Gusto Restaurant, Cafe & Bar — Restaurant in North Island

Went with a grp of 20 on a Thursday night. View was breathtaking and unique.

Booked for 6.00, seated by 7pm, ordered mains by 7.15pm, food arrived at 8.45. 15-30mins to eat. No one wanted to order dessert in anticipation that we may have to wait longer than it took to eat. We all left as many of us had travelled from either Wgtn, palmerston North, Taupo, Hawkes Bay & Masterton for a conference the next day so were tired. Stopped off at Mcds for a Sundae at drive thru.

Meal satisfaction varied between us. Pork belly very filling and tasty. Lamb 3 little chops and green puree. More empty space on plate than food. Wasn't what was envisioned from menu. Each Steak was cooked to preference but was a small portion size. Fish of the day - some plates were dry and tasteless. Some were just right but not enough. Expensive prices for the quantity &/or quality received. Staff were busy run off their feet but very polite and hospitable. Small kitchen size for large restaurant.

We did notice that every other group in restaurant were served before our grp even if they arrived after us. Many were either finished desserts or eating desserts as we were served our main meal. However every other grp were small parties no more than 6.

I was lucky as I got pork belly, & entres garlic bread & wedges served at same time so ended up sharing with those that were still hungry. My person experience: 6/10. Group...

Me and my neighbour went to Gusto around midday for a light meal and coffee today. As we came there the waitress was standing by the counter and didn't even ask if she can help us. We went through ourselves and wanted to sit at a table on the inside and then she stood there by the counter and said that all the tables by the window has been reserved but got no reserve plates on. So she came to us and we asked where we can sit and then she said we can sit in the middle row and then she left. We sat down and no one served us. The table where very sticky, I called and asked if they could please wipe the table because it was very sticky. She felt the table herself and said yes it is very sticky. She went to the back and get a cloth and wiped the table with a very wet cloth but didn't dry if afterwards. No one came and asked if they could take our order. We did wait a few minutes longer and then decided to leave. We got up and both the waitress was stood and looked at us and didn't even ask if they could help us or said good bye. I will never recommend this place to anyone. It's a beautiful place with a great view. It was my first time I've been there. It's so sad as I had high expectations but was truly disappointed with the service or should I say the...

Location, and food (when it finally arrived) are really good. We all ordered from the brunch menu and it was really good (poached eggs in various presentations and some fancy toast). Kids menu was nice, ours really loved the pizza.

Our only issue was service. We waited over an hour for our food to arrive, as there were 'communication' issues in the kitchen. We were only told this when we asked if there was an issue. There were no updates or advice that there was a delay.

We weren't the only ones as the table who ordered just before us were also waiting. I'm not sure if they knew the staff, but their explanation for the delay was more personalised, and less ambiguous. I'm also unsure if they got free drinks while they waited, but a second round did arrive. We were given some packs for the kids, though not with any reference to the delay and I imagine they are standard service. When we paid there was no offer of a discount or anything other than sorry for the delay.

This establishment is very nice and presents as a 5 star experience. The delay by the kitchen and the lack of updates from the staff or any form of offering to make up for the delay pulls it...