Diva Bar and Eatery — Restaurant in Hawke's Bay

Was a nice start to the night, menu looked amazing along with the drinks menu. Everything was nice until I asked the bar waitress for a tasting of a wine trying to decide what we’d like for the table, she rolled her eyes at me and instantly made me feel like a nuisance. When I came back to say I wanted the other wine she let out a huff. Then brought over a wine bottle that Was the wrong wine! I went up to the bar to let her know and she grunted at me and I ended up apologetic as I’ve worked hospitality and I know these things happen, though, I wanted the wine I initially asked for. When she finally brought the wine over she slammed the glasses down and very roughy pour wine into glasses I thanked her and apologised again for being a difficult customer, she walked away in silence. After waiting a while for her to come back to take our order I had realised she had given up and wasn’t looking after us any longer. When I went up to order I payed for everything at once so we wouldn’t have to talk to the staff again. For the rest of the night she starred at outlet table (not in a nice way) and made us feel very awkward. I’ve never had to write a review before but couldn’t understand that someone in hospitality could treat their customers like this. I felt like we were doing something wrong just by sitting there. I had bigger expectations for such a established business such as Diva especially when I spend...

I’ve never been more embarrassed or disappointed in a restaurant in my life. I had booked a table at Diva Pub expecting a nice dinner out with friends, only to be immediately asked for ID the second I walked in — not to drink, but just to sit and eat. When I explained that I wasn’t planning to drink alcohol, they still refused to seat me because I’m under 18.

Let me be clear: nowhere else in New Zealand have I ever been treated like this. Restaurants and pubs regularly serve under-18s as long as they’re not drinking — because that’s the law. But apparently at Diva Pub, they think they can make up their own rules and publicly shame you for simply wanting a meal.

I was humiliated. I had to walk out while people stared, and my whole night was completely ruined. I left feeling upset, embarrassed, and honestly just sad. There was absolutely no empathy or understanding shown — just cold rejection at the door like I wasn’t even a customer.

Also should I mention the fact that nowhere on the website is there a policy stating that under 18’s are not allowed to be seated unless you know they show ID? It was an utter shambles

If you’re under 18, even just looking to eat with friends, avoid this place at all costs. They clearly don’t care about hospitality, or about ruining someone’s night....

As a Restaurant, Diva has good food in their menu. Not a lot, but the variety of dishes was there. Makes it easier to choose. Great selection of beers and and spirits.

I’ve tried the Lamb Shanks and it was beautiful! The portion was great as well! The chips/fries we bought for the table had this tartare sauce (I think), and it was nice! The fries themselves were pretty good, tbh.

Also been there when it turns into a dance floor late at night. Pretty cool place to jam. Not really into going out like such, so no other comments.

Fee points, staffs can smile more. We have a great waitress (wasn’t able to get her name), as she was checking on us. Just top it off with a smile.

Ambience is great. You can chill outside; and, inside, you can either be in a resto a bit in the fine dining edge side or the bar side.

Overall, great experience for me! Price to food ratio is great for me, with where the world is going...