manager Sven is a keen on wine so we were enthusiastically offered the wine list which provided a good choice of local and French wines. We chose several very good local wines and matched them with fresh, local fish which was cooked perfectly. Demonstrating our interest in wine we were also offered tastes of other wines on the list which created great interest. It was a most enjoyable lunch and reasonably priced. .
Written 15 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
g n
Auckland Central415 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
We had lunch here recently and were impressed. The outlook is lovely, the dining area atmosphere was relaxed, and our service was excellent. The children's meals came out fast and were generous, I really enjoyed my beef carpaccio and my fish main. The others around the table were very happy with their zucchini flower entree and the spelt risotto main. A highly enjoyable refined meal that we all enjoyed in a beautiful setting
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jelena F
Auckland Central8 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
We were told this was a fine dining experience and we went expecting that. How disappointing to find this more like a cafe setting which was not restful or pleasant. The feel of the dining area was exposed and rushed with people trying to sit at tables next to us only to be told by staff that these tables were reserved. People would line up behind our table to speak to the maitre'd, he would tell them that they couldn't sit inside, but could order coffee etc outside, he would seat people who did have reservations then we would need to join this same line to pay for our meal. We asked for a water refill and in the end my husband got up to get that himself it took so long. The wait staff were busy serving people outside and it took 20 minutes for a glass of wine to be delivered. My duck ($35) was flavoursome, small serving but with undercooked parsnip (1) cut in half with half a mini carrot that was hard to even cut into. My husband's scotch fillet ($31) came by itself in a jus and not a vegetable or garnish in sight. Overpriced for this setting, not peaceful and not special. It felt like a village cafe and not a fine dining experience. Disappointing and we will not eat here again.
Review collected in partnership with www.restauranthub.co.nz
This business uses tools provided by Tripadvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Petrina
North Shore5 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
The Sculptureum is a must visit, so much amazing art and is really enjoyable. Unfortunately I cannot say the same for the restaurant. It is still a new business and I think they are still working out their positioning but we found the menu very limiting and over priced for what you got. The smallest fish meal we have ever been served and nothing came with a $39 steak. Thank goodness for fries! The service was ok but the staff were very unfriendly and a smile would have made a big difference to our experience. We couldn’t wait to leave and probably won’t go back. It is a shame as it has so much potential and there is a gap to fill that The Stables has left after cutting their hours and changing their menu.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kiwi-Traveller2
Matakana117 contributions
Jan 2020 • friends
We have previously been to Rothko a couple of times but not in the last year. It used to be amazing. Each dish was a taste sensation. We decided to go for dinner on a Saturday evening recently with friends. We had heard rumours that the chef had changed. Apparently this happened 6 months ago. Four of us ordered the duck and one had the steak. We decided to pass on the entrees. The duck was a very small meal and had no flavour. The roasted carrots served with it were so tough as to be difficult to cut. We ate them only because the meal was so small. We were told that people were expected to order sides to make the meal of sufficient size. There were only 2 sides available- truffle fries and lettuce leaves with a sprinkling of parmesan. Both were large but the leaves did not seem fresh and I could not taste any dressing. The green beans were not available. The 2 desserts on offer were fine and enjoyed by our table. We love good food so were disappointed that the main courses were so tasteless for the amount they cost. The only reason I have given Rothko an average rating rather than poor is because the setting is lovely and the service was fine. Even though this is a local for us over the summer we would not go back.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paulchowmein
Auckland Central16 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Went to lunch after visiting Sculptureum which was outstanding. The lunch manager very nice to fit 6 of us in without a reservatin
We had lamb rump and snapper and scotch fillet The lamb was just average and the staek was poor lacking flavour and tenderness. Pricing was high for what you get My steak came by itself with a jus nothing else. Service wwas great a Cuban Waitress very good. Everything else was disappointing. I understand a new head chef been ther a short time, Previuos chef was excellent
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LesleyC2013
Auckland5 contributions
Feb 2020 • friends
Very disappointing lunch - which was trying to be fancy but was just overly decorated with smears and dabs of irrelevant and mismatched sauces and decor items while any vegetable accompaniments to the main dish were chargeable extras - which took an hour to arrive and was extremely overpriced. Warm tap water in smeary glasses. Supermarket-quality bread (chargeable). Wait staff did not seem to want be there. I am sorry I took my overseas guests there
Written 14 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SculptureumMatakana
Hi LesleyC2013, we are sorry to hear you thought your lunch was disappointing. Please get in contact via email admin@sculptureum.net as do not wish anyone to leave our restaurant feeling this way. We at Rothko strive for the best service with the highest quality local produce
Written 15 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sepp1213
Singapore43 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
Our dinner tonight was disappointing. We were served by 3 different staff so the service wasn’t great. Atmosphere will entirely depend on where you are actually seated, as there is a main area where the fireplace is and two long corridors that don’t feel like they are part of the restaurant. The wine list is not great. Their own wines are cheap ($8-9) and absolutely awful. Other wines that cost $37 in a supermarket are priced at $95 for example! And their food...was most disappointing. We had pasta, duck and salmon. Pasta was greasy and something you would get in a cheap diner in the US or as a TV dinner that you microwave before eating. It had one small prawn on top. One! Salmon was overcooked and tasteless. Duck was ok but forgettable. And then for desert we had Cheesecake - which was more like a round long blob of butter served with caramel sauce. And Pavlova ugh. There was no love or creativity or flavour in any of the dishes. All felt heavy and full of fat or sugar, or both. The property and their sculpture garden is very beautiful but the restaurant (for dinner) is well below standard.
