PJ's Bar & Grill Remarkables Park — Restaurant in South Island

I usually don’t leave bad reviews, but I have to admit that I’m a bit disappointed, frustrated, and confused about this dinner. We ordered three starters to share. At that moment, I informed the waitress (who was very kind, by the way) that I am allergic to peanuts. She then asked me if I had an Epipen (a first for me). I told her no, and she went off to pass on our order.

Shortly after, the restaurant manager (I assume) came back to inform us that there might be cross-contamination with peanuts due to handling in the kitchen. As a chef myself, I asked him: “Don’t your cooks clean their knives and utensils between preparations?” This is standard practice to avoid such issues.

I then asked him if any of the three starters we ordered contained peanuts as part of the recipe. He replied that they didn’t, except for one where peanuts were simply served on the side. I suggested that they simply leave them out.

At that point, he informed us that they were refusing to serve us the starters, without even offering an alternative. As a result, we had to skip straight to the main course, which, by the way, was very good.

I find it outrageous and borderline discriminatory that, in 2024, someone can be refused a starter because of an allergy – not just one starter, but the entire starter menu – without being offered any alternative. I’d like to remind you that, as a chef myself, I know that we work in a service industry and that we are expected to meet our clients’ specific dietary needs.

The argument of cross-contamination is not valid: there are simple steps to avoid it (cleaning your tools, cutting boards, knives, and workstation between preparations, using a separate oil bath for allergens, etc.).

I appreciate your honesty regarding the risk, but as restaurateurs, it is your responsibility to find solutions and alternatives to these kinds of issues. It’s truly a shame because the main...

Came here for our engagement dinner and felt really disappointed for the most part.. Firsty, we ordered the aged rib eye on the bone that serves two, medium rare and then the aged sirloin for one came out instead. We advised the waiter that it wasn't ours as we ordered the aged rib eye for two and was told that they aren't even serving that as its out of stock and that's not what had been ordered. Why was it on the menu and why weren't we told? Feeling like we didn't want to make anyone feel bad as the waitress that took our order was lovely, we got on with it and split it in half. The steak was so rare that it was disgusting to eat and we sent it back, thinking they would cook us a new steak medium rare and they just put our same steak back on and brought it back out- it was disgusting! We didn't eat it. The Mac n cheese side was grey and dry and all in all it felt like a knock off flame. The Manager brought us out a glass of bubbles each which was a nice touch and the only thing saving it was the oysters- they were delicious. We didn't end up paying for the steak but we paid for the rest of the food which honestly, i didn't want to do. Food is not worth the price. Wont be coming back...

Hands down the best dinner you will have in Queenstown! Better than Botswana and Jervois put together! Anju and Dulaj are an incredible team, serving up the best dinner of your life. Open for just six weeks now, they are sure to become a destination restaurant for tourists and locals alike. We started with Bluff Oysters and Prawn Cocktail. The prawns were in a delightful creamy and spicy sauce, and I was surprised at how many there were. Because the oysters were on the smaller side, despite ordering only half a dozen, they gave us the full for the same price. We both had 350g Ribeyes that were cooked to perfection and served with creamy mashed potatoes. My mum had hers with red wine jus, and I had black garlic butter. By far one of the best steaks I've had in New Zealand in the last ten years!! Finished off with the most sumptuous chocolate fondant, piping hot from the oven, served with vanilla ice cream. The service was 10/5 stars, with excellent chat, and charm. The restaurant was packed when we left, and I'm sure it will stay so well until the busy scene is over. Do not hesitate to make a booking and check this place out. What an amazing and...