Tasteful Seconds By Kyrsta Lynn
+4
We came here for the $20 lamb roast on Sundays. It included veggies, Yorkshire pudding, lamb, potatoes, and gravy. Delightful meal and tasty wine to go along. The lamb was cooked perfectly and can't wait to go here another time to try out one of their other meals.
I found this restaurant about two years ago by accident and loved it so much that I always remembered it as a place with good memories.
The last time I’ve been here was last year May, but the most recent review sounded like they had a horrible experience. I was also a little bit worried because the restaurant was under a new management.
But it was just the way I remembered. Staff were so friendly and the service was good.
What I love the most is the vintage interior. I mean, it could have been a family house. An actual fireplace is on during winter nights making the room very cozy and warm. Fairy light decorations outside the building is very charming and looks festive. The tables are pretty old (in a good way) and the whole place has that wooden/rustic touch.
This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts and drinks including tea, so it’s perfect for any time of the day. I love coming here especially on a rainy day.
Thanks so much ! :)
Been going to the Wine Box for more than a decade. Had dinner in Feb 2019. The new owners are wonderful. Atmosphere still casual and eclectic. Steak is exceptional. Fresh vegetables. Big portions. Very tasty. Desserts are brilliant. One of the best places in North Shore!
Nice local menu. Cozy & comfy local atmosphere and most of time- friendly staff.
It’s quite far from the city but always pleasant to visit on a quite day time! ( or even for dinner!!)
This was a great place to eat- very atmospheric and great food. I had the pork belly which was delicious, and the tiramisu which was a bit too creamy, hence the 4 stars. The service was lovely, and the restaurant had a great buzz!
We visited the wine box for my girlfriend's 30th birthday looking to make it a very special occasion. Our group had over 20 people so we were offered a set menu tailored to our needs that provided two courses of Entree & Main along with plenty of sides to go around.
The staff at the Wine Box really went the extra mile to incorporate all of our requests with Lenka helping with all the organizing up front then Michelle being the star of the show on the night.
We arranged to bring in a large format bottle of Champagne early for a toast, which they ensured was chilled for us, and our own birthday cake to go around for dessert.
They provided an amazingly decorated table with and extra bits an pieces like some photo props, large "3" & "0" helium balloon, a canvas for everyone to sign and write a Birthday message and it all added up to make a very special night.
P.S. The food was also amazing and could not be faulted plus the wine selection was amazing.
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I've rated it five but I would give it 4.5 if there were the option but overall I love it.
The first time I went, the restaurant didn't do takeaway but they bothered to accommodate us. They were so meticulous putting everything into a little cup or box for us. I'm a diabetic and I went low while waiting and the lady brought some food out for me as well. The lamb roast is absolutely delicious and so perfect, same with the mash and mac and cheese.
We also went tonight ordered the same everything for my husbands birthday and it was as great as last time, the food was amazing kiwi food. The ambiance is kind of like a little cafe situated in a New Zealand or Australian vineyard.
I do see that this place used to have exotic meats like kangaroo, crocodile and ostrich, if I had any criticism I would love to see more of this back on the menu again, just because I like to try new meats and it can be great to have that option.
This place is a great option for a foodie like me, when I just want something local with ambiance, good service and good food. Also I am very happy to see them on uber eats now, will be ordering. I will definitely go back again...and again.
Food: steak and pasta were delicious
Service: service was very good, polite and attentive.
Good for kids?: Maybe. Although no kids menu, they are very accommodating to making simpler versions of existing menu items. But it doesn’t always turn out great. My daughter wanted cheese burger so they made one without all the usual fixings, the patty turned out to be very dry and the cheese was a clump hanging off the side. Even the buns were dry and hard. Needless to say, it was not very tasty.
Fantastic all round as usual. I thought I would break away from my same as as always and had a steak instead - cooked to perfection! Even though the restaurant was packed (when isn't it?) the service was prompt, efficient and as warm as always. I almost wished it had taken longer so I could tick off a few more of those wines!
until next time winebox!
