Hands down the best meal we've had in New Zealand so far, and we've been chasing great food the…read morewhole trip. We started with Maple Old Fashioneds, which were tasty though a touch watered down for a cocktail that's supposed to be spirit-forward -- maybe a Kiwi preference thing, but it's really the only note on an otherwise flawless night. For starters, the venison tartare and ceviche were both light, refreshing, and beautifully done. The tartare in particular let the minerality of the venison really shine through. For mains we went with the picanha and beef cheeks, plus sides of crispy potatoes and the gnocchi. Picanha on the menu alone sets this place apart -- it's a phenomenal cut that deserves way more recognition outside Brazilian cuisine, and they nailed it, especially with the chimichurri. The beef cheeks were equally impressive: fall-apart tender, melting texture, incredible depth of flavor. We ended up dipping the crispy potatoes in both the chimichurri and the beef cheek juices, which tells you everything. The blue cheese gnocchi deserves its own paragraph. Our son doesn't even like blue cheese and loved it -- the cheese was subtle, not overpowering, and the gnocchi itself was the most pillowy we've ever had. We liked it so much we ordered a second round. Worth the visit for that dish alone. We finished with the toffee custard -- think flan, but thicker and even silkier. A perfect way to end the meal. Service was warm and knowledgeable -- Dimitri took great care of us. Can't recommend this place enough.

Very good food with a contemporary menu. Attentive service but also some big groups and therefore…read morevery loud.

We were so excited to come here. visiting from Texas! Sadly, our experience so far has been a bit…read moredisappointing. As I prepare to shell out $49 NZD for a steak, I expected a certain level of expertise, especially when it comes to cocktails. Unfortunately, when I asked about their martini options, it became clear that the server was less than knowledgeable. He said they were busy and could only allow cocktails on the main menu. Uh, you have all the ingredients for a Martini, so being busy doesn't make sense. It's surprising for a place that prides itself on being fancy. The lack of confidence in answering our questions about drinks really put a damper on the experience before we have even ordered. I'm holding out hope that the food will redeem this visit. Fingers crossed that the steak lives up to the price tag. Here's to hoping for a better experience ahead!

Gusto is a hidden gem of a restaurant tucked away on Ocean View Parade. It is right on the…read morewaterfront in New Plymouth so the views are simply spectacular! The decks extend over the beach so if you book a table close to the large windows; prepare to feel like you were eating out at sea! The large indoor fireplace makes this restaurant the ideal place to enjoy the views from the warmth of a cozy dining room in Winter. The cocktails at Gusto are fabulous and the lovely seating area near the entrance is the perfect spot to sit and savour them. Order a few nibbles and you have all the elements you need to relax and unwind with friends and family. Gusto is one of my favourite restaurants in New Zealand. My only complaint is that the portions are far too big but I'm sure that's not likely to be an issue for most people!. The food is generally packed with wonderful layers of hearty flavors that are typical of good quality ingredients. The lamb was cooked to perfection and the mash, wonderfully smooth and creamy. As for the desserts; they are a must! I've never had a dessert that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed! Gusto now offers a range of set menus and usually varies the menu to accommodate for seasonal changes.

I came here for breakfast after reading others reviews. I loved it, the ambience,the great music…read moreand the chef that sings out loud,awesome. The food was great,good size serving and delicious. I ordered the gorgeous George, really well presented. Would definitely return here next in New Plymouth.

a bunch of thieving bastards. If you order anything off their menu, don't fall for the "Would you…read morelike salad / sauce/ bacon with that? All up sells which you don't find out about until it's time to pay the bill. No where on their menu does it mention the add on charges, nor the person taking your order. Just charge, charge at the end when time to pay. A total rip off and they should be ashamed of themselves. Go somewhere else for food - not these greedy charletons. Disgusting business practices.

YES!!! EXCELLENT! Sunay & his compadre Ercan are two Turks from Sinop who run what I'd say is my…read morefavorite Turkish place in New Zealand so far. Granted, I've tried different things at all of them but this one being a BYO and whatnot really made a nice change of pace. We like to drink and eat kebab. I tried the iskender which was on par with something you'd get in Turkey but of course not the original Turkish iskender which is by all accounts incredible. Anyway the place is large and has a great atmosphere. Really you can't get much better than Turquoise.

