Reviews for Nautilus Restaurant & Espresso Bar

by Edwin
21st May 2012

This restaurant was just perfect! If you dine here prepare for an outstanding experience.
I can’t tell you how much I was delighted! The food was great (just go and try the scallops and the lamb) and the staff was really friendly.
Highly recommended!
Thank you!

by Helen S.
13th May 2012

I have just met the Basil Fawlty of Tauranga. I have never had to write about a restaurant in these terms before. We had booked a table on Mothers Day, using online vouchers, which were accepted at the time of booking. On arrival Maurice informed us we would have to sit outside (cold and pouring rain). We requested a table inside, impossible – after firmly telling Maurice that we did not expect to be seated outside on a cold day when we had booked and there was a table vacant inside he ungraciously blamed God and moved a table from outside to the doorway. When I pointed out this would be in everyones way, he threw his hands up in horror and walked off. One of his long suffering staff placed us in a very suitable place, and we decided to it was Gallic temperament! On ordering he refused to accept our voucher and told us he was far too busy and would not be putting on a 3 course dinner for us when he was serving Mother’s Day lunch. We pointed out that the booking had been made in person, with his head Waitress and we had asked if the voucher was OK. He became rude and abusive and told us to go away as he was busy! We gladly left and obtained a refund from the online company, suggesting they never dealt with this restaurant again. Reading other reviews we are not the only ones to have received this imbecilic little mans treatment. The Basil Fawlty of Tauranga. I truly pity his staff, worse than being employed by Gordon Ramsey!

by Miriam
6th May 2012

This is the first time I have ever written a restaurant review but after our experience at Nautilus I feel compelled to do so to warn others of this place.

The service was OK although we were left to find our own seats when we first arrived!. The food though is beyond awful. From the entrees to the mains to the dessert it got worse and worse. Alot of the food tasted like processed S#!T from a packet, the gnocci if you can call it that you could use as foundations to build your house on, the scotch fillet steak was obviously not scotch fillet at all and the so called pinot noir sauce, well, we don’t even want to know what that was! The vegetables sides were boiled slices of parsnip, carrot and courgette (disgusting). We then tried to order something for dessert that we thought they really could’nt muck up but how wrong we were there as well. The trio of icecream was a tower of melting mess seperated by those awful pink wafers from a packet, didn’t know you could still buy these!. The so called Drambuie affogato resembled more of a weird iced coffee, the only thing saving it was the shot of Drambuie. The only reason we battled through all three courses is that we had Internet vouchers.

We paid up and left before the so called ‘friendly’ owner who was bearing down on us could clasp his hands on our shoulders and hold us in our seats like captives and talk us to death.

I also honestly do not believe that some of these reviews are written by genuine diners.

by Kathryn
23rd April 2012

I have become and avid fan of Nautilus, and every time I visit Tauranga, I find time to enjoy something off the delicious menu. As it is with all restaurants, in their busy hours, things can get a little hectic and I have noticed some of the bad reviews that this restaurant has been getting.
To begin I would like to say that it is not a five star restaurant, so if you come to a place like Nautilus during its busy periods and expect 5 star service such as your own personal waiter, then you are poorly mistaken. None the less, I would have to say that the staff is more than helpful, as well as friendly, and punctual.

For me the food is Divine, not average as other customers have so very rudely suggested. Every restaurant has its own style of food, and this may or may not appeal from person to person, just because the food is ‘Average to you’ does not mean it is that way for everyone else.

Finally, I find the atmosphere at Nautilus to be relaxing and warm. The owner loves to chat with his customers, encouraging a more social environment. He is friendly and very professional, and I enjoy every visit.

by Phillip
22nd April 2012

I had a great dining experience, everything was very yummy, the eye fillet and pork belly were to die for, the bread is homemade and you can taste the difference. Good creme brulle and if at first, I was surprised with the deep fried custard cake my fiancee had, next time I will order it. The service was very friendly and I loved the ambiance. I came early and I had a beautiful sea view. I will recommend this place to all of my friends.

by Carl
21st April 2012

Where to begin …
Not happy would be an understatement

In a nutshell – Horrendous service, not just bad but utterly abysmal

Were seated ok and given menus. Not told of the specials, not told the soup or fish of the day, not told that they were out of oysters
Placed out order.

