New Zealand Herald

Reviews for Bowmans Restaurant

by Vinno
16th May 2013

The restaurant was nearly empty when we arrived and I was immediately worried that the food would not live up to the price tag. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The ingredients were extremely well matched and cooked. The service was friendly and reasonably unobtrusive. All in all a good experience.

by Julie P.
19th April 2013

We had an excellent meal here last week.

We had the 4 course for $79. We were suprised at how much we got for each course. The food was lovely, very tasty and perfectly cooked.

Service was nice and friendly and the waiter was good with his recommendations and suggestions.

Someone on the table nearby had the degustation – looked amazing.

Definitely going back soon.

by Jonjon
1st March 2013

Well, won’t comment much about the food as there were miscommunication, but I would like to let the restaurant know that my review previously was based on how the final outcome despite the effort put into it.

So putting the review on the food aside, in terms of the service however I felt that staff training would be helpful + communication as they were not informed what was being served, lack of communication and attention to detail such as leaving us with no cutleries no eat what was in front of us.

by Darryl
14th February 2013

Excellent to excelling culinary delight. This is not the first time we have dined at Bowman’s and it will not be the last. Amazing inspiration for each course and total commitment to taste and design…. Mouthwatering and innovative use of fresh produce makes this a pleasurable dining experience. It’s a must on the bucket list…..it’s a place for great food, great wine and fantastic service……..master chefs. Thank you for your wonderful insight and want for the finest

by Debs
6th February 2013

Wow! 6 course degustation meal was absolutely outstanding! The food presentation was amazing. The dessert made in front of us on to the table top was so fantastic. Loved it! I would definately recommend this restaurant.

by Bridgette
16th June 2012

Wow.I went to Bowmans with a group of friends, and we were all extremely impressed with our evening – the food was outstanding and the presentation exceptional. We’re already planning our next visit.

Highly highly recommended!

by John
22nd February 2012

I recently went out to Bowmans Restaurant with my friend for a meal, we had been to the Restaurant in the winter and thought it was fab, had some management problems but everything else was fantastic, So we decided to go back again for a meal, We had got a deal voucher online also.

I made the booking at the beginning of week was greeted on the phone by a welcoming Man and assured me we would get the same table we always get, was very nice phone manner,
Once we arrived at the Restaurant I got there early, but luckily enough I was greeted by two lovely gentlemen Mark the manager and Dave the younger Waiter, they made me feel like I was at home, asked would I prefer to be seating at my table or at the bar.. Brought me menu’s and water without me asking, once my friend arrived they also helped her pick a wine to suit her meal, they both where so helpful and attentive to our needs.
Once we ordered our food, We given a Complimentary Amuse Bouche, which was fantastic, Our meal was perfectly timed from Entree, main and dessert.. Throughout the meal both members of staff where topping up water and wine without fuss! And where so friendly,
From start to finish Bowmans Restaurant is Supberb.. It has come on leaps and bounds since the winter time with new additions of staff, new tables, and lovely Plants

I’ll be back soon for more.
Thank you Bowmans!

by moff13
13th February 2012

Brought my wife to Bowmans for an early valentines present and have to say I was very disappointed with the service we were provided for the Hefty price tag.

On arrival we were welcomed by a nice middle aged gent. We were sat in the corner under the specials board which we didn’t think was a problem initially but this soon proved to be a bad choice as we were forgotten about as night progressed.

The middle aged gent was very nice and took our order . After this a younger waiter took over our table and he gave the impression he didn’t want to be there and had no customer service skills. When our starts arrived my wife had to tell him what was on the plate. At one stage she asked “is that goats cheese?” and he just shrugged a walked away.

Our mains were then given to a table behind us whom arrived 30-45 minutes after us. The lady had ordered duck and she was given my lamb. She returned the dish which lead to a longer wait for our food as it had to be re-fired.

When our mains finally arrived the waiter stood there plates in hand until my wife said “I’m having the steak” the waiter put down the plates and walked away. I knew then how he had made the mistake previous.

Overall the food was very good its a shame about the service. When your paying $50 for a main, including sides you expect to have your water topped up.

In future I will spend my money in one of Auckland’s many other fine dining restaurant. Maybe if the older gent had served us all night this would have been a 5 star rating.

by christine l.
13th December 2011

This restaurant markets itself as upmarket. The food is five star in presentation and taste but the service is poor. My advice to diners is go for the food but not the overall experience and make sure you check the bill before you pay because they overcharged my group when we were there. We did not realise the mistake until later that evening when we looked at the bill carefully – it was very dark in the restaurant and you couldn’t read your bill properly and I have to admit it didn’t occur to me that an expensive restaurant would make such a careless mistake as putting someones drinks onto your tab. I think the management needs to improve their service in this area because the overall experience is ruined when you have to ring up the next morning to tell them that they’ve made a mistake with their bill. They did refund me which was good but they made it known to me that I was over-reacting. I was certainly not overreacting when I write now to say that the service levels during our meal was quite bad. the mitred was attentive at the start of our meal but as the restaurant got busier he ignored us and we had to wait a long time just to get a refill on our drinks. WE certainly did not bother to order any more drinks but they overcharged us three drinks each instead of two which I find it very appalling because they dint have a system to keep tab of what people ordered. It also took a long time for them to bring us our bill and an even longer time for us to take our cash once we’ve paid. In the end we had to grab the waiter as he walked past to tell him that we needed to pay because I had to take my guests to the airport to catch a flight! It was absolutely ridiculous! On a more positive note, the food is fabulous and worth a visit if you are mindful that you may not get excellent service and don’t forget to check your bill carefully before you pay!

by David B.
26th May 2011

We went on a Thursday night and the place was busy, but were still able to park at the door.

The three of us had a range of dishes and nobody was disappointed. The tables are rather close together.

We will be heading back.

by Colleen P.
7th June 2010

We were trhilled with the great meal we had at Bowmans recently. The service was attentive, the ambience cosy and the food superb. Well priced for a high standard. We will be back!

by manckiwi
29th March 2010

Excellent, tasty food and some really imaginative dishes. Service was good. The only downside was that the portions were quite small so I didn’t feel quite full, and that was after 3 courses.

by Vanya
21st February 2010

Sadly disappointing. A friend had reccommended the chef’s tasting platter for an entree, but it must be extremely variable, as the items on our’s ranged from indifferent to somewhat unpleasant. The vegetables and garnishes on the mains were yummy, but the meat (duck and pork) were both distinctly tough. Staff were pleasantly unpretentious. On a hot night with the doors open it is very noisy. Not much of a fine dining experience!

by RM
17th January 2009

Portions are small. A long wait for our main course when restaurant only half full. Felt not overall good experience..staff seemed to need more training.

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