We had a delicious meal. Everything was beautifully prepared. The service was kind and perceptive. Our only concern was that we were too chilly to linger and really enjoy the experience Perhaps heating could have been turned on for the diners. We love this local...restaurant.More
Hi there ! Just wanted to say how fantastic our meal last night was. We were in a group of 8 and I believe our server was Shannon. She was amazing, so polite, professional and fun! Every single item of food was perfect and we...had the best time. We will be back for sure. Thanks so much :)More
Couldn’t fault the food or drinks. You can tell the Chef here definitely knows what he/she is doing. Presentation is also top notch, there are very few establishments in Tauranga that can match this level of food knowledge and freshness. Just one little thing spoiled...it, and I only mention it because it has happened on more than one occasion here…. The Maître D - seems to blatantly ignore the diners that are probably not “regulars”. And instead “Schmoozes” with people that are known to them, spending an inordinately long time lingering and chatting at their tables. At no time during the meal did they interact with our table and ask “How’s everything going” Or enquire when we paid the bill. They just seemed disinterested/disconnected which is a shame because the young servers were delightful and engaging,More
Lets start from rhe beginning .... great parking out side, wonderful greeting from owner ..... lovely table settings. Two menus to choose from, traditional and weekly. Started with melon and peach salad, lite and fresh, mains beef cheek (rum and pineapple glaze) and line caught...fish. All nicely presented and tasty. Wines .... good selection, in this case choose a French selection by glass. Dessert, creme caramel with rubarb. Great friendly service. Do book as restaurant busy on a Tuesday. RecommendMore
We visited Somerset Cottage for dinner last night and wanted to share how this was a wonderful meal with excellent service. The food was exceptional and the so was the choice of wine. I had the eye fillet which was stunning. I would highly recommend...this restaurant.More
Celebrated with family group of six. Five had been previously and knew what to expect, but I was the newcomer. Very impressed with the quality of the food, and the professional service, although a first time server was being taught the ropes. Innovative food with...exceptional sauces. My starter of paua stuffed spring rolls was a little disappointing as there was little paua flavour. The duck main was so good I bought a pre-packed one to take away for my next meal. Crepe caramel dessert was superb. Others all loved their food. As a visitor to NZ it was hard to comment about prices, but they seemed reasonable for such quality. A bonus was we were able to take out own wine. I also attended the sauce making school the next day, and now I know why the sauces were so good. Highly recommended.More
Wonderful food and outstanding service, catered for our large family group with ease and humour. Very attentive with lovely extra touches. Everyone in our large group loved their meals, good sized portions (not too big). The setting is tasteful and relaxing, not too noisy either....Woukd highly recommend for a special night out.More
I don't think the majority of these reviewers know what fine dining is, a Bao bun with crispy pork skin belly is not fine dining. Tiny Oysters that have not been shucked properly, is not fine dining. When you are expected to eat your oysters...with a full size knife & fork then that is not fine dining. Wait staff that try to jam dishes onto the table is not fine dining. When the owner plonks your meals on top of the share plate already at the table then that is not fine dining. When nobody (including the owner) asks you how your meal was, then that is not fine dining. Overall it was an average experience with an above average price tag, the meals were ok but definitely not fine dining.More
Having just revisited Somerset Cottage after a few years can see why it STILL is claimed as one of the VERY BEST! So reliable in terms of a VERY SPECIAL evening, warm surroundings, ambience, HIGHLY TRAINED friendly staff, classic menu, and superb wine list. While...it is more expensive than some other places it's QUALITY in every respect you are paying for, doesn't claim to be a "bistro" which is casual and high prices. Presentation of food, beautiful wine glasses, and classy cutlery all add to the experience.More
Wonderful food and service, with attentive staff, a great menu, beautifully present food that tasted amazing! Yes it’s on the pricy side, but spoil yourself with a great night out. Highly recommend the cheese soufflé and the licorice icecream! It was so good we took...a tub away!More
