New Zealand Herald

Reviews for Logan Brown Restaurant

by James P.
5th February 2012

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

Logan Brown deserves its good reputation. We enjoyed a fantastic 5 course meal, every stage faultless, wait staff were fantastic and on Que at every stage of the service. The quarts of Tui were a nice touch to bring the place back down to earth, ( I enjoyed 3 just for old times sake and I haven’t touched the stuff since being a student 15 years or so ago ). I would not hesitate to recommend a visit to anyone traveling through Wellington, one of the best establishments I have ever dined at in New Zealand.

by Kirsten C.
3rd March 2013

Outstanding service, delicious food, exciting menu, gorgeous environment, faultless! Can’t wait to go again. Fantastic wine matches, and excellent value meal. Wait staff were extremely attentive, helpful, polite, charming! Best restaurant in Wellington 2013!!

by Joti L.
7th January 2013

This was the second time I have been to Logan Brown. Once again I was thoroughly satisfied. The food was exquisite and the waiter and waitress who looked after us were amazing. Thank you and I will definitely come back again for the sheer enjoyment of food.

by Kristin
2nd January 2013

There is no question the food here is pricey but good……..but…….I have been on three different occasions and the waiter has dropped food or wine on me or the table……….is it me or do I expect to much for $45 a main not including vegetables!

by Gina
26th December 2012

My sister and I went to Logan Brown while she was visiting Wellington. We both enjoyed the experience. Both the service and food were outstanding. We had the bistro menu, and while we did feel we were rushed to get out by 7pm, the staff were polite and friendly.

I cannot stand pretentious restaurants with overly priced food, small portions, and wait staff with attitude. However, Logan Brown was different. I still would not take my Father, who would be appalled at the small portions, but I would return with friends.

by David
24th October 2012

It gives me no pleasure expressing a few negative comments about this iconic five-star restaurant. I hasten to add that the food was absolutely delicious but with one exception. The Logan Brown Special sourdough bread rolls were so hard they couldn’t’t be cut with a knife so it took two thumbs inserted and great deal of strength to force the buns open. The inside was undercooked dough and the crusts impossible to eat. Apparently the baker knew they were inedible. Allowing these buns to leave the kitchen was inexcusable.
We were not told of the ‘specials’ until after we had chosen our meals and ordered the wine. Our waitress told us it was company policy not to overload the diner with too much information all at once. Handing out two menus and explaining two specials did not represent information overload in my opinion.
As a starter we had a choice of two varieties of Pacific oysters or the Tio Point oysters (flat).
The waitress was unsure about the term ‘flat’ and at first didn’t know what type of oyster they were but she thought they might be a kind of Bluff oyster. Staff should be familiar with the menu. Otherwise our waitress was friendly, efficient and attentive. The Tio Point cooked oysters were amazing.
For entrees we ordered West Coast Whitebait with Crayfish, asparagus and lemon puree.and the Coromandel Scallops with celeriac, capocolla, Granny Smith and Feta. Both dishes were delicious especially the Whitebait. However I was disappointed in getting only a teaspoon full of crayfish (in a mayo dressing?). It was hardly worth a mention on the menu.
The Lamb Rack was wonderful as was the Venison Osso Bucco. It surprised me that the gremolata was on the lamb and not the Osso Bucco which is traditional. The leaf salad was excellent quality and the truffled fries with Reggiano parmesan, a nice touch.
Logan Brown is regarded as one of New Zealand’s finest restaurants and as far as the food is concerned this reputation is well justified but unfortunately the overall experience revealed its shortcomings.

by Tracey
19th September 2012

Amazing, we can’t wait to go back. Logan Brown totally deserves its reputation as a top restaurant. The service and food was perfect (best oysters I’ve ever had) and the ambience is lovely.

