Was in Hamilton for work so came here on my own. The wait staff were really friendly the atmosphere was really nice. I had the eye fillet steak with fries on the side. They didn’t actually ask me how I would like my steak but when I cut into it it was cooked perfectly!!! There was a bit of a wait on my food but the restaurant was actually quite busy. To make up for the wait I was given a complimentary dish which was realllly tasty! Would definitely go back again :-)
After nagging my bf for dinner here for almost 6 months, we Finally came here for dinner for celebration.
This place did not disappoint us.
I ordered the eye fillet and he ordered the duck breast. Like the other reviewers have said, the main came a bit late. When reserving the place, we were told there is a 2 hour turnaround time. However the main only came 1 hour after we ordered.
But mains were very nice though. Much better than similar dishes at other restaurants for the same price. Very saucy.
Also very much enjoyed the dessert. I ordered the ice cream pie and he ordered the rice pudding.
It was good portion if you ordered entree, main and desserts. But wouldn't be enough if you only had main dish.
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We came here for a celebratory dinner while in town based on the recommendations of several people. We were 8 people but had booked ahead so they had a large table ready for us. It was pretty busy when we arrived and therefore it was loud, but not so much that it was a problem. The food was amazing, I loved everything I had and everything I tasted off other people's plates. The only comment I would make is the main took awhile to come out, they were busy which would be the reason why, but for me that took it from a 4.5 to a 4.
We had already had celebratory bubbles and snacks at the hotel so we didn't order entrees.
I had the eye fillet main which was amazing, it came with truffled mash, short rib tortellini and shallots.
We ordered sides to share and had the brussels with pancetta, rocket with pear and fries.
For dessert I had the churros which dulce de leche - one of my favourite things. All amazing. Their dessert menu had some unusual sounding dishes on it and my mum ordered the rice pudding dish which came with sour raspberry ambrosia, lime marscapone and sherbet. I would never order that usually but I tasted some and it was amazing!
went for impromptu drinkies and food last Friday night...bar snacks or tapas were yum we had the rice paper rolls with yummy dipping sauces and the chicken nibbles and the ribs......hey its a little pricey for the size but sure is tasty......the place is smaller than I imagined and it isn't quiet...I wouldn't go here for a quiet intimate dinner...but staff were great and the food was very tasty and the wine...oh the wine :)
We enjoyed an exceptional dining experience here with friends from overseas. Everything ticked the boxes - food, wine selection, service! Loved the extras such as palate refreshers... thoughtful, attentive service without being over the top.
Hard to decide which dishes to choose from a wonderful menu... deserves high ratings! A memorable experience! Thanks!
Nice place to go for a dinner date. Standard European food.
Best fish dish I have eaten in years - probably ever and the staff were all attentive,helpful and happy to go out of their way just as they were in the old premises. As I know where Bridge St. is I
knew I'd need to drive there and the space is so lovely it was certainly worth their effort to move there ( especially if it keeps Alice from returning).
A great dinning!!! experience.
This was our third visit in the last couple of months and each time it just gets better and better. The quality of the food is amazing and the service is the perfect balance of attentiveness and relaxed friendly style. There are plenty of interesting wines to choose from to match the dishes. By far the best restaurant in Hamilton.
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I was very excited to hear when Chim Choo Ree moved from their small restaurant on Victoria Street to a larger building by the river on Bridge St.
Their old location was small, dark, and at times the location didn't match the quality of the food produced.
We were extremely happy when walking into their new location. Open, fresh, well-lit, and an unique style greeted us from the door. The abundance of light made the restaurant feel warming and youthful.
We were set at a large beautiful wooden table and drink orders were taken. Not a big drinker, I ordered pink lemonade, which I haven't had since my childhood days in America, was simply perfect, and a great balance between sweet and sour.
At first glance at the menu, pricing seemed a bit high, but we were assured by friends who dined the night before that it was well worth the price tag.
We ordered some starters and the service was amazing, our glasses were empty for mere seconds before someone asked us if we wanted another drink or some more water for the table.
Starters came out shortly after we ordered and were larger than we expected. It was a good thing that our party of 8 had only ordered 4 starters. The restaurant filled up quickly and our mains came out around 40 minutes later, which didn't feel like a long wait and didn't leave our stomachs wanting for long, since the starters were so filling.
The portion size was more than I expected. I ordered the eye fillet, lyonnaise, blue cheese beignets, sardelaise, and caramel shallot. I normally order my beef cooked to medium rare but I was urged by the waiter to have it as recommended, at rare. I was a bit hesitant but I am so glad that I took the waiters advice. It was simple divine. Like a hot knife cutting through butter. Tender and perfectly cooked. And was paired perfectly with the blue cheese beignets, which could have been heavy, strong and over taking the beef, but it didn’t.