Last night in Taranaki so we were looking for one last good meal. We were originally going to go…read morefor Thai nearby but my buddy suggested Cafe Turquoise as a last minute changeup. It's right next door to The Mayfair, which always seems to be bumping. We dropped in on a Friday evening (around 7:45pm) and it was pretty busy. It's a BYOB spot and most tables were taking advantage of that. The inside is spacious with lots of seating. The menu is split into entrees, grilled meats, meat on fries, burgers, iskender, salads, kids meals, kebabs and desserts. Prices are very reasonable. - Mixed meat: chicken and lamb iskender ($16.00 NZD) - for my dad, we got his plate dairy free. You just need to ask them. He went with tomato and mint sauces. - Lamb and falafel iskender ($16.00 NZD) - my buddy got the lamb version. He wolfed it down. - Chicken and falafel iskender ($16.00 NZD) - they all come with Turkish bread, rice, seasonal salad, cacik, hummus, beetroot and choice of two sauces. I went with the satay and mint for my dish. Chicken was tender and flavourful. Plenty of rice. Falafel had a great texture. The beetroot had a tasty dip with it. Really good! - Lamb skewer ($17.50 NZD) - everything is the same as the iskender except you get spicy walnut. Lamb skewer was good but I enjoyed the chicken more. You get three skewers and we went the garlic yoghurt and mild chili as our sauces. Tasty food and great portions, all at a very affordable price point. I'd come back!

Don't let the lack of numbers of reviews put you off. Folks don't really know about Yelp here in…read moreNZ and there is no Kiwi equivalent. In any case, staying in the Common Business District in New Plymouth, there are several places where you can get a coffee or a breakfast. Mostly replete with locals, this little place had ecclectic music, a case of ready prepared eats, or what Andréa had some porridge. Having been a Rotary Youth Exchange student in Taranaki 35 years ago, the milk just brings back memories enough, but frankly the raspberry jam with just a hint of sugar as it didn't need much to offset the fruit served atop with sprinkles of their muesli this porridge was simply divine. I am not used to only espresso drinks, but the Americano was excellent as was her quadruple espresso macchiato. The atmosphere was relaxed, the breezes off the Tasman sea, and the beautiful sun peeking though the clouds, this place is just the perfect start to any Taranaki day

I have been here twice, both times for coffee. Once in the late afternoon and just now, when I was…read moreone of the first customers right when they opened. The servers are polite & friendly and they certainly do a brisk business, though it should be noted that each visit was because no other coffee place was open. Returning to the coffee, since it is a coffee cafe I anticipated a full flavored, delicious brew. While it wasn't bad - meaning not burned, bitter or stale - it offered little in terms of good taste. Pretty much along the lines of what you would get at McDonald's.

Delicious fish and chips! We got chips, crumbed and battered snapper - it was so good and the oil…read moretasted very fresh. Had a very slight taste or sensation of those mini hot cinnamon doughnuts you can get, but it was actually freaking delicious! Highly recommend going there - also very affordable!

This take away is crisp and flavourful. Lots of meat and fantastic batters. The prices are good but…read morethe big thing is the attention they give their food. An 8 dollar plastic tub holds lots. Since I arrived in town 3 people told me this would be the best take away.

Was looking for some South East Asian food in New Plymouth and have been disappointed thus far!…read more Then we came upon this place, fashioned as an Asian Fusion restaurant but serves their own versions of Pha Ga (Chicken Pho), Beef Rendang, and Bau (Chinese steamed buns) of many variations. The restaurant setting is hip and contemporary casual. The food was excellent! A little on the pricier side but well worth it! This time we tried the Chicken Karaage Bau and it was delicious! We also had the Vietnamese salad with beef and the Beef Rendang. The Vietnamese salad was just the right, meeting the Thai requirement of the four tastes - sweet, sour, salty and spicy. The Beef Rendang was really spicy with the right hint of coconut. In all, this certainly made our day.

Excellent concept and delicious food. Open pretty late, fast and friendly service…read more Did I say the food is awesome? Specifically: 5 spice Duck waffle, hoisin BBQ sauce + chilli fried egg $14.90 and Pulled brisket + shiitake mushroom, Japanese mayo slaw $14.90 Those 2 items alone are at least as good if not better than anything i've ever had at Mission Chiense - this place is world class.

European tavern style food, super fresh and tasty fish and veges. This place has a cosy atmosphere…read moreand a great look to it. There are great views of the water and surrounding beach and often there is wildlife to look at through the windows we can listen to the sea and the sounds of the elements outside. Our eggs were poached perfectly!

Very cool spot right on the Tasman sea. Beautiful view. Great food enjoyed the fish and the…read moreseafood pasta dish. Wine may have been opened more than a day. The gentleman was not overly friendly. The place is unique. Still had Christmas decor up. Not sure if we will revisit again.