Sage @ Paroa Bay Winery

Sage @ Paroa Bay Winery

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Sage @ Paroa Bay Winery
Review
At a glance
Closed today
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About
We do not have to look far for inspiration at Sage, our restaurant at Paroa Bay Winery. From the end of the fishing line cast into the Bay of Islands to the orchard doors of our suppliers, our locally grown and sourced ingredients combine seamlessly into a refreshingly creative New Zealand take on Sustainable coastal cuisine. With a broad-ranging menu that features some of the freshest and most revered offerings from the ocean, and some of New Zealand’s world-renowned farming produce — our chefs work to strike the perfect balance between creative flair and allowing their ingredients to be savoured as they are. And with all dishes thoughtfully matched from wines directly from our very own cellar door, the culinary experience is full-circle. It is our considered and intuitive approach that pervades the restaurant at Sage, from the kitchen through the front of house.
Features
CUISINES
Italian, Contemporary, New Zealand
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Free off-street parking
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Gift Cards Available
Highchairs Available
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Does this restaurant offer free wifi?
Reserve a table

Save this restaurant
Closed today
Sunday
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Thursday
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Friday
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Saturday
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
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4.8
4.8 of 5 bubbles251 reviews
Excellent
224
Very good
13
Average
6
Poor
5
Terrible
3

Philip J
Queenstown41 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2024 • couples
So great to revisit Sage, the jewel in the crown when it comes to restaurants in Northland. The magnificent setting with a grandstand view out to sea over The Bay of Islands complimented by the elegant building is the best place to enjoy a delicious lunch. Sage has a friendly sophisticated feel about it. The super attentive staff have blended Kiwi hospitality with a professional service seldom seen outside Europe. As to the food, just exceptional.
Written 6 September 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.

Philip J
Queenstown41 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2025 • couples
This restaurant really never fails to exceed expectations. The setting is beautiful, high up overlooking The Bay of Islands far below. The brilliant deep blue water of Pacific Ocean broken by the puzzle of lush green islands with bright white sails of yachts sailing lazily across the bay; magical. Then there's the food. Just scrumptious, every dish presented with flair and flavour. Add the service which is a delightful mix of professional, well groomed, friendly, international and New Zealand staff. The facilities complete the picture. Comfortable seating, crisp white linen, immaculate bathrooms, every table has the top view and super size bean bags to flop into after a feast worthy of Michelin making a special trip to to add Sage to its iconic list.
Written 14 January 2025
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.

Ferrygirl
21 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • couples
We took advantage of the complimentary shuttle service so we could enjoy the full experience. From start to finish we were looked after by our awesome waitress, attentive but not overbearing, just the right amount of interaction. The drinks selection was excellent, the wine sampler was a good way to taste a few different wines, I was surprised at how good the Chardonnay was (not usually a fan of Chardonnay at all). The view and setting on the outside deck was second to none, some nice unobtrusive background music made it a great experience too. And the food…well that was just spectacular, great options, we ended up having an array of entrees and sides and staggered them through the afternoon and finished with a lovely light and refreshing desert. I look forward to returning for dinner and sampling the mains options! I highly recommend this place for all your special occasions!
Written 10 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.

RA
1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • couples
We are locals and have dined at Sage on a number of occasions having wonderful experiences, but this time was the complete opposite leaving us questioning on returning. Wife and I had a reservation for Valentine’s, they had a Valentines day set menu special for $125pp. In short; this was not near worth paying $250. Left the venue disappointed and feeling ripped-off. Appetiser: one Dumpling each (delicious apart from the dough being slightly undercooked) Starter: 3 slices of Lamb loin to share (This is where we began to regret not ordering from the menu) Main: 3 potatoes, 2 broccolini and flounder fillet to share. We mentioned to the waitress our concern and were offered no compromise, instead we asked to order additional food from their menu. For perspective, we are well aware we can order a 3 course diner for $100 each and be satisfied. What we got was a $250 meal for one person to share. If I need to count how many potatoes we each get, then something is not right. We would have happily paid double for a better experience.
Written 14 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.

