Northstar Motel Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in South Island

In a large group 26/28 and we should have pre ordered they said... there were 7 or 8 more people than planned but people were walking in anyway off the street getting tables. I ordered chicken Pamplona which is chicken stuffed and wrapped in bacon on potato gratin. I imagined this would come with broccoli carrots or something colourful at a price of $38 as no veges were available to order as a side dish. Having taken the orders, the first mains arrived 90mins later (2 entree orders before that) and the last ones about another 45mins later when it was found orders were missing. We we two long tables and one group had completely gone when the last 3 were finishing their main course. My meal came after 1 hour 32 mins with the offer of a free dessert. By this time I'd had enough and at first refused to accept my meal. The bacon wrap was pinky white and those around me advised me not to eat it. I ate a roughly 6 cm square piece of overcooked potato gratin and my husband ate the meat. Luckily he was OK. Going to the bar to pay the manager at first refused to take the cost of the dessert off the meal however my husband told her straight either take $12 off or get nothing. She begrudgingly accepted. Waitresses were sweet but under pressure and extremely embarrassed. Bar staff ok. Manager cocky. Kitchen staff... Well who would know...we wonder if they even have a qualified chef. Advice avoid this place at all cost if youwantagood meal...Great meal at Star and Garter or many other places in Oamaru...even a takeaway shop would be better than this. Very disappointing to...

So dissapointed. The front of house staff, we're exceptional. The kitchen staff complete opposites, not sure if they were on drugs or just inept. 7 of us dined there. There were very few other guests. We ordered two garlic loaves, they arrived 30 minutes later and were still frozen in the middle, we sent them back and they came out still frozen, butter wouldn't melt. An hour and a half later our mains finally arrived, two of us had to leave and take doggy bags as they were heading to Dunedin. Chips were over cooked, chicken was inedible, nothing nice about the food. I really felt sorry for front of house staff as they did a awesome job. If only the kitchen was...

From the moment the plate hit the table, I knew this meal was something special. The presentation was clean and inviting, and the aroma alone could’ve sold me. Every bite was balanced — the flavours worked together perfectly, with just the right mix of texture and seasoning. You can tell the ingredients were fresh and handled with care.

Service was friendly without being pushy, and the wait time was short. The atmosphere added to the whole experience — warm lighting, relaxed vibe, and just enough background music to keep things lively.

If you’re after a meal that actually leaves you satisfied (and maybe even planning your next visit before you leave), this...