Reviews for Number 8 Restaurant & Cafe

by Bev M.
5th May 2012

We had lunch today -12 people – 4 to 78yrs. Menu suited all – service grand – food was great. Thanks so much for all the care and attention.

by Maggie P.
22nd February 2012

GHad entrees here nice but not overly outstanding as we had read a review bout the place and wanted to check it out. Didnt stay for mains had the baked scallops in parmasen cheese was a little sickly by the end. Not what i expect with such high external reviews. Not going bk sorry

by Hamish
21st February 2012

Our new lunch place. Fantastic burgers, all of them… But especially the baby blue. Fish always very well presented, and the best value for money when it comes to lunch fine dining. Chilled atmosphere and great friendly service. We would recommend to friends in a second.

by Sarah B.
5th February 2012

We went last night with some fellow foodie friends after hearing a few good things about this place. I’m pleased to report that they were all true- the food was fantastic.
We started with bloody marys, which were as good as reported.The seafood lovers enjoyed the good selection of seafood dishes on the entree list and the deep fried camembert was yummy.

Between us we had steak, lamb and ribs- all dishes were delicious, cooked to perfection and with great attention to detail- the extras on the plate (such as the pistachio crumb on the lamb, rosemary syrup on the camembert, purees etc) were also delicious and the side dishes were divine.

The potato gratin was sensational- we nicknamed it potato porn.
The desserts were also delicious- my berry crumble was amazing as was the creme brûlée.
The wine list was decent and the staff had a good knowledge of the wines and food pairings.

James has obviously taken the previous feedback on board too- no paper napkins anymore, and there was a nice ambience with background music too.

My only criticism was that they seemed understaffed for a busy Saturday night service- the lone waitress was pushed to her limits and we had to wait a bit longer than we would have liked to order repeat drinks etc. The service we did have was very friendly and accommodating however, and maybe they were in that predicament due to illness or something else beyond their control.
I’m looking forward to the next visit already!

by Janey E.
16th December 2011

Number 8 is fine dining at its best. James’s attention to detail was outstanding encouraging our large group to socialise while knowing exactly who ordered what food. This ensured our meal was served correctly and timely. The service and food was faultless and of the highest standard as you would expect having Michelin star chefs tucked away in the kitchen. I would highly recommend Number 8 to anybody including groups. Thank you James and Leanne for a great evening.

by David G.
5th December 2011

The steak was excellent like many good class restaraunts in Tauranga. I wouldn’t recommend this restaraunt for a group booking. Despite being required to make out choice for all 3 courses prior to the evening, the restaraunt owner/manager seemed stressed. On arrival we were told to sit in seats determined by the manager in order for his staff to serve food. I thought who was the customer? We were not allowed to sit near our friends. For the price it wasn’t special, no table clothes, paper napkins and very little attempt to raise the christmas spirit. For those who say it’s a good place They mustn’t get out much. We will not be be , David g

by lloyd
1st October 2011

Arrived half and hour early after making a booking three days before by leaving a message on their answerphone, only to be told they had been so busy making coffees that they hadn’t had time to check it. After some discussion they eventually made a table available.

Service was very good, food was good but you would expect that for the price. Two entrees, two mains and one bottle of wine $172.

A couple of tips to make the experience change from good to great,1, Have some background music playing at a low level. 2. Dim the lights slightly so that it doesn’t feel like a hotel lobby. 3. Get rid of the paper napkins for $172 I expect to have cloth ones.

Otherwise an OK night.

by Hamish
28th September 2011

Me and my partner love dining here, by far the best restaurant in town. Service is exceptional and James enthusiasm is infectious. I have recommended this place to friends and they have all came back to me with great experiences

by fleur
7th September 2011

Highly recommended, what a great food, cooked to perfection. Absolute outstanding service and very nice atmosphere. The only problem is that the food is so good you definitely want seconds! We went with the entertainment card which made it very affordable. We shared the spoons with sea food, just loved the sweet and spicy combination, followed by lamb for my husband and eye fillet for me. Loved it both. As dessert I had berry crumble but my husband (who usually does not really care for desserts) ate more than half! Really love it that the friendly owner came to explain the menu and recommended dishes. Can not wait to go again.

by Kevin T.
3rd September 2011

I cant rave more highly about this restaurant. Food and service was impeccable. All food was brilliant. A credit to all, thanks James, a memory to be used as a yardstick to judge all other restaurants by.

by gubbys
18th August 2011

fabulous dinner!
the food is just devine and the service is fabulous.
the staff definitely take pride in the food served
i recommend this restaurant for all, it is definitely my new favourite at the Mount

by J H.
25th July 2011

Fantastic service, food and coffee! Consistently high standards and in my opinion the best Cafe/Restaurant in Tauranga.