Had a great meal with my husband. The Valentines menu had a variety of options. My husband had the duo of venison and ostrich. very tender. I had the prawn cutlets which were beautifully cooked. For the main meal we both had the beef eye fillet which was cooked to perfection. It was accompanied with a dish of veges, beans, carrots and cauliflower. Desert followed with a chocolate and raspberry tart for me and a citrus tart for my husband. Our meals couldn't be faulted. We weren't rushed at all. The waitress was a bubbly polite young lady, her service was superb. We have been to this restaurant many, many times and have never been disappointed with any of our meals. We have been for lunch and dinner. It has a lovely relaxed atmosphere and is very welcoming.
OMG!!! Their Chicken Fettucine is to die for! I love the atmosphere at this restaurant. Its quite rustic with twinkly fairy lights and candles. I will be visiting frequently..
Visited the wine box last week with my partner. The staff were very inviting and friendly.
We ordered the flower pot and prawns for starters both are delicious, loved how the flower pot has 3 different dips to go with it.
Our mains were just as good, absolutely recommend the Fettuccine Franko and my partner had the lamb rack which he enjoyed.
The wine list was fantastic so much choice and the staff helped us choose a lovely bottle of Red that went with both our meals.
Will be returning again soon.
Had the most wonderful experience tonight. From the beginning the service was wonderful and parking was very easy; they even had ramp access for those who find stairs difficult. Ours entrees, mains and desserts were all delicious; portion sizes were generous but not overwhelming. Our meals well timed so we never waited too long, but also were able to digest one serving before the next. We never felt rushed, and the staff made sure we were taken care of until the very end. My compliments to the chefs and all the staff, it made for a very pleasant evening.
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With New Year revelry over and now into the second week of Jan 2017, we needed an afternoon of indulgence. So with the right amount of gloss on our lips and sunnies perched at the right angle we headed off to Albany on our culinary exploration.
Hidden away in a shady nook, we discovered this delightful quaint restaurant that was full of old world charm blending in harmoniously with the modern lighting and tongue tingling food. The Wine Box was once a cafe that ran alongside a pottery. Now painted in modern hue, it has retained its dated furniture with leather upholstered chairs, iron carved table legs and wooden wrap around verandah and wooden polished floors. True to its name, it was full of bottles of wine on every shelf, but not so overbearing that it distracted us from the food.
We were shown to a table for two by a delightful lady that overlooked a wooden verandah framed with a door complete with curtains. I felt I was sitting at an opera box seat. The leather covered menus with the name boldly embossed came with a wooden backing.
I chose the Chicken Livers Pan fried with a wholegrain mustard, manuka honey & cream sauce.
Side salad and fries for $17.50, while my friend preferred an Antipasto platter. My chicken liver was cooked just right with the wholegrain mustard with the right amount of punch and the manukau honey and cream sauce added the richness to the flavour. The fresh salad was cut fine and delicately served along with the hot fries in its mesh basket all resting comfortably on a wooden board. It was a sight to behold. I could feel the mustard tingling my nostrils but not enough to make me sneeze. I particularly enjoyed the creamy sauce of the honey.
The portion sizes were great. I did not finish the fries and my friend did not finish all the items on her platter. I was too busy relishing my chicken livers to pay attention to her Antipasto platter.
A leisurely lunch later, we indulged in creme brulee and coffee.
All in all it was a delightful adventure and I felt all my 5 senses were sated.
Definitely will go back again. And definitely will go in for dinner on the last Thursday of the month when they have the live jazz band.
Highly recommended. Its one of those iconic places that you want to treasure as one of your most treasured secrets.
Have been here many times and enjoyed the unique menu and unpretentious ambience. The food is well thought out and tasty, perfect proportions. A small but we'll chosen range of wines.
We'll be back at regular intervals.
The only gripe would be that the ventilation in the kitchen was quite ineffective and all the smoke and odour drifted out into the main dining area.
I booked 30 seats for my 30th birthday and from the minute I met with the owner (Karis) it was smooth sailing! I cannot fault anything on the night; the food and drinks were great, the venue intimate and friendly, the staff polite and thoughtful AND the staff even set the venue up for me once I'd dropped off the decorations! Everything that is done, is done with your interest at heart...and you can't put a price on that! Karis was able to set up the deck area for me as well for a photo booth, a guest book, a cake table and a photo board! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this venue to anyone looking for a cute, intimate atmosphere! Thanks again Karis!