We had to request water for our table as it was not offered

The waitress forgot about my wife’s drinks request and did not apologize when I asked her where it was

The food was average when it arrived

After dinner we placed our dessert order. Half an hour later after Maurice thought he was being “oh so charming” in the restaurant I asked where our dessert was. I was promptly told “You are not the only table in this restaurant, you will have to wait a few more minutes, so sorry” all with a cheesy smirk on his face

Nearly 15 minutes further on I was at the counter about to settle our bill and walk out when our desserts turned up. Again, very average

The only reason we put up with the s*** service given by this restaurant is that we had online vouchers so it was mostly prepaid.

When I paid the bill I was not asked how everything was, or did I enjoy my meal or anything. I was told the total and not even a thank you from the smarmy little s*** owner

All in all I would not suggest going here at all … ever … maybe not even if it was free, we certainly are not

by Trink
30th March 2012

I’m normally an easily pleased lady. I work in hospitality so am aware of the workings of the bar an restaurant’s…

I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone and I will never return! The waitress’s were amazing but the owner who obviously suffers with little man syndrome maureec is one of the rudest, arrogant, incapable men I have ever witnessed in my life. He sat out side drink bottles of red wine with a lady whilst a lady waitress was exspected to deal with a almost full resturant by herself. Disgusting!! then he came inside an began screaming an yelling at the poor waitress that had done nothing wrong. calling your staff useless infront of customers when she was fully capable…. That waitress deserves a medal and a better work enviroment!!!

I refuse to line the pockets of such a horrible man when he obviously does not respect his staff!!!!

by susan m.
22nd February 2012

My friend is here from the UK.
This was one of the best meals we had.
Friendly helpful staff – amazing food and great restaurant
layout and location.

My friend is still raving a week later about her prawns.

Thank you – I will definitely be back

Susan

by Steve
22nd February 2012

My wife and I ate there two weekends ago and we were so impressed with the food and value for money I had to give them a plug. I had the scallops which were simply the best I have ever eaten and the salmon bagel my wife had was very good as well.
Highly recommended as far as we were concerned!

by Gaz
7th February 2012

Worst restaurant in Tauranga! We purchased online vouchers which the owner tried not to honour, he was rude and abusive to the point of making a huge scene and yelling at us stating we were not welcome back. The food and set up were both very average. I’m fairly suspicious that all reviews for this place aren’t authentic, I can’t say a good thing about the place.

by Thomas G.
31st January 2012

Before I write this review I would like to state that I am quite easily pleased. This is the first time that Ive written a review, but was so moved by our eating experience that I felt compelled to write one on here as soon as I got back from our “dinner”. If you read this review then decide to eat at Nautilus then you deserve everything that you get.

The waiter lost our order. It was half an hour before we were told of this and that it was being sorted. It was a further half hour before we even got our drinks, We ordered the duck and the sea food linguini (apologies for the spelling).
The sea food was over cooked and dry, the linguini was infact fettuchini, of the exact same type sold in pac n save. It was clearly cooked with a large helping of tinned bland.
The duck was rubbery. The crispy fat ontop that I was most looking forward to was akin to under cooked car tyre. The mash and filo parcell was microwaved to thermo nuclear temperatures. Again, served with large portions of bland.
To top it of the plates were filthy (something we only noticed towards the end of our meal). We finished our food only because we had waited for so long and were famished.
Not even going to go there with the cheese cake purchased from the cheese cake place on Cameron Road. Or the pac n save purchased cheese board. There is so much more to complain about but I think this is enough.
If I was the head chef there I would be having a serious word with myself letting tat food like that leave the service area. I hate complaining and I am not picky by feel that people should be made aware of this poor and below average establishment. Feel sorry for the poor waitress who was very apologetic.

by Shinta W.
19th December 2011

Had our Work Do at Nautilus Restaurant recently, the food was impressive, the service was ‘SUPERB’, we stayed until midnight & they were relax about it. We definitely will come back. Big thank you to Maurice and his team. Shinta.

by Graeme
16th December 2011

Went to Nautilus on Wednesday night with my family for dinner.
first impressions when i walked in i was amazed was a very nice set up and looked nice and classy but was a bit cold. This soon changed. when going through the menus someone had just crossed out food items and written new ones in and changed the prices! looked very tacky. The waitress was nice but didn’t look like she was enjoying her job. never gave us the specials probably because they were not available.
Got the prawn entree. was ok.. needed some bread or something to soak up the little broth it was in. Got the duck for the main. Was a very messy plate design with what looked like turmeric and paprika all over the plate. the duck was tasty but the potato mash it was on was disgusting!
We also got asked if we wanted veges or potato’s but never received either and when we asked for them they just gave us a bowl of fries…
For the desert i got the creme brulee. this was amazing. some one Else got the deep fried custard which was different but just tasted like deep fryer.

