Really excellent food and service at Clarence. The dishes were all pitch perfect executions by a chef obviously at the top of his game.
Really great and impressive wine matches by the sommelier. Highly recommend
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Review updae
We visited the bistro a couple of years ago and had a wonderful meal with some exceptional food and wine. I’ve also had the privilege of eating at The French Cafe in Auckland, so my expectations were high.
Unfortunately, the experience was a little disappointing. The food was okay, and some of the tasting menu dishes were good, but the desert was disappointing.
Disappointing was the service. At one point, we had cocktails, snacks and the first course all lined up on the table at the same time before we asked the wait staff to slow down a bit, and perhaps give us time to order some wine!
Even more surprising the reasonably experienced sommelier could offer no more advice than to have white wine with the first three courses and red wine with the second. Unfortunately we got to course four before we could get the attention of the wait-staff to get the red wine, that we chose ourselves.
Overall, not good value for money at $690 for three people.
Old review
This was a great restaurant in an old post office in the heart of Tauranga. The menu had a range of options from à la cart to tasting Menu. The service was very good, the place was busy and leather apron staff were high energy. Most of the dishes were accompanied by description from the executive chef which is really appreciated and the by the glass wine options were very impressive.
A delicious feast - everything was tasty, the portions were perfectly sized. Fresh ingredients, delightful flavours. Attentive yet unintrusive service. Highly recommend!
I came here as a group for dinner. The restaurant was surprisingly busy on a Wednesday night. We all had the set menu, which has 3 choices per entree, main and dessert. The service was attentive, the dishes were well-presented. My entree (kingfish) and main (lamb) were delicious. The kingfish was fresh and light. The lamb was more decadent, with the parmesan flakes complement the dish perfectly. The final course (cheese) was not what I had expected. My friend chose the chocolate dessert, which was deliciously rich and indulgent. I regret choosing the cheese, which was simultaneously unusual and bland.
The chef here was previously chef/owner of the French Cafe which was known as the best restaurant in Auckland for about 15 years. These standards have transferred to Clarence Bistro. It is excellent.
Delicious food, beautifully presented; service was second to none. And what an experience!!! We're definitely going back for more. Best restaurant of the region
Lovely little gem hidden in plain sight. Our room is cosy and well set out. Although the bathroom door/see through window got some getting used too. It has a very old style meets oriental feel and is comfy. I would highly recommend this place to all.
Booked on 12pm Sat. lunch, ordered express course menu, this is not ordinary we felt chef's serious work with Italian owner's great sense, plus friendly lovely service attended, this is the place we have been searching for, total of our first dining experience was beyond our high expectation with my loving people on my birthday! We love to be back trying different menus but one more time for that fermented barley mushroom risotto, Thank you
We enjoyed a special lunch out for two experiencing the spring menu. Great service and exquisite food. Thanks Clarence Bistro
So far one of the best restaurants I've been to. Hands down. Must try. Your taste buds will love it.
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