New Zealand Herald

Reviews for Sea Cow On The Bay

by Henny A.
19th April 2013

Wow fantastic finish to our stay in Mission Bay. Looked up reviews of all eateries for a special last day meal as it also was our wedding anniversary of 38 years. Reviews of SeaCow was consistently the best. We were not disappointed, had to try the salt and pepper squid as everyone rated it as exceptional……and yes it was, my husband had to have the oysters, he rated them as fresh and delicious. For mains he had snapper he also rated it as fantastic. I had salmon fishcakes OMG they were sooooooooooo good, home made and “REAL” salmon, no skimping on the salmon either you really knew you had salmon in there. Place was exceptionally clean looked like they clean from floor to ceiling could see no sign of grease or dirt anywhere, not even on the walls or ceiling !!! The service was also friendly and efficient , food brought to us quickly fresh and hot. Best chips by the way too, yum wish the chips at home tasted this good. Thank you for a great meal PS prices were really cheap too for top notch food.

by Rob C.
2nd April 2013

We ate there last Friday night looking for fresh seafood, we were not disappointed.

With very generous helpings, the entrees of Salt and Pepper Squid (with home made dipping sauce), oysters and kokoda (Raw Fish) were a great start. We followed up with the battered fish and chips which was also excellent.

The service is fantastic. Friendly and efficient and nothing is too much trouble.

We were so impressed with the overall quality, service and pricing that we ended up back there the night after for dinner again (this time I had the grilled game fish and WOW – perfection).

I think Sea Cow is now the predominant choice for great seafood in the waterfront area. Highly recommended and definitely worth checking out.

by Matt S.
1st April 2013

Fantastic seafood!!! We came here last month on a Tuesday night thinking we’d try this place out.

Salt and Pepper Squid and Scallops for entrees and we were in heaven. We had a couple of their battered fish meals for mains and left there feeling very full and satisfied.

It’s got a real seaside diner feel about this place and the waiter was doing doing a great job. Not your average ‘Mission Bay’ restaurant but I think it gives them a run for their money.

Will definitely be back to try some more of the menu.

by Gemma
26th March 2013

A real discovery. Great food, great service and reasonable prices. Loved the game fish and chips. More than happy to cater for 2 gluten free customers.

Look out for their deals on different days of the week – even more value.

It deserves to be busier. Will definitely be back.

by James S.
22nd March 2013

Have been twice and the food has been fantastic both times. The French-stlye mussels are fantastic as are the fish and chips. Very freindly and prompt service and a good selection of beer and wine. Great, unpretentious food at very reasonable prices. Highly recommended!

by Rachelle R.
16th March 2013

I really loved this restaurant for a cheap way to have some excellent quality fish for dinner. It’s a great place to go to before a movie although I wouldn’t recommend it if you are going for a romantic night out.

The food is excellent and the salt and pepper squid served in old school newspaper was fantastic. The service was fine too although I couldn’t comment on what it would be like on a busy night as we were only one of two tables, both times I have been there.

It was great though for a quick dinner before a movie and I will definitely be back!

by Kalameli
12th March 2013

On the 7/3/13 a group of seven of us including our aunt & uncle from North Carolina went to dine at Sea Cow on the Bay. I chose this place because of the good reviews. Fair enough, the food was good but disappointed when we ordered our second plate of oysters and was told they had run out. Came to order our second bottle of Pinot Gris and they had run out of this particular one. The guys ordered their second Steinlager and were told to try something else as they had no Steinlagers left. Then came to order desert and the waitress said there is only four slices of the pie they had left, the only other option is ice cream. OMG!!! I must say the two waitresses worked that night were great, their service with a smile prevented me from yelling at whoever was in charge – I picked this place. This is not how you run a business. The girls explained they had a lot of walk in customers from the beach hence why they ran out of stocks. We ended up down the road at Movenpick – we had nice deserts there. I recommend this place for food only. Take your own wine and have deserts somewhere else!!

by Sonrisa B.
22nd January 2013

Absolutely fantastic – what a treat! By far the best fish and chips along the shore! Way better than both Fishmonger in St Heliers and Fish Pot Cafe in Mission Bay. The fish was lightly battered, generous portion, the chips were fresh and incredible, and the salad was a welcome side – all for a low $10! Amazing value, and my now favourite fish and chips stop in Auckland!

by Sam B.
11th January 2013

Fantastic food and value for money. This place deserves to be pumping. Far superior quality than any of the other fish restaurants/takeaways in Mission Bay. We had tarakihi and chips for $10. Very light batter with great chips. Side salad served with light, home-made dressing.

