Mekong Buffalo — Restaurant in North Island

Edited 29/1/24 - downgraded from 2 star, to 1 star. As per reply below, I was asked to contact restaurant which I’ve done twice with no replies either time. Sad to be treated like that after an already back experience.

Was really excited about visiting tonight. We picked here thinking it looked like one of the best spots in Rotorua. Ordered the “let’s eat” set menu (where they select top dishes for you). Overall a bit disappointed in its value - if we were to order the dishes we were served straight off the menu, we would have saved $8, so that seems off to loose selection and to be charged more tor it. The hostess didn’t want to hear this when I queried it with her and in fact suggested she could charge us more because we sent back a tuna dish (which was completely her fault for ordering considering we made it clear to her at the start of the night that we didn’t eat tuna) - so found that pretty rude and unprofessional.

Starters were yum (minus the tuna error and the later being threatened with paying for it).

Mains - pork belly was yum, but the lemon grass chicken was dry and pretty disappointing.

Desserts - brownie was ok, not very flavourful, but the cheesecake was really average (split cheese, lacking flavour, and terrible sorbet).

Drinks - ordered two cocktails and both were awesome, would definitely recommend the drinks menu.

Overall pretty disappointed in the value of this, and upset about how disrespectful the server was when I was just trying to query what I thought was a straight forward question. Had come here because I had seen great Google reviews, and personally thought it looked like the second best food spot in Rotorua (second to a Mexican place in town) but sadly having to leave an average review, and feeling disappointed in the experience. Not usual for me to have to leave a review like this but hoping management can...

Our visit to Mekong Buffalo was the perfect finale to our Rotorua trip. On the lookout for standout Asian Fusion cuisine, we were thrilled to discover this eatery. Its warm and vibrant atmosphere immediately embraced us, creating an ideal setting for both casual and celebratory meals.

The star dish for us was the sizzling tofu - its taste and texture were simply divine, making it an essential try for visitors. The Pork Belly was equally impressive, bursting with flavor. Additionally, the Lemongrass Chicken and Pad Thai were hits, striking a delightful balance between sweet and tangy, served in hearty portions.

The menu was a treasure trove of Asian Fusion delights, each dish tempting in its own right.

The value and taste of the food were outstanding.

Parking was conveniently available just across the street.

The service was exceptional, with the staff's warmth and efficiency significantly elevating our dining experience. Their welcoming and kind approach towards our children was especially appreciated.

Mekong Buffalo is a standout destination in Rotorua for Asian Fusion cuisine. It earns a solid 10/10 from us, and we eagerly anticipate...

Visiting Mekong Buffalo was an pleasent end to our Rotorua adventure. The restaurant's ambiance instantly welcomed us with its inviting and lively atmosphere, perfect for both relaxed and special dining experiences.

The service was remarkable, with staff members exuding warmth and efficiency, enhancing our overall experience. The highlight of our meal was the Pork Belly, super in flavor and texture. It's a must-try for anyone visiting.

We also savored other dishes like the Pad Thai, Sizzling Tofu, and Lemongrass Chicken. The Pad Thai struck a delightful balance between sweet and tangy, while the Sizzling Tofu impressed us with its perfect blend of textures and flavors. The Lemongrass Chicken was a refreshing choice, with its zesty and aromatic profile.

Mekong Buffalo truly stands out in Rotorua for its exceptional Asian Fusion offerings. It's a solid 10/10 for us and a place we eagerly look forward to...