The Square Restaurant And Bar
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The Square Restaurant And Bar
Review
About
Welcome to The Square, where dining becomes an elegant affair amidst the timeless beauty of Cathedral Square. Nestled in the heart of the city, our restaurant offers sweeping views of this historical landmark, providing a picturesque backdrop to your culinary experience. With a menu meticulously crafted from 100% local ingredients, each dish is a masterpiece that pays homage to the region's rich gastronomic heritage. Whether you're planning an intimate soirée or a lavish gathering, our refined ambiance and captivating vistas ensure an unforgettable dining experience. Join us at The Square and elevate your senses as you indulge in the essence of elegance and tradition, all while basking in the splendor of Cathedral Square.
Features
CUISINES
European, New Zealand
Meal types
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly
FEATURES
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Validated Parking
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Parking Available, Validated Parking
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Open until 10:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 am - 10:00 pm
Monday
6:00 am - 10:00 pm
Tuesday
6:00 am - 10:00 pm
Wednesday
6:00 am - 10:00 pm
Thursday
6:00 am - 10:00 pm
Friday
6:00 am - 10:00 pm
Saturday
6:00 am - 10:00 pm
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3.8
91 reviews
Excellent
32
Very good
26
Average
22
Poor
5
Terrible
6
Ken S
Christchurch276 contributions
Apr 2024 • couples
Second time at the Square Restaurant as we had such a great experience the first time. Our 2 starters " Beef Brisket and Pork Belly" were well cooked and presented and very tasty. Our Mains - Pork Shank and Chicken Supreme were also really good but!!! the Chicken Supreme would have had to be the smallest main dish I had ever received. It took up 1/4 of the plate and was just so small. One of our starters were bigger than the main. This was so disappointing and felt robbed and would suggest that they look at this dish on a plate and ask themselves - does this constitute a main dish?
Written 26 May 2024
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.
Perry B
Sydney2623 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
I ate here several times in March whilst staying at the Hotel and found everything up-to-scratch. There were specials during the week then and some of the meat courses were particularly good value. I liked the wine list and the friendly, unassuming service, too.
Written 22 June 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.
NMVino
Hamilton343 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
A lovely restaurant with great views. The staff were lovely but there was such a long wait for everything. The food was good but unfortunately my eye fillet wasn't an eye fillet and I think they had mixed up my order with someone else's and it was a sirloin steak that arrived. My partner had nearly finished when they brought out my dinner again the eye fillet not what I expected but it tasted good and I didn't want to wait any longer. The staff were very good about it and kept on apologizing and we were offered a free glass of wine which was very nice. Desserts were lovely. The wine menu was not great but I understand the Restaurant Manager had just ordered in some news wines and they sounded great so if the service improved and they offered more wines this could be a really fabulous restaurant.
Breakfast the next morning was lovely, not a huge choice but the manager had reserved us a table because of the mix up the evening prior and even arranged for a special platter which was so lovely of him and just goes to show they do go the extra mile and made a real effort to ensure we weren't disappointed with our stay. We will certainly return and hope to stay a little longer.
Written 15 November 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.
Dan Wilks
Christchurch1 contribution
Aug 2022 • none
Our experience started with waiting for the bartender to stop chit-chatting with a customer, followed by a 15 minute wait as they tried to find our booking in the system.
We sat and ate (after a long wait) and it would be 3.5 hours before we could finish a 2-course meal. Between our dinner and dessert it seemed the staff all went on a 30 min break and we were just left there.
The food was all undercooked and the $50 meal i received was some kinda gravy-meat you'd expect to receive in an army barracks and enough to feed a small family. half of it went in the bin, we were told to take it out was "illegal," a laughable lie.
One of the staff members was sweet and apologetic, which was the only saving grace from the total disinterest we received from the others. For example you'd expect a $60 bottle of wine to be opened for you, not just dumped on the middle of the table.
It was all the experience you'd expect from the corner pub, without the charm and cost effectiveness. Will not return.
Written 5 September 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.
neil c
Auckland Central3 contributions
Oct 2022 • none
Not a good experience by our group. Table seating was not right for 5 and staff unable [ or unwilling] to alter layout so we went into the breakfast area to eat. One of the five meals was not provided until the other four had eaten. The food [ given the price] was very ordinary and we got tired of all the staff apologizing for their mistakes. Do not patronize this restaurant.
