[T2DMan]

Add your review of Wine Box Cafe and be part of the fun .

Contact Details:
1/239 State Highway 17
Albany
Auckland
ph. 0-9-415 8600

[AlbanyWineLovers]

Seeing as I go to restaurants in Auckland very frequently for business, I am fairly picky with what restaurants I choose to spend my own money at. For a recent special occasion, I chose the Winebox Restaurant in Albany. A couple of friends had recommended it to me and having passed by on a couple of occasions, the atmosphere definitely appealed.

However, I must say that I was incredibly disappointed overall. There were 10 people dining and each of us left feeling deeply unsatisfied. Several diners chose the Pork Fillet, which was 100% gristle. We complained immediately and were asked to choose again from the menu. We then waited for a long time for our new meals, which were decidedly average. When served with our second meals, the waitress apologised for the initial meals, saying that the chef had to serve the end of the pork and so was completely aware that he was serving us pure fat. In light of this atrosity, the new meals would be free of charge. However when we went to pay, we were charged full price, even after much debate and substantiation from the group.

A restaurant of this calibre and within an Albany location should not be ripping off its guests, or worse, knowingly serving food that is less than sub-standard. I have never taken the time to write a negative restaurant review, however this experience has left me angry and disappointed - do not make the same mistake as I did and dine at the Winebox Restaurant in Albany - there are plenty of quality restaurants in the area that respect their guests and strive for perfection and stunning food.

Needless to say I will definitely not be back again. If this post deters others from dining, then I can at least feel that I have saved some other people from a disgusting experience like ours.

[T2DMan]

Quite something to serve a bad meal, even worse to go back on the otherwise proper thing that had been promised - that of the replacement meal being no charge.

I would hope that this was just a bad day for all concerned, and I would hope that the experience would be different for others.

Would love to see some more reviews to balance out this interesting one.

Thanks

[callum]

I couldn't disagree more with the previous reviewer... I dine regularly at the Wine Box and it is my favourite restaurant. Great food, service and atmosphere. Keep up the good work!

[Julius]

After reading the previous review, I felt compelled to sign up on Time2Dine myself. Like "Albany Wine Lovers", I have never reviewed a restaurant, but I feel it necessary to give my opinion on this instant. I am a regular at The Wine Box, frequenting the establishment on a weekly basis at least. I have never had a problem with either the cuisine or service, on the contrary, I find the restaurant welcomely consistent. I trust the restaurant enough to use it regularly as a business lunch local. It's agreeable, everyone dreads being embarrassed while entertaining. It does sound as though the waitress was inexperienced / undertrained, as no-one would offer two free meals to a table of ten. Her explanation for the poor quality pork is understandably unsatisfactory. But on the other hand, I'm not sure you get a cut of meat that is "100% fat, 100% gristle." We've all had bad dining experiences, and a terrible start to an evening can set the tone for the rest of the night, which is a pitty. I understand the concept of reviews, be it theater or cuisine. Everyone has a right to an opinion, and to voice their opinion, but purposely trying to sabotage an establishment because of a once off disappointment is beyond me. Well done The Wine Box for their recent review in Canvas by the way. Good stuff. See you soon.

[zeeeto]

We went to the Wine Box last night for dinner and the food was awesome. I had the peppered scotch fillet and my husband had the kangaroo. They have a varied menu with a few items out of the usual. It is areally quaint restaurant with lovely staff. I will definately return.

[kells]

fantastic.... loved our evening at the wine box, we had a large table and were served very well.

[zeeeto]

Went Back to the wine box again...best steak i have ever had. it was a very busy night but the service was still great. they have a great indoor fire going aswell as one on the deck.

[Nae]

Hmm, Just tried to book a table for tomorrow night but they're completely booked out, except for outdoor tables. Interesting. I shall have to persist and try to book a little further ahead next week.

[karen22]

great menu!!