Hugo's Bistro — Restaurant in Waitematā

Disappointed.

Had high hopes for today. Came out extremely early for anniversary. Recent tight budget meaning less to spend. Hence got first table. Arrived 6 mins late because of black friday traffic, totally out of our control. Declined a first table discount because 6 mins late. Normally as a human being you would probably be understanding. As a healthcare professional I wouldnt see my next patient or charge them more because they were a little late.

We were given alternative of paying full addition to 10 dollar we already paid. Otherwise we were asked to leave because the seats were filling up. There were only 2 groups of people there - 2 and 3.

Understand rules apply. What is the point of having a human to greet front door if you are going to apply strict restrictions all the time and not allow for genuinely human conditions.

Not sure about the food because I didnt get to taste it but disappointed about the non human approach to the situation. Feeling only a sour bitterness because of the 10 dollar fine.

The front of house staff who saw us managed to present herself politely.

Have used first table before a LOT of times with similar circumstances but managers were all understanding. (Restaurants that were understanding include:

Astor tapas bar Rude boy deli

Still disappointed, though and probably wont go from this...

After much anticipation, I finally got to visit Hugo’s Bistro in Shortland Street during restaurant month 2020. Upon entering, the restaurant interior is very stylish and elegant with its warm contemporary elongated lines with stunning pink hue artwork.

The service was truly exemplary and we were warmly greeted, attentively and well looked after during dining.

Whilst browsing the menu, I was captivated by discovering Monstrella-Garnarcha Spanish wine so more of glasses followed along with Antipodes. I was really impressed by the varietals on offer.

I enjoyed the sourdough with whipped butter to graze on whilst we contemplated the menu options.

We started with the grilled octopus with leek and romescue and the snapper crudo. The entrees were heavenly and an exciting start to our dinner.

Following on, we enjoyed the goats cheese ravioli with burnt butter sage and the wagu bavette accompanied with grilled asparagus with fried buckwheat and whipped ricotta. Our mains were simply divine and moorish.

Closing out we ordered the burnt caramel baked cheesecake and treacle tart with lattes and this was a perfect end to dinner.

Our dining experience was extraordinary and remarkably memorable and it was most fulfilling finally to experience Hugo’s Bistro. Thank you, we will return again. Highly recommended with the highest...

Loved the decor/interior of this place! Did not expect the fine interiors from the outside. The seats were very comfortable. Not your usual food, great flavours and creative menu, with pleasant surprises. The waiting staff are very professional and friendly. I think it's a perfect place for romantic dates.

Downsides: the portion sizes could be bigger as we were still hungry after both had our mains. the online booking system needs to take credit card details and a credit card booking guarantee of $80, and you needed to agree to their T&C, if not showing after 10 mins you'll be charged $80 for no show. The wording on the booking and confirmation email did put me off. But the dining experience was a completely different experience compared to the...