The Rata Room — Restaurant in Nelson

Went for the Julia Child 3-course meal. The french onion soup was delicious and the best part of the meal however the portion was small and it was not actually very cheesy. The beef bourginon had a strange flavour and it had coriander for some reason which was overpowering and isn't in a traditional beef bourginon (and def not in Julia Child recipe). The carrots were also partially raw - which I'm not sure was purposeful or not and the filo(?) star thing was undercooked and added nothing to the dish. The desserts also all had strange and overpowering flavours.

In terms of the service, the waitstaff standing and watching you to rush over as soon as you finished your meal was bit uncomfortable also.

Overall, not impressed but I understand that it is a training kitchen for students and so I would give them...

My friend and I partook of the Pink Ribbon High Tea service on Thursday, 29th May. We came expecting a treat and that is exactly what we received. The restaurant was beautifully laid out and the table setting appropriately pretty. We received a warm greeting and were seated immediately by our server Isabella, who was attentive throughout the service without being at all intrusive. The High Tea itself was exquisite. Every item had been prepared with great finesse and the flavors and textures were spot-on.. Each item complimented every other, so the entire eating experience was very pleasing. I could elaborate on each but that would take too long! I'm looking forward to trying a meal from these students some time...

Great price for what you get. The restaurant is run by culinary arts and front of house students, so the service and quality of the food can vary. It's small and has a lovely admosphere.. When we were there the service was fantastic and the food delicious. We had the sweetbreads salade, lambs rack and creme...