CHERYL J
3 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • family
My daughter and I decided to share a rib-eye steak and asked for it to be cooked medium rare. When it came it was dripping blood so we asked if it could be cooked a little more. However, when we started to eat there was a great deal of the meat that was inedible, being very fatty and a lot of gristle. My steak knife failed to cut some of it. Also, the broccolini served with the meal was yellow - well past the sell by date and certainly should never have been cooked let alone served! The management were very fair and did not charge us for this meal. The staff were extremely nice. My other daughter enjoyed a Crayfish Risotto which was excellent.
Written 21 January 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.

Lim saw chin
Singapore160 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 • couples
My husband & I had such a fabulous lunch at SAGE and it was well worth the one & half hour drive up from Whangarèi where we stayed. The view from the restaurant was simply stunning, food fully deserving it's 5 stars and one hat and service, especially from Olivia, well, it was top notch. We had the outdoor table on the patio overlooking the Bay, picture perfect scenery and with the early Summer cool breeze blowing, it created the perfect ambience. We practically spent the whole afternoon there after such a satisfying meal, and felt so much at home that we did not want to leave. Kudos to everyone at SAGE for this very memorable gourmet experience! Just a note of caution though. If you are driving up to the restaurant, do take the car ferry route. We followed Google map, and it took us over 12km of winding gravel roads, which was quite nerve wrecking at times. So do ask around before you plan your journey there.
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.

Jo Lo
Northland Region132 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022 • none
My husband and I went to Sage for his birthday lunch and what a treat it was from start to finish. The service from the staff is perfect. The food from starters to desserts was a delight. All perfectly cooked, good sized portions, and even though one of the more expensive places to eat, worth every penny. It's all presented beautifully, tastes amazing and we couldn't fault a thing. When you go out to eat in a lovely restaurant you want to be able to eat things you couldn't make as well yourself - and this is Sage - the chef is very, very good! The restaurant is stunningly decorated and has such a lovely feeling about it with a great atmosphere. Oh, how I wish we lived in Russell and could come more regularly! Thank you!
Written 8 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.
TheLindisGroup
Hi Laura, What a fantastic review! We are thrilled you enjoyed your experience at Sage, and we hope to Welcome you back soon!! Thanks for the photos and see you again soon. Thanks The team at Sage
Written 8 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Greg548
Maidenhead372 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • friends
The venue is lovely - we had a nice table outside with a beautiful view overlooking the bay. The food was impeccable, everyone (in our party of eight!) really enjoyed their meals; the crayfish was my personal choice and it was lovely. There was a very good selection of reasonably priced wines available by the glass. The desert menu is definitely worth a look (try the pancotta) . The service was attentive and helpful and i thought the prices were very reasonable. Great restaurant ; highly recommended; one of the best meals we have had in New Zealand!
Written 7 April 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.

EJTH
Auckland Central180 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022 • friends
Wonderful dinner with friends. Perfectly cooked clams as my entree, melt in the mouth beef for my main and a few petit fours as something sweet to end the meal. A good selection of wines and knowledgeable, discreetly attentive waitstaff, made it an superb dining experience
Written 13 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.
TheLindisGroup
Thank you for taking the time to review you dining experience with us at Sage. Your feedback is so welcomed by our great team, and we hope to see you back again in the future. Thank you The Team at Sage
Written 13 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

dwaotearoa
Bangkok58 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 • couples
I have no reservation In giving Sage 5 stars. A truely memorable visit. The food is locally sourced, original and inspired. It takes simple food to a new level and that is an art. Not one dish dissapointed. Staff knowledgible and friendly. The location is breathtaking on a sunny day. Wine tasting option for those unused to lical wine a superb value at $15. I will certainly be back, this is not a meal but a full dining experience.
Written 14 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.
TheLindisGroup
Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to review your recent experience at Sage. You feedback is warmly welcomed by our team and we hope to see you at Sage again soon. Thanks The Team at Sage
Written 29 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