This place is a cute little hideaway treasure in Albany. I went here on a anniversary night and it was very cute. Staff were nice and food was good. I ordered the flower pot bread, antipasto platter and the fish of the day. If anyone is stuck for ideas of where to eat in the Albany area, defiantly try here.
We love this place, especially on a cold night when the fire's going and the candles are lit! The food here is to die for, although there are not many vegetarian options but that is my only complaint about them. Perfect Albany spot for a quiet, hearty meal
Went here for staff lunch, my goodness the peppered steak was delicious! Seared beautifully and so tender and moist. For starters we had garlic bread (yum) and their flower pot bread with a beetroot dip and capsicum dip (also yum). I have also had the beef salad here and that did not disappoint.
Setting: 7/10
Cosy
Service: 6/10
I felt a bit neglected initially, having to ask for a water glass, check on my drink order, other tables being served. The waitrons were attentive and friendly after that.
Food: 8.5/10
Not many veg options, but the egg plant involtini was super (if slightly tough) and the wine selection is fab. I'd have given desert a miss in retrospect. The apple cake I ordered seemed remade/frozen variety, and needed more icecream (very dry). A bit pricier, but I would recommend it.
Went to the Wine Box for lunch, it was so delicious. They have a huge range of variety in their menu for everyone and the prices are very reasonable. I enjoyed their delicious Rose wine along with the flower pot bread as a starter which came with mouthwatering dips and the chicken burger as a main. The restaurant is a very cute little cottage style restaurant but there was a bit of a cold breeze coming through as we were placed by the door. The service could have been a bit more attentive but overall it was a very good experience and I will defiantly be going back!
Lovely place to go on a winters night. Had the fireplace on, was nice and cosy. Had a perfectly cooked steak and very tasty fettuccine. Lovely service, felt right at home.
Nice atmosphere; good food; friendly stuff who care about the costumers; yummy yummy food. Roo meat was amazing. Made our Sunday afternoon.
I drove pass this restaurant hundreds of times but never tried it until my friend took me in on weekday noon. There's no much ppl sitting there have lunch and we were welcomed well and served great food. Their pan seared scallops were wonderful with three different sauce, only three in one plate and it was mouthwatering. Unfortunately, I forgot to take photo for it. My friend told me that they r serving kangaroo fillet which is hardly found in other restaurants.
Fabulous place to go in Albany! I've been living in Albany for 7months and this is the BEST restaurant for exotic food for sure! They got kangaroo and we were so lucky to have the Game Trio(kangaroo+ostrich+venison) for tonight's special!! It's so unique! My fav is kangaroo among these three. Venison is a little bit like beef, taste good with tomato flavor. And my friends like ostrich meat the most! Also, it is worth to mention their Irish cream brûlée is brilliant! No wonder it's highlighted on the dessert menu. Highly recommended this place for a lovely date!! It's a sweet and comfortable place. Thank the lovely lady who was serving us tonight! We really enjoyed! Thank the chef! Thank the Wine Box!
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I feel so lucky to have found this gem in Albany area! I was just browsing on Zomato to decide where to have dinner at and found this place. I made a reservation on the day but still managed to have a table for me. The staff welcomed me in a pleasant manner.
I sat in the balcony area but asekd the staff if i could move as it was to sunny and she happily said yes but didnt help me out with moving glasses, cutleries and stuff but thats all good.
I ordered peppered scotch fillet, side salad and a glass of merlot malbec.
First of all, my main was DELICIOUS! I loved how they plated my main dish. I loved every bits that were on the plate. Steak was perfectly cooked and well seasoned. Blue cheese and mushroom risotto underneath the steak well balanced out the flavour and worked well with wine jus to give much more flavour to my steak. The steak was only $29.50. I was very surprised when I first saw the menu and the price of the food here. I got more than what I had paid for but hopefully they keep this price remained so I can visit there more often :-)
I recommend you to order side salad if you are a person who needs some fresh vege when eating meat like me as there is no salad coming with the main dish.
Merlot malbec was delicious too. I love red wine with spice and chocolate flavour. This wine was perfect with my steak and the price was only $9.80 per glass. I would have to pay more than $10 per glass if I wanted to have this wine in other restaurants especially the ones in CBD area.
The service is not very on point but I felt all the staff are very friendly and energising. I felt welcomed and at home.
