The Birdwood — Restaurant in Christchurch

We visited this restaurant for a birthday celebration dinner, and unfortunately, the experience was a mixed bag. While the food we ordered was quite good, the service left a lot to be desired.

We had specified in our online reservation that it was a birthday celebration, but there was no acknowledgment of that, which wouldn't have been a huge issue if the overall experience had been better. Our server (we believe her name was Ellen) made the evening feel rushed and uncomfortable. When we requested to order our entrée first and then our main course later, she responded in a rude and almost combative manner, stating that both courses needed to be ordered at the same time and would be served together. It was 7:30 PM, with closing time at 10 PM, so the timing didn't seem like an issue, but her attitude made the situation awkward.

Throughout the meal, the service remained tense. The menus, including the drinks and specials, were taken from the table, and when we tried to order another round of drinks, we were met with a similarly unaccommodating response. One of the drinks we ordered never got placed, and we only received it much later—after we asked about it, which made the whole experience feel even more disjointed.

While the food itself was mostly enjoyable, the overall service was so uncomfortable that it overshadowed the meal. If you're looking for a relaxed, enjoyable dining experience, this might not be the place, especially if you happen to get Ellen as your server. We’d suggest requesting a different server if you want to have a more...

After visiting the gorgeous South Farmers market we thought we'd stop off here for a bite. We didn't think a stop at this cafe could top off an already incredible day but boy were we wrong. We were told if we went that they'd be chocker as they are a hit with locals and visitors and we'd be lucky if we got a table as people walking in. Those rumours turned out to be true. Nevertheless, the lovely team made space for me and my octogenarian mother who has diabetes to have one of the most exquisitely flavoursome breakfasts we've ever tasted. We live on the opposite end of town and this place is worth the trek out to to Cashmere. The food is just mind-blowing and the crispy chicken skin Asian slaw and polenta we had left us wanting to lick our plates. Our coffees were also beautifully textured, creamy and very aromatic. The team are a lovely bunch and we could gather that they had some very loyal regulars and I can see why. They also have one of the finest stocked display cabinets I've ever seen. Keep up the good work guys. You wowed us with the quality of your grub and hospitality....

I dined with 9 friends at The Birdwood last night and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The staff were friendly and efficient and the food was delicious. We ordered various main courses with rocket salads, chips and crumbed mushrooms and our plates were very clean afterwards. Three of us ordered the lamb shoulder - not an easy choice for me as the other mains all looked equally appealing! - and all agreed that it was tender and tasty. Others ordered pizzas, venison gnocchi and the primavera gnocchi and found their food very much to their liking.

Several of us had skipped the starters as we wanted dessert. My pannacotta was the best I have ever eaten. It was smooth and silky with a tangy strawberry compote lavished over the top. Heaven! Word had got out that this was my birthday celebration so our delightful wait person had arranged candles and a happy birthday garland on top of my dessert. I was very touched.

Thank you to the staff of The Birdwood for such a delightful evening. We all left feeling pleasantly full and i was definitely glowing with happiness after our...