Paraoa Brewing CO - Gastropub and Events. — Restaurant in Hibiscus and Bays

We went on a Saturday night with a group of us. It was unfortunate that Vector decided to cut the power, causing them huge problems, but I thought they handled it admirably. The food was really good, although my Pork Belly was only just warm when it came out (the amazing flavour did make up for it, and it may have been due to the power issues). The oysters were delicious.

The live band was great, although it did make it hard to hear as we were sitting next to it. It didn't bother us, but something to bear in mind if you are looking for a quiet dinner.

The only major complaint I have is the cleanliness. As soon as I walked in my shoes started sticking to the floor. The bar was filthy to the point my wine glass was sticking to it. If it were only a bar, this wouldn't really faze me, but as we were dining there it was a bit off-putting. Also when the power went off all the staff ducked outside to smoke, right outside the window of the restaurant - which wasn't the best look.

The staff were all lovely and friendly, and our waitress pointed me in the direction of the Pork Belly - she seemed to know the menu and I appreciated her suggestion. I will definitely come back, and give it another go, but probably would only visit with a group - it's not really the kind of atmosphere for a...

I have been waiting patiently for Paraoa to open and we finally went there tonight with a group of friends. Sadly the experience wasn't great and we left after our first drink.

It's a confusing place, a mix between the old school high tables, concrete floors with Lion Red on tap and somewhere that sells decent beer and tries to create real atmosphere. The feature wall is outstanding, everything else not so much.

The stage is huge, great if they get more than local duos in, but I don't get why they need to pump 80's dross out of the PA at levels that makes talking to the person next to you difficult, when there isn't live music on.

The food looked good, but while we intended to eat there, the atmosphere (or rather the lack of it) meant we ended up leaving.

Essentially the place needs to decide if it is competing with The Beer Spot, or The Crows Nest. It tries to do both and it just makes for an unpleasant, somewhat uncomfortable environment.

More than happy to give the place a second chance, but as it stands it really needs to figure out its...

I didnt want to give 2 stars because I really enjoyed my evening overall, but the food and attitude to myself as a customer was an absolute let down. I ordered a broccoli dish $18, as I am a vegetarian. It took ages to arrive and it was awful. The 3 bits of broccoli were like rubber, i couldnt cut it with a knife. If it had been semi raw that would have been ok, but it was like tough rubber that had been seared, more like burnt on the outside

I took it back and complained. The chef was outside talking and I was asked to be seated and wait for her, when she arrived she walked right past me and conversed with a wait person instead, so i went into the kitchen and told her the dish was inedible. She said she would do it again for me, I said no i didnt want that again, then she said i can make you a vegan pizza. I said ok. What i actually got was strong, very strong garlic hummus and a few bits of bread. I ate it because I was hungry, but that wasnt nice either. In my experience the food is way below par and I didnt get an apology...