The Smoking Barrel — Restaurant in South Island

I've been dying to try this place, and finally, we decided to bite the bullet and travel to Mot just to eat here . Boy, oh boy, we are super glad we did. Arriving at 2:30pm, we were happy the lunch menu was still going until 3 pm... you can order a good range of snacks between 3pm and 5pm as well. The staff quickly got us a seat, and we were served by a lovely young lady. The seating area is vast, inside, and also they have a nice garden terrace area as well. Was very exciting looking at the delectable menu. My mouth was watering already at this point. We ordered 2 drinks off the frozen drink menu, one was the mocktail Paradiso, and the other was a pineapple Daiquiri. They were absolutely smacking. Then we ordered the Ultimate Barbeque Selection platter to share between us both... sat there waiting and salivating. When it came to our table, we just knew we were in restaurant heaven. You can tell just by looking at the platter that it's going to surpass the tenderness, falling apart, melt in your mouth, get in ma belly thoughts I'd been dreaming of moments before....and yes it was absolutely lip-smacking delicious!! Best meat platter I have ever had and was so worth the wait. The bread rolls even are softer than a pillow, slap on the butter and fill them with the beautiful saucy pulled pork and amazing coleslaw along with some jalapeños or pickles, add some sauce (they were both insane) and it's just the perfect bite. Wish, just wish there was maybe one more bread roll so we had two each and I certainly wouldn't have complained if there was another one or two more chicken wings....oh yes the chicken wings, spicy or mild, we chose spicy and the sauce....omgggg buttery spiciness that I'd gladly bath in...yum! The beef brisket was a.m.a.z.i.n.g, the skill it takes to pull off a beautiful platter like this is so much appreciated, and I just couldn't wait to do this review. Massive compliments to the talented chef and team. We were so full, so satisfied, memorable it most certainly was. They also have an incredible range of donuts which as we sat there feasting away the supply of donuts were diminishing...so by the time we were finished with our meal there were only 2 lonely donuts, and of course I had to take one away on the road trip back home. I gota tell ya I opened up the takeaway tray as soon as I got in the car and omg that donut (double chocolate cookie time donut) was outstanding, the softness, the flavour, the generous oozing chocolate cream inside....wow! Best donut ever. You have to dine here. You have to try their amazing food and also treat yourself to a donut! I can't wait to come back again. ...

This establishment had great reviews so we thought we would check it out. The wait time was advised to be one hour, but it ended up being a two hour wait for our meal. The children's meals were very small and the children were still hungry so had to eat some of the adult's food. We ordered the meat platter. The waitress suggested to add another dish to fill us up. We added the pork belly which was three very small pieces of meat about 2cm x 3cm so I'm not sure how that would fill us up? We all felt that the waitress, although trying to be helpful, came across as very pushy and insistent. For example, she ordered a cauliflower dish for us as a starter which was delicious but unnecessary. All in all for $160 for two children and three adults (no drinks), we all left still feeling hungry and not overly impressed with the food for the price. Wish we went to the souvlaki place across the road instead!

Update: Wow, I didn't expect such a response as below! 🤣 There is no benefit for me in reviewing anything, I just do it when I feel it would be helpful to others. No need to insinuate that I'm lying and get defensive rather than take on board some constructive feedback. I'm sorry if what I have said sounds unfair and I know that it is hard to explain an experience in words. I will change my stars to three as you at least replied and apologised :)

Perhaps three different price points for different sized portions as a suggestion? I assumed my daughter would not finish her meal as she never does when she eats out but perhaps she was particularly ravenous that day! 🤣

There were three pieces...I gave mine to my partner because I felt bad for him.

It was very close to 2 hours but perhaps slightly less from the time of ordering.

It came to $159 and I just checked with our friend who got one glass of wine which may account for the other $23? I'm not disputing the bill at all, just felt like a lot for what we received 🤷

It was unnecessary as we were told the wait was one hour and could wait that long. We did say no thanks but then just let it go.

That was just how we felt and I'm sure others will have a different experience depending on the day as with all restaurants. It definitely wasn't horrible food, the food saved it actually! Just maybe bigger portions or a photo of the meal on the menu so people know what...

The Smoking Barrel at 105 High Street, Motueka, 7120, New Zealand, serves what is hands down the best tomahawk steak you’ll ever experience.

From the very first bite, you can taste the quality of the New Zealand grain-finished beef, first raised on the lush, green pastures that give it a unique, rich flavor.

Eating an excellent steak is a feast for the senses, from the moment the aroma first hits you. This tomahawk is truly a form of art. It starts with a cold smoke to infuse the meat with a subtle manuka smokiness, followed by a hot smoke, and then it’s sous vide for three hours at a perfect 52c. This meticulous preparation ensures the meat is extraordinarily tender, bursting with flavor and cooked to perfect doneness.

Just before serving, the chef Jo, applies a special charcoal based rub and finishes it on a searing flame-grill, creating a charred caramelized crust that perfectly complements the juicy interior. Served on a rustic wooden board, the steak arrives with a selection of signature house-made sauces as well as expertly prepared sides like smoked portobello mushrooms and charred local asparagus, enhancing the experience without overshadowing the main event.

The chef himself cuts the tomahawk off the bone, tableside, slicing it against the grain for perfect tenderness. Cooked to a beautiful medium-rare, each bite is buttery, succulent, and melts in your mouth. Even the connective tissue and tendon points, often overlooked, are tender and add a delightful texture.

We have been to the best steak houses in the world. Yes, all were very good to excellent, but let me tell you…The Smoking Barrel is on an entire different level. We were totally blown away and ordered the Tomahawk steak again two days later just to find out if this outstanding quality is consistent. Well, if it’s possible it was even better.

The Smoking Barrel’s tomahawk steak is a must for meat lovers. This is no ordinary steak; it’s a taste of heaven, prepared with expertise and care, and served with a touch of New Zealand’s natural charm. An unforgettable culinary experience! The best Tomahawk steak...