The Saucy Chef on St Andrew

Someone from this business manages this listing.

#5 of 108 Restaurants in Invercargill$$ - $$$, European, Healthy, Vegetarian friendly

+64 3-217 1980+ Add website

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Hours

Sun

4:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Mon

4:30 pm - 11:00 pm

Tue

4:30 pm - 11:00 pm

Wed

4:30 pm - 11:00 pm

Thu

4:30 pm - 11:00 pm

Fri

4:30 pm - 11:00 pm

Sat

4:30 pm - 11:00 pm

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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

712 reviews

#5 of 108 Restaurants in Invercargill

Travellers' Choice 2024

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Details

Someone from this business manages this listing.

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PRICE RANGE

$26.00 – $72.00

CUISINES

European, Healthy, New Zealand

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

meals, features

Location and contact

St Andrew Street Adjacent to the Northern Tavern, Invercargill 9810 New Zealand

+64 3-217 1980

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Entrées

Pull-Apart Loaf

A fresh and soft, oven-baked pull-apart loaf for 2 to 4 people, served with natural or garlic butter. - Add two dips of the day for an extra $5.00

US$16.9

The Saucy Chowder

Rich, creamy and piping hot, and full of tasty seafood. Served with warm, buttered toast.

US$19.9

Soup of the Day

Something special made daily to tempt your taste buds and make you happy. Served with warm, buttered toast.

US$14.9

Fresh Market Fish Cake

Today’s market fish cakes, bound with fresh herbs, Cajun spice, garlic and red onion. Panko crumb, fried and served with a micro salad and dill mayonnaise.

US$19.5

Salmon Rice Paper Rolls

Cold sliced smoked Stewart Island salmon rolled with rice paper, chiffonade lettuce, julienne carrot, cucumber and apple. Served with wasabi mayonnaise and microgreens.

US$19.5

Vine Tomato + Olive Salad

Warm roasted vine tomatoes and olives, tossed in balsamic vinegar and served with radish cress, micro greens, red onion, goat feta and focaccia bread, finished with basil pesto.

US$19.9

Does this restaurant have tables with seating?

Yes

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PRICE RANGE

$26.00 – $72.00

CUISINES

European, Healthy, New Zealand

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours, Drinks

FEATURES

Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service

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4.5

712 reviews

Excellent

437

Very good

170

Average

Poor

Terrible

Nixyf11

Southbridge28 contributions

Dinner

Jan 2020 • family

Booking online was quick & easy Food was great and waitress provided options I had turkey and it was delicious being moist. Roast vegetables were cut a bit tiny. Would recommend better atmosphere as decor, setting was crisp clean & smart but didnt have much atmosphere Would recommend

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 3 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.

thesaucychef2017

Hello, I am pleased to hear that you enjoyed your experience & evening here at The Saucy Chef! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this review & we hope to see you back again soon! Warm regards, Brooke Pennicott. Restaurant Manager.

Written 3 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

JGV_10

Wirral57 contributions

Popular restaurant

Feb 2020 • couples

Suggest booking in this out of town restaurant as we were lucky to get a table. Plenty of choice and service could not be faulted. We were looked after by Jane who understood what we needed to produce a truly enjoyable eating experience.

Written 25 February 2020

thesaucychef2017

Hello, I am very pleased to hear that you enjoyed your dining experience with us here at The Saucy Chef! I will share this review with Jane, she will be very happy! Thank you for leaving us this great review & we hope to see you again in the future! Warm Regards, Brooke Pennicott. Restaurant Manager.

Written 27 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Michael T

Formby1130 contributions

Nearly perfect

Feb 2020 • couples

This restaurant would have scored 4 for the meal but it gets 5 because they offer a free taxi service to and fromm the restaurant which means you don't have to go alcohol free. The starter of belly pork was very tasty but two of the pieces were almost entirely fat, whereas the main course really delivered. It was baked pasta (tetrazzini) and was really tasty and had a nice crispy top.