Written 19 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SculptureumMatakana
Hi Sepp1213
I am surprised by your review and would like to get some further information from you so i can look into this.
Feel free to email me directly on Tessa@sculptureum.net.
Thank you
Written 21 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JayEm66
Auckland141 contributions
Oct 2020 • family
So very disappointing as we’d all heard good things about Rothko from their previous chef and were eager to try it when in the neighbourhood. We had no reservation but it was early so thought we’d try our luck. The front of house staff was SO unwelcoming upon our arrival that we had serious second thoughts about staying but we decided we persevere...what a mistake. They sat us outside and made us feel like we were really putting them through so much trouble. We started with the flavourless and confused kingfish entree. For mains, we had the pork and clams dish and three of us ordered the duck breast. The clams on the pork dish were very chewy and really shouldn’t have been served. Also, couldn’t taste any peppercorn in the sauce. The roasted duck breast was strangely grey around the edges and the texture was very unpleasant. It was served in a watery satay sauce with grilled leeks and some red onions?? None of us could detect any hint of miso. Service was lacking in every regard. All in all, an utterly poor experience and we definitely won’t be back.
Written 16 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SculptureumMatakana
Thanks for your review and we are sorry to hear your recent experience at Rothko didn’t live up to your expectations. We have just hit our busy season and are in the process of hiring extra staff to help us deliver excellent service all times of the day. Your feedback is important to us and if you’re open to discussing this further, please email our front of house manager tessa@sculptureum.net. We’d greatly appreciate the opportunity to find out more. Thank you.
Written 18 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karene
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • family
My Family (Group of 8 adults) visited the Sculptureum & had lunch at Rothko Restaurant on Sun 26 Jan 2020.
We enjoyed the Sculptureum but were very disappointed with Rothko.
It took an hour for our lunch to arrive.
The cost for starters & mains were very high for what was received.
The Steak (nearly $40) came alone without any vege or greens.
The wine ($15 per glass) were very small portions.
The menu range was very limited.
Definitely wouldnt rate our experience as 'fine-dining' & wouldn't recommend.
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SculptureumMatakana
Hi Karene thank you for your review and sorry to read you were disappointed with Rothko . We would love to get in contact with you about your experience, please email through to us admin@sculpturuem.net
Written 12 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
annualhols
New Plymouth15 contributions
Mar 2021 • couples
We decided to go to Rothkos for a special lunch on the final day of our annual holiday. We liked the prospect of a top meal and then a stroll in the garden. It's a beautiful place; peaceful, beautifully landscaped and well designed.
We rolled up in our mobility van, got a table with plenty of room for the wheelchair and gave our order to the attentive staff.
That's when things deteriorated. We go out to eat often and the fact that my husband needs his food processed has NEVER been a problem. Until today.
He ordered fish but the chef felt that by processing the meal it would not meet his refined standards of presentation. My husband often has fish and all the kitchens seem ok with processing the food and presenting him with delicious and creative options. As I said we have never had this reaction in NZ before.
The staff seemed to be surprised but accepted that a good meal is not possible for people like us.
You advertise the importance of recognizing that diversity is important and helps our world in many ways, but when it comes to the really important stuff of life you simply don't get it.
This experience indicates that you cannot take the elderly, the infirm, the very young or anyone who does not fit your version of suitable people to this restaurant. Brenden the chef doesn't want people like us in his restaurant.
