Down Thyme Restaurant & Cafe — Restaurant in North Island

My experience at Down Thyme several weeks ago was absolutely awesome in every way. I was referred to this restaurant by someone and I stopped in on a whim! I was so happy I did!!! The interior was absolutely lovely, very tasteful, spacious, with great attention to detail and an overall beautiful ambiance. I was greeted by owner Mufida, she was so friendly and sweet!! We chatted for a bit and I felt so at home and very welcomed. For dinner I ordered the steak and chips, and it was excellent!!! The steak was perfectly cooked, tender, juicy, and came with this delicious sauce, and the chips were literally some of the best I’ve ever had. The side salad was topped with their special homemade dressing, and was quite tasty and zesty!! The desserts were beautifully plated, equally delicious, and made in house with love! I got two 😋 the other owner was also very friendly, and he gave me some killer recommendations of spots to check out on my road trip, and I was so thankful he did because my trip turned out extra amazing thanks to his recommendations!!! Thank you both so much for your hospitality and kindness, I can’t wait to...

In a response to your reply. Firstly one of the babies's cant even walk as of yet, so them running around the place"like their at home" is a bit funny. And that's why im curious as to why it has being rated child friendly.(no need to be nasty).

And the dog did not leave anything behind. We double and triple checked. So your just making excuses now.

Have a fabulous day✌

After checking online for a child friendly and dog friendly restaurant, me and my friends decided on here.

On arrival we were greeted by the lady owner I'm presuming. Saying that no dogs were aloud inside. We told her that was pretty obvious we werent going to bring a dog into a restaurant. So we tied the dog outside away from the door,she made us feel pretty akward with having a dog the whole time we were their. Saying we were frightening her customers away, but any1 that came had food. And with having 2 children they only had 1 high chair. So for it being rated child friendly, I'm not to sure how.

But I cant fault the food, food was great, very tasty. And then chef, her husband was...

Down Thyme was one of the best dining experiences I've ever had! I stopped with two friends on a Wednesday night about 30 minutes before closing, and Mufide and Roland greeted us like family. The atmosphere was intimate and welcoming. I felt like I was being invited into someone's home rather than entering a restaurant.

Mufide gave us a warm smile and greeting and provided a terrific recommendation for dinner and wine. She was extremely friendly, talked to us about our trip, joked with us, talked to us about her and Roland, and checked in on us throughout the meal. It felt like having a meal with an old friend you hadn't seen in a while.

Roland cooked the best lamb I've ever eaten, then came out and talked with us while we ate. He told us about his working in a kitchen for 50+ years, his time traveling through Africa, his journey to New Zealand, and anything else we could ask.

It was a truly wonderful experience and a highlight of our New Zealand adventures. I will be sure to make it back to Down Thyme if I am ever in...