Written 7 February 2020

thesaucychef2017

Hello Michael, I am pleased to hear that you enjoyed your experience here at The Saucy Chef! I will pass this feedback on to the head chef about the pork belly entree. Thank you for taking the time to leave us this review & we hope to see you back again soon! Kind Regards, Brooke Pennicott. Restaurant Manager.

Written 8 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jo G

Invercargill3 contributions

Slow

Jan 2020 • family

Totally disappointed in this place, expensive, slow service, took an hour for our main to come, people at next table had order come out wrong, then saw another lady accidentally spill her wine, onto the carpet and on herself, the waiter came with paper napkins, gave them to the lady and left her to clean it up, didn't help and didn't take away the napkins, really slack... Meal was fatty and not very big, costs were high, dessert was yukky... Won't be going back, only went cause our favourite restaurant was closed for xmas... Will not recommend, will not return

Written 2 January 2020

thesaucychef2017

Hello, I am saddened to hear that you didn't enjoy your evening here at The Saucy Chef! I can assure you strive to provide the best service & I will be talking to the staff in regard to this matter. Once again, I am very sorry that you didn't enjoy your evening. Kind regards, Brooke Pennicott. Restaurant Manager.

Written 3 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

tripreview123669

Dunedin23 contributions

Below Expectations

Jan 2020 • couples

We had dinner here last night. We had heard great things so were excited to see how good it would be. The wait staff were pretty bad - all a bit awkward and not the level of politeness expected. We were brought another tables meals When our food arrived, the venison was very overcooked. The parmesan and potato mash that came with the beef cheeks was vile. Absolutely inedible, dry, flavourless. The drinks menu doesn't have prices on it... Bizarre The gingerbread dessert jar was far too gingery. There were literal chunks of ginger in there. Disgusting. The Eton mess came with a lemon shortbread. It tasted like baking soda and was extremely dry. The flavours in the mains were mostly very good, however overall this did not meet our expectations. I hope it will be better next time.

Written 17 January 2020

thesaucychef2017

Hello, I am saddened to hear that we didn't live up tp your expectations. I have passed this feedback onto the Chef & he will be looking into this. We hope to see you back again to see that we have taken this feedback on board. Kind regards, Brooke Pennicott. Restaurant Manager.

Written 18 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Tania Henare

4 contributions

TaniaH1970

Jul 2020 • friends

Thank you for the amazing meal my duck was cooked perfectly, big portions plated beautifully. Friend had the pork belly which was equally impressive. The staff were amazing, attentive and friendly especially Toni (restaurant) and Missy (bar). Highly recommend eating here will definitely be back

Written 9 July 2020

thesaucychef2017

Hello Tania, I am pleased to hear that you & your friend enjoyed your meals & service with us & the Tavern staff, I have shared this review with the one of the Managers in the bar & she will share this with Missy! I would like to thank you for taking the time to leave us a review & we hope to see you back again soon! Warm Regards, Brooke Pennicott. Restaurant Manager.

Written 11 July 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

559EllenW

Katikati30 contributions

Great food and service. Lovely decor.

Oct 2020 • none

We had a lovely meal. The service was very good . We had to send a steak back as ordered medium rare but came to us well done. This was handled very professionally by the waitress and another steak arrived pretty quickly - this time perfectly cooked. I had the Fish of the day - which was delicious.

Written 26 October 2020

thesaucychef2017

Hello Ellen, I am pleased that you enjoyed your evening and your meals that you had with us, once the steak had been replaced. I am pleased that the situation was handled well. I will be sure to share this review with the staff member involved. Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review & we hope to see you back again soon! Warm Regards, Brooke Pennicott. Restaurant Manager.

Written 26 October 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kate S

Invercargill60 contributions

Good gluten free options

Dec 2020 • family

Good gluten free options clearly marked on the menu. When we asked if fries could be done separately to keep them coeliac safe the chef sent a message back via the waitress that this could be done. Tasty pan fried blue cod & fries with no reaction so can be confident this meal was gluten free. We didn’t have room for dessert but there looked to only eton mess that was gluten free, the main menu had a more choices. We will eat here again

Written 9 December 2020

thesaucychef2017

Hello Kate, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review, I am pleased to here that you had plenty of choices within our gluten free options. We do have some more desserts that can be made gluten free upon request. We look forward to seeing you back again next time! Kind regards, Brooke Pennicott. Restaurant Manager.