I couldn't finish the entire plate, it was a shame but my brother-in-law was able to help me out in cleaning my plate. After mains we sat and talked for a while before a waitress took desert orders. We suspected that the theme of 'large portions' would play into desserts so we ordered four between the eight in our party.
Again, was a great decision on our part! The churros were paired with a caramel sauce, and again Chim Choo Ree delivered. They were the perfect size, both churro and sauce was the perfect warm tempurature. It wasn't heavily covered in sugar, which was good since the caramel sauce was sweet. We also had the rice pudding mousse, which was mind blowing. The texture of mousse but the taste of rice pudding. It was an experiment the chefs must have taken, and it paid off- everyone at the table had some and we all agreed it was the dish of the night.
We arrived at around 8 and walked out close to 12, which when written at 4 hours seems like a long night, but we were entertained, never waiting for drinks, food, and we were never pressured to leave when desserts were finished. The staffs was beyond expectations, as was the food.
Well done.
Dinner with a large group on 20th March 2014 (about 10 people). First time at the restaurant, but heard a lot about it.
First impressions were good i.e. nicely decked out. Bit loud as some people have suggested, but not too bad.
Staff have been slated before in reviews, but the two young ladies looking after us did a fine job. Did what was expected and had a smile to. Nice one.
Food was excellent, but don't go there for big servings of anything! In fact the desert was very small for about $17 or so!! However, these so called "fine dining" restaurants are not known for serving loads of food, so most people know what to expect. The taste had better make up for it, and by and large it did on this night. Not cheap, but that goes with the territory.
Probably worth 4.5 starts, but I'll round it up!! :)
A group of 7 of us had dinner here and all of us were very impressed with the friendly service and the food. The wait staff were helpful, attentive and knowledgeable about the food options on the menu. Service was prompt, and all our meals were delicious. Unlike some previous reviewers we didn't have trouble getting drinks.Sometimes it's nice not to be pestered every 5 minutes for more drinks anyway.Highly recommended, nice decor and good atmosphere. The restaurant was full by 7.30pm on a Wednesday night, so I suppose that says quite a lot about it's reputation.
Very Happy with Chim Choo Ree... Great setting, Friendly staff and the food was exceptional.. Didnt take long to come out either. we will be back
Love the food here, but am always annoyed at the lack of service with the drinks, always have to get attention to get DRINKS! surely this is where you make your money? give us some drinks - get a minimum wage person just to sell drinks you will soon make the money back! Agree tuna tartare is best dish I've had anywhere. Yours thirsty
Fabulous menu. Great service on each occasion we have been.
I have only been here once and OH MY GOODNESS this place is amazing! The food is out of this world delicious, the staff are super cool and friendly. I can not wait to go here again. Everything about this place is just awesome. I love Chim Choo Ree. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Have been here with my partner three or four times now and each time has been amazing. We both enjoy the food and atmosphere. Definitely recommend it. The staff is good and the menu changes often enough to never get bored. Delicious!
We really enjoy dining at this restaurant as food quality is of a high standard, however we were disappointed with the service. We had booked a table, and on arrival, we were shown to our table by someone behind the bar, pointing to the table where we were to sit at. It would have been nice to have been taken to the table by the wait staff and seated as is expected at most eating establishments. It was early in the evening so the staff were not rushed off their feet.
We are regular diners at Chim Choo Ree. We find the food to be consistently excellent. The staff are friendly and suitably attentive. The biggest problem is choosing what to have. The Tuna Tartare is probably the best entree I've ever had anywhere.
One of the best place to eat in Hamilton.
Food quality and the service are consistently high. I love the menu and the fact that many chefs from other restaurants in Hamilton eat here.
Please do not book or visit, because you will make it harder for me to eat here when I would like to.
With a 6pm booking thought things would be quiet but no really buzzing. Shared entree was fabulous with a dessert to die for. The main meal of duck was just beautiful, food at its best. A big tick for the chef. Well priced wine also.
On the down side the wait staff were more on the chilly side of friendly. Shame really - they should be so proud of the food they serve. We certainly will be dining again the food is just sooo good.
It was our 40th wedding anniversary this week. Our two daughters arranged and paid for us to have a suprise dinner at Chim Choo Ree to celebrate . We had never dined here before. The service was friendly, attentive and welcoming. We found the food to be exceptional. Beautifully presented and delicious to eat. We had a lovely evening and found the atmosphere to be great.
Food was sensational! Cosy atmosphere. Unfortunately found one of the female members of staff a tad on the rude side. Apart from that, superb!
I have only been here once but the food was delicious!
