Roquette Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Bay of Plenty

Upon entering the restaurant we were instantly greeted by the host, who asked if we had a reservation, she read out the names and my mother misheard her and said that we definitely had a reservation. The host then got all snarly and repeated a name and my mum said "yeah that's us" and the host was all attitude because shed already read that name out but my mum didn't hear it. We were then ushered to our table and told someone would come and see us shortly. Which they did to get our drink order...barely after we had sat down. We then ordered drinks and once they arrived our meals. When the entrées came out we were pleased and dug in...however we had been waiting 20min and while this is not a long wait we had empty glasses on the table for over 10min. Once the food was dropped off the glasses were neither removed or the water ones filled up again and I had to put my hand up and ask for some more water and drinks. The drinks came and again the empty ones were not taken away. we soon finished out entrées as we were hungry and the plates we taken away but we hadn't been asked if we enjoyed the course or if we wanted more drinks and again i sat there with an empty water glass. The main meals came out 5min later which considering what we ordered was much too fast....we barely were digesting the entrées!!! and again no drinks were offered and no water filled up. Once the main meals were finished out plates were quickly whisked away but no one asked if we enjoyed them and no one offered us deserts or more drinks. we were then completely ignored until my father went up to pay, exactly 1 hour after being sat. When having an entrée and main i feel this is utterly too quick. whilst the food was excellent and the portions big enough to make you regret ordering an entrée the service was appalling. not a smile was given and to only have your water glasses refilled once and asked if we wanted a drink once is disgraceful. As is being rushed through so fast and ignored so completely. For a place that charges well over $30 for a main you would expect very good if not excellent service, and they can certainly not blame it on being understaffed as there was plenty of waitresses and not that many people. I would have to say that I will not be going back, nor will my family and I sure wont be recommending it to...

The good: Food was served fast. Large portions. Absolutely massive. Could probably share a main meal with 3 healthy eating adults. If they were cooked well then would be great value for money. Polenta chips were spot on. Cooked well, served fast and tasted good. Kumara rosti was good. Good flavour and crispy. One of the cheapest restaurant meals I have had recently. Easy parking. Nice location next to the water. Was easy to book a table last minute.

The bad: Fish and Chips...The fish itself was cooked but the batter and chips were not crispy and infact a lighle soggy(maybe the soggy fish made the chips soggy).

The Lemon and thyme chicken... Chicken was in my opinion overcooked. The thinner edges of the chicken were dry and the thicker portions borderline well done.

The Service. Mixed... Some wait staff were really good, another was borderline rude. She walked away whilst finishing her sentence. This was extremely hard to hear especially due to the masks being worn for covid. Maybe this was efficient as she was genuinely placing our order as quickly as possible. Maybe just pausing for a moment would get the messages across. On another occasion after filling my partners water and walking behind her, asked if she wanted another drink from the bar, to which she didn't hear. Staff were not as attentive as I am used to and had to wave them down for a drink refill.

One of the more senior wait staff who was more observant cleared our plates asked if we wanted a take home box for the left over food to which I accepted. We left the fish, and took the chicken, but later decided the chicken was better fed to the wildlife.

No body asked how our meals were either during the meal or as we paid. Normally this is a good opportunity to...

Have had the exquisite privilege of eating AND working here. From being treated like you're the only customer in the restaurant even when it's busy and to being treated like the most valuable member of staff even on your first day, Roquette Restaurant and Bar is the best possible venue for lunch and dinner in the whole of the Eastern bay. The owner has really held the place together very well over the years and the head chef is an ace who manages the kitchen so effortlessly, it almost looks easy! With over 25 years of cooking experience, he whips up a storm behind the grill and stoves! What to expect: Great food, decent beer, wine and liquor selection, fruit juices and liquers, out of this world desserts and a very upbeat ambience. By far the best restaurant in this cosy little town which spoils it's customers for choice and the kitchen is ever so happy to flex the rules a little bit to accommodate every meal plan, allergy, medical condition, artistic pallete and fad diet out there, just be sure to book in advance and let them know your requirements, as it does get rather busy!! Comfortable venue, lots of free street parking, gorgeous views of the Whakatane river in a very quiet locality, upbeat music selection and a very warm and welcoming ambience. Mediterranean cuisine at its finest with that classic Kiwi twist. Roquette will cater to your every need. Best of class in Whakatane, and possibly amongst top 3 in the entire Bay of Plenty region. Would...