Myself and my dining partner were suitably impressed!

by dani b.
26th August 2012

We ate here last night, there was 5 in the party. We had the degustation meal with wine matches. The wines were amazing and matched the meal perfectly. For me there were to many meaty dishes by the time I got to the lamb after the venison i was stuffed!! The presentation of each dish was lovely, the service was great. THe waitress had fabulous wine knowledge she was quizzed several times from the patrons at the table!

by Gabriela R.
10th August 2012

I think the best way to describe it is: an experience. We went there with my partner for our anniversary and it was absolutely amazing. The staff was really friendly and helpful. We stayed there for about an hour and a half and enjoyed the night together. They gave us a really nice private table so we could celebrate our special occasion. The food was very nice and filling, and we got a very good wine recommended from one of the waitress. A lovely place!

by Heidi
25th July 2012

For a top end restuarant, I was disappointed. Maybe my fault for expecting too much. The terrine starter was ok but I had expected more. The main was a marked improvement and good for what it was. The sample selection of desserts was a nice finish. The building itself was interesting but the tables were too close together, with conversation requiring a little extra volume over your neighbours. Service was standard for a busy restaurant.
I intend to try the other top end restaurants in Wellington before heading back here again.

by Pat and Bruce A.
6th July 2012

We really enjoyed our meal at Logan Brown in Wellington recently. All the food was well presented tasted absolutely
wonderful. The Feijoa icecream was divine!!!. Next time we are in Wellington you will be on our must do list again.
Bruce enjoyed the Venison with black pudding. Do you make your own?

by Lorene T.
28th June 2012

My husband and I have dined at this restaurant a couple of times. Both times we received excellent, friendly service and not too over the top. Our meals were absolutely delicious and not too far apart for each course. Not usually being able to afford pricey meals or even a flash meal out, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. My husband even booked his 42nd birthday in the top level of this restaurant from our first visit and that was the 2nd visit. Everyone enjoyed their meals even though the space was a bit cramped, didn’t last for long after a few wines!!!

by Kat
21st June 2012

If you are looking for an amazing and exquisite dining experience go to Logan Brown! Amaaaazing food and presentation,perfect wine list and wonderful atmosphere. Customer service was professional and friendly. This place has me sold! Would definately dine here again and I do recommend you all try the truffled fries they are super delicious! Thanks Logan Brown for a memorable dining experience:) From a very satisfied customer..

by Kevin B.
7th March 2012

Fantastic.

Took my partner for her birthday on Monday night. Made the booking via their website. Was rung on Sunday to confirm the booking. When I said it was Sarah’s birthday they offered a little treat. We had one of the best meals I’ve had. Great waitress. Lovely setting, not smothered with other guests.
This is not a eat and dash affair. This is dining and time should be taken.

I had the venison, the black pudding that comes with was the best I’ve ever had and I have had a few. Was a lovely night and a treat when in the capital.

by Kelh
20th February 2012

My spouse and I ate here for our anniversary a few years ago and were very impressed with the service, ambiance, and food. So when my father visited us from overseas, I knew I wanted to take him here for a special night out.

We had reservations on a Sunday evening, which I don’t think was necessary since it wasn’t half full. The decor looked different than I remembered it, and the ambiance felt much less formal than before. The energy seems to be gone from this place.

Our drinks from the bar were mostly crushed ice. At $16 a glass, it felt like we’d been cheated.

The entrees were very good. My father had the Sauvignon Vine Smoked King Salmon which was excellent.

Our mains were another story. I had the Grass-Fed Beef Fillet with BBQ Rib Steamed Bun, Onion Rings & Hoisin Jus. The fillet was good, although it was rare when I’d ordered medium. The steamed bun and the rib meat were sickeningly sweet and impossible to eat. Plus, it was a very odd pairing with the fillet. Why not have a vegetable besides the 3 mini-onion rings on the plate?

My father had Crispy Skin Duck Confit with Caramelised Apple Pork Sausage, Parsnip Mousse & Cranberry Relish. Again, a very strange pairing. The duck was excellent, but the sausage was absolutely disgusting. I couldn’t taste any meat flavour, only an overwhelming bitter, medicine-like taste that I can only guess was from the seasoning. My poor father only ate one bite but suffered that night and the next day after, if you get what I mean.

It’s almost as if there were two different chefs in the kitchen because some things were as quality as remembered, and other things were just blimmin’ awful. That sausage will go down in infamy.

We will not be back. That was a very expensive, inedible night out.

Comment from Steve L. of Logan Brown Restaurant 21/02/2012    Hide »

Hello We are so sorry that you did not enjoy your dinner at Logan…    More »

Hello
We are so sorry that you did not enjoy your dinner at Logan Brown.
I will contact you privately to gets some more facts then we can act.
Sincerely
Steve Logan and all the team

by Frank
15th February 2012

This was the fourth time I’ve been to Logan Brown over it’s lifetime, and I can say that it’s better than ever.