Over all very poor experience and wont be coming back in a hurry. Doesn’t seem like it has changed much since new management has taken over. Oh and we did not appreciate the chef coming out and harassing us at the table. maybe just keep him in the kitchen

by Sandy E.
25th November 2011

Simply the best! The food is superb, yummy n lots of it, value for money and happy friendly staff. Ive had lunch there and attended a wedding there. For weddings its TOPS all round in my books. I’m in the wedding biz and loved to see great customer service for the bridal party and their guest. Maurice and his team give that and more! Cheers Sandy

by stuart
11th November 2011

Your review helps others learn about “great” local eating.

There was nothing great about our experience. After arriving and announcing a booking for two we realised the restaurant was all set with tables of four. Upon receiving the menu (that had looked like it was attacked by a kid with a pen) we decided on going straight to mains as entrees weren’t of interest to us. The service was below par on the basis of not telling us what the specials of the day were but it was okay as we heard the chef tell the waitress over the pass. One thing we found weird was cider listed under “soft drinks” – it has a 1.3 standard drinks rating. We had received our mains in good time (as the only 2 in the restaurant) to find them camouflaged in paprika and parsley on the rim and micro herbs on top. Plating overall was messy. Seafood was cooked well. Other main did not have parsnip puree as stated on menu…instead came with 3 mystery (we have no idea what was in them) deep fried cakes. Chicken breast did not resemble itself and was wrapped in either silver-beet or wombok (which was also not stated on the menu). Combination of all “new” flavours did not go together. The top of the mains menu said that all meals came with “seasonal vegetables with gourmet potato with herb butter.” We did not receive this with main meals and asked the waitress where they were when she checked on us. Vegetables arrived a few minutes later with apologies from waitress. We were in and out within half an hour with a $74 bill (2x mains and 2x soft drinks). We came with the intention of having dessert as well but did not want to depart with more money on such average food. Disappointed is an understatement as we had an awesome lunch here a few months ago and specifically chose the restaurant for our anniversary dinner based on the previous experience. What a let down, will not be returning ever again.

by mark d.
2nd November 2011

If you seek genteel ambience, sensitive service plus an authentic owner, Maurice Mourali, a consummate french charmer, chef and wine aficionado, then you will find all the above and more at the Nautilus Restaurant. Francis and I were so satisfied with value for investment at our anniversary dinner recently.

Thank you Maurice.

Chas and Francis.

by ashley
13th June 2011

We would like to thank Maurice and his team for making our wedding reception such a memorable event.

Maurice did a fantastic job of catering to our culinary requirements. We chose to have a buffet which came with a wide wide variety of food and sauces and the profiteroles for dessert were devine.
We Would highly recommend Nautilus as a reception venue to anybody.

Thanks again
Ashley and Michele

by Gail B.
9th April 2011

Probably the most important consideration when deciding whether to go to this restaurant- is the wind direction! Its literally next door to the sewage works. I went for brunch shortly after Maurice (who also owns Cafe Versailles) took over. We were told that they had decided not to do brunch that day but we could have lunch. We could also hear Maurice abusing his kitchen staff- not cool.

by KELLY
3rd April 2011

I agree with Debbie, I wont be back in a hurry!! It’s a shame cause it’s got good decor and great harbour views, but if there’s no heart or ambience and the customers are treated like he quoted…”i don’t care”, only about the money if you ask me.
Got into a disagreement with stressed chef/owner, said he would not honour valid entertainment voucher for 50%off, spoilt my birthday dinner. I left feeling quite upset after a heated dispute.
Meals are dearer than stated on website most $30+ and had to ask for the vegetables, and didn’t receive nor was told that a main item was not available on my meal.

by Debbie
26th March 2011

Went with a large group for special occasion. Everyone was disappointed with meals – most meals just came with fries when it stated on the menu they come with garlic roasted vegetables. We also had Entertainment Book vouchers which they didn’t honour, because of a change of ownership. Will not be going back.