Overall it was a great experience to visit there and I want to try their other menu out soon!
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My partner took me to The Wine Box for our last date night (4/2/16).
On arrival our waitress (long blonde hair) took us to our table which was ready and really lovely by the window in the corner of the main restaurant. We were given the menus and drinks list. We quickly made our pre-dinner drink selection and waited and waited...... we could see both waitresses and honestly, not doing much.... we had to call one over to take our order after about 10mins.
My calamari (chef's specialty) arrived in the small pan it was cooked in. Cute, but difficult to eat from. The calamari lacked flavor, the dressing was nice but hard to get some out of the dish onto the calamari... it also needed seasoning. There was no salt and pepper on the table, again needed to call the waitress over as she hadn't been back to check all was OK.
My husband had the ostrich and wasn't that fussed. He has had this dish before in Australia, was expecting something a bit more.
My main was Eye Fillet, perfectly cooked with a jus. Came with a nice potato bake side and four green beans, yes FOUR. I would have ordered a side of cooked vegetables had I known. The waitress did not suggest to order a side of vegetables which would have been welcomed. The menu does state it comes with steam green beans, but that was one bean more than a garnish. Again, needed seasoning, both salt and pepper.
My husband had the venison, again perfectly cooked but needed seasoning, self pouring sauce was good too.
We enjoyed a cheese board at the end of our meal with two cheeses. Just right portions with one type of cracker. Just enough. Was good value.
The food was very good, except it needed seasoning desperately.
The waitresses (not so much the long-haired blonde) needs training. The restaurant could go along way. The outdoor area, namely the roofing on the veranda (visible by the guests) is long overdue for a clean.
The quality of the cooking deserves a revisit. Watch this space!
Excellent coffee, excellent ambience, excellent staff, fantastic food.
Husband and I had been looking for another cafe after our regular one changed hands and the food quality also changed. We saw the Wine Box Cafe while searching on the net, we went in for breakfast and we were warmly greeted, the decor was homely and comforting with a fantastic feel, the food was beautifully displayed and the coffee was so good, had to have another to take away after breakfast....couldn't fault any of it which is highly unusual, we have found our new Breakfast Cafe and who knows maybe lunch at times also....
Excellent dining experience from the diverse menu, helpful staff and cosy atmosphere. I had the eggplant involtini which was delicious and my partner had the peppered steak with blue cheese risotto. Highly recommend!
Food is always well presented and yummy. Menu is a bit boring but a good place to go to for consistently good food. Price is ok and they don't surcharge on public holidays 👍
I have had such great experiences here.I have coeliac disease and its nice to know that they cater well for this. They had a lot of options for me, nearly everything on the menu was either already g.f or could be made so. The staff where more than happy to help me navigate the menu. We started with G.F garlic bread which was really good. Then we had a g.f meatball pizza, a scotch fillet steak, and the g.f fish and chips. All I can say is WOW... g.f fis and chips, it's so hard to find and yet to find a place that does it amazingly .... WOW. we managed to share a desert between us all and had the tasting plate. It was nice to even have options for desert. Thank you guys so much we will definitely be back!!!!
Visited the a Wine Box on a cold winter evening with my wife and a couple of friends. The staff and the warm fire made it a welcoming place. Nice food but to steak dominated for me with too lite vegetarian options. As expected the wine list was extensive. Good food but not the best but worth a revisit.
The Wine Box Restaurant is quite special to me because it was the place my partner chose to take me on our first ever dinner date. My partner ordered a main ostrich dish as well as this special tasting board with venison, ostrich and what not on it while I ordered the eye fillet.
It was pretty neat trying something new as I haven't ever tasted ostrich, kangaroo and rabbit. Venison was so delicious. Looking at my plate, I wasn't a fan of the kumara with the eye fillet. I found myself frequently food-envying his dish. From what I recall, the evening went smoothly. The creme brûlée did what it was supposed to: the top broke perfectly when knocked with a spoon. The Wine Box is quite a memorable place for me not only for its classic vibe but because of the new experiences I've had there.
We have dined at The Wine Box many times and it has always been a pleasant experience (otherwise we would keep returning!) We dined last Saturday night 15th Aug '15 and the restaurant was full which is always a good sign.