We went on a Saturday night, which offers two sittings (Bistro pre-7.30pm and two degustation menus after 8pm) so we opted for the latter. We were slightly concerned as we were dining with a couple of fussy vegetarians (yes fussy!) … so for any restaurant to get one (let alone six!) quality vegetarian courses out is a very big ask!!

But leave it to the professionals! Had it not been for my equally stunning ‘meat’ courses, I would have serious food envy! By the end of the evening we were full to the brim, and very pleased indeed. The only thing I would have done differently was maybe not opted for the wine matches …. either that or NOT go out for pre-dinner drinks!!!

Anyway … we fully enjoyed our meal here thanks to great food, excellent service and good friends. Will be back again.

by A+LICE
18th November 2011

Lovely food, good service. yes, high price. about $400 for 3 of us- not bad at all!

by Food_Critic
31st August 2011

Absolutely have loved it every time I have been. Been 3 times.

Excellent service! Extensive drinks list. Tasty tasty tasty food. Have sat in all areas, even upstairs, and its a great atmosphere. A nice place to take the dates.

Only niggle is that when we booked for the set menu, I felt as if we were being rushed. Then we were asked if we could sit near the bar to eat our desert to make way for the other set menu bookings. We hadn’t been there long either. This I have not marked down for, as everything else, especially the food is in the grand levels.

Great that you can book. But you will need to book in well in advance, as this place is hot!

Will definitely keep coming here. Keep it up guys.

by AskTheLocals
26th August 2011

Logan Brown
as reviewed by Ask The Locals 6th August ’11
If you have never been to Logan Brown, we can highly recommend it.

Of course most Wellingtonians will know about Logan Brown as it has been treating its diners to fine food for 15 years.

The staff are faultless, with extensive knowledge of the menu, inconspicuous waiting and friendly but not too familiar, it’s a fine line and they make it look easy.

The venue also makes the whole experience feel rather theatrical. With its high ceilings, balcony seating, private alcoves and enormous chandelier.

We dined there on the opening day of Wellington on a Plate (WOAP) for lunch. The Logan Brown WOAP lunch menu is a set menu with matched wine and three courses for $45 per person. Brilliant value. We were feeling greedy on the day, so ordered the Wgyu Fat Potatoes with Habanero Mayonnaise at an extra but worthwhile cost. These little cubes of crispy joy were the best potatoes I have ever tasted.

To read more of our Logan Brown review and to see the menu, see us at:
http://www.askthelocalsnz.blogspot.com/2011/08/logan-brown.html

by Sean
16th August 2011

Wow. What a fantastic dining experience. Great food. We went there for a wedding anniversary, and got to sit in the upstairs alcove. The staff were great, and it was a perfect occasion.

by AJ B.
4th August 2011

It’s not exactly somewhere I’d go every day but what a special treat when you do! I was taken to Logan Brown recently and given a tip to have the Paua Ravioli for my starter and what a tip it was! The ravioli just melted in your mouth and the flavours were so incredible it had me and my companions wanting to lick the plates. I decided to go for the special they had at the time, pork loin. I have to admit that I thought it was pretty bland and the pork rind hadn’t been left to crackle and crisp properly. However, the desert more than made up for it. Heaven on a plate and a beautiful way to finish off a lovely evening and meal. The waitress was an absolutel star and appeared every time we needed her but never pestering. Can’t wait to go back for my next visit!

by gianpaolo g.
25th May 2011

Fantastic place to lunch and dine. I was there this past Monday. Its formal yet the nice and warm atmosphere in the middle of the buzzy Wellington, make this place very special.

The host is a genius in the kitchen…

The wine list (i mean the wine book) is just wow!!

The food is great, the service is fantastic and the deserts are amazing!

I had the fish of the day seared in a divine way, with some mushrooms on the side and a mushroom tart as entree. Just wow!

The dessert i had the pavlova with a scoop of kiwifruit sorbet ( which was up to giapo standard) garnished in a passionfruit sauce.

Look forward to go there again and again and again.


