St Heliers Bay Bistro image

St Heliers Bay Bistro

Restaurant Cafe Bistro

One of the Most Revieweds in Ōrākei


Address

387 Tamaki Drive, St Heliers, Auckland 1071, New Zealand

Website

www.stheliersbaybistro.co.nz

Contact

+64 9 575 0606

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (1.4K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 7 am to 9 pm
  • Monday: 7 am to 9 pm
  • Tuesday: 7 am to 9 pm
  • Wednesday: 7 am to 9 pm
  • Thursday: 7 am to 9 pm
  • Friday: 7 am to 9 pm
  • Saturday: 7 am to 9 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: staff (11) great (10) service (10) coffee (8) friendly (8) good (7) fish (7) views (6) beach (6) view (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 2/5 yuna l. 2 years ago on Google
    I used to love to visit this place and come back during the long weekend brunch with my parents. I have no complaint about their food; however, one of reason I loved this place was their hospitality. I changed my mind this time. The waiter and waitress were so rude. They took my coffee order wrong then tried to blame me. not even say sorry... I paid my bill and left the cafe then, the waiter who took my coffee followed me and asked: "Did you pay for your table?". I told him I had already paid then he said "Ah, okay!" then went back to cafe. I felt embarrassed and insulted. I decided not to come back this place. I missed their vibes when they just opened this place 🥲
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 javier y. 1 year ago on Google • 283 reviews
    Awesome food, great service and great atmosphere. You can't ask for more. There is a reason the place is always busy. It is a great local and the views of the beach and Rangitoto are a treat. The music is normally good and cabinet pastries to die for. A+++
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Spider W. 7 months ago on Google • 140 reviews
    Great Cafe... Food was very good... Friendly helpful staff... Will come again...
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Anne F. 3 months ago on Google • 163 reviews New
    We came for their happy hour and oyster special. Sadly, supply issues meant there were no oysters, but the focaccia and crudo we ordered instead were excellent. The view from inside the restaurant was also a winner.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Explording C. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice location of sea views, connecting customers and beautiful beach. New management more than before. Coffees and benedict are so well👍
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mrs H. 8 months ago on Google • 84 reviews
    The price is decent. Lunch is good quality & quantity. The atmosphere was quite loud, which we didn't mind because we could hear ourselves talking anyway.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jerry L. 3 months ago on Google • 127 reviews New
    Classic fish and chips paired with a nice refreshing green lettuce, amazing!

  • 5/5 alejandra R. 1 year ago on Google
    Always great. Can't beat the beach front location. The staff are just so friendly and accommodating. The bacon is soooo good also.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Royal R. 1 year ago on Google
    What a lovely place to eat and enjoy auckland by the beach. The cocktail and lunch i had were spot on.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jaya 2 years ago on Google • 62 reviews
    Love everything about this place. Ambience, food, service. Ended up lingering around for a bit too long. The staff were so patient with us. The only downside is that I can't bring my dog here otherwise I'd be visiting almost every weekend for brunch and ice cream.

  • 1/5 Svetlozar K. 1 year ago on Google
    Perfect spot to meet someone at St Heliers area, but…I used to have a nice experience a few years ago at that cafeteria. Unfortunately it’s not so good now… I’ve been waiting a lot to get noticed… Coffee was small and a bit weak, Benedict was with unprecedented smell of fish, and bacon was tiny as paper …. The view is still nice though😉
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 tracy n. 11 months ago on Google
    The staff were fabulous, the food delicious and the views breathtaking across the water! We did not feel rushed at all and they could cater for our gluten requirements.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cristiano H. 5 months ago on Google • 44 reviews
    We ordered the sweet corn and Rosti egg Benedict. Portion is small but plating and atmosphere makes up for it.

  • 2/5 Olga O. 2 months ago on Google • 11 reviews New
    Came here for a family dinner following recommendations / reviews and we were really disappointed - to our great surprise even the hungry, easygoing kids in our group complained that their meal was over salted. The prices are extortionate - similar to what you would pay at an upscale restaurant. However the food nowhere near justifies the price. The dishes are uninspired, and mediocre in quality. It reminds me of the sorts of meals you might throw together yourself at home or a cheap and cheerful family-run waterfront restaurant in Greece, but they are definitely not to the standard of what you would expect of a trained chef charging extortionate prices. One member of our group has been here before and he remarked that the quality of the restaurant has gone down significantly. I gather it’s always extremely popular and busy - despite the mediocre food / high prices - because of the waterfront views. Well the views on the beach are even better and the picnic you bring will be cheaper and much more delicious!

  • 5/5 Janie K. 4 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    We booked a table through google however when we arrived they said there is no reservation made under our name saying they did not check today’s google reservation. Manager was pretty rude did not even apologise when she messed up the reservation. Started with coffee which had to be sent back because they gave us wrong coffee.. food took 35 mins to be served , one dish came out first and got cold while we waiting for the other dish. Great location with beautiful view * It was booked under my partner's name Edit: We were happily surprised when the owners got in touch, had another lunch here and the service, food and hospitality was top notch. Breathtaking view & exceptional gnocchi. Would definitely visit again for sure

  • 4/5 Samuel T. 1 year ago on Google
    👍🏻 1) amazing tasty meals 2) fast and attentive services 👎🏻 3) portion a bit small 4) flies all over, hygiene control

  • 5/5 Nathan M. 1 year ago on Google
    The waitress from Brazil was very friendly. The dessert was delicious. The food was great. Excellent location

  • 5/5 Paula T. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing place, staff is very friendly and food is always delicious and it never takes to long to be served which is impressive considering sometimes it gets really busy. Good location too, you can have breakfast overlooking the beach 😍 It is one of our favourites places to have a meal 😍😍

  • 5/5 Lily M. 5 months ago on Google
    Came in with my partner today; loveliest staff, gorgeous oysters & focaccia! we will definitely be back! Thanks for the awesome service 💓

  • 5/5 Tuocheng L. 5 months ago on Google
    The food was delicious, had the beef short ribs and veggie risotto. Absolutely loved it. Friendly staff and professional welcoming. Will definitely be back.