The staff are always so lovely, friendly and efficient Our Food was as good as we hoped. My steak was on the fatty side and was subsequently discounted to cover the issue without hesitation. I don't think I have ever been disappointed with a dish here.
My only suggestion is that perhaps the menu could do with a change up. It would be nice to visit not knowing what was on offer. Also our actual menus themselves were grubby and seemed old and came complete with a cigarette burn in the middle! May be a reprint?
Im sure we'll be back though!
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Dinner at The Wine Box was an amazing experience, from the decor, to the customer service, to the very exquisite cuisine! Classy, elegant and romantic, the decor is definitely fit for a special occasion. For me and my friend, when our waitress asked if it was so, we said no - we were actually just bored on a weekday night, and I pointed out it was my first time ever exploring restaurants in Albany, being new to the North Shore.
We started with a Baby Doll Pinot Noir and a Bellini cocktail. We loved both - especially the Bellini, which I felt was richer and sweeter than most Bellini's I've had at restaurants. I liked that they gave us additional Brut Cuvee wine to top up the Bellini.
For our entree, we had Garlic Prawn Cutlets, which were so juicy and succulent. I loved them as well as the little strawberry salad that accompanied it. A delicious starter.
For mains, we ordered Kangaroo and Aged Eye Fillet. Both were so beautifully presented; I loved that they were both garnished with a pretty flower. My first time eating kangaroo, I found its taste and texture reminiscent of lamb - quite flavoursome, full on and meaty, and could've done with something refreshing with it. We both found it was a little too tough and chewy. However, the Aged Eye Fillet was very tender and well cooked.
My favourite (as always) was dessert! We had O'Mara's Irish Cream Brulee. It was like a traditional creme brulee dessert but accompanied with ice-cream and a shot of Irish Cream liqueur. The creme brulee itself was perfection - the crisp top layer, the creamy texture underneath. Mixed together, it was heavenly. Would highly recommend this dessert!
Overall, a wonderful experience at The Wine Box. It was a great first dinner on the Shore! Would love to return for dinner again.
Bellini $13
Babydoll Pinot Noir $10
Garlic Prawn Cutlets $18
Kangaroo $29.50
Aged Eye Fillet $30
O'Mara's Irish Cream Brulee $11.50
This place is fab! I came here for a friends baby shower lunch and really enjoyed myself. I tell you this place was a true haven amongst a cold and rainy day. I sat down besides the fireplace to warm up and ordered the rabbit stew which came with crusty buttered bread. While I waited for my food, I ordered a flat white, it was just what I needed. When my stew came, it was served in a little cast iron casserole dish, bit cute :) It was so delicious and hearty and for a first timer to rabbit I was blown away. I loved it! Anyways all and all this place is fabulous and the wine list too. The decor is rustic/wooden but yet has a touch of class to it. I would highly recommend having a couples date here.
Lovely breakfast! Had the maxi breakfast, Good size and presentation was great!. Partner had the mushroom breakfast which was cooked beautifully. Good coffee and staff were very welcoming and food didn't take long at all.
A warm and informal dining experience. I took my girlfriend there on a Thursday night and the experience was good. The staff were friendly and welcoming and service was timely. The coffee was good, but not the greatest. The chocolate pie desert was good, but also not the greatest. Maybe it was an off night, but would give them another go.
We had not been to the Wine Box for quite a while, so decided to lunch there today. We sat on the deck in the very comfortable seagrass chairs. After browsing the menu we ordered the fish and chips and the smoked meatball pizza. One of us is a fish and chips aficionado and declared this version most satisfactory with good crisp batter. The gourmet pizza was delicious with ample tasty meatballs and beautifully cheesy. The staff were very good. Overall a good place for a lunch with a wide menu, good staff and comfortable seating in rustic surroundings.
We held our company Christmas function at The Wine Box last night. Our experience with this restaurant was amazing! Loved the food, service & atmosphere.
Everyone in the company who attended were very impressed and still thanking me this morning for such a
great evening.
I
really appreciate the efforts this restaurant put in. It was truly one of our best venue's so far. Sure to return.
Four of us went to the Wine Box on Saturday night and we all enjoyed it. All the entrees went down well and the steaks we had were cooked exactly as we wanted. The atmosphere was good and it was busy. A good selection of wines and good to see Craft Beers available although they could do with adding a few more. Overall it was very good evening and well priced.