Service and cleanliness also deserve 5 stars. Thanks guys will be be back.

by leigh b.
19th November 2012

We went for dinner last week, it is a small byo cafe and we were made feel very welcome. The salt and Pepper squid entree was just devine a generous portion and it was lightly battered and cooked to perfection melt in the mouth. (that was the highlight dish) Our mains were well cooked I had swordfish my partner had blue cod, both meals were well cooked and very tasty.

by leannex
15th November 2012

Ditto to all the other reviews – superb fresh seafood at unbeatable prices, super-friendly, efficient service and it’s even BYO, but they also have a small, but adequate selection of wine available at just $29 a bottle. We had the raw fish served with garlic bread, which was like a meal in itself, then the game fish, which was sword fish and the waitress gave us a good description of the fish before we ordered and even recommended that we have it pink in the middle, but explained that it could be cooked more if we preferred. We opted for the “pink” and it was perfect with exactly the right amount of seasoning and served with a delicious dipping sauce, lovely crunchy fries and well-dressed salad. I couldn’t eat another thing, so opted for a coffee, which was also very good. My husband had coconut pie for dessert and enjoyed it very much as well. We are looking forward to returning and sampling more!

by Senerisa N.
3rd November 2012

I cannot express how beautiful the food was! The food was fantastic & so
was the service. My husband, my sister and my brother and his partner were very happy with everything and we loved the relaxed environment. We especially loved that my brother & his partner enjoyed it all as they are from the UK. Thank you so much for your wonderful service and the beautiful fresh food ♡♥♡ Definitely not the last time we are going to drop in. A must stop in for those who haven’t experienced SEACOW!

by David C.
15th October 2012

My wife and I went to Sea Cow on one of those discount coupons – it seemed to cheap to be true.
We arrived at what looked like a takeaway bar (yes, they do that too) but were directed upstairs into the Restaurant.
Very bare and basic decor, and wondering what we had gotten ourselves in for. Ah well, we’ve paid for it already, so we’ll go with the flow.
A very pleasant waitress came over and made us feel at ease, and gave us the menus. Something was off – but choose from the rest of the menu.
We did.
The entrees arrived, and wow! they were substantial.
And absolutely delicious.
Mine was a raw fish marinated in a really excellent liquid.
Then the mains.
Again, what a pleasant surprise. My battered fish was as fresh as I have ever had anywhere, and there was plenty of it. My wife’s pan-fried fish was also divine.
Like the other reviews, the staff really try to please, and we went out of there vowing to return.
You don’t need a discount coupon, the prices are very reasonable anyway.
We had a chat to the manager, and, always wanting to give praise when it is deserved, told them that we had had one of the best fish meals we have ever had in Auckland.
Hey, this place deserves to succeed!

by Misbah
2nd September 2012

Amazing seafood and even better service- host made every effort to make us feel welcome and even remembered our name! Seafood was fresh and service was fast- amazing sauces! great little hidden gem of mission bay!

by Jemimah K.
5th August 2012

First time coming here today and I was amazed! We had the salt & pepper squid, Battered market fish (tarakihi), and scallops. Was so fresh and cooked very well, as well as not having to wait very long. Their sauces are amazing which I hear they make themselves. Service was very friendly.
Good price for fresh seafood next to the beach, definitely coming back for more!

by Kali W.
29th July 2012

Boyfriend and I were looking for a place for dinner spotted Sea Cow thought why not check out this NEW cafe got a very warm friendly welcome from the chef and the woman behind the counter and i notice the entire is fresh and clean.
I ordered oysters for starters was excellent so fresh and delis and the layout on the plate was appealing and tidy,for main i got grilled snapper with chips and some salad was fully happy with my meal and also my boyfriend fully enjoyed his too.Im a real fussy eater it takes alot to please me when it cmes to food bt this place is great.Will be back again for sure with friends nxt time,oh theres also a bar upstairs i cnt wait for Summer this place will be the IT place to be for food and drinks.
What i really like about this place also its a place where u cld go for a quick bite or even on a date.

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