YAY!

by Scotty D.
24th February 2011

Excellent food and service was amazing – expensive but worth it. It was a set menu on a Saturday. I had and enjoyed all dishes that I would not have ordered if I had a choice but was loving every bite.

by Emily
18th February 2011

I went with a group of 5 people in early January and had good service.
But the food the main course is not what I expected from Logan Brown. I have been a few times there and have always loved the food however this time has made me not want to visit again in a hurry.
The main course for all the dinners was horribly over salted and had little flavour besides for the salt.
However, the entree of whitebait was amazing and so were the side potatoes in the main course.
And I defiantly recommend the truffles!!

by Dion N.
23rd January 2011

Just good, sadly. Would suggest The Whitehouse over Logan Brown (wasn’t the case a few years ago with Al Brown was in the kitchen and Steve Logan was on the floor). Maybe the guys have given up and attempting a new life as TV stars, who knows! They are good guys, come back Steve and Al, bring the life back into the place before its stuffed.

Comment from Steve L. of Logan Brown Restaurant 25/01/2011    Hide »

Hi Dion, sorry to read your dining experience was just Good, as…    More »

Hi Dion, sorry to read your dining experience was just Good, as all the LB team try so hard to make every guests experience special. I am most of the time so sorry I missed you as I would have asked you what we could have done more or better for you. Please let me know, steve@loganbrown.co.nz. Thank you.

by M
31st December 2010

Lovely food, special atmosphere, good service – attentive but not intrusive. Even the fries tasted amaaazing (seasoned with truffle!). This place comes at a price though.

by Alexa
15th December 2010

Had the festive bistro menu and was by far underwhelmed. The service was top notch, but the food was very disappointing. The entrees were both very salty and not very special. The Turkey Confit was very sweet as the sauce, pumpkin mash and cranberry were sweet, completely overpowering the Turkey. There was too much going on in the Tarakihi dish, creating a strange flavour combination. The best part was dessert, the Baked Vanilla Custard with Dark Cherry Compote & Almond Sable was probably the best dish. Overall, I would not go back for the festive bistro menu, it is fancy food that does not taste very good.

by Sam
21st October 2010

We expected this establishment to deliver a five star evening… and it did.

Fabulous buzz and ambience, clearly a firm favourite of lucky Wellingtonions. Service was up there with the very best I have had in my global travels – sleek, genuine, highly professional – it takes a true pro to establish a connection with a table whilst in the middle of very busy service – and he managed it effortlessly. The food was sublime, and the entire evening was brilliant – not rushed, totally savoured the entire experience. And loved the bar with fish tank! We will be back for sure, next time we are in town.

by Andre
20th October 2010

Indeed a very good restaurant at a convenient inner city location. Food is always good, service generally as well. It can get very busy there… Good place for business entertaining.

by Anita C.
7th April 2010

My third dinning experience over the last couple of years, the seating position has changed, but the expectional food & wine has always left me looking forward to coming back. Will always put Logan & Brown Restaurant at the Top of the List.

by Mark G.
24th January 2010

Sitting in Logan Brown you could be enjoying a fabulous time almost anywhere on the planet, its that good. Food, service, wine list and ambiance are very hard to surpass in NZ. And here they all just ooze a quality that is only arrived at with passion.

The night we went last, there were five of us, I ordered fish which came perfectly cooked and tasting quite delicious. Others at the table were just as complimentary about their choices. Duck I think being lauded with particularly high praise.

Ultimately it’s not about price but great value, Logan Brown provides beautiful food, refined service and a dining room of such style its easy to see why LB has been around for so long and continues to shine so brightly.

by What?
20th October 2009

Fancy food at fancy prices.
Well, OK, the food is very good, but at the better part of 200 bucks per person, I don’t expect to go away wanting something to eat. The sercice was v e r y s l o w .

by Wellington Chic
20th September 2009

Simply superb food that will get your taste-buds dancing. The service is awesome and a great menu with nice sized meals. A real experience in itself

by Gayleen S.
22nd May 2009

wonderful, lived up to its fabulous reputation!! Amazing food, amazing service every bite was divine!!!

by Café Chick ..
3rd August 2008

An incredibly delicious meal in a superb setting. The service is excellent – can’t ask for much better.

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