This little low key establishment in Albany has a very good ambience. I came here as a group of four. For entrée we had calamari, mussels with coconut cream, curry paste and lemongrass, broccoli cream soup and fries. Arguably the best out of them all were the fries that came with garlic aoli. Although the broccoli soup was quite delicious too.
For mains we had eye fillet, scotch fillet with blue cheese risotto, roasted chicken and lamb rack. Both beef fishes were over cooked, and the ranks were so under cooked she left 1/3 of it.
One of the group ordered pasta here on another occasion and she said it was perfect time. So I really don't know what happened today. At least the house wine was decent (Station Road, a Chilean wine).
Fabulous menu, tasty food and well presented. Friendly and efficient staff. From rabbit to emu to kangaroo as well as the usual fare. Nice wine menu. $468 for 7 people, shared starters, mains, desserts and 2 bottles of wine. Unable to provide detailed bill, which was a bit weird having to view on the terminal.
We went to the Wine Box for the first time today for lunch,the staff were very friendly, food was superb, I had the leek,potato and bacon soup my daughter had the open steak sandwich with salad and chips she said steak was cooked to perfection .We both had coffees which we enjoyed as well,We will certainly be back,and will recommend The Wine Box to our friends
I had booked for Mothers Day, for their second service at 11am. Place was busy when we arrived. Right from when we sat down, the service was amazing, waitress friendly and smiley, we ordered the Maxi Breakfast and Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon, my partner had a coffee which he said was really great , and I had a lovely refreshing Berry Smoothie.
Our meals came out pronto, my Eggs Benedict with the Salmon was great, Hollandaise sauce perfect and lots of Salmon.
Really enjoyed the breakfast and the Maitre D was nice and came and asked how our meals were. We will be back to try out their dinner menu. Great place for a Sunday brunch!
Incredible service! Amazing food! The best place I have been to! I booked a table for my 21st and had a set menu it was delicious food and such great service I was so happy it is an amazing venue and definitely will go back!
Not as good as normal. We are regulars and the food and service is always excellent as is the wine. We went for an impromptu lunch on valentines day and although the deck was busy the restaurant was empty inside. The service was too slow,as in our drinks and food came on time and was lovely but the waitress never re appeared so we couldn't order another wine each and we wanted more aioli but by the time we found the waitress to ask we had three chips left. not at all like the amazing service we normally receive, hopefully this is a one off!
I've just been to The Wine Box for the umpteenth time and once again had a wonderful meal and outstanding service. I've had varied meals over the last few months, with the Thai Beef Salad being my lunch of choice today and everything I had to date is highly recommendable. The service is exceptionally good(which is very high on my "rating" list) and the food absolutely compliments the entire dining experience. Make it a priority to go there as soon as possible!
Came in for dinner last week Friday, and had an amazing night! I have been a few times in the past to this cozy restaurant and have always enjoyed the food and atmosphere.
I had the ostrich as an entree, which I though was quite exotic, and really enjoyed it! For mains I had the rabbit casserole (keeping the exotic theme going), and my partner had the eye fillet - both meals were tasty, well presented and pretty much fabulous! The atmosphere of the restaurant was great. It was full and busy and all of the staff had smiling faces.
As I am a local on the shore, I will most definitely be coming back, I have never been disappointed! Well done!
We were disappointed to see that The Wine Box was closed when we went last week as we had been wanting to try them for ages. (the note on the door said they were closed for Christmas break) So we tried again on the night they opened and absolutely loved our night there.
We sat out on their deck.... Beautiful. Little blankets in case you were a little chilly.
Calamari was awesome. As was the venison. We opted for Irish coffees for dessert. The waitress was a real gem, knew all about her wines!
I am writing this review for my husband Nick, as we came here for his work function last week. There was 15 of us in total, and our meals were fabulous. I had the peppered steak and my husband had a game trio, both of our meals were cooked to perfection. All the waitresses were very helpful and they catered to our friend who was gluten intolerant, a great night overall :) Thank you we will be back again with friends
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This quickie review was the result of an extended catch up with a visiting Kiwi ex-pat, doing a visual check on family and friends in Aotearoa.
