The Falls Retreat Waikino
The Falls Retreat Restaurant
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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.
The Falls Retreat Restaurant
Review
About
Features
CUISINES
Pizza, Seafood, International, European, New Zealand
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Location
Is this restaurant good for lunch?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed today
Sunday
Closed
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Saturday
11:30 am - 2:30 pm6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
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4.6
428 reviews
Excellent
325
Very good
67
Average
17
Poor
11
Terrible
8
Lucyjsmith
Auckland Central141 contributions
Nov 2022 • friends
Great service and fantastic food. We had the $65 two course meal with grazing board and for mains we had the fish, beef cheek, pork and my other friend is vegan so they prepared her a special grazing board and main course. Everything was delicious and we left stuffed.
Written 5 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.
KYU153
27 contributions
Dec 2020 • none
We booked an early dinner for two on a Friday following a day’s hike in Karangahake Gorge. We chose to sit inside and we practically had the place to ourselves with two other families joining later in the evening. The service from arrival to the end of dinner was friendly and attentive without being too intrusive. We ordered the seafood pizza with sambal and the vegetarian main (oyster mushroom tonkatsu). Both dishes were full of fresh, clean flavours which isn’t always a given when you eat out. The mushroom tonkatsu was so crisp and tender and the fish on the pizza was juicy! Portion wise we found it filling but I tend to be able to eat less than most so others may find they might need to order a side or starter to carb up a bit.
Written 12 December 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.
Mike Rennie
103 contributions
Feb 2022 • couples
We had a “foodies package” booked a good whole store but COVID forced multiple rebookings which the team were very helpful with.
We arrived later than we would have liked however had an hour before dinner to enjoy the Rose Cottage and have a bottle of bubbles.
The accomodation was very old school rustic/art deco’e’, and had a certain charm about it. The surrounding trees and bush made for a lovely back drop. We had the pizza evening which starting with a grazing board of home grown/made food which was interesting and full of flavour. The pizzas were as good a pizza as you could hope for, accomodating chips were chunky and beautifully fried in a light oil at the perfect temp. The salad was fresh and had a load of flavour levels.
The hamper on arrival was sensational and the breakfast delivered to our room was also one of the better ones I have ever had (not said lightly).
The staff clearly love being part of the place and is makes for a very pleasant and memorable experience .
Very much look forward to going back.
PS sorry for the novel idea you made it this far…
Written 11 February 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.
Linzulu
New Zealand77 contributions
Jul 2023 • friends
Myself and 5 of my friends enjoyed a fabulous night out as part of the Paddock to Plate dinners on offer. The food was plentiful and delicious. We all struggled to finish dessert because we were so full.. but it was so delicious we soldiered on!
The atmosphere was warm, cosy and fun from the moment you came up the driveway. Ben and his team are just brilliant. I loved the introductions to each course, showing Ben's passion for his food and love for his restaurant. I had the wine pairings as well which were spot on and treated myself to a cocktail too, these are soooo good! And did I mention the food was amazing. I savoured each mouthful and there were collective moans of delight from around the table. I cant wait to go back!
Written 6 August 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.
Annaliese62
Coromandel Peninsula254 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
We used to eat here when it was offering casual dining but have also experienced one of their special occasion Degustation dinners - what can I say? one of the most stunning and memorable meals I have ever enjoyed. The cuisine is top class and the way they practice the 'garden to table' philosophy freshness feels very authentic. The setting may be rustic and down to earth but the food is five stars
Written 9 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.
94jackiej
51 contributions
Sept 2022 • none
Oh my goodness this is an absolute must do and you must book to avoid missing out! We booked for the Mid Winter Feast lunch menu and it was outstanding. We suggest you don't have breakfast before hand as the portions are filling and so good you will want to eat everything. We are booking to return with a group of friends in another month or so... if we can hold out that long!
A definite foodies heaven off the beaten track in a stunning setting.
Written 29 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.
