On this page the Reviews as posted since September 2010 on the website of Dine Out - www.dineout.co.nz
23rd January 2012
Wow indeed. The meal and service were top notch as we both tried to decide whether to go through the menu or have the RIJSTTAFEL ‘SUPREME’. In the end we decided the array of dishes in the Rijsttafel was better value than going through the a la carte.
The meal had tastes, textures, spices that were simply amazing and we have envy for the people of Napier that they have such an interesting restaurant to frequent. Check out their website and you will see what I mean. Our son and his girlfriend also went there while we all in town and they raved about the experience.
17th June 2011
We found a diamond!
My wife and stumbled on this restaurant because it was programmed into the speed dial of our hotel telephone. I checked it out on Tripadvisor and I couldn’t believe my eyes.
We were greeted by a warm and smiling face and told about the Indonesian dining experience that is Rijsttafel (rice table). All was explained and in no time at all, we were immersed in exotic foods and the aromas and the textures, that are an essential part of Indonesian dining culture.
The accolades are true and there is not much that hasn’t been said. It was a truly unique dining experience and it is one that you should not miss.
Our Rijsttafel was around twenty small ‘experiences’, plus condiments, plus rice that are delivered in small dishes and kept warm on the table in special heaters. You sample at your leisure the wonderful array of foods that you have in front of you.
Make sure that you allow plenty of time for this pleasure filled experience and make sure that you are hungry.
Thank you Joss and Kees, the next time we are in Napier will be the next time we will visit your establishment. Your restaurant is a diamond and we can see why it has been going since 1983.
10th June 2011
Read great reviews about this restaurant. Good thing it’s next to the B&B we were staying at. I decided to go with their fish curry and hubby had their mini-risjtaffel.
I loved their fish curry and the spiced fruit salad. Had way too much to eat here. The mini-risjtaffel was fine though, I didn’t really like the rendang and beef curry. Gado-gado wasn’t the best and I didn’t like that they put in “filler” veggies (ie, celery, broccoli). That’s not how you make gado-gado.
Other than that, service was pretty good and we were looked after well. Price wise, it was alright. If we were in Napier again, we might go for their ristaffel.
14th April 2011
We loved our dinner here!! The decor is themed well I liked the funky look without being cheesy. The service was great our host was lovely and very helpful. We ordered the specialty “rijstaffel” which was a banquet meal of 16+ small dishes which were all AMAZING!! I’ve always wanted to try a little bit of everything and we were so excited going from dish to dish and trying so many delicious meat/vege/seafood dishes. I would recommend this place in a heart beat and will definitely go again next time I’m in Napier! Perfect for those willing to try new things and be pleasantly surprised.
15th January 2011
We discovered this little place via this site and are so glad we did. We had the RIJSTTAFEL meal which was 15 dishes kept warm on tealight candles, it was really good, especially the slow cooked lamb and beef curries. The desserts are very cheap – $6-$7.50 for our panfried banana with cream, and waffles with icecream, both of which were delicious. The service was a little slow at times, but the restaurant was full, and the service was very good and attentive when they were with us. The decor is fun, the masks are very authentic looking. A great night out, we’ll be back for sure, next time we’ll just have a light lunch before though!
23rd November 2010
This place gets 5 stars from me only because I can’t give it 6. Words like “awesome” just don’t do it. The rjstaffell is indescribably good, the atmosphere is fine, and the staff helpful, friendly and polite.
I will so be back!