Being a notorious foodie, and after a late night of catching up, I took my hungry friend Kirsty to our local 'swish' cafe in Albany, The Wine Box Cafe and Restaurant. We were making a fleeting stop on this occasion, coming in at about 10.30am when you would expect a bit of a transition period for most eateries. Yet, The Wine Box had a good handful of happy looking patrons at this time of the day, on a nothing-out-of-the-ordinary Tuesday morning.
We were seated quickly and politely asked if we wouldn't perhaps like to move inside from The Wine Box's lovely wrap-around deck area and that to move the place settings would be no trouble at all - as despite the rays of Spring sunlight, the air was still crisp to the touch against bare skin! We defiantly declined, and then were pleasantly surprised that we were not admonished or harassed for admitting defeat and retreating to one of the sunny window tables inside, facing out to busy Albany Village.
As our water was poured for us, our server took our drinks order and then bustled away, returning mere moments later with a piping hot and delicious double espresso for Kirsty and an indulgent Hot Chocolate for me. As we were just making it a flying visit, we decided to split an order of Belgian Style Waffles, complete with berry compote, maple syrup and ice cream. Priced at $16.00, which seemed pricey on paper but was value for money when the large serving of puffy, light waffles appeared. Our server also proudly produced a second plate and set of cutlery, without request from us or a face of reprisal. Overall, this was the perfect quiet yet vibin' cafe to pop into for an continued chat. With great value for money, atmosphere and a nice handy location; I'll certainly be visiting again soon for lunch, dinner or to swing by and grab something from their takeaway menu.
Kate
http://onetakekate.blogspot.co.nz
https://www.facebook.com/onetakekate
Possibly the best restaurant on the North Shore. We shared the antipasto platter( which was huge,) for mains we had a real mixture ( rabbit, steak,chicken) all cooked perfectly and beautifully presented. Desserts: we had an amazing brûlée and a berry cheesecake to share.
They have a roaring fire and great atmosphere. Service was perfect.
Very nice meal. Well presented. The waitress was friendly and the service was very good and we didn't have to wait too long for the meal to arrive. Enjoyed the flower pot bread.
Went here last Friday and I thought the atmosphere was lovely, food was good, and the service was great - we had a fantastic waitress (lucky Wine Box having her if you ask me!)
My boyfriend's steak was perfectly cooked (i.e. rare was actually rare, not medium). For dessert the chocolate mousse looked delicious but I got the Baileys Cheescake instead.. it was yummy.
This is the only time I've been here but based on my experience I was surprised to read some of not-so-good reviews on this website, hopefully I'll get to go back again for another nice meal
Gorgeous little building in the old village area in Albany ! Couldnt fault the service, prompt and efficient. We shared the anti pasto platter, it had ostrich on it!! As well as some other bits that made it really interesting.... Capsicum dip. Rabbit stew for mains! Great for a winters night. Didn't manage to get a table next to the fire.... That would have been the cherry on top! Desserts were divine... We shared the tasting platter.... Mousse, brûlée and truffles.
Had a quick breakfast at The Wine Box, great eggs Benedict( salmon).my partner had the big breakfast ( all the usuals) Service was friendly and attentive. Great fireplace! Will try for a dinner at a later stage.
Me and a few of my teacher friends went to The Wine Box last night for a well deserved staff dinner and it was awesome. Peppered scotch fillet was divine and so was my Belgian chocolate pie! Everyone else loved their meals( everything from salads, to pasta to kangaroo) service was great really personal!
We've dined here several times over the last few years and always thoroughly enjoyed the dishes we have ordered.
To read about our latest experience and see photos of our tasty meals visit http://celestereviews.wordpress.com/2011/06/04/the-wine-box-cafe/
Great atmosphere, food was lovely, desserts especially so. Found out that steamed koru are edible.
The service was fast and friendly. Good wine list. We will definitely be back.
Second time we've been there & absolutely divine. Gorgeous food, great wait staff and love the atmosphere. Definitely one of our favourites
My husband took me to lunch on my Birthday. This was quite simply devine. I had a little "food envy" when I saw my husband's starter of chicken livers..... then I tasted it and oh my...... I have to have my own next time. My starter was lovely too though, I just like to taste everything! I wanted pasta for mains and was afraid it would be too big so I was kindly offered a half portion which was perfect for me. Overall, I have to say I didn't actually want to tell anyone how good it was as I wanted a secret place for myself, but really I just have to share. The service, food and wine list were all fabulous!