Tauranga Tasting Tours & Charters
Tauranga103 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
Our most recent Sunday Lunch was at The Bistro at The Falls Retreat in the Karangahake Gorge. We have been taking groups on Sunday Lunches for approximately 10 years & this was one of the best lunches we have had. The most ordered Main was "Pure crispy free-range pork belly with kimchi rainbow chard & ricotta arancini, chipotle kewpie mayo, carrot, mandarin & pineapple emulsion, green apple herb salad with black fennel fronds & white balsamic, candied cashew & sorrel vinaigrette." It was hard to choose between the 2 desserts offered: "Belgian Chocolate molten Cake &triple chocolate Brownie, served with Greek Yoghurt, whjpped plum cream& a white chocolate pistachio & cherry biscotti, with berry compote or Creme Caramel served with orange salt & vanilla bean ice cream, hazelnut kaffir-lime crumble, Ruby Red mandarin & poached rhubarb." A delight to the tastebuds of Masterchef quality. and we had excellent service from our waitress.
Written 19 August 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.
Pinyardo
Auckland106 contributions
Jun 2020 • none
Beautiful meal on a cold rainy night.
The Falls Retreat consistently delivers beautifully cooked food in a quaint and unique setting.
The food here is the equal of top end restaurants in Auckland.
Our only complaint is that once mains are finished, waiter service tends to finish as well , not ideal if you want dessert!!
Having said that , this place is brilliant.
Written 1 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.
SusanAxbridge
69 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
This large restaurant in the woods is extremely popular and booking for lunch is advised. There are tables outside amongst the trees plus more semi-indoors. Lovely friendly atmosphere, excellent choice of dishes on the menu and truly tasty food, very well presented.
Written 16 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.
foodienz4evanz
Rawhiti250 contributions
Jun 2020 • none
A belated mothers day lunch at one of my local favourite restaurants. Always consistently high standards in terms of food, menu selection, service and atmosphere.
Guests always feel so welcome and stepping out for your first dining experience in Alert Level 2 was no exception.
Written 3 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.
Viv W
Brisbane207 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
Myrtle and I arrived to what seemed a very busy place. Down a driveway and low and behold a whole new world opens up. Plenty of space, or it felt that way. Lovely tables under trees in a rustic manner. There was a vegetable garden but we didn’t visit it. The playground looked like fun for kids. Dog friendly I noticed which is always another big plus for us. I didn’t see any water bowls about but that’s not to say there wasn’t any.
It was so hot today that every time the pizza oven door was opened we felt a big ol heat wave so big ups to the chef and staff in the kitchen. The wait staff were very good with good with a warm approach.
My seafood spaghetti (dish of the day) was very tasty and Myrtles lamb pizza delivered and was good I’m told.
Look forward to our next visit.
Thank you.
Written 1 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.
Alison B
Auckland Central62 contributions
Mar 2020 • family
This unassuming hidden gem is one of the best I have been to in some time.
The staff can only be described as excellent ,both in there helpful attitude and can do approach.
We were lucky to see our daughter married here . 30 guests adults and children all catered for including gluten and vegitarian .
A huge thankyou to all the staff for an amazing day .
Will be back as the restaurant is of equal standard ,and llocaton idilic.
Written 5 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.
Shelby_NZ
New Plymouth90 contributions
Jan 2020 • friends
Lovely place to have lunch. Very sweet - would be a lovely wedding venue!
Food was really good, great flavours and nice portions.
Bubbly was served chilled and kept on ice
Ordered a cappuccino - unfortunately didn’t come out hot so it only took me 1 min to drink..
Overall, lovely environment and friendly service
Written 2 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.
Celeste B
Thames70 contributions
Feb 2021 • none
We have come many times, but Falls Retreat continue to deliver.
Driving up to the rustic charm under a canopy of trees, with a relaxed Vibe, sits Falls Retreat.
The Staff seem handpicked as are attentive, are charming, and know their Menu. And then reading the Menu is entertaining as the Chefs are very clever, have gone to great efforts to deliver interesting choices that compliment each other, and which taste delicious.
Thank you yet again.
Written 14 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.
Roger T
Tauranga67 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
Travelled from Tauranga to try restaurant approx 1 hr 15 drive. Menu looked fantastic and appeared topup.
On arrival the restaurant was in a rural setting in a barn setting with open sides. We tried the sharing platter and followed up with Beef ragu pasta and vegetarian dish. Presentation was great and nice dishes. Pasta lacked flavour. Overall Disappointed with meal and did not meet expectation. Setting restaurant more pizza, cafe food and beer which they also offered. Great place to take kids or pizza and beer after ride, not so much high end dining.
Written 18 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.
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