New Zealand Herald

Reviews for Bushman’s Grill

by Jill S.
22nd January 2013

This business is a MenuMania SponsorOne of the Business' Favourite Reviews

Went there for dinner tonight and WOW so impressed. Excellent service & menu choice. Food was just perfect. Large portions of great quality food at very reasonable prices. Huge thanks to the chef, hostess and our waitress for all the wonderful service, awesome food and comfortable surroundings. This is definitely going to be our family favourite from now on. Will be back very soon and will make sure we leave room to try some of the those lovely desserts you have. You will not be disappointed but might want to book it was really busy for a Tuesday night.

by Maria D.
10th May 2013

What a great restaurant! I took my boyfriend here for his birthday and an error had occurred with my online reservation and wasn’t in the system. I phoned only hours before and the man on the phone was so helpful and said he’d make sure we got a table. The food was amazing! For starters we had the deep fried mushrooms and the onion to share, absolutely delicious. My boyfriend loved his burger and the steak served in the pan was perfectly cooked. My boyfriend even got ‘Happy Birthday’ sung to him by the waitress and maitre d! We’ve been back twice since and each time is excellent- recommended!

by Marilyn M.
19th April 2013

Tonight I took my family for dinner to celebrate my eldest son’s birthday. What an amazing place, the most friendliest of staff,top of the range service. The food was amazing and prices reasonable. I love the sense of family atmosphere when dining there. I have been here several times before and will keep going back. Thank you to staff, chefs, waitress for impeccable service. Can’t wait to return. My rating is definately a 10/10. Thank so much.

by Bon V.
17th April 2013

What a lovely little restaurant. Super friendly front of house and waiters. Our steaks were excellent and cooked to perfection. We will definitely be returning.

by Mercia v.
16th April 2013

A true South African experience enjoyed the venue and the menu. The best malvapoeding I have ever tasted. And the dom pedro are to die for. Hubby was very impressed with his steak done to perfection. I enjoyed melt in the mouth spareribs truelly delish. thankyou Bushmans Grill for making my hubbies birthday so special!

by RJ
13th March 2013

Went to the restaurant the other night for the 1st time for a b’day dinner and was somewhat disappointed with the meal. We ordered a loaf to start with, which looked like a supermarket roll with something tasteless melted on top with nuts. After eating the rolls we waited at least 30 mins for the main which when the length of time was queried we were told it was because we had an entree (the rolls). I had a scotch fillet which contained a lot of sinew. My wifes fillet steak was cooked perfectly. I thought it was a bit much that you had to pay for the mushroom sauce on the steak which was very sweet. The creamed spinach was shredded and was swimming in cream. The atmosphere was very pleasant as was the hostess. Sadly there won’t be a return visit. I thought it was over-priced for what we got.

by Rich
18th February 2013

Apart from the menu missing the 600g Rump steak, which was one of the drawcards of the online menu, the experience was wonderful.
The hostess was very friendly and her wine recommendations and knowledge were superb.
The meal itself was well presented (better than expected for a Steakhouse) and the food quality was well above the norm.
Price-wise, slightly more expensive than anticipated, but well worth the spend and certainly good value for money.
Good quality wine and wonderful food were the order of the day. A great night out for all and we would certainly go back for our next special occasion.
Please realign the menu on this site with what is on offer at the restaurant, item and price-wise.
Thanks.

by Elma R.
29th January 2013

On Friday 25 January 2013 (my birthday) we phoned late in the afternoon to book a table for six – no problem, they would make sure we get a table. On arrival we were warmly greeted and immediately directed to our booth (just as requested). The place was buzzing. It was just about full and there was a vibe that told everyone that everyone else was having a great time. Babies, children, golden oldies… everyone was there, laughing and enjoying themselves. Our table ordered 5 rump steaks. On the menu it was described as a 500 g steak. The hostess came to apologize… tonight the steaks were 600 g… was that ok? Hell yeah!! This has only been my second time at Bushman’s Grill and I can honestly say that both experiences were top notch! The food is absolutely fantastic, the portions are huge and the service is great. I have no hesitation in referring absolutely everybody to go & enjoy the African steak house experience. This is without a doubt my new favourite and I will make sure to get there at least once a month. Thank you for making my birthday special and fun.

by Simon S.
26th January 2013

Was great.

