We had wanted to try this place for a long time having read all of the excellent reviews. We had walked past it several times and thought that it seemed quite elegant and was in a perfect spot above the river to get a lively view. While it is just of Victoria Street, it is nestled in the lower back part of a larger mixed use building with other restaurants and businesses with a large and beautiful deck overlooking the Waikato River.
The we arrived we were seated immediately at one of a couple of small tables for 2 in the dining room. We were struck by the unusual dining set up with most tables flanked on one side with
with an upholstered booth and two plain, but functional chairs.
The menu sounded delicious and was not so big as to not be able to decide what to get.
We started with cocktails while we surveyed the facility. It was much smaller than I imagined it would be. It is an open kitchen concept with those sitting at one end being able to watch as the food is prepared.
The food was very well prepared and plated befitting the elegant surroundings. All the things we tried were superbly made and more than met our hopes and expectations.
Our server was very personable and welcoming, but when it had been over an hour since we had finished our starters, he was nowhere to be seen and, when seen, it was difficult to get his attention. We finally did make contact and asked what was going on. I was ready to leave due both to the delay in getting our mains, but also because of the lack of communication about it. The server did apologise profusely for the delay and gave an explanation for the tardiness that seemed unfortunate, but plausible. However, there was no offer to compensate us for their mistakes which caused this unacceptable delay.
The restaurant was quite expensive, but we felt that the quality of the food and the beverages justified the prices. I think that at the very least the manager or chef should have come out to talk to us and apologise for and explain the delay.

I can't rate this restaurant highly enough. The location is lovely and food is Masterchef spectacular and the service impeccable. The meals are not large but we ate 3 courses and felt just right afterward.

went here for just a few drinks after work
and decided to take a look at the menu...very happy that we did!!
the food is amazing ....so fresh and so yummy...such a stunning menu!!!
great wine menu too
service was brilliant
the restaurant itself is very tastefully decorated
will be back for more

Excellent as always. I think this is the best restaurant in New Zealand. A real food journey, stunning. This time the service was also excellent, sometimes in the past, the service has been good, but not excellent.

Dined alone. Duck entree was very nice, abiet a little short on duck - only three small cubes in the dish! I wanted more!
Hapuka fish for main was perfectly cooked, with a lovely side of beans.
I didn't really need dessert, but chose the mousse - I found the salted peanut icecream a strange combination with the milk chocolate but it was still a very nice dessert.
Great place, 30 seconds walk from Ibis hotel. Recommend.