Centrale at Clarence — Restaurant in North Island

Located in the beautiful old post office building (built 1905) that is the Clarence Hotel, Centrale provides a relaxed atmosphere with a warm and welcoming ambience.

I got the Lamb Ragu Lasagna that was absolutely delicious and is rated in the top 3 pasta dishes I've had. Perfect for a cold winters evening. My partner got the Pappardelle that was also very nice. No problems with quality of food here! Enjoyed the cocktails too, with Journeys End being my favourite.

A big shout out to Luka, who waited on us and was excellent. He was very helpful when we were navigating the menu, providing top notch advice.

The only disappointment causing me to drop a star is the front of house, who neither seem friendly or welcoming. First time we tried to dine here some time ago, we ended up leaving having been completely ignored. This time was better, but still felt like we were a bit of a nuisance. Only minor in the grand scheme but perhaps...

Food was fantastic but the service could have been better. Firstly they put us by the door on a windy and cold evening when the restaurant was half empty. They indicated that this was the only table, which for the whole time we were there plenty of tables were available. When we left the place was almost empty.

Secondly we were offered a drink, which we ordered, at the same time we ordered our entree and main. We would have ordered at least two more drinks, but they did not seem to be interested in coming anywhere near our table, despite we were right in the middle of the main thoroughfare, and I tried and was ignored when I tried to get a waiters attention.

They missed out on at least 2 more drink orders and a desert.

Never mind, plenty of other places...

Stopped in for an afternoon drink and pizza in the courtyard.

Centrale has gone through a recent overhaul with a slimmed down menu that offers a range of quality and delicious items. Can't go wrong with simple and authentic pizzas!

Wait staff are attentive and knowledgeable, atmosphere is excellent both inside and out, with Centrale occupying the old Tauranga Post Office building.

Great range of cocktails, VERY extensive wine selection and a great Dark n' Stormy with Black Tears rum!!!

Two pizzas, fries and 8 drinks (there were four of us) came to $210

Side note: if you are after a lager the only choice is Peroni, and if you don't like that then you are out of options. Plenty of "Hipster Beers" (Hazy, IPA,...