The Fancy Cow — Restaurant in South Island

I'm a fan of pizza and TFC crust and salsa is exactly as it should be. The salads are delicious and the dressing is amazing (wish I could make it at home). I've not been overly impressed with the pastas I've tried but it doesn't diminish the other items they offer. The atmosphere is nice and it's a stones throw from the golden mile which is great for visitors to the area. They've done a nice job with the foundation of the garden and if maintained it will continue to grow even more beautiful in the coming years. The restaurant is clean although I do suggest the staff check the loos more often as some customers forget their manners in public toilets. The Fancy Cow started out a bit uneven but a couple years on, they've made significant changes and it's worked well for them. After a few wobbly experiences they seem to have found their rhythm. Over the last six months, we've had mostly great service experiences with only our most recent visit being average. In defense of the staff, we observed them diligently serving the guests but the slow pace of order taking and food gave the impression the team was understaffed. From what we could tell, this pace was unavoidable given they had more tables than one server can reasonably manage and did the best they could do under the circumstances. I will continue to recommend visitors to the area check out The Fancy Cow when they're seeking options for as far as our current food scene stands, this is one of the better restaurants...

Lovely atmosphere and the waitress was very lovely and helpful, we did have an issue with the door to outside continuously blowing or being left open and where we were sitting the cold air was blowing straight into our area. We arrived at twleve but we're advised due to the large group of 17 that our food would take 45mins we ordered around 12.30-45 and we received our food around 2pm, unfortunately the steaks were cold and the ribeye served to my father was too tough to eat (we took it home for the dogs). The steak meal (photo provided) for $38 was very average, all you got was a piece of fillet and a handful of chunky fries, the presentation was very lacking and to add a side that will be another $10 thank you very much! My son ordered a pizza and for $25 it was tasteless, no mozerella (pizza is not a pizza without melting cheese of some sort) and no base sauce just some Italian Sausage, cherry tomatos, red onion and parmigiano, thankfully the pizza base was nice however it was soggy in the middle where ingredients were placed. Nice fries and aoli so maybe we will just go have some chips and a drink next time. After reading most of the reviews it does make one wonder if there are different chefs on different days which may result in what the food presented and...

I booked for 10, and another 4-5 wanted to attend last minute. Not and ideal situation for a busy restaurant.

Even though the venue was fully booked the staff were kind enough to offer up an alternative space and allow us to eat downstairs.

The group was large and the tables were swiftly arranged and reset, although disruptive to their plans they were able to run with things.

They were not obliged to at all accommodate the extras, but they made it work.

Once we had been relocated the service was quick and friendly, offering some banter and laughs.

Drinks and food were brought out quickly and they were in every sense amazing!

It was reasonably pricey but for the atmosphere and the quality of food and beverages available it was absolutely worth it.

The group spoke well of the Fancy Cow for the following few days wishing that we had gone earlier.

Staff offered sound advice and direction for food and drink suggestions.

Everyone that attended mentioned that if or when they were back in Blenheim they would be returning to the Fancy Cow in a heart beat.

Thanks team for the great food and drinks and a flexible mindset despite the disruption we...