Written 13 October 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.
Vanessa T-G
Baughurst333 contributions
Jan 2023 • couples
2 adults on the evening of 19th Jan 2023
We are staying in the hotel for 3 nights so so thought as breakfast is good we'd eat in the restaurant on our last night.
Well, we wished we hadn't.
The Antipasto for 2 was sparce and really not good ingredients. $23
The Lamb rump arrived with just a small portion of dauphinoise potatoes and jus, no veg 🤔 $41
The lamb was so underdone, and meat wasn't rested it was bleeding on the plates. We sent it back & it came back marginally better. The meat was tough, total disaster of meal.
We spoke to 2 older ladies who had eaten there the night before and had a bad meal, they still came back again 🤔🙄 we certainly wouldn't of done.
Had the meal of been good, we'd have stayed & had dessert and cocktails, but we paid cash because the restaurant charges 2% surcharge for CC payment and left after telling staff it was the worst meal we had had in the past 2 months ( we've been travelling since 22nd Nov therefore eating out a lot)
The restaurant staff are lovely, it's the Chef at fault here at The Square restaurant.
DON'T EAT HERE !!!!!!!
Written 18 January 2023
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.
Excursion513857
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • friends
OMG the most amazing meal!! We had the goats cheese tart, arancini blue cod and pork belly mains, and rhubarb Pavlova. Amazingly presented and so tasty. Ample food although and the roasted cauliflower and pumpkin sides were not required. The service was first class checked on our happiness just often enough! I'm not used to the prices of 5 star meals but it was worth it.
Written 12 October 2024
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.
David M
5 contributions
May 2022 • none
They obviously do not have a REAL CHEF. had the worst meal ever at this hotel, The steak was inedible, and all they said was will tell the chef, not good enough. love the hotel but forget the restaurant.
James the barman was as always fantastic.
Written 13 May 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.
thebertenshaws
Christchurch3 contributions
Jun 2020 • none
What an amazing evening organised for us by David Jamieson and Staff to celebrate 50 years of marriage. From our initial welcome and discussion with Kush and the other hospitality staff to our meetings with David as we finalized the menu including a special menu for our 4 grandchildren we had every confidence that the evening would be successful. Our guests were delighted with the food and service and we would have no hesitation in having future functions at The Square Restaurant in The Novotel Christchurch.
Written 28 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.
BNorthwood
Auckland Central53 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
Food was excellent. Waiting staff not so. I had three meals while staying in the hotel. First one, I was overlooked while the waiter spent his time chatting to other diners. Had to walk up to him to get him to take my order. Number two was fine. Number three marginal. I had steak but needed to ask for cutlery and pinch other items from a neighbouring table. Plus keep asking for water. Pretty average really.
Written 4 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.
Naresh1936
Mumbai358 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
The Square Restaurant, Novotel Hotel, Christchurch is a combination of pleasing decor, great ambience, superb service and lovely food. The choice offered even for vegetarians like us was plentiful. Would recommend without hesitation.
Written 4 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.
Syam
Singapore244 contributions
Sept 2022 • couples
We really enjoyed the breakfast, the spread was good.
Dinner was really nice, I enjoyed the salmon and the scallops, they were excellent.
Although every place is short of staff but they do try their best and they did really well.
Compliments to Sanjay the Head chef and his team for the delicious food.
Special mention for Shanti who went the extra mile and very patient.
Well done, even during these challenging times.👏👏👏👏
Written 7 September 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.
Wolst
Sydney238 contributions
Dec 2024 • solo
Pretty disappointed. Steak was tough and fatty. Cooked well enough but have had better at half the price. Wouldn’t recommend this restaurant.
Written 1 December 2024
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.
Tripper5012
Dunedin99 contributions
Dec 2023 • couples
Went there for our Christmas dinner.
The service was excellent with friendly staff
We had Rib-eye and Porterhouse steak grilled to perfection!
The cheesecake dessert was delicious!
Highly recommended!
Written 25 December 2023
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.
Arthur T
Medan470 contributions
Nov 2023 • family
The food and ambience were great, but most importantly, unlike at most other hotels and restaurants, the staff here was truly service-oriented, including the front office manager, Aditya Patil.
Two great personalities captured my attention when we dined here during dinner: Hendi and Kimberly.
