The Black Dog Kitchen & Bar — Restaurant in South Island

I have heard of the wonderful reviews about the food provided at this restaurant by local regulars. A place I couldn't wait to see what all the fantastic fuss was about. HOWEVER after hearing of the disgusting poor customer experience provided by manager Len I certainly will not be placing my money here or recommending this joint to anyone. On Saturday 21st Feb 2015 my brother pre booked for 30 people to celebrate his 21st birthday dinner. Unfortunately only 21 managed to attend the event. Not only did Len humiliate one of YOUR customers & his guests he did so in the public eye causing great embarrassment. He unprofessionally handled the matter by rudely telling them to "GET OUT OF HERE!" and made a public fuss about having to turn other customers away from the restaurant in order cater to this party. He displayed frustration and arrogance due to numbers not being met. There was no public misconduct done by the any of the group and no request was made by them for Len to turn customers away. Len's arrogant actions and poor business judgment then caused high levels of distress to the 21 people who were mistreated and had to find somewhere else to celebrate as they were kicked out on to the street. I am glad they put their money into another venue...business you simply do not deserve.

If Len is unable to handle the fluctuations of the hospitality industry or unable to provide decent customer service then perhaps training in these areas would assist. Its quite shocking to hear that he is Co Manager/Owner because I certainly would not be working for such a rude arrogant person.

Might I also add that my brother is profoundly deaf so to humiliate one who can not hear his behavior must have been absolutely outrageous.

I myself am a kiwi situated in Australia working in the customer service industry and through word of mouth your business has reached me and I DO NOT RECOMMEND this place and will be telling many others both in NZ...

Had heard some good things about the Black Dog so went there for dinner with 2 friends last night. Ordered drinks (and they weren't anything sophisticated) and 20 minutes later wondering where they were inquired at the counter...to be told that "the manager hadn't entered them into the computer" (whatever that means)....another 10 minutes on they still hadn't arrived and no advice as to when they would be. Thinking "if they take this long to get our drinks how long will we be waiting for dinner"? We decided to leave and go to Speights Ale House.

The contrast couldn't have been bigger, attentive service as soon as we arrived, staff couldn't have been more helpful. Drinks arrived in minutes. We had a 3 course dinner (food was awesome), which arrived in an appropriate time and the staff couldn't have been more attentive and friendly. We spent over $150 and my friend from Wellington was so impressed he left a good sized tip. So that's what you missed out on Black Dog. I certainly would never go back there until there was a substantial improvement., and I mean substantial! You will be disappointed if...

I have been going to Black Dog regularly for the past 4 years and it has been amazing experience every single time!! The food is always superb and the owner Alex is so welcoming warm and friendly. His staff are also the same and that shows the reflection of the excellent management. I always recommend black Dog to my clients, friends, family, colleagues, staff, acquaintances or anyone who wants a great place, service and food in Dunedin town !! Thanks so much for your incredible service 🙌 it's the best Cafe and Bar in Dunedin.. Couldn't recommend more.

P.s Just wanted to mention the lovely staff member Rhylle is absolutely a ray of sunshine !! She is always so friendly, even remembers our orders!! goes the extra mile to make sure our meals are up to standard. I love going there and seeing her lovely smile. It makes our day !! She is Just a gem 💎 and is one of the reasons I love...