Iguana Bar & Restaurant
+64 7-834 2280+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
9:00 am - 11:30 pm
Mon
11:30 am - 10:30 pm
Tue
11:30 am - 11:30 pm
Wed
11:30 am - 11:30 pm
Thu
11:30 am - 11:30 pm
Fri
11:30 am - 11:30 pm
Sat
9:00 am - 11:30 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
4.0
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
$15.00 – $38.00
CUISINES
Bar, Fast food, European
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Can a vegetarian person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
About
Located in Hamilton's Dinning district Iguana Bar & Restaurant has a long and rich history of serving great food to its patrons. In a building full of character, Iguana provides a friendly relaxed environment along with an exceptional seasonal menu, and a range of great beer, wine, and cocktail options. Takeaway is also available via the Iguana App. Iguana Bar & Restaurant has long been Hamilton's first choice for family gatherings, birthdays, engagements, staff parties, or just a simple night out! We cater to any event though an extensive range of function options and all dietary requirements. Call or email now to reserve your table.
PRICE RANGE
$15.00 – $38.00
CUISINES
Bar, Fast food, European
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
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4.0
596 reviews
Excellent
200
Very good
202
Average
92
Poor
51
Terrible
51
Emily H
3 contributions
Aug 2020 • friends
We had the fortunate experience to dine at Iguana, food average, customer service was a severe departure from what I would hope to receive at such a establishment. When it came time to pay we queried the pricing of a dining offer that was clearly stated on the menu, we were met with a confrontational attitude. The staff continued to argue rather then offering their apology to close the matter! It was distasteful experience which we do not wish too repeat and we will not be dining here again.
Written 9 August 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.
Luvinspoonful
Rotorua677 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
I booked a table for 6 and we settled in for a leisurely evening of sampling entrees, mocktails and desserts.
As the various courses rolled out - each was superb and one couple decided to split a main which was delivered to the table on seperate plates! Generous drinks. Fabulous food. Exceptional service (soooooo good staff didn’t even prompt us to hurry or tell us they had the entire restaurant booked out for a birthday party! As we walked out - party people walked in!! Really appreciated this)
Written 14 March 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.
Maria M
Wellington25 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
Menu looked good, so we decided to try it out.
I had eye fillet on mashed potatoes and seasonal veges, my partner had the sirloin with new potatoes and seasonal veges, both were outstanding.
We don't normally do dessert but they had brandy snaps with cream so my partner got two of those, and I ordered the sticky date pudding with mackintosh sauce and vanilla icecream. I must say that dessert was one of the best sticky date pudding's I've ever had. That sauce was sooo good.
Staff were very helpful, and the atmosphere was good. It was fairly busy but wasn't noisy so it was very pleasant.
Written 4 January 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.
Tim Greaney
Thanks for taking the time to place your review and we appreciate the excellent feedback. We look forward to you visiting again soon and we'll have the brandy snaps ready ;)
Written 25 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
WomblingKiwis
Hamilton114 contributions
Feb 2020 • friends
A group of 14 of us booked a table on a Thursday night - cheap cocktails and $25 unlimited ribs. We ordered food and drinks on arrival, please bear in mind our group ordered only 3 cocktails, the rest of the orders were juices, beer and wine. After 30 minutes we go to see what's happening with our order: there's only one person making drinks and it'll be about another 15 minutes.
Seriously?! On a night of cheap cocktails you only have one drink maker in?! And can none of the at least four other wait staff pour a beer? One of our group cancelled her apple juice order as she was now running late and wanted to eat and leave as quickly as possible.
Just after the food arrived, the drinks were brought out, including the cancelled apple juice. She stated she wasn't paying as it had been cancelled, the waiter was very hesitant and said they would get the manager. After 10 minutes the manager hadn't come and she had to leave. Trying to pay was also an issue as she watched three staff members pass by her at the bar and not offer acknowledgement or assistance. They accepted she wouldn't pay the apple juice and sent a manager over to our table. He asked if there was anything else we would like, on the house. At this point we have been in a hot restaurant for an hour and a half and just want to finish our meal and go. We were offered no refund for the delayed drinks and, while we ordered the "unlimited ribs" we didn't want to wait another possible 45 minutes for a top up.
While the food was adequate the service was so poor I will not be returning.
Written 13 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.
