La Zeppa Kitchen and Bar — Restaurant in Waitematā

We participated in the Art and Bloom event at La Zeppa on Sunday, August 13th, for my bridal shower, but unfortunately, our experience was marred by a challenging interaction with the manager.

My bridal party and I purchased early bird tickets for the event, which were advertised to include a complimentary drink. This was not only stated on their website but also confirmed in the emails we received along with our tickets. The tickets even mentioned that we could claim our free drink by referencing our booking number.

Upon arriving at the event and approaching the bartender to claim our free drinks before beginning the painting session, we were informed that there was an error, and we were not eligible for the promised free drinks. Despite showing our tickets, emails, and pointing out the information on the website, the bartender simply apologized and denied us the drinks. Seeking a resolution, I requested to speak with the manager, who claimed to be in charge. Frustratingly, the discussion escalated into a heated exchange during which he begrudgingly offered to cover the cost of the drinks himself, seemingly attempting to guilt-trip us for seeking what was rightfully promised.

This unfortunate incident cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a delightful day for me. I had informed my guests that with early bird tickets, we would receive complimentary drinks, setting their expectations accordingly.

Dealing with the manager in such a manner was an incredibly disappointing experience. If there was indeed an error in the communication between La Zeppa and Art and Bloom regarding the offer, it should have been addressed internally rather than involving the customers. It is my hope that La Zeppa will take measures to rectify such issues to ensure a more enjoyable experience for...

If I had the option to give this place no stars, I literally would, due to the very poor service we had received from the blonde hair lady at the door. We honestly didn’t think that we needed ID to get into this place, as it doesn’t state it anywhere and we were not informed of it prior to the booking that was made. She had every right not to allow us in, but her approach with us was very rude and unprofessional. We had given her no reason to speak to us the way she did as we were really nice & understanding. Yet she spoke to us like we were children & not only that, she let a group of her “colour” go in without having to check their ID. The race culture in this place left us feeling very upset & unwelcome, along with her lack of empathy & communication. We also couldn’t understand how she allowed minors in this place and we needed to show our ID, just doesn’t make sense to me at all. As long as she is there, I will never step foot in this place, nor will I recommend it to others because I would never want them to experience what we had to, and this was our first time there aswell! I see a lot of bad reviews about her on here. If La Zeppa stands by giving their customers the best experience & allowing us to leave reviews, I’m really hoping that they will take the feedback given on here, to better their bar/restaurant. Also, I hope that she will be fired, because Customer Service is not her forte, neither is the...

A fantastic dining experience with standout dishes across the board. The balance of flavours, freshness of ingredients, and very thoughtful preparation made for an unforgettable evening. We loved the atmosphere and hospitality as well!

The meal was a culinary delight, with each course showcasing exceptional flavors and presentation. Among the starters, the Kingfish Crudo stood out as a crowd favorite, its freshness elevated by a preserved lemon cure and harissa oil. The calamari impressed with its perfect balance of flavor and tenderness, while the King Prawn, paired with a Parker House roll, delighted with its bold sauce and easy-to-eat presentation.

For the mains, the Southern Station Wagyu was cooked to a perfect medium rare, offering rich flavors despite arriving slightly lukewarm. The Pearl Veal Chop was generous and indulgent, though its strong sauce occasionally overshadowed the veal. The Market Fish (snapper) shone with incredible freshness and a vibrant green chermoula garnish, while the Roasted Cauliflower side dish charmed with its seared grape vinaigrette.

Desserts brought the meal to a cozy and satisfying close. The Apple Empanadas were a warm, comforting treat ideal for the season, while the Tiramisu impressed with its balanced flavors, moist texture, and just-right portion size. Every dish contributed to a memorable...