MandyC195
Auckland37 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022 • none
Sadly the weather was not great but even so, the views looked beautiful, on a summers day or evening I am sure it will be amazing. The building was stunning and the ambience sophisticated so dress nicely to feel a little bit special. The food was amazing, so tasty and cooked to perfection. Our gorgeous French waitress (sorry I didn’t catch her name) was a delight and knowledgeable, she knew her menu well and was able to offer well founded recommendations. I almost forgot to mention the fabulous wines, excellent! All in all a lovely spot, thank you Sage We will be back x
Written 2 November 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.
TheLindisGroup
Dear Mandy, Thank you for taking the time to review your time with us at Sage. What great feedback you have- thank you for sharing! We are very fortunate to have a superb team with us at Sage. Thank you for kind comments about our food and wine! We hope to see you again Thanks The Team at Sage
Written 13 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Nola B
Bay of Islands18 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2024 • friends
The view is spectacular however we were disappointed that on booking we were not informed that no Paroa Wines were available to order. Something about waiting on paperwork to be completed/license? We had international guests who wanted to particularly taste their wine and I feel we should have been informed on booking 2 weeks earlier. The food was excellent, interesting and enjoyed by everyone. Shame about the wine.
Written 30 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.

KapitiKiwis
Raumati Beach787 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022 • none
This is a second visit, we just love this winery restaurant. Both times we sat outside and took in the stunning views. They make it a real dining experience, and do not rush you, so we spent a couple of hours enjoying their wine and their delicious food. It’s a real must if you are in Russell, sometimes they run a shuttle from the wharf, so you don’t have to drive. They do degustation which we really enjoyed last time, but this time we really enjoyed their superb dumplings, and delicious crayfish risotto. The steak was cooked to perfection and it was a generous serving, we also loved the brownie! This restaurant is a real treat, the service, views and food is really worth the visit. I also love their chardonnay and was pleased to still be able to buy their 2019 to take home.
Written 23 April 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.
TheLindisGroup
Dear Lynne, Thank you so much for taking the time to review your experience at Sage! We are thrilled that you loved your second visit with us and we cannot wait to welcome you back in the furtre. Thanks The team at Sage!
Written 13 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

rawsoncj
Wellington7 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2021 • none
We booked a dinner package with these guys that supposedly included a bottle of wine and a pickup from Russell. Received email confirmation of our reservation, and later on in the day we caught the ferry from our hotel in Paihia to Russell. When we arrived in Russell and called these people to arrange pickup, they told us we hadn’t booked a shuttle… even though we very much *had* done so. Basically, they refused to pick us up, and since we sure as hell weren’t going to *walk* from Russell to their estate, we had to make alternative dinner plans at quite literally the last minute. I can’t speak to the quality of their food, wine, table service, or atmosphere of the venue, as due to the utter incompetence and rudeness of their staff and the epic fail that is their booking system, I never got to experience any of these things. I would recommend steering clear and selecting from any of the numerous alternative options in the area, as you are far more likely to actually be able to sample their food, wine, etc rather than being left in the lurch by these people.
Written 9 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.
TheLindisGroup
Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to offer feedback. It is a shame however, that you have done so unfairly. Whilst we aim to pre empt all guest requests whilst experiencing Sage @ Paroa Bay, it is very difficult to pre empt a courtesy van pick up when it has not been booked by the guest, nor advised of a location to pick up a guest. As many of the other reviews have mentioned, the courtesy van pick up we offer from Jacks Bay, to Okiato, to Russell is a very convenient - and popular- service, therefore booking this service is always recommended to not avoid disappointment. As you mention, you are not placed to be able to offer feedback on your experience at Sage as you didn't come to the restaurant, hopefully in the future we can welcome you back so you can, it truly is a wonderful place to dine. Thank you The Team at Sage
Written 14 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Inspiration456650
Russell169 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022 • none
We have been here several times, mainly before it changed hands and it was always up and down. This time it was outstanding for all of us. We had the fish and it was beautiful and crispy, another had the duck and the other person had the steak and they were all enjoyed. Great setting and great service to match, I would highly recommend this restaurant, a little out of town but well worth it.
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.
TheLindisGroup
Dear Guest, Thank you so very much for such kind words! We are over the moon you enjoyed your experience with us, and we really look forward to welcoming you back again! Great to hear you all enjoyed your meals and had a great time. Thanks The Team at Sage
Written 24 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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SAGE @ PAROA BAY WINERY, Russell - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews

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