The Conservatory — Restaurant in Waitematā

AMAZING STAFF, AMAZING FOOD, FAMILY FRIENDLY

We showed up around 6/6:30, no reservation, on a Saturday night and the host (who I also think was either the owner or the manager) was so kind and helpful in finding us the last table available. He was also super helpful in accommodating our stroller for our son, and we could see that this wasn’t the only time he’d done it, as there were also other children there with their scooters (and yet none of them were in the way of the other patrons or the staff). Our waitress, Makayla, was also absolutely amazing. She was super friendly, very attentive and overall just a happy presence during our meal. She never seemed rushed or like we weren’t a priority, when we could clearly see from the full restaurant that she was very busy. She knew the menu and was able to advise us on what to get, she was constantly thinking ahead for all of our needs, and she was fun and happy the whole time. My whole family and I were so impressed with her- she was amazing at her job and had a great vibe. All of our meals were absolutely amazing as well! We ordered a couple of beers and margaritas, which were delicious, and then got the cauliflower to start and then chicken burger, a margarita pizza, the ravioli, and the peri peri chicken entree- we loved all of it! We all finished our meals, full and happy. They were also so accommodating in bringing us small plates to share everything. Lastly, the whole restaurant vibe and the staff were so an amazing for our family, especially our child. I could tell that this place was going to be great when walking by because it was accommodating a bridal shower party and a family with children right next to each other. Both parties seemed to be having a great time and I knew that it would be great for my family with our one year old son. All the staff were so attentive to him as well as us, engaging with him and giving him compliments. We couldn’t have asked for a better atmosphere! I would HIGHLY recommend this restaurant to anyone- for a family event, a work function, a date night, or for a night out! We were raving about it to each other after our meal ended and will definitely be coming back. Thank you so much to the whole staff, especially the host...

I had a table booked for over 15 people on the 14th Oct, Saturday for dinner around 7:30 pm. The attender showed our reserved table and then we all were seated.

The odd part was that all the waiters/waitress were wearing these headphones and nobody bothered to approach our table for service! It appeared a lot like a Star Trek environment! I, and my guests had to go and ask for service at all times! That was ridiculous! I was expecting to get a high quality service in a good high-end restaurant. But that wasn't the case. It was a sheer disappointment.

How hard is it for one waiter to come to our table, take the order, confirm the order and delivering it a little quicker? And, for the same waiter to come and check to ensure the service was given properly? Isn't that how a customer gets served? It ain't rocket science!

The drinks took ages to arrive. The drinks were all brought separately and all not at once! The starters/sides came after the mains and platters when it was all eaten! I was perplexed that a restaurant with a 4.0 rating was not organized at all!

Customer Service was ZERO! Delivering of order was ZERO! Lamb Meatballs were extremely SALTY! $45 down the drain! Stuffed Mushrooms lacked SALT?!?! It tasted bland! $40 down the drain! Seems like the chef was clearly oblivious to the dishes.

Cajun Chicken Skewers, Glazed Baby Beetroot, Rosemary Fries, Kumara Fries, Duck Fat Potatoes, Ocean Catch, and Southern Flame were scrumptious and edible. If I ever plan to come back, I would definitely order these.

Highly appreciate the seating arrangement and the view. It was very pleasant.

Team, I am not trying to be this bad/rude customer but when you don't get what you expect from a high-end restaurant we all will eventually vent!

Would I recommend The Conservatory? Yes, I would but with a caution.

I wasn't willing to write a review but you emailed me asking for one! So, reviews are provided at Trip Advisor, YELP, Zomato and Google review as well.

MY OLD REVIEW It's ok, you guys got back to Me for a free meal which I haven't come forth yet. I rate you...

I have a tradition of coming to this restaurant for my birthday almost every year because I enjoy the experience so much. I've dined here alongside friends and family for several years just for this occasion. This year we had booked a table for 8 people for Thursday 17th April, 7:00pm. However, when we arrived to the venue we found that the restaurant was fully closed. Lights off, furniture put away, doors closed. You can imagine how upsetting it is to turn up for your birthday dinner just to find that the restaurant is closed. Many of us traveled 1 hour in the car from Pukekohe specifically to come to this restaurant.

I understand that there was a severe rain warning in place earlier that day, but it is completely unacceptable to not recieve a message or a call from The Conservatory to let us know that they cannot open and give service. I do not understand why any staff did not contact us to let us know this, especially because at that time Google was still showing the restaurant as "Open till 11pm". We could not have anticipated the restaurant being closed and most of the other restaurants in Wynyard Quarter were still open and operating.

It is SO extremely disappointing to have this experience after so many great years of dining with you. Unsure if I will be returning next year because it was a pretty upsetting experience with no notice provided or apology/follow up in regards to our booking. It is not typical for The Conservatory to give poor service but I have to admit I'm simply feeling super disappointed after years of loyal patronage and coming so far to experince your restaurant. Any form of notice, explanation or apology could have gone so far...

Huge thank you to the Wynyard Pavilion restaurant & bar next door that was able to take us in after this happened, if you find yourself in this same situation I recommend going there as they gave fantastic service on such short...