  • 4/5 Gail M. 6 months ago on Google
    Thanks Kerry for the great service this definitely adds to the experience. Food nicely presented and great taste. Prime spot at the front window let's you enjoy the view. A bit pricey.. but isn't everything today.

  • 5/5 ES E. 7 months ago on Google
    I've been coming here, on & off, over the last 15 years. The staff are consistently attentive, friendly & helpful. I can never fault them & I love the feel of the place. I also love the way the menu never gets boring & the food is always on point. Keep on being awesome.

  • 3/5 Fiona Y. 6 months ago on Google
    We had a very nice waiter. Bacardi as a rum option is not great . We asked for coffee at 8.30. The coffee machine was closed! This restaurant used to be a definite go to and we chose this in memory of our dad who loved it. Definitely needs a stronger commitment to the customer.

  • 5/5 Nadia C. 7 months ago on Google
    Oh yess, my new favourite St Heliers restaurant! In fact new favourite Tamaki Drive place to dine. Divine eye fillet, excellent specials, well priced alcohol and cocktails, fabulous wait-staff. Excited to dine here again and bring more friends and family A+++

  • 5/5 Marty Y. 1 year ago on Google
    Family dinner out with seven of us on a Saturday night. Food was excellent, certainly in a French bistro style which went down very well with everyone. We go here maybe once a year and this was the best food yet. We've always loved the decor plus only getting to half full last night meant it was extra nice. Service was good, not outstanding but adequate, friendly and efficient. Will be returning in the near future. 👍

  • 5/5 Dana P. 1 year ago on Google
    My husband and I had the most incredible experience at Heliers Bay Bistro last Saturday night to celebrate his birthday. We feasted on delicious food complimented with outstanding wine. The staff were friendly, efficient and professional. We loved our experience so much that we went back the next day for breakfast! Highly recommend this amazing venue to all seeking delectable food, scrumptious wine and exceptional customer service! Rated number 1 in Auckland - exceeded all our expectations. Can’t wait to return this weekend! Thankyou to Team Heliers Bay Bistro!!

  • 3/5 Phil L. 8 months ago on Google
    The staff & their service was excellent..... could not be faulted! The food we ordered was a shocker!! Four of us ordered the fish n chips and sent the first delivery back to the chef. The fish batter was overcooked and oily, and the fish obviously overcooked as well, and the chips also soggy overcooked and oily. The second serving was not much better. Perhaps oil needed changing? Other than the food..a pleasant setting. We'll be back but next time won't be ordering the fish n chips!

  • 4/5 Yan Z. 1 year ago on Google
    Great hospitality and views. Pricey for the portions. Especially the pasta is tiny for well over $30 a plate. My spinach and pineapple smoothie was quite bland and watery. It's definitely a bit of a treat but won't be back in a hurry.

  • 3/5 Stephanie K. 10 months ago on Google
    Met our friends here for lunch, was busy and atmosphere upbeat. The food basic, sandwiches and coffees. Pricy for what the food offered but then we realized one large sandwich can be split for two giving a fair go for a light lunch. Convenient parking, a great location along the waterfront and seating pleasurable.

  • 5/5 Khan W. 1 year ago on Google
    It has been a while since I last visited St Heliers Cafe & Bistro… MASSIVE improvement. The service is friendly, and fast. The coffee was hot and smooth. The new menu is food you want to eat. Simple, fresh, TASTY! See you next weekend 😋

  • 5/5 JJ J. 10 months ago on Google
    Been there thrice in a month and never gets disappointed. Such a nice vibe, view, service is quick and amazing. They serve sparkling water for no addtl. cost, menu has a variety of choices, staff Arthur from Brazil is very welcoming and warm. It’s pet friendly too! We love this place, will never get tired of going back. 😍

  • 5/5 Bronwen S. 1 year ago on Google
    My favourite place in the bays, went for dinner with friends and all our meals, entrees, mains and desserts was amazing. Beautiful flavours and the fish was so so good. Highly recommend the Bistro for dining in and their coffee is the best in NZ!

  • 1/5 Natalie R. 2 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    Dreadful experience. Expensive. Staff very picky on where you are allowed to sit. Make you feel like second class citizen. Food order was never put through so no food after one hour and asked about the wines to be told the girl had no idea so maybe I play it safe with a plain popular choice. For a place with prices like this and think and behaving as though they are 7 * then need to either step it up or drop prices to reflect actual service and class!!!!! Very disappointed.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍


Call +64 9 575 0606 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
    • ✓️ Free of charge street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Happy-hour drinks
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Restaurants nearby

Last updated:
()