Mary's — Restaurant in North Island

This review is a long time coming — but I still can’t stop thinking about Mary’s Restaurant in Havelock North. Truly, this is one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in the last 30 years. Actually, the last 40. The food was incredible. The service was incredible. And our server? Beyond incredible.

My partner and I stopped in just to check it out, and we were absolutely blown away. We ordered the steak and the burger — and judging by his face in the photos I attached, my partner had never tasted a steak so good in his life. (His mother only cooks them well done, so this was a revelation for him!) Every bite was worth savoring.

I was so impressed with the level of service that I tipped our server, Zoe, $50 NZD — and she was genuinely shocked. But I could not have had a better experience. Zoe, if you see this, THANK YOU. You made us feel so welcome, your recommendations were perfect, and you truly elevated our night. If you haven’t given her a raise yet… please do so!

As someone who grew up in restaurants with a chef for a father, I have a heightened sense of taste and high expectations. Mary’s exceeded them all. The quality, execution, hospitality, and even the pricing were exceptional. Hearing the chef was from Texas made total sense — Texans know how to cook a steak and a burger, and this was perfection.

We’ll be back in December or January, and we are definitely making a special stop at Mary’s. Hoping Zoe is still there — she was a big part of why we enjoyed our evening so much.

Thank you to the entire team — what you’re doing here is...

A very nice and fine dinning restaurant. One time visit though. Unfortunately it was busy on this particular Monday (school holidays maybe). But attentive servers. Unfortunately for a single person could not do their banquet which seemed nice.

So had prawns as an entree and although just six but very tasty. (24$) highly recommended.

For main had their beef fillet which was tasty but their charring had a Strong effect. Although I liked it but wouldn’t try it again. (44$)

Also had rocket salad (9$). This was ok

For dessert had apple crumble cheese cake with vanilla ice cream. Which was also nice (14$). And a flatty.

Overall 96$ without any drinks. So certainly an expensive; one of thing or special occasions.

Aug2025 Menu has changed and so has the chef. Items are simpler now and feelers Had the steak 42$ with the Brussels 8$ (half size) sprouts. This ws amazing . Profiteroles were disappointing 4$...

Wow! We came here for our wedding anniversary dinner and the experience really blew us away. The food was so so good! The service was excellent and the ambiance was on point. We had the GF fried chicken entree which was some of the best fried chicken we have ever had. The cocktail special of the night made with mango sorbet was so delicious we ordered the sorbet for dessert even though we were already full. For our mains we had the gnocchi and the pork belly, chefs kiss! All the flavours just worked so perfectly together. If I could give this place 6 stars I would. We will 100% be back when we are in the...