DEL MAR, Oamaru - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews

Is this restaurant good for dinner?

Yes

No

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Details

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CUISINES

Pizza, Seafood, Argentinian, New Zealand

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Drinks

FEATURES

Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront, Beach

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4.0

71 reviews

Excellent

40

Very good

6

Average

8

Poor

9

Terrible

8

SteffenNZ

Oamaru113 contributions

Perfect Birthday Dinner

Dec 2020 • none

We were looking for a place to celebrate my 60th birthday with an affordable dinner and heard about the new opening of Del Mar in a well established tourist spot at the waterfront right next to the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. Contact was easy via message through their Facebook page and reservation was made with a breeze to avoid disappointment. It turned out to be an excellent idea - not only that the place was full to the last table, the food was extra ordinary! We started with a shared seafood platter and continued with fish and chips for one and ribeye steak with fresh potatoes for the other. Everything was fresh and full of taste. There was sadly no way to fit a desert, what we will definitely try on our next visit!

Written 5 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.

Oamaruvian

Oamaru348 contributions

Great food but poor service

Mar 2021 • couples

We had dinner here while under Level Two Lockdown. Upon arrival we were to be seated beside a noisy family with tge tables almost touching. No way were our words. We sat in the covered deck area. It was cold. Others were there but nit one took their coats off. Despite having heaters on the wall, management obviously felt no need to have them switched on. We were served by three different people which was against Level Two protocols at the time. However, the food was great. Well presented and tasty. Just to complete the poor service, the tried to charge us for a whole bottle of wine instead of a glass each, then took 5 minutes to sort it out.

Written 6 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.

smashing74

Queenstown47 contributions

Average food, lack of customer service and interest in diners.

Apr 2021 • none

So wanted it to be good. Lacks atmosphere. Staff need training in service (all seemed unsure and a bit meek) and lack knowledge of the menu. No good for vegans at all and hard pushed to get something vegetarian that is interesting to eat. A vegetarian doesn't go out to eat the same as they can easily make at home or to have a salad of tomatoes. The boys liked their burgers and they were a good size but nothing special. Still using the reason for no vegan menu as being "We're a new restaurant", so what? At least have one good thing on the menu, instead of a vague "I'll see what the kitchen says". It's a big market that is being missed out on.

Written 29 April 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.

Daisy A

13 contributions

So laid back almost asleep

Apr 2021 • friends

Early Sunday dinner, only a couple of tables with diners and plenty of staff. We were seated at table with menu and water but waited ages for drinks order. Meals arrived quickly and we're hot and well presented. After meals were delivered, no one approached our table over the following 45 minutes to check if everything was OK, or to check if we needed more drinks or offer the dessert menu. Request to view your bill before paying. We were not given a copy but were overcharged compared to the prices listed on menu. Obviously there are better ways to increase your profit, such as offering more drinks, dessert and better service. Nice way to treat your locals Mr and Mrs Tacchini.

Written 10 April 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.

mmj

2 contributions

Overpriced meals and lack of service

Jan 2022 • none

Served by a very young girl, lack of menu knowledge, cracked glassware, lukewarm table water, staff just not interested or available. $30.00 Fish n Chips meal, child portion, overcooked dark brown crumbed dry gurnard with a handful of chips (photo says it all). Daughters beef burger had an overcooked processed pattie and bun was chewy. Was expecting so much more Del Mar but sadly you dissapointed and won't be returning (but must say the plants look amazing, like dining in a glasshouse)

Written 20 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.

Kirsty Y

Victoria15 contributions

Don't eat here

Mar 2023 • friends

We were all extremely disappointed with our seafood meals last night. For my Hot Pot $36.00 I had 2 mussels, 2 clams, 2 small prawns, one tiny very chewy octopus, 2slices toasted bread and spicy tomato sauce. Sauce was good, as was the toast without which I would have left hungry. Searching for the fish component resulted in finding 2 tiny slivers of something the size of a 10c piece, if that. The poor young waitresses shared they had received many complaints but rarely see the owners to pass on feedback. I am not one to post negative reviews, but we felt we paid for the view, NOT the food.

Written 10 March 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.

Karenne W

Balclutha1 contribution

Delicious Sunday lunch

Feb 2021 • none

Stopped off for Sunday lunch at Del Mar. Staff were friendly and welcoming. My partner ordered the fish & chips and I had the salmon, with a plate of crumbed squid between us. Food was absolutely delicious - only problem was we couldn't eat all the squid! Still managed affogato & gelato desserts. All the food was amazing & staff attentive. Will definitely be back!

Written 6 February 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.

Flo_Maisy

8 contributions

Great place to eat, drink, enjoy view and stay warm pre penguins

Mar 2021 • none

Recommended by where we are staying we popped in for a drink and dinner before the penguins returned home as we watched. It was great! Staff were warm and welcoming, friendly and happy to chat or not depending on what you wanted. Food and wine were varied, food excellent and as it got cooler they happily relocated us into a warmer central area from the great view on the outer area. Loos were spotless, music non intrusive but great vibe, view excellent... blimey it’s a great place. And then it’s just a quick trip across the road to the penguins, but worth a trip for the views, ambience, food and wine. Great find, worth a visit. Much better than you suspect

Written 11 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.