Jessica Emery
1 contribution
Oct 2020 • family
We hardly ever go out , like never. And tonight we chose Iguana because they had GF options to choose from.
We had two kids with us, a 3 and 1 year old.
I arrived first while my partner parked the car with our son. I explained I was the 7.15 reservation. It took the waitress about 20 min to ask if I wanted a drink after I was seated. The restaurant wasn’t even busy. The food took forever, we were hardly ever checked on to see if we wanted a top up of drinks which we did and we had to signal them for them to come over, took another 20 min for the second round of drink to arrive, which I didnt even finish because it took so long and I had finished my meal by then. Had to ask for a second bottle of water as well.
My partner’s food was drowning in sauce, which he didn’t finish. I also rang before hand about their GF free option and the gentlemen on the phone told me they could do some baked fried potatoes chips which when we got there weren’t apparently GF in the end.
I had the venison which I actually really enjoyed to be fair.
One of the waitresses seemed annoyed at me for asking anything really.
The staff tend to forget then when people decide to eat out that it’s not only about the food, that it’s actually also to be served as cooking at home every night can be full on. We just really wanted to treat ourselves and be served correctly. The place was not that busy at all which doesn’t justify the fact that it takes 20 min to bring drinks to a table.
Very disappointed; I’ve been In Hamilton for 12 years and I must say Iguana is not what it was. It has lost its touch and really doesn’t care about customer service. What a shame.
We won’t be going there ever.
Written 23 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.
Elaine-Kiwi
Parramatta21 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
It was busy but we were seated, water brought to our table and not asked if we wanted something else to drink, thinking she would come back I ended up having to ask then to find it wasn't what I ordered. We had a wait before placing our food order. Then we waited and waited and we were patience as it was busy but when I asked when the child menu and entree would arrive (impression was it was forgotten) so a further wait. Entree was tasty but the childs menu had a few chips, lots of green lettuce and 2 pieces of very dry chicken. By the time we saw the waitress again she offered to get the chicken redone but he was over it and so we opted for chips ($14 for chips and a sundae) Pork Belly was dry and not melt in your mouth like it should be) Asked for a Strawberry Sundae and got chocolate. The did offer coffee/desserts but we were over the place. All they offered was half price for the Pork Belly really We won't be back
Written 8 August 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.
yorston90
Hi Elaine, thank-you for your feedback. Please contact our team at info@iguana.co.nz. We will pass this on to our team, and strive to improve.
Written 29 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pookiesb
Hamilton3 contributions
May 2020 • couples
Delivery Order.. Sorry to say but what a disaster. Looking forward to some decent tasty food, the order was placed for a 6.30pm delivery, we had to ring at 7.30pm to find out it had just left and we got our food at 8.30pm. This is 2 hours after the delivery time. The food had taste but OMG it was stone cold, the burger patty was dry, the bottom bun drenched in beetroot juice and popped egg yolks which had solidified. Lettuce all wilted and the curly fries were glubbed together like a brick.
Guys you need to either sort out your deliveries or not offer them.
Disappointed.
Written 1 May 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.
Glen W
Hamilton55 contributions
Dec 2022 • business
I gave 1 star because no stars was not available. Shame on you Iguana
We were a group of mature, professional, community minded people who were hoping to have a collegial pre christmas dinner and those hopes were dashed.
A number of the cuts of meat were of dubious origin: huge, supposed “lamb shanks “ with a large amount of fat; supposed “eye fillet” that also had a large amount of fat; almost cold ribs and fries; and the list could go on. To add insult to injury we had to wait well over an hour and a half to be served the food, so that we could establish how unappetising so much of it was.
Worst of all, a senior and respected member of our party appeared to have been “profiled” and told they had to wait outside. On finally being allowed to enter, that person was the first to order and yet their meal got forgotten: they were very upset, and we as a group were bitterly disappointed with the entire experience.
All I can do is share my experience, so that you can choose to go somewhere else and not have to endure a visit like mine. I will never return and I am sure that is true for the members of our group.
Written 7 December 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.
Tim Greaney
We're sorry to see this review. Your "profiled" comment can only be seen as uninformed, though. A member of your party tried to enter through a privately booked area and was asked to wait while a newly employed, young staff member sort to rectify the access. Unfortunately, this led to the direct abuse of that staff person.
A huge percentage of our customers have provided positive feedback on our generous portions, value for money and excellent food, so we can only put any other comments from you down to being a response to this situation addressed. Our apologies to the other members of your party.