Written 11 December 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Faye

York16 contributions

Fantastic food

Feb 2020 • none

We were recommended by both our taxi driver and the lady at the check in desk of our hotel to eat here, both described The Saucy Chef as the best place in town to eat. We booked online and when we arrived we were seated straight away. The staff were lovely, polite and not overbearing and the food was fantastic. I had the Pulled Pork Dumplings and then the Duck Two Ways and could not fault either of them, they were delicious. Great portion sizes, in fact I couldn't finish my main as I was so full. Highly recommend, its not the cheapest but the quality is great and would definitely go back.

Written 10 March 2020

thesaucychef2017

Hello Faye, I am pleased to hear that The Saucy Chef lived up to the recommendations of the taxi driver & the hotel receptionist. I am thrilled that you enjoyed your evening with us. I would like to thank you for taking the time to leave us this review & we hope to see you back again very soon! Warm regards, Brooke Pennicott. Restaurant Manager.

Written 14 March 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

D White

Hobsonville5 contributions

Sublime

Feb 2020 • none

Our motel host recommended we make a reservation at The Saucy Chef. Thank goodness for his advice. It was fabulous. The food is as delicious and beautifully presented as anywhere we’ve ever eaten during our world travels. If you are visiting Invercargill, do not miss dining here. The menu is extensive and so is the wine list. Bookings are essential to avoid disappointment. The service is friendly and professional. Faultless. We would return again but unfortunately we’re only in Invercargill for 1 night.

Written 24 February 2020

thesaucychef2017

Hello D White, I am pleased to hear that you enjoyed your dining experience with us. I would like to thank you for taking the time to leave us this wonderful review, I will be sharing this with the staff! I wish you safe travels for the rest of your trip & next time you are in Invercargill we hope to see you back! Warm Regards, Brooke Pennicott. Restaurant Manager.

Written 24 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Gemma R

Christchurch43 contributions

Amazing Food, Service needs work

Jul 2020 • none

I had heard great things about this restaurant from many people so had great expectations. I pre-booked via the website and was pleased with the booking process. I did request something in the notes with my booking, this was never acknowledged, however that was no big deal. Our waiter was lovely and the service we received from him was extremely pleasant. The food we did get was amazing. The chef here is amazing and the wait staff and service do not do the food justice. However, we the delays between service were excessive. There was an event on at the same time so we were advised that if we made a decision quickly they would take our orders first. Although we did choose quickly, we still waited for the wait staff to take the orders of the large group first. This obviously caused quite a delay. This was somewhat understandable. Frustratingly our meals were finished and we waited to watch the large group be served, cleared and then served desert, before our plates were cleared. There was an even longer wait before dessert menus were provided, and further long delay before those orders were taken. I spoke to friends following this experience and have been informed that this is not unusual. To reiterate, the food was amazing. I could not rate it higher. The service is where this was let down and would make me hesitate to recommend it.

Written 2 August 2020

thesaucychef2017

Hello, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. I am saddened to hear that we have let our service slip on this occasion, I will be speaking to the wait staff involved. I am pleased that you enjoyed your meal that you had with us & we hope to see you back to dine with us again so we can show you that this is not the service that we strive to achieve. Warm regards, Brooke Pennicott. Restaurant Manager.