The portion sizes are very small, but as I was not very hungry at the time I couldn't finish my main anyway. My husband finished my main as well as his own plus entrees, and was still hungry. I got the pork belly as a main and cheese ball type things for entree.
100% would go back!
absoulutely gorgeous, what more can i say
food was a little pricy but all served on time and in the highest fashion
I had the scallops which were melt in your mouth and the sirloin steak which was cooked to perfection
waiting staff were very friendly and helpful and the choice of wine and beer was excellent
definitely return
Been to Chim Choo Ree about 4 times in the last 6 months and can highly recommend it along with my wife, and many family members who have been many times over the last 6 months also. Food is very tasty. Menu is on the higher end of the price bracket but you get what you pay for... Great food and great service!
I ate here with my husband and another couple for dinner on a Friday night. They were packed, but this only added to the atmosphere. The service from the owner was friendly and knowledgable, but I did find the wait staff to be a bit surly. Food was excellent. Portions a little bigger than they needed to be. Great wine list. Will be back for sure!
Sitting back in the couch and still enjoying the flavours from Chim Choo Ree tonight.
The kitchen is doing an amazing job. Good flavours, perfectly cooked, not overloaded and very good presentation.
Athmosphere is very surprising. Tiny and old school interior which gives it an extra dimension. It is a bit noisy but I guess it is part of the athmosphere in a small laid back restaurant.
Service was professional, friendly and very well timed. Being a waiter myself though, I expect relaxed service that makes you feel like you're in their living room. It's bloody hard when it's busy but if I can give any advice to my fellow waitresses: look relaxed, feel at home and behave like the lady of the house at all times. Small chat helps a lot for a good experience
Truly exceptional! This is hands down the best little restaurant in NZ. The gorgeous ambience, excellent staff and outstanding food all make it my fave place. Consistency & attention to detail is key to a great place and Chim Choo Ree delivers this in droves with no pretension, no fuss or ego. Great music, flattering lighting (very imp!) and the best ever churros, snapper, beef, anchovey toasts, . . . mmmmm now I'm really hungry. Bon appetit!
Without a doubt - the best place to eat in Hamilton, if not NZ! After coming from living in London, this restaurant/cafe easily stacks up against some of the best we have been to there.
attentive staff, quick orders and beautifully presented meals.
Good value for $ too - 3 course meals for 2 and 2 glasses of wine each = $150.
Cant wait to go back!!!
Absolutely amazing. My husband and I have dined in exclusive restaurants around the globe and we loved every mouthful of the tasting menu we had tonight. Every dish was superb and the wine matches were perfect. Fantastic meal out with awesome service and a cosy setting. Great value for money considering the high standard of dishes. A tuna amuse bouche was a delicious start. Our particular favourites were the smoked prawn risotto with fillet, the confit pork belly and the eye fillet with horseradish mash.
I would highly recommend this restaurant, the service and food is excellent. The menu is really interesting with some unusual flavour fusions, all of which work perfectly together. The anchovy toast starter was particularly delicious.
It was a cosy dining experience, the food was beautifully prepared and served. I will definitely be back.
I cannot speak more highly of Chim Choo Ree. I recommend it to whoever I can! The food is absolutely fantastic, with the ingredients in each dish perfectly complimenting each other. When first looking over the menu, the ingredients looked a little different, but it all works beautifully. Somewhat eccentric, but very comfortable, Chim Choo Ree is a lovely experience.
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Imaginative menu that brings a great twist to some of my favourites. Especially the Tartare.
It was so difficult to choose because so many menu items were enticing to me! And the menu changes constantly as they use seasonal ingredients, which is something I love to see.
Well curated, perfectly seasoned and nicely balanced.
Service was incredible. The waitress really looked after me by making sure I could still dine after having car troubles thus making me need to phone and say I’ll be late, but being so late that she had to double check if I was still coming.
She spoke knowledgeably of the menu and her love for working at this particular venue. Which sends a great message about the whole place. Also gave great suggestions.
I arrived late on a Tuesday night, so by the time I arrived, the last table were just leaving. The waitress made up for the atmosphere though, and allowed me to sit up on the bar for my meal and she provided interesting conversation which was not obligatory but greatly appreciated after a hard day.
Decor: very much my thing.
The owners/chefs were inspired by Mary Poppins. Fun and creative space to fit the name.
Can hardly wait to return, thank you!!
My husband and I went Chim Choo Ree for my birthday dinner. The atmosphere, service, and foods were spot on. I strongly recommend this restaurant to anybody who wants to be pampered and enjoy true fine dining experience in Hamilton.
My favourite restaurant in Hamilton! It was my friend's birthday and all of us had a great time here. The food was so nice and I highly recommend cured salmon as entree and duck breast as main. The staffs were so kind and friendly too. Definitely coming back next time :)
Goodness me - what else can you say but WOW!!