Added note is that I cannot eat gluten and they were able to cater for that, though not all the steak sauce options were gluten free. No complaints with what we could choose though!

Comment from Gerard O. of Bushman’s Grill 27/01/2013    Hide »

Thanks Simon So glad you enjoyed your meal with us. I have had…    More »

Thanks Simon

So glad you enjoyed your meal with us. I have had numerous diners asking if sauces are gluten free, so will be working on changing our current sauces to reflect this ASAP.

Shane
Owner/Chef

by Mandi v.
25th January 2013

Only found about this place by chance, and what a lucky find it was! From the moment we walked through the doors we were wowed by friendly and very attentive staff. My partner is a vegetarian so going to a steakhouse type restaurant is no good, up until now! There is enough bits and pieces of vegetarian food to keep her happy including the most awesome veggie burger. The food portions were generous, the food and plates piping hot and gosh the taste was fantastic. I will definitely go back again and again. Also don’t be put off by it being on the North Shore, it is close to the bridge and very easy to find. This will also appeal to South Africans living in Auckland area that was fond of “THE SPUR” restaurant chain in South Africa- this place is even better. We only miss the pink sauce and onion rings!

by Ray V.
23rd January 2013

Have been in New Zealand on and off for the past 12 years, moved here for good 6 years ago, this has to be the very best meal we have had, well done, as we were 6 in our party, we all had different items from the menu, we were all pleased, now that is saying something, would you not agree, we will be back. Ray

by Rohit R.
18th January 2013

3 of us went there for the first time on Wednesday evening (16/01) and loved the place. We went without a booking but were quickly accommodated by the friendly hostess.
It is a very warm, cozy atmosphere.
Each of us ordered the ribs and steak combo and absolutely loved it and were well satiated. (Highly recommend the Monkey Gland sauce!!)
The Malva pudding was delicious and was enough for 2 of us to share.
The service was quick and friendly.

Will definitely be back. Soon!!.

by Lance D.
15th January 2013

We dined here on Sunday Evening. Was very impressed with the Service very attentive by the lovely hostess. The food amazing and very affordable we had the family platter fitting for a family of 4 and have been yearning for a place like this not to far from home. The decor is very cool with the Southern Africa touches especially enjoyed the food being served out trendy cast iron skillets.

I definitely recommend you go their I know I sure will be!

by Dannielle B.
17th December 2012

Absolutely love this place! Food never disappoints and service is always wonderful. This is our new family favourite restaurant!!.
We always order the family platter which includes a whole chicken cut in quarter plus ribs, salad and Fries. We never leave hungry after having this platter. We will definitely be back in the new year!

by Lizzie D.
7th December 2012

Have been here 3 times now and each time food, atmosphere and service has been amazing. Keep up the great work – we will definitely be back!!

by Jo T.
3rd December 2012

My daughter and I dined at this restaurant. We were both impressed with the service, the food – omg delishhhhhh and value for money. Definitely going back again and in fact have already reserved our seats for next week. Hopefully we’re not too late booking with the Xmas season upon us. I live out of Auckland and have been dreaming/craving the steak and ribs, fingers crossed we get in.

by AJ H.
3rd December 2012

Had a fabulous meal for 8 people last night at this delightful steakhouse. Table was available on time, service was outstanding and the food was perfect. The boys had great ribs (and loads of them – probably about 3.5 kgs between 4 of us!), the gals had steak and chicken, and we all had awesome desserts too – drinks were great and even the dom pedro’s were as I knew them growing up! Nice work guys and we’ll be back.