Written 4 August 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Claudia O

Invercargill2 contributions

Overall Great

Jul 2021 • none

Food was great, Service was good, we had a trainee server so service wasn't perfect but he did well for being new at it. Being in the service industry myself, just some very small things I noticed were that water wasn't bought to the table when we were seated, after we had ordered other drinks and had them delivered, still no water so I did have to ask. When the server set for our entrée he stood on my left and leaned across the table to set cutlery on my right (rather than walking around to my right - This was the trainee so he may not have learnt the setting etiquette yet). After we finished mains, a server came to ask if we want more drinks but we weren't offered a desert menu, so again I did have to ask. However everything else was great, we were seated immediately, the maître d knew exactly where my booking was sat without checking the computer, the server gave the perfect amount of time for looking over the menus, the plates were taken away very quickly after finishing our meals, the distancing between the tables was good as well, not to cramped but didn't look empty/spacious and the food was great.

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 29 July 2021

thesaucychef2017

Hello Claudia, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed you dining experience with us. I have shared this feedback with the new trainee waiter & his trainer so we can correct these things during his second & final week of training. Once again thank you very much for your review & we hope to see you back again soon! Kind regards, Brooke Pennicott. Restaurant Manager.

Written 1 August 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Legenderriere

Levin174 contributions

One of the best meals of my life

Aug 2021 • solo

I drove into Invercargill in the rain and the dark and pulled over to google best places to eat. It suggested a few places but I really liked the name of this one. I was travelling for work and on my own. I asked if they had a table for one and was told they would just clear one for me. Eating alone is always an awkward experience I find so I was thrilled that they had cleared and prepared a table off to the side and out of the way. Jared came over and introduced himself and told me he would be looking after me tonight and told me what the specials were. I was given enough time to review the extensive menu and consider the choices. There really was something for everyone and I could have eaten there everyday for a fortnight and had something different every time it all sounded so good. I was keen to try the Beefalo but didn’t fancy the available cut on the day so opted for the Hereford Fillet. It was beautifully presented and I’m only disappointed I didn’t think to take a photo of it before tucking in. Every mouthful was perfection and I nearly managed to clear the plate. The beetroot was amazing. The mushroom was packed with flavour, the spinach a great accompaniment and the steak wrapped in bacon was melt in my mouth delicious sitting on top of lovely potato mash. There were crispy parsnip chips on top of various elements on the plate that added both flavour and texture. I was asked if I wanted to see the dessert menu and while usually I look I don’t often order. However the blue cheese and mascarpone mousse with honey walnut crumble. Pistachio praline mulled with poached pear and Chantilly cream was too intriguing to pass up and I remember to take a photo this time! Boy of boy am I glad I ordered it. Every mouthful was exceptionally good. This was one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten and I will definitely be looking to dine there again the next time I get to Invercargill for work. A definite highlight. Good food, nice atmosphere even when dining alone, and lovely staff. Thanks

Written 13 August 2021

thesaucychef2017

Hello, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. We are thrilled to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed your evening with us here at The Saucy Chef. I will be sure to share this review with Jared as I'm sure he swill be as pleased as we are. We look forward to seeing you back again in the near future, hopefully we still have some Beefalo for you to try. Kind regards, Brooke Pennicott. Restaurant Manager.

Written 15 August 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sue P

Christchurch12 contributions

Slow service

Sept 2022 • none

Was not overly busy the night we visited, most people had their meals. We were booked for 6.30pm, and ordered within 10 minutes of our arrival but our meals didn’t arrive until nearly 7.30pm. Drinks were slow arriving too. My steak was medium not medium rare as ordered. Underwhelmed with the seasonal vegetable, mainly onion!

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 26 September 2022

Nicky W

Invercargill6 contributions

Excellent Meal

Jan 2020 • friends

Have eaten at Saucy Chef many times and rarely been disappointed. This time had a beautiful pork belly with crispy crackling. Not much else on the plate but it wasn’t needed - meal was the perfect size leaving me satisfied but not uncomfortably full and I even managed dessert after. Waitstaff very friendly and helpful; main took a little longer to arrive than I would have liked but they were very busy (and drinks and dessert were prompt.)

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 3 January 2020

thesaucychef2017

Hello, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this wonderful review! I am very pleased to hear that you enjoyed your evening here at The Saucy Chef & we hope to see you back again soon. Warm Regards, Brooke Pennicott. Restaurant Manager.

Written 3 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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