Salinity Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in North Island

We went in after the protest, about ten Māori ahead of me. Asked for a table, was told I’d have to order at the bar because they were so busy, bear in mind here, 10 in front of me and one table, I have been here before many times when it is packed and been given a table right away and service right away. Not only did we have to order at the bar, you had to pay at the bar, ahh…the Penny drops, don’t think we can afford your kai huh? Spent $75 on breakfast and coffee. Kai was quick, dry French toast, fruit was beautiful but it grows itself so no kudos to the restaurant there, beef cheeks tasted like it came out of a can and the bread was soggy sourdough, asked for a well done egg but the chef took the piss with how overdone it was. After finishing our kai had to enquire about water as we’d had no drinks that whole time. Asked about our coffees which hadn’t been started. Asked why the guy who ordered well after us got his first then, was told he gets preference because he’s local (white, incidentally I saw him order and he wasn’t made to pay first). Waited another ten minutes and then asked for my money back, the guy instead of apologizing told me that a wait was expected, we had our coffees now, I had to get back to work so told him no thanks I want my money back an hour is not a reasonable wait. Honestly the worst service we’ve ever had with an underbelly of unconscious bias. Was waaay better when it was...

Front of House SERIOUSLY lets this place down ! Gave it a go for the 4th time in 3months Jan 10th, its abysmal. (Ceviche is draw card) Great location, clearly has great Chef / Kitchen as menu is great, qaulity food is pumped out very quickly. You dehydrate waiting for drinks. (Dear owner the money is in the drinks) Not one visit have glasses not been empty and had to end up getting out of our seat to get attention. Watched this happen to the table next to us on all occasions. One of those only 3 tables in the restaurant. FOH staff lack absolute basic hospo training, are inattentive, as is the Maitre D who is always out to lunch or on his phone! He doesn't even notice in a quiet restaurant walking past only two tables of four indoors both need drinks! Not only training in attentiveness but training the nice young staff to know pinot gris from pinot noir to prevent customers grumping at them! That you offer a drink when glasses are low not empty and check about clearing plates if not everybody has finished their meal! Very rare to get Kitchen this efficient, to have it let down so EXTREMELY badly in every single way beyond the kitchen - the owner needs to address! It has location, and good kitchen, but its a poor experience:/ It does have potential to be great, but currently...

I recently visited Salinity and it does have some standout features worth mentioning. Let me start with the positives. The restaurant offered cheap mimosas with multiple flavors which was a great value. I particularly enjoyed the orange mimosa which had a refreshing taste. The setting of the restaurant was also beautiful with a lovely view. It was the perfect spot for a Sunday brunch with friends. The atmosphere was very calming which added to the overall experience.

However, there were a few negative points that I must mention. There are some confusing rules about booking the private room, which was a bit of a letdown. When I ordered eggs benedict, it didn't come with toast which was a bit of a disappointment. Moreover, the restaurant used lettuce with the eggs which was an unusual combination and not to my liking. Lastly, I was surprised to find no egg-free options on the breakfast menu which can be a problem for people with allergies.

Overall, the restaurant had some great positives, but there were also some negatives that could be improved. I would recommend this restaurant for its cheap mimosas and beautiful setting, but the confusing menu and lack of options for people with dietary restrictions could...