by David
2nd December 2012

This was our first visit and we hadn’t seen or heard of any experiences from others. Our booked table was available on time. The atmosphere in the restaurant was pleasant and warm. Service was excellent. We were checked on a couple of times and then there were two prompt responses to our requests for assistance during the evening. My rump steak was done medium rare instead of medium well, but that was fixed in two minutes without any fuss. The steak was very juicy and tasty and I felt that the Madagascan pepper sauce was unnecessary, despite it being nice. The 1/4 peri-peri chicken was a little too strong, but then I am partial to spicy things. It was perfect for my wife though, along with the 250g spare ribs. The malva pudding was delicious with custard! Overall, for starters, main course, dessert and drinks, excellent value for money, quality food, tasty food and service to match. We will visit again.

by Taryn R.
28th November 2012

I have eaten here twice now, the first time I had the spare ribs and the second time I just had to have the spare ribs again with other starters to taste. I’ll be going back soon! The sauce on the ribs is perfect, I loved the starters we shared on the table. The pepper sauce with the great steak mains was exquisite, well done. Great specials during the week, really affordable, wholesome meals. Friendly service and lovely decor.

by Kath
26th November 2012

We came here on the recommendation of friends, but unfortunately we were disappointed with our meals. Peri peri 1/2 chicken came as two legs (ie 2 x 1/4’s) and didn’t have much peri peri flavour at all, the rib portions small with no sauce, the calamari overcooked, crumbed chicken schnitzel a bit pinky in the middle but overcooked on the crumbed coating, so yeah pretty disappointing overall. I thought it was a bit pricey for the standard of food.

by Annabel
25th November 2012

Wow this was a surprise. Northcote’s best kept secret! top marks for quality, ambience and service. My partner is South African and we got invited along to his friend’s birthday dinner. We were a large group and the restaurant was very busy but the service we received was wonderful. I believe the family are from Zimbabwe originally and have brought their influences over to NZ. My partner ordered the steak, as did a few of the guys at our table – apparently that is exceptional. For any chicken fans, the peri peri chicken is the best I’ve had in some time. As well as a well priced bar, they also allow BYO which is nice to know for next time. I will definately be back thank you!!

by Adele S.
25th November 2012

I’ve just returned from being overseas for a few years and nice to see there is another decent restaurant on the Shore that caters to all ages, great food and reasonably priced. Love the city, but it nice not to have to cross the dreaded Bridge to get a taste of something different! Another thing I like in a restaurant is a nice ambiance and decor that takes me away from my everyday worries. Bushman’s Grill delivers 100 percent.

by Anne L.
25th November 2012

We eat out very regularly and are well travelled. This was by far the worst restaurant I have ever eaten at in Auckland!
Our group of 5 had different meals, all sub standard and all greasy. The Peri Peri chicken served floating in fat lacked flavour, the side dish of basting was chicken fat .Calamari ? frozen was very chewy with a doey coating. Ribs were small & tough you needed good teeth to get the meat off the bone. Frozen chips or salad completed the nightmare. I do not think this restaurant could operate without a deep fryer. Outside area between the toilets & Genji’s is also poor. Our bill was over $200 main courses only??

Comment from Gerard O. of Bushman’s Grill 25/11/2012    Hide »

Hi Anne, I am very sorry and surprised that not one of your…    More »

Hi Anne,

I am very sorry and surprised that not one of your five meals failed to please you or anyone in your party.

What intrigues me about the validity and integrity of your complaint, is why you were so insistent on trying to show my wife (when she came to enquire on your meal) a PHOTO of a chicken dish from a nearby restaurant? That strangely, some think we are in competition with!

I also find your nitpicking of our outside area, which in actual fact is our children’s entertainment area another reason to shrug off your complaint with the contempt I feel it deserves.

BTW your food bill for 5 was $146.75 the balance was your bar tab.

Shane
Owner

by Clint S.
23rd November 2012

Very disappointed, service was very average. Waited 15 min for my second drink, ordered the home made garlic loaf – was given 2 small brown pak and save rolls. When asked if that was the home made loaf the waiter said ‘that’s how is always is’. The burger was just another disappointment. The only good thing was the lady on the till when we paid, she was very polite and friendly.

