Reviews for Foxglove Bar & Kitchen

by Wendy
20th September 2011

This business is a MenuMania SponsorOne of the Business' Favourite Reviews

Would highly recommend Foxglove, it would have to be up there with one of the best meals I have ever had. There were three of us and we all had different and equally fantastic meals, definitely on my ‘must eat at’ list when visiting Wellington. One of our party had dietry requirements and she was accommodated without fuss, service fabulous, staff awesome.

by Curtis C.
13th March 2012

Went here last Friday, with a couple of comrades, elegant, shiny and sharp. Barman upstairs was great, Chips with Tomato Aioli was best Chips dish I’ve had in Wellington, possibly NZ so far, and the tomato aioli is truly the best aioli in wellington.

I liked the fact that they could make a CC Dry with the 12 year Canadian Club, it went down smoothly, very nice CC, and well made drink from Foxglove.

I plan to come back when I can afford more than just chips and a drink or two. but I will be back sometime.

surpassed my expectations of it for a first time here.

Definitely worth a visit, and not trying their chips with tomato aioli is close to a crime for anyone who loves chips and wants a new standard of chips dishes at restaurants/bars.

Foxglove, you are one good looking and excellent tasting Bar & Kitchen. I am an advocate for your aioli, and chips.

I just hope you get the final CC bottle out there, 20 year or whatever it is.

Magnifique!

by Champo
14th December 2011

I had not heard too much about Foxglove but whilst walking about on Sunday stumbled upon it. The decor is absolutely amazing, the day beds upstairs are brilliant and we were lucky enough to snaffle one to while away the afternoon in. The staff were attentive and quick to deliver our drinks and small plates. The food was fresh, tasty and seasoned well – granted we only ordered a selection of the small plates but they worked really well with our ciders on a hot day.

Will certainly be going back to try out the dinner menu and soak in the atomosphere. Recommended.

by AskTheLocals
28th August 2011

Foxglove
as reviewed by Ask The Locals on 27th Aug ’11

I chose Foxglove set pre-theatre menu, as we had enjoyed our previous visit and it was quicker and easier than waiting for a table of woman to decide on what to agree on.

So, we start with sourdough, olive oil and a quenelle of light and airy herb butter. I adore the light and airy herby butter and wonder if anyone would notice that I had run out of bread a long time ago, but was still enjoying the butter.

Then onto a starter of goats cheese & mozzarella balls, with rocket and slivers of toasted almonds all very well seasoned. I have no idea what an apple & bush honey gastrique is, but assume it is the dressing, which goes beautifully with the strong goats cheese.

The duck liver parfait was very popular at our table, perhaps chosen for its moussy lightness yet maximum flavour. Whatever the reasons, just know that my cheesy balls won out.

There was some mirth when the ‘nearly-a-vegetarian’ ordered the steak tartare. We weren’t sure if she knew that the tartare meant it would be raw beef. But everyone else was interested to get the nearly-a-vegetarians’ take on her choice, so we all agreed not to say anything. Unusual choice – funny business!

I thought I would not order anything too heavy. See, this is more of the funny business around food. What’s wrong with ordering the rump of lamb or the confit of duck? No, four out of six of us would just have the grilled snapper with beetroot and ginger air – so foamy and ethereal, not to weigh too much on the tum.

The duck and lamb were delicious, and I was rather envious when I saw them.

To find out the reaction of nearly-a-vegetarian on her steak tartare and to see more of our review of Foxglove, see:
http://askthelocalsnz….

by Karen R.
19th August 2011

A truly indulgent experience at Foxglove, my companions and I enjoyed the 7-course degustation. It was amazing value (part of Dine Wellington).

My favourite dish out of the seven courses, was the “Yellow Brick Road snapper sashimi with mango, cucumber,soy‐mirin pearls, wasabi creme & sweet ginger air”. The flavours and freshness were incredible. I could have eaten 7 courses of that and been perfectly happy – it was heaven!

However, I also loved the Lemon & champagne sorbet, to cleanse the palate in between the two fish-based courses.

Plus the buffalo yoghurt & jasmine gelato, blackberry, thyme were standout flavours for me.

Most of all, I loved the warm ambiance and classy chic of the place. It’s a place I could sit in for hours and while away an evening with friends.

Even when it’s hailing outside.

by joti
22nd June 2011

I am a regular both eating and drinking at Foxglove. I have to say the food is fantastic and well presented. we regularly host our bookclub dinner here so with a big group of 12 + we’ve never had a problem with the service.

by Foodiefoodie
15th May 2011

I was curious about the new menu so decided to check them out. The new risotto balls were delicious but the aioli didn’t really work for me. The quenelle “cheesecake” with a lovely chevre flavour that came as part of the creme brulee dish was delicious. The main dishes for dinner looked interesting so will try to come back and order them next time.

by simon
19th April 2011

the food was ok and the decoration was very fancy.
the very comfortable bit was u get to lay down on the bed and see the view.
please do go there u will love it!
And always remember i am 8 years old and i am Simons daughter!
bye

by Massaria
14th March 2011

Well I wish I could say something about the food or drinks at foxglove but because of the absolutely terrible service, I wouldn’t know. It was a Sunday afternoon, the place was not super busy and there were two staff on, one at each end of the lower deck. We came in and were seated but then no-one came to take our orders, no-one brought us a menu, nothing. The waitress wandered around, cleared other tables, sat in the corner and chewed her nails for a bit, all the while studiously ignoring us (and everyone one else). Eventually I got up and went and got some menus from other diners myself, thinking that might just give her a clue, but alas it did not. We read the menu and made a selection and…. waited and waited and waited. In the end we walked out after 15 minutes. Seriously, the worse service I have ever encountered anywhere. With an attitude like that, this place doesn’t deserve anyone’s business.

by May T.
2nd March 2011

I’ve only had happy hour drinks here, but the wine selection is excellent and the atmosphere can’t be beat.