AbiBP

20 contributions

Gorgeous lunch spot

Nov 2021 • friends

We are new to the area and go to De Mar for every occasion, meeting friends, quiet evenings, or a quick stop with the kids we care for after surfing. We absolutely love the range of food and the service is just fab! There is a lovely lady that works there that calls us sis sometimes, I’m afraid we haven’t asked for her name, but she honestly makes our experience even better. Coming from and managing 5* restaurants/hotels in the hospitality industry in the UK we just think she is fabulous with customers and is a fabulous asset to the team at Del Mar. The food is always exceptional and we can’t get enough of the pistachio ice cream. So yes, we rate Del Mar rather highly and think the owners have done a great job with the decor! So beautiful!

Written 27 November 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.

Trek33857883813

1 contribution

NOT HOT AND OVER PRICED

Jun 2023 • couples

We were greeted by a freindly Waitress and showen to our table. The restaaurant could have been a bit warmer but was OK. The drinks order was taken along with our food order. My Wife was celebrating her 83rd birthday and asked if they had a non alcholic coctail as there was not one on the menu. The waitress obliged with a fruit coctail which my wife enjoyed, I ordered a Pino Gris. For the food my wife ordered the Salmon, I ordered the Sole. The food arrived in timely fashion. Unfortunatly both meals were on cold plates. My Wife enjoyed the Salmon but complained that the wilted greens were not cooked enough to heat them through.. My meal was not as hot as it could be and got cold very quickly. The Sole had no flavour. The wilted greens were cold being on a cold plate and the roast potatoes had been reheated. I was served four but could only finish two. They were not good and a poor choice. to go with the sole. When it came to deserts all on offer were based on there house made Gelato. As my wife has an egg allergy and there was no alternative we ended up going to another restauraunt for desert. All in all a very dissapointing meal. They charge top prices and as such the meal was below average

Written 18 July 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.

Lois C

1 contribution

Expect to be disappointed

Feb 2023 • couples

Inedible paella and less than entre sized squid main. Very sad experience for hugely overpriced meals avg $42 main meals Worst of all staff dont understand the basic consumer laws in NZ and much as they work hard when the restaurant stuffs it up and the customers point out the problems IT IS NOT THE CUSTOMERS FAULT and it is not at their cost. There are significantly better options in a fabulous town don’t get sucked in by the location better options are only 5mins away. We love Oamaru but will NEVER eat there ever again

Written 4 February 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.

Ger L

26 contributions

Underwhelming experience

Jan 2022 • friends

My fish was supposed to be Gurnard, which it wasn't and it was over cooked. Halfway through the meal we were asked how our meal was, told her I wasn't happy with the change of fish choice without being notified, and that it was overcooked. Not the answer staff expected, we got an apology, and that was that. How about just something to make up for it, Delmar. Highly priced restaurant for underwhelming meals. On a positive note, the location is fab.

Written 3 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.

Holly C

10 contributions

Just average.

Nov 2022 • none

Beautiful views and amazing plants but the food is just average and very overpriced. We had over an hour wait for our food even though the restaurant was half empty. I had the seafood hotpot and the chef in the kitchen was taking multiple photos of it, moving the bread, taking a photo, moving the bread, taking a photo ect. This was such slow service. We were starving by the time it arrived. Tables were also grubby. Won’t be back.

Written 10 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.

Lynda J

3 contributions

So Bad!

Feb 2024 • couples

This would have to be one of the worst meals I have ever eaten. Usually can’t go wrong with a fish taco .. but yes you can here! Burnt taco wrap, uninteresting filling with nil taste. So bad! My husband ordered the paella.. again poor choice .. dripping in oil and inedible. The paella was not a cheap meal. We were in that so called restaurant for 30 minutes. Staff were made aware of our displeasure and said they would notify the chef. Hopefully they did. Restaurant has one of the best locations in Oamaru but will not last if food quality does not improve. Certainly would not recommend this place to anyone. Actually went to a cafe in town to get something else to eat as soon as we departed Le Mar.

Written 24 February 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.

Mayra Vidal

Many thanks for taking the time to review our restaurant. I am relly sorry to read that your experience was not up to your expectations for which I would like to offer my sincerest apologies. At Del Mar, we're always working hard to make sure our food, drinks, and service are top-notch. Following your comments I will be personally addressing these issues with the team to make sure we're doing everything we can to give every guest a fantastic experience. We hope you give us another chance the next time you're in town.

Written 3 April 2024

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

NorthStar54534460797

2 contributions

Won’t be back.

Jul 2023 • family

We’ve been out to dinner here before, a couple of years ago. It was fantastic. This time round: not so much. It was a real shame too as it was my Mums 70th birthday, so a special occasion. We were met by whom I presume I spoke with on the phone, a women with mannerisms that were not so great. And then our service was taken over by a waitress who could barely understand English. All of your meals were highly priced; so you’d expect more from a high end meal. Mum loved her Salmon, my fish (2 small fillets) and chips were ok; if not rather bland, and Dad had the paella which he enjoyed. But he wasn’t offered a finger bowl nor another plate to put his empty shells in. Over all it was a let down and we as locals will not be retuning.

Written 9 July 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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