Jarks Restaurant Hastings — Restaurant in North Island

We visited Jarks a few weeks ago with a large group, and unfortunately the experience was disappointing. Two of our guests ordered the Surf and Turf (described as ribeye beef, crumbed prawns, garlic butter, fries & honey mustard slaw) but what arrived was far from what was advertised. The “ribeye” resembled a thin schnitzel with a large vein of fat through the middle, served with just three crumbed prawns, undercooked fries, and what looked like supermarket slaw with a splash of dressing. At $40, it felt very poor value.

We initially decided not to complain, but the wait staff (who were amazing) must have mentioned our quiet discussion because the manager/owner stormed over. Her demeanor was confrontational and defensive—standing over one guest, demanding explanations, and telling the whole table we were wrong to question the meal or its price. It was uncomfortable and very unprofessional.

Because of this, I didn’t even bother raising my own issue—the “meal size” salt and pepper squid I ordered was barely larger than the entrée size another guest had earlier and again, had the undercooked fries and sad slaw.

Overall, the food did not match the menu description or the price point, and the lack of professionalism in handling feedback was astonishing. Sadly, I wouldn’t recommend Jarks based on...

From the moment we walked in the door, we were treated with disdain. We made a couple of comments on the size of meals and the price of a side of Mushroom gravy. $10.50 I basically got told I should eat elsewhere by the manager so I shall. My meal. Marinated chicken wings... very dry. Absolutely will not be back. To be clear... I was never angry. I didn't make the booking.... I was nothing but polite to your staff the only rudeness was when I questioned you about prices and was told I should eat somewhere else. I have worked in the industry for many years and have absolutely never been rude to staff. I pulled the lovely young lady aside and told her as much. SHE was lovely.... you.. on the other hand were an absolute shame to the business. Name call all you want... it shows your inability to have basic people skills in a job that demands them. Yes my name may be Karen but I certainly wouldn't act like a child and use a name in a way that could be insulting. I am pretty sure your intelligence level obviously skipped the fact that no Karen ever chose her name... the free meal well... I didn't overcook it... I also...

Its been a while since our last Jarks meal, but as locals, we're well familiar. Without a booking, we were seated quickly, service was stellar and cheesy garlic bread out with drinks very quickly. Unfortunately, the usually high standards have slipped since last visit. Schnitzel was soggy atop luke warm fries. Rib eye surf and turf was medium well, rather than the requested medium, and full of rind. The crispy calamari rings were cold and soggy and similarly, luke warm fries. Salads were on point - brilliantly seasoned and delightfully crisp. Pasta dish was huge, and well appreciated by our third. Marianne and her team are delightfully welcoming, and I couldve raised our disappointment, but I chose not to. These hospos continue to fight the long game, in an unforgiving industry. Tonight, kitchen service let the team down - but only as a victim of their own success in the past. Not sure we'll be back again soon for mains, but we'll always pop in for that...