A Culinary Gem in Gisborne: Gisborne Food & Wine Co. - An Unforgettable Experience Nestled in the heart of Gisborne, the Gisborne Food & Wine Co. has undoubtedly established itself as a premier destination for those seeking not just a meal, but a complete and delightful dining experience. From the moment we stepped through the door, we were enveloped in an excellent ambience, a perfect blend of sophisticated charm and welcoming warmth. The tasteful décor, coupled with comfortable seating and a gentle buzz of happy patrons, created an atmosphere that was both elegant and relaxed – ideal for a special occasion or a casual yet refined night out. Our culinary journey began with their impressive cocktail menu. Each concoction we sampled was expertly crafted, showcasing a thoughtful balance of flavors and high-quality ingredients. The presentation was equally impressive, with each drink arriving like a work of art. Whether you prefer classic mixes or innovative creations, their bartenders clearly possess a passion for their craft, setting a high bar for the evening ahead. Moving onto the food, Gisborne Food & Wine Co. truly shines. Their commitment to best food quality was evident in every dish we savoured. The seafood selection was particularly noteworthy. The freshness was palpable, and the preparation highlighted the natural flavors of the ocean. From succulent grilled prawns to delicate fish fillets, each bite was a testament to the chef's skill and the quality of their sourcing. The pizza offering was another standout. Forget your standard takeaway fare; these were artisanal creations with perfectly crisp bases, vibrant toppings, and a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The ingredients tasted fresh and thoughtfully chosen, elevating the humble pizza to a gourmet experience. The pasta dishes were equally impressive. The homemade pasta had a delightful texture, and the sauces were rich, flavorful, and perfectly complemented the chosen pairings. Whether it was a creamy carbonara or a robust ragu, each pasta dish was a comforting and satisfying indulgence. For those seeking something more substantial, the beef option we tried was cooked to absolute perfection. Tender, juicy, and full of flavour, it was clear that premium cuts and expert cooking techniques were at play. The accompanying sides were equally well-executed, demonstrating attention to detail across the entire menu. Beyond the exceptional food and drink, the service at Gisborne Food & Wine Co. truly elevated our experience. From the moment we were greeted, the staff were attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about ensuring our satisfaction. A special mention must be made to Jyoti, whose excellent hospitality truly stood out. Her warm and welcoming demeanour, coupled with her attentiveness and genuine care, made us feel like valued guests. Jyoti's recommendations were spot-on, and her friendly interactions added a personal touch that made our evening even more enjoyable. She is a true asset to the establishment. In conclusion, Gisborne Food & Wine Co. offers a truly exceptional dining experience. The excellent service, spearheaded by the remarkable hospitality of individuals like Jyoti, is perfectly complemented by the best food quality across their diverse menu, from expertly crafted cocktails to delectable seafood, pizzas, pastas, and hearty beef dishes. The excellent ambience further enhances the overall experience, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. If you're in Gisborne or the surrounding area, a visit to Gisborne Food & Wine Co. is an absolute must. We left feeling completely satisfied and...
Read moreWhen the restaurant first opened my partner and I visited for dinner and we weren't impressed. The restaurant was freezing. The cold air coming through the the poorly sealed windows chilled me to my bones and no heating was running to help the situation. Our meal was nothing special but still quite expensive for what it was and the drinks were overpriced and very weak. We left unimpressed.
Tonight we decided to give it a second chance and visit for the advertised 'steak night'. Hoping that we would get an at least average steak for a decent price. Unfortunately, this wasn't to be true. Upon arrival we were seated by the wondow which we found was still letting in freezing cold air like last time. The girl who sat us was clearly stressed and quickly explained the steak night special before hurriedly running back to the bar. She was the only one working as one of the other wait staff was clearly having her first shift and had no idea. One other waitress was in my opinion absolutely useless and was having more fun chatting than tending to customers. We sat at our table for 20 minutes with absolutely no service. I tried getting the attention of one of the wait staff to at least order drinks and she looked at me but continued walking past. At this point t we decided to leave and went to a different establishment that had far better service and most likely superior food. As we were walking out of the door a couple who had been waiting to leave for quite some time also decided to walk out - without paying. I'm glad they got a free meal because Gisborne Food & Wine are not worth the trouble or the money. Culinary Excellence - HA! yea right. Romantic Ambience - Kidding yourself. Unforgettable Moments - You...
Read moreThe venue is lovely and in a great spot, but unfortunately our experience overall was quite poor. We were seated on arrival quite quickly as there were heaps of tables available, but then it took almost 20 minutes to come back to take our order. There were only two people on the floor so it looked like they were a little understaffed.
I ordered a peach ice tea, which unfortunately was a sparkling tea, rather than a still tea like I was expecting. It was okay but I didn't finish it.
The structural integrity and texture of the arancini was good, however they were extremely bland with little to no flavour.
We shared the meat platter, the only item I enjoyed was the chicken tenders and at best I'd rate them 3.5 stars. The lamb backstrap was quite tough, the 4 tiny pieces of pork belly were chewy, not crispy, but the flavour was okay. The sauce on the pork ribs was fine, but the meat itself was only okay. We didn't finish the brisket, it was tough and tasteless.
If it wasn't so expensive for what it was, I'd probably rate it a 3, but I can't justify the cost for the quality of the meal.
Service was okay, nothing above or below what you would expect at...
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