The Gables Osteria & Enoteca — Restaurant in Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community

This establishment initially presented a warm and inviting ambience, characterised by its friendly and professional service, which was initially quite impressive.

Our dining experience involved a party of seven, where I had the pleasure of hosting my friends for dinner. A highlight of our meal selection was the Vongole, chosen by four of us. However, due to a shortage of clams, the dish was modified to include mussels instead. Regrettably, my particular serving of Vongole was notably lacking, containing a mere two mussels amidst five empty shells. I brought this to the attention of our waiter in a courteous manner, who in turn, communicated the issue to the manager. Despite this, there was an apparent lack of prompt response from the kitchen, which was disappointing.

I chose to consume the limited portion provided, but my meal was concluded before the waiter offered an apology and a discount, as relayed by the manager. The chef's stance, suggesting a disbelief in the inconsistency of mussel distribution across our servings, struck me as rather dismissive. As a former chef, I can confidently say that in such situations, a more proactive and understanding approach is expected. In my past experience, working under the esteemed Dominique Parat, immediate rectification and attention to customer satisfaction were paramount.

The essence of my critique lies in the kitchen's handling of the situation. A more equitable distribution of ingredients, particularly in a dish as delicate as Vongole, is fundamental. When a diner expresses dissatisfaction, it is standard practice to reassess and rectify the dish promptly. This not only addresses the immediate concern but also serves as a learning opportunity for culinary improvement.

This review is intended to reach the owner, manager, and chefs to highlight these areas for potential enhancement. This dining experience was a part of a holiday outing with friends from Auckland, and while the financial aspect of the experience, totalling $523 with a modest discount of $11.40, was secondary, the primary focus remains on the importance of customer satisfaction and quality service. My decision to express my concerns through this review, rather than in person, was to avoid any unnecessary discomfort during a busy service period.

On a positive note, the cocktails are lovely. The Calamari was beautifully soft and fresh. The Arancini...

Meals are so bloody over priced! We had booked a table for two party's so paying separately at the end. Go up to pay and are told that during busy times they don't split the bill? I've asked where does it say that on your website and why were we not told when we ordered?? We made a booking for a group at 6pm so by the time we would be leaving it would be busy so we should have been told! Instead when we come up to pay she doesn't listen to me at all when I say "I would like to split the bill" she just hands me the eftpos machine. I then say "I won't be paying all just what I have ordered" and she points to the bottom of the receipt that says "during busy times ours bills won't be split" I was then told that they do this because it take so long to do and takes time away from customers... Um I'm sorry? I thought I was a customer and I waited almost an hour for my meals so I doubt a minute longer would make any difference when they are already so slow. They have then handed me a calculator so I can add up what I've eaten.. What the heck.. What kind of stupid system do they have that they can't just click and choose what I've eaten, it's 2017 for god sake! Create a system! She then said don't worry about it when I pull a disappointed and slightly pissed off face. And you know what? She individualy clicks on what I've eaten and only charges me that.. So there was a system that took less then 30 second! She also said "oh I'll do it this time" as if she was going out of her way... 😑 you have caused me stress because you couldn't be bothered! We came to this place to celebrate our engagement and I've left feeling very pissed off. Won't be back to this place as they don't even have a good over all service and system. I don't...

One of the best restaurants I've been to in New Zealand. Seriously. Small and excellent menu, with superbly prepared dishes. Service is impeccable and friendly, and the building is great. This place is really about the FOOD. No false pretenses, no posturing, just great food. We had the whole snapper and it was BY FAR the best snapper that both my wife and I have ever eaten, and one of the best seafood dishes I've tasted (and I am a self-declared seafood snob). We also had the grilled steak for two and it was absolutely perfectly cooked and delicious, with a well prepared Café de Paris butter on top (and on the bone!) The snapper and the steak were more than plenty for four of us, with no appetizers. Also, they have a great wine list, amazing desserts (including local cheeses), and great coffee. It was an absolute feast, and one of those meals that we'll remember for...