Comment from Gerard O. of Bushman’s Grill 25/11/2012    Hide »

Hi Clint I am very sorry to hear you did not enjoy your meal…    More »

Hi Clint

I am very sorry to hear you did not enjoy your meal with us and would like to apologize if you feel the service was lacking.

Not that it is any excuse, but as I’m sure you noticed, we were completely fully booked and went to lengths to accommodate you (even moving you from our back area to an inside table when one became available)

I have scrutinized our menu to see where it states that we serve a “homemade Loaf” but am unable to see this reference. We are a restaurant and not a bakery and due to the fact that we charge $6.50 for Two Mini Farmhouse loaves with fresh garlic, herb butter and cheese, find it not financially viable to employ a baker to make them, hence yes, we do buy in some of our products.

I’m sorry you found our Vegetarian burgers a disappointment. We are primarily a Steakhouse and only added this option after requests by non-carnivores. In keeping with our vision, we opted to use fresh sautéed mushrooms, melted cheese, salads and a fried egg as we found this combination far more tasty and wholesome than the available mass produced vegetarian patties we tested. I will however look at improvements.

I really wish you had raised these points with the lady on the till as she is one of the owners and could have hopefully resolved them for you.

Shane
Owner

by Donald
2nd November 2012

Great menu with some special twists. The food was really tasty and perfectly done. The service was Friendly and efficient. We didn’t wait long fr our meal or drinks. Portions are generous. The menu is well priced and offers value for money. This place will be a regular for us.

by Jacqui D.
1st November 2012

My family took me out for dinner and as we are South African decided to try this out.
From start to finish the food was absolutely amazing. Better than any food we have ever eaten even in SA. The portions were generous and the food so tasty. It is now my best place to dine out. Highly highly recommend!!!!

by Barbara S.
24th October 2012

Would definitely recommend giving this place a try if you haven’t already. Great menu of steaks, ribs, 1/2 and 1/4 chickens, etc. Meat eaters paradise. They do a good family style meal as well, saw a family of 5 getting served big platters of meats with side dishes that seemed like a great idea. I enjoyed a steak dinner the first night we went, and we went again last week and tried the ribs. They were good, but I’m hard to impress when it comes to ribs, I am just spoiled on fantastically flavourful and tender ribs, coming from the USA. Theirs were about a 7 out of 10 on my personal scale, which is still pretty darn good for NZ ribs

by Janine W.
24th October 2012

We had seen this restaurant advertised, and knew them from past experience as they had a steak house in Harare, Zimbabwe. We weren’t let down – in fact, I had the best steak eating out since I have been in NZ. The prices were good, presentation great and the meal absolutely delicious – there was nothing left on my plate. Will definitely go back there.

by Mark G.
24th October 2012

Service was good. Food was pretty good. Slightly overpriced in my opinion but otherwise a great place to eat. The Ribs were marvellous, the special steak did not live up to the hype though.

by Rachael
15th October 2012

We ate here last night and were incredibly impressed with the quality of the food, service, and value for money. We are reasonably fussy diners and often spend the meal criticising small but important things but last night both of us were just going WOW this is awesome!

We dine out quite often and honestly the Bushman’s Grill has got to be my new favourite place to eat in Auckland. The combo mains were perfect for the two of us, and really helped to keep prices down – for an entree, two drinks, mains, a side order and two desserts it cost $85 which had me double checking our docket to make sure they hadn’t undercharged us! The quality of the food was so amazing, I was sooo impressed! I am trying to think up excuses to go back again soon!

by Jimmy Y.
10th October 2012

Bushman was recommended to me by a colleague of mine and i had to see what the fuss was about.

I had a very positive experience everytime i visit. They were helpful with the baby seat and was a good host.

