Lionel's — Restaurant in North Island

It's not often I can honestly say I enjoyed every single aspect of a restaurant, but Lionel's absolutely blew me away. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a fresh and beautifully lit interior that sets a sophisticated yet welcoming tone. The hostess was genuinely lovely, making us feel instantly comfortable. We were seated in the charming outdoor area, a delightful space surrounded by lush plants and elegant potted olive trees that truly transported us to the Mediterranean. The brand-new furniture was not only stylish and clean but also incredibly comfortable and cozy, making it easy to settle in and relax. One of the things I appreciated most was the ambiance. The lack of loud music meant we could actually enjoy each other's company and have easy conversations – a real treat! And then there was the food... my mushroom ravioli was simply divine – so incredibly yummy. Another often overlooked but important detail: the bathroom was impeccably clean and tidy, which speaks volumes about the restaurant's overall attention to detail. The service was impeccable; prompt without being intrusive. Our drinks arrived quickly, and the best part was that all our dishes came out at the same time, so no awkward waiting for anyone. To top it all off, there was no surcharge on Good Friday, which was a very pleasant and unexpected bonus. If you're looking for a restaurant that offers delicious food, a beautiful atmosphere, excellent service, and even pristine facilities, look no further than Lionel's. I wholeheartedly recommend it and can't wait for...

i got a ‘seasonal beverage’ which was feijoa and Basil with either soda water or lemonade. It was very nice not sweet I enjoyed it. It came with a little slice of dried feijoa which was very good. I had raw fish which was very nice as an entree. I got the spaghetti pasta with prawns and mussels ($32) (with a side of focaccia) it was very delicious I enjoyed it a lot. For dessert I had an ice-cream base with Whittakers dark chocolate on the top and salted caramel on the side along with some cashew brittle on the top ($18). It was very delicious and not too sweet. The main definitely needed an entree and a dessert to feel full. The service was great and the waiter was informative about the meals and friendly towards us. The restaurant itself was very fancy. I would definitely go here again for a special occasion as there is a range of...

Hands down the best meal we had on the North Island. The menu mixes New Zealand influences with Italian cuisine and it does with care for both cultures. We were a group of six and found both the food and drink selection outstanding. The tuna tartare - available as the fish of the day - was a real standout. The pistachio and rhubarb cake was another highlight.

Prices are more than fair for the quality you get, and the whole experience feels special without being overly formal. The staff were brilliant—attentive, friendly, and clearly passionate about what they do. Whether you’re after a long, relaxed dinner or just a great spot for a quality meal by the lake, this place delivers....