Written 12 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
megan28
Liverpool10 contributions
Mar 2020 • family
Not impressed by the service. A group of 5 of us (all cousins, 2 of us visiting from UK) walked in for a table to eat and was told we couldnt eat as we didn’t have age ID. We told the manager that we werent having an alcoholic drink we were just there for food but we were refused. I completely understand there are laws etc but it has never been an issue any other restaurant we have eaten at over the past 2 weeks. In addition to this, the manager pointed one individual out of the group and said that she looked the youngest. Completely rude and with no respect to us as customers.
Written 11 March 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.
yorston90
We sincerely apologise for the experience you had. Please feel free to contact our management team who will explain why we legally have to do this. We hope they enjoy the rest of their trip around New Zealand.
Written 13 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kej5
Auckland205 contributions
Jun 2020 • none
Thoroughly enjoyed a family evening out. The food was beautifully cooked and presented and the staff were friendly, efficient and gave us some good recommendations. A great team and a great atmosphere. Alcohol a little on the pricey side but the choice of alcohol is to individual taste.
Written 11 June 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.
Lesley B
17 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
Been twice now and had good meals both times. It was busy both times one being a Wednesay the other a Saturday. My husband and I had prawn and squid entree and shared the grilled platter. There was plenty of food on the platter for the both of us. This time around I had the steak which was cooked just as I asked with chips and veges and two sauces. Steak was tender. We all had dessert, 3 vanilla brulees, which the others said was too custardy and one of them tasted very eggy and they all said they had tasted better brulees. I had the best dessert (the others agreed as well) the ice cream and sorbet huge plate which I really enjoyed. All and all for a pub meal very nice. The staff there are always so pleasant and helpful. Will be back again. They have nightly specials which you can find on their website.
Written 21 July 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.
Tim Greaney
Thanks for taking the time to place your review and we appreciate the excellent feedback. We look forward to you visiting again soon.
Written 21 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
leighNz
176 contributions
May 2021 • family
We were lucky enough to be waited on from a young lady called Jade. She was fantastic. Tonight we just found the food average and did not all come out at once. The Biggest Disappointment of the evening was got told all the cocktails are $11 but got charged $22 as we we got a discounted deal. We did get told on initial seating that there is no daily deals however they were not explain what daily deals were. We actually assumed it was like some blackboard dinner menu items. Then Jade came to our table and said hey we've got $11 cocktails tonight that were in the menu she gave us all. Hey I don't mind paying $30 for a drink if that's what I want. However to be led to believe I'm paying $11 and I'm getting charged $22 in my eyes is deceitful and for this reason alone we wont go back ever again
Written 15 May 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.
Tim Greaney
We're very sorry to see this review. Unfortunately we are unable to offer our daily deals in conjunction with the First Table promotional prices which we state in our terms & conditions and on arrival.
Written 17 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carlleo12
2 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
We went for dinner on Friday last week . Food was well presented and loads of flavour. Best part was steak you can buy any steak for $25 .
Our waiter Sean has good knowledge regarding wines . To finish of the night he made awesome expresso martini
Written 12 August 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.
BaselLisa
Basel1369 contributions
Jan 2022 • family
My sister and I were looking around for somewhere to eat after 9pm on a weeknight when we came across Iguana, a restaurant we’d visited and enjoyed a couple of years before when we were travelling through. We were well looked after by a charming waitress, who, although it was late, didn’t rush us at all. Our meals were delicious and substantial: I went for the lamb shank and she chose the venison. Although we were there on a night they were offering half price desserts, there was no way we could fit one in!
Definitely a great choice, highly recommended for a good night out.
Written 10 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.
Tim Greaney
Thanks for taking the time to place your review, and we appreciate this feedback. Please visit again soon 😉
Written 20 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Krs1872002
Rotorua2 contributions
Jan 2022 • none
After trying around the CBD for a steak meal after 8pm on a Thursday night with no success we came across Iguana. The young waitress was very accommodating and delightful. Husband and I both had the set 2 course meal, which was great value. Entree was tasteful and a good helping and our steak were cooked perfectly. We will visit next time we're in Hamilton.
Written 8 January 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.
Tim Greaney
Thanks for taking the time to place this fantastic review. We look forward to seeing you again soon to sample more of the menu!
Written 13 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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