Off The Track Restaurant and Licenced Cafe — Restaurant in North Island

I wanted to love this place, with its very friendly set up for kids.

However the service completely destroyed our visit. On arrival the first guest had to wait what felt like 5 minutes for the front of house to check what table had been reserved. And she wasn't allowed to pop out too see if the other guests had arrived.

Taking our seats in the lovely out doors we patiently waited to order. Patiently been the operative word here.

Better serve would have resulted in more drinks been ordered. Glassses where consistantly empty and for the one refill we managed we had to wave down service after giving up waiting for one of the many staff to stop by and ask if we're ok.

The fried chicken was incredibly dry and the kids fish and chips had large bones in it.

When we advised the waitress she just looked and said ok with little care or feedback, so we also let the front of house person know, we got a little more care about the fish, but only after it was.pointed out how it was a chocking hazzard.

The same waitresses delivered a birthday cake for a large table close by. The table was empty as they hadn't been told the cake was coming and all the kids where still playing. The wind blew out the candles (yes that happens) but she just put it down and walked away with the parents frantically looking for a lighter to relight the cake.. like seriously.

We could also constantly hear, what sounded like a dry hurling coming from the kitchen and witnessed the bar staff pouring wine back into a wine bottle, I just hope that was a wrong pour.. 😱

A great place to catch up with friends with lovely setting, but be prepared for...

This was a large looking box on the outside but when opened it is less than a third full. This was the kids deal for $16.50 inc a small juice in a bottle 2 thin wedges of orange and a choc freddo frog. When I did say something to the waitress asking is that usually how it comes? And as a customer just genuinely surprised and disappointed which could of easily been eased by acknowledgement or even an offer of a small bowl of chips (not much to keep the customer happy really) Instead the girl was quite rude and gave me excuses saying that's how it comes and every other child that orders it seems to be enough for them. To say quite forcefully, you can talk to the manager if you like. (have to say not well handled at all) I had told her no that's not needed and it was left at that. A minute later she's speaking to the duty manager who is looking over at us. He was on the floor clearing tables and after the kids had finished their meals had still not attempted to check things over offer an acknowledgement or apology.

Ive worked in customer service for many years and it's most important to show consideration towards customers manage complaints tactfully and graciously and sadly this was lacking. More disappointing than the meal was the service.

We have been coming to Off the track many years has always been a fav spot for family and friends but we will sadly not bother after that experience. Was the final straw of declining service...

I have experienced quite a few restaurants in my time and often end up ordering an entree a main and dessert but more often than not with many restaurants you will find all of those three dishes might sound great on the menu but usually one will be bit underwhelming in reality but that is definitely not the case at Off the Track. I dined there with my family last night. I ordered for a starter the cheesey crumbed croquettes with chipotle mayo and grated parmesan which not only looked amazing but also tasted sensational with just the perfect blend of flavours going on. Followed that with a Main of Scotch Fillet which I had had previously also had there and that too was cooked to perfection to my liking and while I'm not normally a big fan of mushrooms I have to mention the mushroom sauce was so spectacular it well and truly won me over. These guys honestly do steak better than anywhere else I have tried both locally and certainly within the north Island. The Creme brulee for dessert is also absolutely perfect. The staff also are very welcoming and provide service that is a great match with great food. I would love you guys to seriously consider returning your famous garlic bread to the menu that looked kind of like a pizza. I look forward to dining at Off the Track...