Clarence Tauranga Restaurant

Review updae We visited the bistro a couple of years ago and had a wonderful meal with some exceptional food and wine. I’ve also had the privilege of eating at The French Cafe in Auckland, so my expectations were high. Unfortunately, the experience was a little disappointing. The food was okay, and some of the tasting menu dishes were good, but the desert was disappointing. Disappointing was the service. At one point, we had cocktails, snacks and the first course all lined up on the table at the same time before we asked the wait staff to slow down a bit, and perhaps give us time to order some wine! Even more surprising the reasonably experienced sommelier could offer no more advice than to have white wine with the first three courses and red wine with the second. Unfortunately we got to course four before we could get the attention of the wait-staff to get the red wine, that we chose ourselves. Overall, not good value for money at $690 for three people. Old review This was a great restaurant in an old post office in the heart of Tauranga. The menu had a range of options from à la cart to tasting Menu. The service was very good, the place was busy and leather apron staff were high energy. Most of the dishes were accompanied by description from the executive chef which is really appreciated and the by the glass wine options were very impressive.