Look at the comments below and u will see that i do not need to elaborate much.

to summarize it, friendly service, GREAT FOOD, good deco, kids room, ECONOMICAL on the wallet.

oh you must try the mulpha pudding. ITS AWESOME

by Scott T.
24th September 2012

Great food, everyone at the table (10 in total from young to old) raved about the food, prices very good too. Service a bit lacking, that may be because the waiter might have been new, still very enjoyable and would recommend for a family night out.

by Cindy
14th September 2012

The food was excellent and I am definitely going this restaurant again. The food price is very resonable and nice service.Highly recommend this restaurant To every one. You won’t be disappointed. Go and try it yourself

by Chloe M.
14th September 2012

This place was great. Don’t let the bad name, sinage and location put you off. Or the menu that lists options under “munchies” and things like chicky nuggets!
Ribs are amazing, steak is great value for the quality, all starters are great with my favourite dipping sauces. Only thing idnask for is more tap beer to wash it down with!

by Evelyn M.
3rd September 2012

The food was excellent and the service even better I would recommend this venue to anyone without hesitation. To all South Africans I recommend you try them it is home away from home. Spare Ribs simply great. I am going back.

by Rowena S.
24th August 2012

My husband and I had seen the restaurant being built and liked what we saw. So when we saw this being opened, we thought how about we go and have a meal. Well what a great decision. We had the flame grilled chicken with salad. On a diet??? I would recommend this dish with lemon and herb dressing. Simply delicious!!!! People get down there and have a meal, Service is great with lovely, friendly staff. Amazing atmosphere.

by Belinda v.
15th August 2012

This is the Best family Restaurant in NZ. Amazing food, the spare Ribs are to die for. The service is excellent regardless of how busy they get. And also the only place that knows how to make a decent milkshake.

by Michelle B.
13th August 2012

We had a Birthday Dinner there.
The menu covered all tastes.
The children menu and facilities were amazing – a real family experience.
The ambiance – warm and very friendly.
Food – best steak i had for a very long time…

(I even got a Birthday song from the staff – cute x)

Added bonus = the Chef is a DJ !!! (seriously)

We will be back – !!!

by Teresa L.
12th August 2012

This is a great family restaurant,the room for the little children is a brilliant idea (my big kids were in there too).
And of course the food was excellent too.

by Heidi B.
30th July 2012

We had the best meal last night we have ever had in our more than 7 years in New Zealand! The service was fantastic, the food was perfect and cooked to our preference (amazing sauces). We had our 2 and a half year old with us and he also had a good time, and enjoyed colouring in a picture and he also loved the music just as much as we did

We will definitely be coming back!

by andrea c.
28th July 2012

I really had an awesome and wonderful dinner and the staff AAA+Guys well done no question were all my dinners will be .I will be back.I believe that our food was the best part of our evening Thanks again guys AAA+ service so another wonderfull night 14 august 2012

by Cheryl G.
27th July 2012

What a wonderful family restaurant – things for kids to do from young ones to older, lovely people, friendly service, meal just fine and well presented, and reasonable price. Kids meals selection excellent and good value

by Daniel
24th July 2012

I love to take my clients to Bushman’s Grill when I’m up in Auckland for business. This is a new restaurant but the owners have already made a great success of it. Service and food is absolutely fantastic. I’m a real meat fiend and to be honest a bit of a steak snob – well Bushman’s Grill excels. Highly recommend.

by Sylvia
24th July 2012

Finally my husband, children and I headed to Bushman’s Grill to see what all the fuss is about. I’d heard such wonderful things from friends and work colleagues and we were not disappointed! Bushman’s Grill has a warm, inviting atmosphere and beautifully decorated with comfortable tables as well as booths seating. We found the food exceptional – I am not a steak person at all and enjoyed the most delicious steak of my life – I chose the Scotch Fillet with Blue Cheese sauce. My husband went for ‘Shane’s Embrace’ and has never tasted steak this good. Kids were over the moon with their enormous burgers. They also love the kids play area with games etc. Amazingly affordable, fantastic food in a great setting. I can’t recommend this restaurant enough!!! Will be back on a regular basis now for sure.

by Tanya W.
30th June 2012

This was our first visit to Bushman’s Grill, and we were highly impressed, great food, fantastic service and great atmosphere, ultimate onion entree and the Bushmans bread were awesome! Most tender ribs we have had in NZ, steak was perfectly done. Sons loved the burgers!Highly recommend!

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