Madame Social Eatery & Bar — Restaurant in Napier

Did we go to the same restaurant as all of these other reviews? Is it just the one Tuesday that let's the place down? Honestly the overall experience was disappointing. We had already been warned prior to our visit that we should order our drinks at the bar because it would take forever to be served so we were prepared for this, but after reading the other reviews we were expecting the food to be on point. Positives: Nice decor, comfortable seating, tasty cocktails. Negatives: It took a long time to be visited by the wait staff after we were seated and they advised that we had to order everything at once as there was a long wait time for the kitchen. They were out of pork and paua dumplings but that could be put down to popularity with other diners. We ordered the fried rice cakes , 3 cheese wontons, brisket and shitake wontons, salt and pepper tofu, sticky beer and miso lamb ribs and asian greens. The fried rice cakes were not fried, they are korean rice cakes as you would get in tteokbokki boiled and then mixed into caramelised onions, because they are boiled they are watery and have a different texture as expected, they were also missing gochujang sauce. 3 cheese wontons were cold so the cheese had congealed and the wrappers were chewy as they had started to go soggy they were served with caramelised onions instead of the kimchi and sweet and sour sauce so there was nothing to cut through the richness. The brisket wontons were crunchy and the flavour was good but again served with caramelised onion and yum yum mayo instead of sweet and sour paste. Salt and pepper tofu was bland but crisp on outside but the chilli sauce base had a nice heat. Sticky beer and miso lamb ribs were sinewy, chewy and luke warm. Asian greens were the dish that was seasoned the best, they were hot and cooked well. Halfway through the main we (like a few other tables) were searching for our waiter to order another 2 drinks but had to go to the bar instead. Both of us visited the bathrooms (one before the meal and one after) each time the bathrooms were in need of a clean and very wet. Teething problems are expected of a new restaurant but I'd say these were a few too many. We got the vibe that all the effort had been put into the decor and not enough into staffing and the kitchen. Things that could help would be having waiters areas seated together rather than spread across a large area that is hard to monitor, a Maitre D or host to keep an overall eye on tables and to direct waiters. Giving a copy of the menu to the kitchen so they can see what accompaniments should come with each dish. I hope it gets better as its always great to have more nice places in Hawkes Bay, however I will not be going back to find out if it improves, $200 is too much to pay for a...

Hawke’s Bay has a new dining and cocktail destination!

We came on opening night, didn’t have a booking, but the amazing staff set our crew up with a bar table and made the full menu available to us! The cocktail menu is outstanding! This is definitely a contender for top cocktail spot in HB and the location will be perfect for cocktails by the water in Summer!

As the first people to be served a meal from the kitchen, can I just say WOW! The quality of food and service was exceptional! We ordered their edamame beans, fries, fried cheese wontons, pork belly bao, prawn toast, and pāua and pork dumplings to start! Can I just say, all were absolutely spectacular! As someone who moved to the Bay from Auckland, having food that is of higher quality than that of some of Auckland’s top spots are hard to find, but the food at Madame Social absolutely smashes it! From the starters, the prawn toast, wontons, bao, and dumplings were absolutely standout (especially the pricing! Unreal $7 for a Bao!).

For mains we got the kiwi styled chicken chow mein, which is a sight to behold! It wasn’t what I expected in the best way and is more of a deconstructed chow mein, but would highly recommend trying this! Our other main, the lamb ribs, were absolutely devine and the size of the sharing plates are crazy in the current climate!

Madame Social, well done! I didn’t take any photos of the dishes in their complete form, because we dived straight in, but we will definitely be back! Here is a photo of the aftermath lol

If you’re in Hawke’s Bay, visit Madame Social!

P.S. We had the deep fried ice cream for dessert (photo attached) this decadent masterpiece needs to be tried! It was both rich and well-balanced. An impressive showing...

Madame Social Eatery & Bar is a delightful spot that offers a memorable dining experience with its unique blend of food, service, and atmosphere. Our visit was thoroughly enjoyable, and it's easy to see why this place is a local favorite.

The food was a highlight, with a menu that offers a diverse range of delicious options. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared, showcasing fresh ingredients and creative flavors that left a lasting impression. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty meal or a light bite, Madame Social has something to satisfy every palate.

The service was warm and attentive, with staff who were genuinely eager to ensure our dining experience was smooth and enjoyable. Their friendly demeanor and prompt attention added a personal touch that made us feel welcome and valued.

The atmosphere at Madame Social Eatery & Bar is vibrant and inviting, with a chic decor that creates the perfect setting for a night out. The lively yet relaxed ambiance makes it an ideal spot for both casual gatherings and special occasions.

Overall, Madame Social Eatery & Bar is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy great food, excellent service, and a wonderful atmosphere. It's a place that promises a delightful experience and is well worth a...