by Dave
22nd March 2011

I’ve had lunch and dinner here and the food, service and the amazing views of the waterfront make it well worth going back. Well done!

by Zayne v.
12th March 2011

Went to the Nautilus Cafe under the previous Management had nothing but good things to say about them however under the NEW management this is how our family breakfast went this morning. Upon arrival noticed the cafe was almost empty(it was packed to the rafters last visit) thought it was because of the Tsunami warning not the below average food that was being served. Ordered the French toast and the big breakfast, the French toast was burnt black so my wife could not eat it, my big breakfast would not have given a dog indigestion (where to start?) bacon not cooked properly, sausages horrible and the rest of the meal consisted of one grated potato worth about 25c which was also undercooked nothing for my daughter to have (last time she had shortbread) when all these inadequates where brought to the Owners/cooks attention he told us there was nothing wrong with it the Owner/Cook (hes certainly no Chef) had a bad attitude and cannot take constructive criticism at all he seems to be living in a dream world.I predict the cafe WILL go under within two years. Only good comment goes to the female waitress who was utterly professional someone needs to hire this exceptional employee as it is obvious the Owner/Cook does not appreciate her excellent service and manners I feel sorry for her. On another note they do not honor the entertainment book vouchers anymore unprofessional-bad food-bad owner-overpriced crap food could have done a better job at home. do not go to this cafe

by NAT G.
17th February 2011

We went there for brunch on Sunday. Wonderful setting – very nice eggs benedict – nice young female waitress. The rest of the experience was dreadful. The ‘big breakfast’ – the hash was inedible – the rest of the breakfast was cold and had a very strange taste to it. When we complained to the manager – there was no offer to recompense – actually refused to accept a meal voucher deal which the restaurant had signed up to. Absolutely gorgeous setting – unfortunately very poor food.

by Nicky W.
7th February 2011

We booked for dinner on Sunday but were told they weren’t open so changed to lunch. First thing we saw upon arriving was a sign saying “open for dinner from 5pm”. Then found out they only offered the brunch menu as lunch was only for weekdays. Made the mistake of staying – food was average, I ordered the seafood linguine which came with mussels in the shell, half of which were still closed! Managed to pry one open to see if it was ok, didn’t eat it as it looked dodgy. I mentioned this to the young waitress who asked if I wanted to talk to the manager, took pity on her and said no as she looked scared.
Overall not impressed.

by Holly S.
6th February 2011

We went for Brunch Sunday am. The service was very average, our coffees arrived 10 mins after our food. The food was pretty bad. In the big breakfast the hash bake was half cooked and not hot and the french toast had a burnt taste and laked enough maple syrup. When we commented the manager was rude and told us that’s how the food should be! We will not return!

by Bella
30th December 2010

As The Nautilus has recently changed hands we decided to pay a visit.Brunch is served on a Sunday, we really enjoyed all meals that came out. They were large and tasty but were belittled by the incredible view over the Tauranga Harbour.
The Service was reasonable nothing bad, nothing special except for the ‘french’ manager. He was too loud for our tastes and the french woman who was a member of our party was embarrassed at his exploitation of french customs. all in all however we had a lovely brunch in a lovely location.

by Tresna C.
22nd July 2010

We went to Nautilus for brunch on Sunday – admittedly a perfect day weather wise to sit outside and enjoy the view. However we had a wonderful experience. Coffees were hot and as they should have been, eggs benedict very generous with spinach & hash brown. Muesli and berries nice. Service was also very good. We are fussy Melbournian foodies so we were pleasantly surprised

by Lianne
26th March 2010

Great view, lovely setting and flavoursome food. Staff could do with better manners and service training, portions were smallish (but tasty). Overall an OK experience.

by Carol
23rd August 2009

We arrived at 6pm on Friday night for coffee and drinks with friends. The entire staff were sitting a table in front of the bar – there was paper work on the able so we assumed there were having a meeting. A young man walked over to the bar and took our coffee order while we chose a table & sat down. the staff continued to sit at the table & each time we ordered more coffee or drinks we waited the bar until someone came over. By this time other customers arrived and they to had to wait until someone left the table to help them. We ordered a some fries with aioli – and received what can only be described as a salad dressing with the fries along with a bottle of tomato sauce. When we spoke to the bar man about this, he said it was a very badly made aioli. There was no offer to replace the aioli or of an alternative. We will repeat the visit and hope these guys smarten their act up before they are unemployed. This business wouldn’t last 5 minutes in Wellington or Auckland. An appalling experience!

by Alice Crossman
1st July 2009

My review below is from earlier this year – i just wanted to update it as I have been back – Food still amazing – but strangely – the service was great. I thought it only fair to update my review and let people know that there had been a change for the good.