I ordered steak. $55 for the steak and a gigantic dinner plate of New World mixed leaves with no dressing or any other additions. My husband had tomato soup
He ask for his soup in a mug but we were told that their mugs didnt look right. So I trotted out to the van and got one and afterwards washed it out in the car park.
So it wasn't very pleasant, we fought off the flies, ate our weird meal and left.
We dont complain about the treatment we get very often but this was especially awful.
We do recommend Rothkos unless you are fully able bodied and dont mind a bit of food snobbery.
Written 20 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sculptureum
Dear Tio, we wish to apologise that we were not up to the standard you had expected on this day. We certainly do try our best to accommodate all requests regardless of who asks and we may not always get it right. We will of course talk with our team and will constantly try to improve what we do and how we can do it. No we have not had any similar requests before, but now we have we aim to have a plan for the future. If you would like to discuss this further and maybe provide some tips on how best to work with that, then please contact us directly on info@sculptureum.net. Take care and have a great week.
Written 21 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cindy I
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • none
What an amazing place! I visited Rothko for lunch on Sunday with my family and WOW I was impressed. We were quickly sat my the lovely manager even though they were busy and we were without a booking. We were then looked after by the very helpful and informative staff. We ordered a dish each but ended up swapping around so we could get a taste of everything as it all tasted AMAZING. Compliments to the chef and to the staff for making what I thought would be a normal lunch to something that was far from it. We will definitely be visiting Rothko again! It is a must for the tourist bucket list
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AmyR
2 contributions
Feb 2022 • none
It was our first time to visit Sculptureum and to be honest it didn't disappoint. The truth of the matter is our family has enjoyed the sculpture gardens and art galleries reason why I personally went to the Rothko restaurant to move our booking slightly from 11:30 to 11:45 and the lady even thanked me for letting them know about the change but no mention at all of needing to be finished by 1 pm.
We came to the restaurant and was showed to our reserved table and the moment we sat down, the lady in charge told us that we have to be finished by 1 pm as another group is booked after us. I was kind of put off with these as we feel like the restaurant is quite big to accommodate other customers in case we go over our time, so why are we being rushed to finish at an exact time? I was on the verge of walking out but I don't want to ruin what started as a fantastic day for my family. So I patiently just sat there but keep on looking at the time. The drinks came but the mocktails were so disappointing, we just have to forcefully finish it as it was expensive. Food was served after 30 minutes, but feel like the size portion and the price doesn't match, the taste was there but was not spectacular. We didn't order dessert as my husband and our young adults were motioning me to pay as it's almost 1 pm. The area where to pay was the same as welcoming guests to enter and accessing the vaccine pass, so I had to wait in a queue to be accommodated to pay which I find shouldn't be the case. There should have been a dedicated person for the paying customers and another one for welcoming guests in.
Overall, our experience at the museum was fantastic but cannot say the same for the Rothko restaurant. At the back of my mind, we could have settled for the Freddie's outdoor kitchen where our money would have gone a long way, instead of paying $218 knowing that the ambience is the same anyway as Rothko is not airconditioned at all.
So three things that could have gotten better were: 1.Please do not rush your customers by telling them to be finished at a certain time the moment they sit down, and these being a fine dining restaurant at that. 2. Provide a separate line or area for customers paying and for welcoming guests especially as there is an additional requirement of scanning the vaccine pass 3. With the price, please match to the sizing portions and mocktails to be more refreshing considering price is at $9.
I belong to a big family here in NZ and have highly recommended visiting Sculptureum but is wary of recommending the restaurants inside as there are a lot of options to choose from outside, like MMK which is just couple of kilometers away.
Another thing, I wouldn't have wanted to post the review here but wasn't given much choice as the reply to the email from Rothko came back undelivered twice.
Written 9 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sculptureum
Hi Amy, we are sorry to hear that your recent experience at Rothko was not up to the standard you expected. We really value customer feedback and would love the opportunity to chat to you further about your experience. Please email charlotte@sculptureum.net with your contact details and we will be in touch as soon as possible
Written 10 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cynth.
Auckland Central8 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
The food is sub standard. Fresh fish served in a bowl of buttery soup with pork belly added in as well( even though menu didn’t indicate this ) is not healthy or inviting! . Over salted fries and steak as delivered rather than your being asked how you would like it done.
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SculptureumMatakana
Hi Cynth, sorry to read about your experience. Please if you could get in contact with admin@sculptureum.net
Thanks
Written 12 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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