Since I tell others to do my bidding (i.e. order my drinks for me or massage my feet in scented oils), I’ve never interacted with the bar staff and can only surmise they’re all well-trained and capable.

Love the second story patio space as well as the “secret” room filled with yuppity Wellingtonians.

Not for the faint of wallet, or those on a student budget. My man-servant ordered a bottle of sauvignon blanc and it was about NZ$70. I nearly keeled over and had a dramatic faux heart attack.

by Selective
19th February 2011

Had dinner last night at the Foxglove. Staff accommodating in making up a table for us as we had no booking and had a tight turnaround time.

The venison was perfect melt in your mouth, not to mention the hazelnut, rocket, parmesan and pear salad.

The only criticism was the friand served in the Vanilla dessert option was dry and not a great fit with the other items, perhaps a vanilla and raspberry truffle would be a better substitute.

Service was attentive and thought the prices for Wellington were fair given the quality of the food.

by ankab88
8th January 2011

I went here for lunch with a few friends (weekday) and found it very disappointing. The table was dirty, the staff were not at all present. My friend ordered the fish of the day, and it came with nothing, just the fish and aioli. Surely if a main does not come with any sides then it is the waiters responsibility to tell you so. I had fries (okay) and the risotto balls (slightly bland, disappointing). Overall not a good experience. Also expensive for what you get.

by steven b.
12th October 2010

What a gem, about time wellington waterfront has lifted its game with Foxglove. We were lucky enough to gain a table for two when we have been told that it is constantly booked out. We did see many diners be turned away as tables filled up at blink of an eye. Food is amazing from tapas (named small plates) and mains we had which you choose your own sides, so i could have what i felt like. Definitely going to return for more of the handmade truffles….. too many to choose from. going to check out the cupboard next time

by Mathew M.
4th October 2010

I’m a regular at Foxglove at least once a week as it’s so close to work.
It has a great atmosphere – so many different areas to discover and enjoy. Excellent food & service but make sure you phone ahead as dinner reservations can be hard to get. Must-see Foxtail bar through the wardrobe. Well worth a visit.

by Caroline B.
2nd September 2010

I was very excited after reading the reviews prior to this bar reopening. Sadly, my first experience was not good. Firstly, not all the drinks were available on the heavily promoted cocktail menu and the barmaid didn’t know how to make the ones that were! My friend was charged double and I watched another barmaid clearly empty a bottle and NOT pour a full measure but serve it anyways!!
Putting my first experience down to teething troubles with the opening, my next experience was just as bad! Two bartenders told me they couldn’t make my cocktail when I could see the spirits on the bar!! VERY disappointing.
The only plus side is the decor and location (oh and the great work the owner has put into marketing the bar to get us there in the first place!!)

by Chris
18th August 2010

Food is glorious, but what is great food with out the accompaniment of service – any type of service let alone non existent service as we experienced on Sunday.

After calling twice – once to originally book and a 2nd to amend numbers we arrived to be told bluntly that we did not have a booking. Our group of 12 was left standing at the bar – until we stopped a waiter walking past and again asked for a table…

The staff set a table for us, very quickly considering our group size. Whilst we explored the new decor – which was stunning!

They didn’t have printed menus by a waiter who was obviously unfamiliar with the menu and struggled to be heard by our large group. When asked if we could ‘upgrade’ to enjoy all three courses after going to ask the chef to be told that we were unable to have a third course as it was a two course promotional menu – although we could choose entree main, or main dessert.

Beverage orders were taken with the meal orders but from there we had to ask for a wine list and service or go to the bar for further drinks.

We were served shoe string fries and a bowl of lettuce for the table hardly part of the innovative dining we were expecting – especially considering the meal was well presented (and tasted divine). Fries really didn’t suit the mains of confit chicken with crayfish ravioli and pan roasted market fish with green pea gribich…

One of our group found a hair in their dessert – when bringing this to the attention of a staff member he stood at the table examining it proceeded to dispute it was a hair and to our astonishment said that if it would make us feel better it was on the house – not even an apology. The entire table was stunned at this – but he then went on to say “it won’t kill you” and left the dessert on the table without an offer of replacing/removing it – although he did have the courtesy to take the hair with him. Perhaps he expected us to continue to eat it?

This was our first and will be the only attempt at Foxglove, we left bitterly disappointed and proceeded to another venue.

by Celeste
9th August 2010

After visiting Foxglove twice in a few days,I wanted to say thank you.
Firstly the decor,absolutely stunning,its warm and inviting but with a big punch of personality, which is refreshing. Congratulations to your Designer.
Next the Staff, friendly and knowledgeable,helping us each time with several requests.
Lastly the Food, just Devine, presentation that delivered.
So Congratulations,so easy to recommend,just wished I lived closer. Thank you for such an enjoyable experience that I havent had for a long time.
Celeste Broad

by Leedja
6th July 2010

The food here is pretty good, the waiting staff kept forgetting us which was a bit annoying, but we did head there for dinner only a week after they opened, so Im sure they’ll get it together a bit more soon. Im a bit of a fussy eater so couldnt find anything on the mains that appealed, so we had a selection of tapas. Nice, yet not as satisfying really as a main meal.. decor is great though, its a very high standard of bar/restaurant in Wellington and a great use of a place that was always just a bit big to really work well.

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