New Zealand Herald

Reviews for Wagamama

by Karen R.
10th June 2011

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

Four stars for the delicious flavours in my dish, Yasai don buri (I think). The vegetables were fresh and perfectly prepared. They had a lovely kind of chargrilled flavour to them, and I enjoyed the sesame seeds and the very more-ish sauce that accompanied the dish.
That said, I had to knock a star for the fact that I really did want a larger quantity of veges for the $12.50 price. Loads of rice though, so I didn’t go hungry. Also, the free green tea seemed to have an extremely bitter bite at the back of the palate (the waitress listened, but seemed unconvinced she needed to take any action on my comments which I expressed when she asked how my meal was. She smiled and nodded sweetly.)
Only other complaint would be sticky sticky tables!
Apart from that, I think it’s great to have a super healthy, fast, convenient hot lunch option like this in Newmarket. Nice one Wagamama!
PS: I also liked the puzzle-sheets they have for kids; and I thought the long bench-table layout was very sociable and funky.

by Miriam M.
13th February 2013

I was extremely hesitant to try Wagamama Newmarket after reading negative reviews on this website. I am so glad my boyfriend talked me in to it because it was amazing!!
I ordered the ginger chicken with udon noodles and it was delicious, perfect amount of ginger, lemongrass, corriander etc. My partner had the katsu chicken curry and was equally satisfied.
The portion sizes were very good, we didn’t have enough room for desert. The staff were great, we had excellent service.
The people who complained about this restaurant must be crazy, I will go back again for sure.

Eat here!!

by Monica C.
7th January 2013

Some people dislike Wagamama as they see it too much as a chain restaurant but I think it’s quite alright. Food is good however not authentic. Service is alright, though I can see how it could be a tad overpriced for what you’re getting.

by Jeremy
8th November 2012

Way overpriced for the pitiful amount of food that you get. Bad service, I was ignored for half an hour by 4 different staff and as a result, did not get to order dessert. That ended up being a good thing though, because judging by the portion sizes for the mains, the desserts would have been tiny.

I do not recommend anyone go here. Rip off. It’s not even authentic Japanese.

by eric
24th June 2012

I normally get dragged along to this place but service is ok IMO, the food though is bland, the only thing I’d recommend are the desserts, Banana Katsu was ok, chocolate fudge cake was nice albeit overly sweet. Prices are excessive for what you get.

by William
8th May 2012

Had dinner with a friend on a Monday night. Was considerably quiet but service was still poor and virtually non-existent. Had to wait 3 minutes to be seated. Decor was bland but clean.

Prices were exorbitant and portion was small. Given this, hardly surprising it was quiet while cafes nearby were more bustling.

Will not come back again, and do not recommend others to be put through this torture. There are a handful of other Japanese eateries nearby which offer better value for money, more authentic Japanese food and much more appealing ambience.

by Tash
27th July 2011

I really enjoyed my experience at Wagamama, came here with a friend after a visit to our Gym down the road, service was friendly and prompt we ordered a beef dish and a chicken dish and they were both delicious, full of fresh veges and a yummy sauce. I was very satisfied and will definently be back to try out some more of there wonderful dishes.

by Leah
1st February 2011

I have just this minute, came back from here and I have to say that this is probably one of the worst, if not THE worst dining experience I have ever encountered. Wagamama’s food is not unlike their décor – bland and boring.

Service was quick and efficient, but generally pretty unfriendly and the waitress kept on checking on us begrudgingly. We were told that the food was not going to come at the same time as if it was a marketing point. My partner ordered the Chili Ramen and I ordered the Teriyaki Salmon. The ramen was okay but you could hardly call it a ramen dish as it was mostly sprouts. The soup was watery and bland… a bit like salt in hot water.

The teriyaki salmon eventually arrived and it was half inch thin piece of 100gm boiled salmon on a cup of rice with limp, oversteamed bokchoy, a bit of soy sauce. $23 for that? It was almost tasteless.

We decided to stay for dessert. We ordered the Banana Katsu. For $12 we expected something really nice… What was served was 2 small and sad fried bananas and a conservative scoop of icecream with a mint leaf. Also, incredibly bland.

All in all, I spent $73 (no alcohol) and walked away feeling intensely ripped off. For quarter the price, we could’ve gone to Banzai or Katsubi which is much friendlier, the food is heaps better and just as healthy.

I will not be returning. If you haven’t been, don’t go. Maybe try Tasca a few steps down.

by Scott
21st August 2010

Always an enjoyable lunch and the food is yummy. Service is great

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