Exciting dishes on offer...
crocodile, ostrich, kangaroo, rabbit...
but dont let that put you off,
the calamari was divine!
suits both the adventure driven diner and the conservative eater...
cozy and warm service was great.
We go to Winebox regulary, always have great, friendly service. Would highly recommend as a casual get together with friends and family, is set in a very cozy cottage.
Have been several times to the Cafe for both lunch and dinner, great food, relaxed atmosphere, priced right. Must do breakfast some time.
The wild game trio with a glass of Otago pinot noir is the way to go here if you like being adventurous with food. Service could have been slightly better on the night we went. But overall a great dining venue and experience.
The steaks are really good, the mushrooms sauce was FANTASTIC, a little bit disappointed that they didn't have any of the two entrees that we wanted to try, also the wine list could be a little be more extensive.
Love this place. Old school and true to the original character of Albany. Good, honest food and great wine. Their signature dish of chicken livers was delicious and the waitress was lovely.
Comments about this restaurant are really polarized,but I don’t regret about my choice😄Flat bread is amazing,while fish of the day is average.
Loved it here food was food we had pizza.. And quiet I will go back pizza was yummy and staff very attentive
Paul and Jayne Wheeler
+5
This meal was outstanding. We had the lamb cutlets with garlic green beans and potato gratin and slow braised beef cheeks with celeriac puree and roast carrots. Everything was cooked and seasoned perfectly. Service was great. A really nice ambience with a real fire and to top it off a great selection of wines and amazing value. We rarely give reviews but this was so great it was worthy of one. Highly recommend!
What an amazing meal. The best Lemon Pepper Squid ever! The food and favours were fantastic and the portion sizes were just right. Roast Lamb & Braised Beef Cheeks and finished off with the Ginger poached pear. Great meal and priced nicely. Will definitely be back!!!
We were very impressed with this lovely place. We hadn't booked and were a group of six, but they welcomed us in and we had a fabulous meal. The lady who served us was hospitable and had a good knowledge of the menu and any queries we had. Will go back when next in Auckland.
I was very surprised at this little out of the way restaurant. Having a real roaring fire at your back is always a good start. As this was a semi business meeting it was awesome to be in a restaurant where you could hold a conversation without yelling. The wait staff were very efficient and the meal was excellent. Overall an excellent find.
Local restaurant we hadnt been to for a while so decided to give it a try. Easy parking and nice to sit outside while it is still warm enough. Menu was nothing special and really couldn't see anything that stood out. Ordered.pasta found this very bland. Husband meal of fish was nice and sons pizza was pretty good..
We had a birthday dinner for a party of 4 two months ago. The set menu was great value for money and delicious with the wine pairing recommended by the waiter making the experience so much more enjoyable. The service was outstanding. We will be back!
Beautiful food although my partner ordered the steak medium rare and it came out rare then they did it again and it was rarer than before. The lady that served us was amazing and the atmosphere was awesome and our food was great. She did all she could to make our experience great
We had Mothers Day Breakfast here. The service was great however when one of our group went to order her waffles she was told they had none. A little disappointed as we were there at 9 am and I would have thought on a day like mothers day they would have been well stocked of everything. The boys both ordered the maxi grill and neither of them had bacon on the plate. We let the waitress know and she went and got the bacon straight away however an apology would have been nice. Other than that we had great meals and would definitely come back.
We were a group of 22 and ordered from a 3 course set menu. Everyone enjoyed their meals and the service was fantastic. Duck liver pate is definitely a must. I had the fish but got food envy as the people who had the chicken said it was spectacular. My husbank had a scotch with he said was very tasty. Good portions of fresh steamed veges. This is really important to me as I hate veges hidden in sauces and flavoured butter. Nice to come back to The Wine Box and know it's still a good choice.
What genuine and caring hosts! I have complicated food scenarios and I felt welcome and supported at this cafe. The waitress was willing and helpful and the chef put positive and nurturing energy into food options for me.
Intention is everything and I appreciated it.
Thanks ladies!
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