I had been to Nautilus at the end of last year when I was last in Tauranga and was so un-impressed that it was going to take a miracle to convince me to go back. The miracle arrived in the form of a gift voucher from a Tauranga friend and who was I to look a gift horse in the mouth – so off we went.
Sadly – the service hasn’t changed. A very surly woman (who I took to be the Maître de) grudgingly took our orders (It is bizarrely counter service) and then abandoned us to our seats. Abandoned was precisely what happened too – she never came back…
Anyway – after debating whether it was worth staying – the most miraculous thing occurred – our food arrived – delivered by another waitress -who said not a word – dumped the food and ran for the safety of her group of friends (the rest of the waiting staff) to resume hanging out behind the counter talking – loudly.
But the food! AMAZING. Im not sure whether there is a new head chef or the old one has just had some sort of conversion but the menu is outstanding. I had the pork belly (with the matching Monteiths beer – the chef has offered a wine AND a beer match to each menu item – so cool!) which was the nicest thing I have eaten – ever. The fish of the day – some gorgeous creation served with a crust and passionfruit and other delicacies – was my partner’s choice and was also “out of this world”.
So do go – ignore the waiting staff (its ok – they will do the same to you) but please TRY the food – its well worth it. Delicious! And the location is to die for.

by Wilko
15th April 2009

I have often gone to Nautilus for lunches with friends. Usually the lunch is generous and tasty. Recently had breakfast there and was disappointed. The breakfast was small, the cafe style bread insipid and the tea pot grubby. My husbands scrambled eggs were very lumpy and not at all tasty. He didn’t finish them. Their Chai Latte is overly sweet.

by Kathryn
14th March 2009

We have dined at Nautilus Cafe twice now, once for lunch and once for breakfast. Both times the food was very flavoursome, and well-presented; however we did feel that there could have been more bacon with the breakfasts.

The coffee was great, the setting lovely but the wait staff made no real effort to engage with their customers unfortunately.

It was disappointing when we enquired about the dining club to be told – “we have run out of application forms you’ll have to join next time you are in”.

We will be back though as we did enjoy Nautilus Cafe.

by Janine
8th December 2008

We rolled up expecting to dine at Simply Irresistible as we had’nt heard of the change of location. Nautilus Cafe proved to be the stylish alternative. The counterfood selection looked very appetising and fresh, however we all ordered from the bnrunch menu which was littered with relatively standard brunch fare. Our coffees were dispatched with speed and they tasted great. Nice blend and well made. Our meals arrived in good time as well. This is where Nautilus came slightly unstuck…. as my brunch meal of field mushrooms on brioche with Haloumi cheese ($16.00) was tiny. As a chef of 16 years standing I know Haloumi is an expensive cheese, but to recieve only 3 smallish mushrooms and half a tomato on a small piece of brioche was a little cheeky. Not one to bad mouth a place before they have a chance to make amends I complained about the size of my meal. I was quickly given the option to choose another dish, which I did. This arrived after a further 8 minute wait and to my relief was of a reasonable brunch lunch size. Perhaps they were running out of mushrooms, perhaps the chef had a blonde moment, I don’t know. What I was impressed with was the no-fuss way in which my complaint was handled. A win-win situation,…we will be back.

by Stacey
28th November 2008

Our work goes to Nautilus at the end of every month to enjoy the lovely outdoors setting and the great food! Great wine menu and food very flavourful!

by Mel
17th November 2008

I dined and it was fabulous. The food was great, coffee was not inconsistent as a previous reviewer had said. A great place to relax. Highly recommended. Live music on a Saturday afternoon was brilliant.

by Dan
5th November 2008

Good spot for a coffee, let the kids go for it on the grass and be fascinated by the boats. Coffee inconsistent, food tries hard, and you get charged for it. I don’t like paying $$for cabinet food.

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