Talisman Hotel & Restaurant — Restaurant in Bay of Plenty

We didn't stay in the rooms, so can't give a rating for this, but... if you want to go out for the best meal of your life, I kid you not, ... then look no further. EVERYTHING we ordered was exceptional. The seafood was cooked to perfection, as were the steaks and venison. The vegetables were cooked exactly right, the spices were divine, and man that Wasabi kicks a punch! I NEVER get dessert, but simply had to make room, as everything was so good. And am I glad I did. We ordered a sharing plate of desserts, and every mouthful was like heaven on a plate. Added to that, even the house wine was delicious. But wait. There's more. The service was exceptional. Friendly, on point, not rushed and perfectly timed to leave us alone when we were all talking, and spacing the meals out, so we were never waiting or rushed. This pub has found the sweet spot of service, food excellence and price point. We are inside as the weather is a bit chilly now, (late April) but the outside area, with outside bar, fire and lights, looked fabulous. If you're anywhere near this awesome understated pub, go on in and experience it for yourself. You won't be disappointed. We live a 4 hour drive away...

Went too dinner on Sunday night my partner’s birthday, sorry but not good experience at all there were 4 people dining and we all did not enjoy the meal, steak was tuff over cooked and very small , the jus was bland and tasteless, the fish and chips , well 3 very small peices of fish , all 3 would not have made 1 fillet , just a joke and was the large meal? Terrible , won’t be eating there again. When booking , they asked me what the occasion 60th I said, they used too bring out a little cake , just a cup cake or something they have been doing it for years. Not know , so why ask? We dined there about 6 weeks ago. And no comparison, What going on tally? So gave it 6 months returned on our wedding anniversary. I had large fish and chips. I have never seen fish that small about 50 mm long x2. What a joke. $30 for fish and chips. It was so small it was larfable , my partners $40 steak was terrible. A rubbish pub meal never going there again. It used too be a great...

I’ve been coming to this place for years and years because the food is great! Each time I come back the service gets worse and worse. It feels like this pub does not like having customers. Each time we have tried to call and book ahead the staff discourage me and say they are closing early and not taking bookings. When we show up without a booking they reluctantly rush us through saying last orders are at 7:30pm even on a Thursday evening at 6:30pm. Each time I have dined here they have successfully managed to chase their customers out and close up by 8:30pm every night. I understand that staff would like to get home but the place is still busy at 7:30pm.

We have never felt welcomed by the staff here, rather discouraged. The one face who is great and is now leaving is, London. A shame they lose the only friendly face who treats the customers like they are welcome and it’s also a shame this is the only pub with good...