The flavours they created were incredible! A different taste every bite.
And a 'Rice pudding' with raspberry icecream that ... I don't think I will ever experience in my life again. Wow, just wow.
And the waitress, was attentive and wonderful, the venue, quiet and relaxing- visited 19/10/23 7pm
5 stars without question - the food was devine, luck the plate good with each dish. Service was superb from excellent knowledgeable staff, including creating on a whim a desirable summer cocktail. A most enjoyable experience.
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As an huge foodie I very much enjoyed my dinner here.
I am very picky with how the ambience of the restaurant is and good service is an absolute must for me. I was attended by a young lady that seemed to lack some experience however made up with her very bright personality.
The food is extraordinary! Venison I absolutely loved it and the bread was amazing. For entrees me and my brother both ordered the tortellini And it was fantastic. My last tortellini experiences from portofino was horrible but this was perfect. The filling and pastry ratio was perfect And the cream went very well with the tortellini.
For mains I had the venison and it was cooked perfectly. The risotto was so full of flavour and probably the best dish I have ever had. For dessert we shared one large cheese board and I gotta say the Brie went so well with the cracker. Wasn’t too keen with the cheddar however.
I Went over to The kitchen to thank the chefs and one of the chefs was absolutely hilarious.
I had an very enjoyable dinner tonight thank to all the staff that made our night I will be back
All round pretty yummy! We got the duck and lamb rack which were both very delicious, wish there was a little more on the plate but it was very nice. Deserts were not as yum as I hoped but weren't bad. The blueberry cake was the nicest. The chocolate fondant was not very sweet at all and could tell it was made with dark chocolate, didn't enjoy those little coffee balls haha and the early gray pudding in the cup was a cross between a bit yuck and kinda more ish, was like thick cream with ice cream in the middle. Wouldn't order it again or the chocolate fondant but ate majority of it
This is the best restaurant I have ever been to. Food is exceptional, in taste and presentation, atmosphere is welcoming and relaxing. The staffs know their food and wine matchings. Eye Fillet was wonderful best food I have had for a long time, Vin chaud cocktail was recommended to me by the manager and I had never heard of it before. It had a very nice unique smell and taste. The aroma was fabulous and the drink is served warm which gave a very cozy feeling when I drank it.
This is a great dining experience and we will certainly visit again.
We went to Chim Choo Ree for our 2y wedding anniversary. The waitresses were so lovely and went above and beyond to help. They made sure we had a highchair and plenty of napkins for our 6m old baby. They didn’t bat an eye when we had to take turns to eat our dinner. Will definitely be back!
Offering a fine dining experience of a fusion between European/Asian cuisine, Chim Choo Ree is one of Hamilton's must visit restaurants.
I was able to easily book my appointment over the phone.
Upon arrival, friendly staff provided outstanding service and led us to our tables. For my birthday, I ordered an entrée of beef tartare, followed by a main of snapper with lemon cream pasta.
The food was excellent but the wait times were unfortunately very long. We had to wait at least fifty minutes for the entrée, followed by another forty minutes for the main.
I was able to leave very satisfied but I hope they could improve on their service times.
Parking is spacious and the interior is immaculately modern.
Would recommend!
Dinner for two on a Saturday evening.
Staff were generally very good.
The restaurant decor is nice.
We both had an entree and main. The main took a long time to arrive, and the restaurant only had a few groups in it. Looked like there were four people working in the kitchen.
The food was very well presented, and tasty. Don't go here for a big meal though!!
They didn't ask for a refill of our drinks which is not good both on a business perspective, and also a customer perspective.
I would have given it three and a half stars but no halves allowed - so four stars it is.
Worth going to - to make up your own mind.
My colleagues all recommended here, and I went there for the first time last week with my family. Not to mention the quality of the food, the service and the overall ambience of the restaurant were amazing
- Great dining experience! Looking forward to going again
Through sickness had to can a booking but was very impressed by the way the staff handled the event. For a first timer stayed for a cocktail and was looked after with very friendly knowledgeable staff. Rebooked the following week as I was so impressed. I'm sure the food by the look and smell will match the occassion
My friends and I had a great night. The food was exceptionally was good and the staffs were nice and kind. My favourite dish was duck breast which went really good with wine. It was our first time but we are definitely coming back next time!
Sensational food & service. I had a delicious Raspberry, lemon G & T. We shared the Scallops and prawn dishes to start. For mains i had the Venison & my partner had the Lamb. These mains were out of this world. We will definitely be coming back
Incredible experience! Ambiance was charming, service was impeccable and the food was outstanding. The presentation of the food was top notch, and the portion sizes were spot on. I highly recommend the eye fillet and the bread and butter pudding.
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