Reviews for Merlot on O’connell

by What?
17th January 2012

Great service, reasonable atmosphere and OK food.
I had the scotch fillet, ordered rare, but it was closer to well (over) done than rare, and only average on the flavour front. the dish was swimming in thin juice. Veges were nice, but…
Prices were on the steep side, and the wine, whilst good, was very expensive.
Overall, fairly unimpressed – Tony’s offer better for less.

by Cristina
12th January 2012

Went there for dinner, ordered the squid, Caesar salad ($17each) and the creamy potato salad ($8). All of them tasted like average pub fare and the Caesar salad came in a small glass – it was extremely difficult to eat and had no taste whatsoever. Both the squid and the Caesar salad were a bit too small for the price we paid. I will not go there again.

by Stephen B.
19th September 2011

Great wine list, great food & atmosphere

by CBS
5th July 2011

Looking for a good restaurant to kick start a night on the town for two couples without the kids. Initially drawn to Merlot by its central city location and then after a preview of the menu we agreed it would definitely be worthwhile – Merlot did not disappoint. Entries were a good size with some beers and bubbles. I started with the Szechwan salt & pepper squid – which was perfectly cooked and my mate the Sticky BBQ pork ribs & aromatic broth – different but nice. The ladies went with the grilled haloumi salad and thoroughly enjoyed it. For mains we had the Scotch fillet w potato rosti; duo of lamb – chermoula neck fillet and Moroccan meatballs, and the ladies the lemon almond crumbled snapper with an indulgent Te Awa Left Field Merlot – brilliant!!! Presentation and portion size was great on all counts and the quality and taste of the food was A1. Price wise reasonable but I know I have enjoyed myself and had a good meal when I tip – and I did.

by Mark
27th March 2011

Wonderful restaurant. Had dinner last night and was the best food and service we’ve experienced in a long time.
The steak was absolutely beautiful and also the Duck risotto. And don’t forget the dessert. We had three different mousses on one plate which I wish I hadn’t agreed to share as it was sooooo good. Will be returning and highly recommend this restaurant.

by christie
23rd December 2010

What a lovely place for lunch. The place was full and I can see why. We had the special Business Lunch which was a Main/Wine/Coffee and a chocolate Truffle for $27.50. I choose the pasta of the day which was a chicken and three cheese pasta with rocket. O my god is was amazing. Best pasta I have had. You could tell it was made fresh that day. It just melted in your mouth. All washed down with a good Matakana wine. The only down point if there had to be one was we were pushed for time so did not get time for the coffee. Maybe next time I would make a point of letting them know we only had an hour.

by mary j.
27th March 2010

I have eaten at this restaurant twice this year for, once for dinner and once for lunch. The food and ambience was terrific, a great friendly restaurant, with an excellent wine list.

by Phil
9th October 2009

Went there mid week – very slack service, we were left at our table for about half an hour before we were offered a drinks menu. Food was below average and wine way overpriced. Would not go back.

by Anna
16th August 2008

Lovely romantic atmosphere, gorgeous food & great wine

Write Review