Hendi exemplifies the Indonesian hospitality, which is quite rare in New Zealand. If you had been to Bali, you would know what I am talking about. Hendi migrated to New Zealand from Indonesia. He was extremely warm and friendly, and so was the cashier, Kimberly, who processed my payment. Kimberly had the most amazing smile I have ever seen. There really is no reason for a cashier to be smiling and be friendly with you when you make payment. Kimberly was the only exception. She also looked so pretty that I had mistaken her for a model. I did not have interaction with Mr. Patil until much later on. I will elaborate below.
We dined at The Square for both lunch and dinner as a party of 4 adults during our 1-month vacation in New Zealand. As an Accor Plus Platinum member, I signed up for a supplementary card for my sister, for SGD 150, as in Australia and New Zealand, 2 cards can be used at the same table to obtain a 50% discount for 4 diners.
I thought that was a very good deal. Until I found out that it wasn't!!!
I have wasted so much time having to chase after all my missing dining and stay points at Accor hotels and restaurants. Half of the Accor restaurants I dined at, did not award me with the points I was entitled to. The time I have wasted to file claims and communicate with Accor staff is worth at least tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars! I charge SGD 15-40K for a typical liposuction surgery which lasts 2-4 hours. I have spent days, communicating with Accor customer service staff, sending out 25 emails in total!
I found out that all Accor restaurants in New Zealand and Australia actually participate in First Table programme, which entitles diners to a 50% discount for up to 4 diners per table. All you need to pay is NZD 10 when you make a dining reservation. You don't have to pay hundreds of dollars for an Accor Plus membership, which tie you down to very limited dining options at Accor restaurants only! And you don't have to spend days, if not weeks, chasing your missing dining points, aftewards.
Anyway, the reason my dining points were not credited to my account was because of Accor's mistake. They sent me a link with restaurants eligible for points accrual, without even checking themselves whether The Square was on the list. They advised me that it was not. That was why I wasn't eligible to earn points, they said. But, when I verified it myself, by clicking on the link, I found out that The Square was on the list! So, I wrote in to Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square, and Mr Patil, the front office manager, came into the picture.
Mr Patil is exactly the kind of manager any business owner, CEO or MD of the hospitality industry would kill for. He is the wettest dream comes true in the hospitality industry, if I may.
Mr Patil did not even have to reply me personally, but he did. He even sent me an email on Christmas day when he was supposed to be resting at home, informing that he had credited 1,000 Accor reward points into my account, and was apologetic for what had happened. It was not even the restaurant's fault. It was Accor's fault! But, the fact that they sent a manager to deal with this small matter means a lot! Credit has to be given to the team who first received my email who probably noticed that I was a Managing Director of my own company from my signature, so getting a manager to write to me would be the appropriate thing to do. So, kudos to the team! They have been well-trained! Because, if it had been a non-responsive team which was placed as front liner, the email I sent to the hotel might have been swept under the carpet or deleted. Which was exactly what happened when I sent an email to Sofitel Wellington for similar issue of missing points.
When I filed missing points claim to Accor for a dinner at Sofitel Wellington, Accor's reply was that the cashier had put someone else's membership number on the receipt, hence I did not qualify for points accrual. I was shocked as this was a very serious allegation of points misappropriation. How could the cashier put her friend's membership number on my receipt to allow the friend to steal my points? I replied to Accor and cc-ed the email to Sofitel Wellington, requesting an investigation as this was such a serious allegation. Neither Accor nor Sofitel Wellington responded. The case was swept under the carpet and buried. When I posted a damning review here on TripAdvisor about this serious allegation of points misappropriation by the restaurant staff at Sofitel Wellington, TripAdvisor took down my post and asked me to alter the content.
This will be my last review on TripAdvisor. I will be posting reviews directly on Google for all my future reviews. This personal experience with TripAdvisor finally opens my eyes to the reality of reviews on TripAdvisor. They actually intervene, moderate and make you change your review.
This whole experience also shows the difference it makes when a business owner, CEO or MD hires the right person or team! Instead of sweeping the issue under the carpet and ignore a complaint, Mr Patil and his team swing into damage control action immediately, even sending me an email on Christmas day, which I really appreciated! If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. If you're willing to pay more, you get the kind of Aditya Patil, Hendi and Kimberly. You decide what's best for your business.
Written 25 December 2023
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.
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