The eye fillet and venison for dinner and blue cheese burger for lunch are all amazing and they have the best Bloody Mary’s in town! The owner genuinely cares and takes all feedback on board.

Will definitely be returning!

by JaM C.
25th May 2011

We also went to Number 8 after reading the reviews on this site. My husband & I, along with my 2 children & my parents, dined there last Saturday night. The food was amazing & the service was wonderful, (from their knowledge of the menu, to even sending us a txt before we arrived to tell us about where we could park) they were fantastic with the girls & we were able to pre-order a special kids meal for them. We will most definitely be back, thanks for a wonderful birthday dinner experience!

by Joel
20th May 2011

My wife and I went to Number 8 because of the rave reviews on this site and not only were our expectations met, they were well exceeded. The service was impeccable, the owner was very friendly and explained how to get the best meal with our choices. Then we got the food, I had the steak which was perfection on a plate, there is nothing that I could fault on Number 8. I will definitely be returning.

by Alice N.
2nd May 2011

My partner and I dined at Number 8 in The Mount over the Xmas / New Year period a few months ago. We were very impressed by service but more so by the incredible food! When discovering on departure that the Chef was from South America, I thought that was a very clever move. I traveled around South America last year and was blown away by the cuisine and I was pleased to hear some of that fine flair had reached our shores. I would highly recommend Number 8

by Philippa
1st May 2011

As good as it gets – my No8 experience always starts with a fine wine and great company. There is something very special about the food there – presentation, aromas and tastes that behoves one to comment that no comparison can be made to any other restaurant – making this a truly unique and outstanding experience. We all agree. My compliments to the team and acknowledgement to their undoubted artistry and passion in creating a new standard of excellence. Thank you.

by judie
8th February 2011

Best dining experience I have had in Tauranga. Superb lamb with the most amazing mushroom rissotto.

by Jared B.
7th February 2011

The scollops were a sensation, absolutely the best ones I’ve ever had. The eye fillet was cooked perfectly and tasted incredible. Comfortable atmosphere and excellent staff. Thank you Number 8, great meal, will definitely be back!

by chelsea
28th January 2011

This beautifully set out restaurant is definitely a five star! beautiful set out, and they definitely set the atmosphere with the lit candles! amazing wine selection and great menu to choose from, the manager was friendly and helped to all our needs. The food was beautiful, had to find out about there chefs, 2 Argentinian Chef’s, BEAUTIFUL food thanks number 8 i will definitely be going back with more friends and family! cheers

by Lu
19th December 2010

I had a leisurely lunch at the Number 8 Cafe. There was a good selection of meals to choose from and the one I had was of good proportion and absolutely yummy. The coffee was impressive, coming from Auckland where expectations are high, their coffee was equal to if not exceeding what is considered to be a quality espresso. The staff were all very helpful and polite creating a relaxed and friendly environment. Cheers No. 8.

by jonny
11th December 2010

There for a private function, and well looked after. Had the Angus Eye and cooked perfectly. Nice outdoor setting for friends and sun. Cant wait to go back for a more private dinner for 2.

by Erle B.
19th November 2010

went tonight to enjoy happy hour supposedly at $2 off per drink but charged differently. 5 wines were bought which should have equaled 5 x $6= 30, however charged a bottle plus 1x 6 even though did not ask for a bottle when we were offered one. Raised with staff who chose to overcharge by $13 for the evening. They chose how they charge, we chose where we will spend our money in future. NOT RECOMMENDED. We dine out regularly and will not return.

Comment from James B. of Number 8 Restaurant & Cafe 2/02/2011    Hide »

Erle B many apologies for the mistake the restaurant has made. I…    More »

Erle B many apologies for the mistake the restaurant has made. I would like to say that any new restaurant does have the odd teething issues in the beginning. We have made every effort to address the issues you have highlighted and can assure you they are no longer occurring. Thank you for your feedback as without it problems such as these tend to continually occur.

Many Thanks…. James

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