Iguacu Restaurant & Bar

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Address

269 Parnell Rd
Parnell
Auckland
Region: Auckland
Licence: Fully Licensed
Cuisine: A La Carte
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Contact

Phone: 09-358 4804
Website: www.iguacu.co.nz

Open

Week days 11am Till late.
Weekends 10am till late

Menus

1608_Iguaçu_Winter_Menu_2007.pdf

Overall DineOut Score based on 57 reviews

Total		7.4
Food		7.5
Dessert		7.6
Presentation		7.5
Service		6.9
Environment		7.4
Toilets		6.5
Child Friendly	Yes

Review by: Eri (14) on 3rd December 2009

Total		3.5
Food		3
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		4
Service		1
Environment		7
Toilets		7

The manager and staff don't seem to know, that the moment a diner sits down, the experience and should be a good one. Perhaps this venue used to have good service, however I see that Iguacu has not won the any awards this year, like the previous years.
I dined for the first time for my birthday at Iguacu. I had main sized Tuna Nicoise which was mainly potatoes and not much greens. Someone else had the Game Pie which was like stew with an odd piece of pastry on the side. The Kangaroo was reportedly described as "gravy beef". It was mediocre food at 5-star prices, nothing too much disagreeable. However my partner ordered a medium scotch fillet which he was unable to eat. It was black on the outside and red on the inside. He said it tasted like a burnt barbecue that was undercooked. He told the waiter who took it away. Then the hostess came over and said, Sir it is a char-grilled steak, that is what you ordered. He disagreed that char grilled meant "burnt". The chef did not come over with the plate. In fact the staff did nothing until bill time when the same hostess insisted he pay for the steak. And no manager anywhere. Just the hostess insisting we pay for the steak. The hostess also claimed she did not have authority to remove the item and gave me a blank business card with no name to contact the manager the following day. A blank business card was not very helpful. I insisted we were not paying for a burnt steak, and she finally removed the $36.50 steak from the bill. Then I received these emails the next day from the absent manager:
From: Owner (name removed)
Inviato: Thursday, 26 November 2009 16.35.38
To: eri
Eri,
Further to this email I have just spoken with a number of my staff who have all said that the behaviour of a young man in your dining party last night was appalling. I even have a survey here from another table who overheard him yelling at the front desk and said that nobody should have to be talked to in that manner and that the gentleman was the rudest person they had ever come across. I don’t need customers like this in my restaurant being abusive to my staff and creating a scene.
I would appreciate it if you did not return to my restaurant in future.
Owner (name removed)
From: Owner (name removed)
Sent: Thursday, 26 November 2009 3:55 p.m.
To: 'eri'
Subject: Iguacu Restaurant Customer Feedback
Sorry Eri,
My apologies, I understand that it was last night that you dined with us and in talking to our Restaurant Manager the issue was with a chargrilled steak that your table refused to pay for. I understand that the gentleman at your table refused to pay for the steak even after it was explained what chargilled means. FYI to chargrill is “to cook meat on metal rungs directly over a heat source”. I understand that three staff members including our Head Chef and Restaurant Manager inspected the steak and it was perfectly cooked.
Regards Owner (name removed)
From: Owner (name removed)
Sent: Thursday, 26 November 2009 3:45 p.m.
To: 'eri'
Subject: Iguacu Restaurant Customer Feedback
Dear Eri,
Thank you for completing the Entertainment Guide customer survey when dining with us for lunch today. Every survey is read personally by me and feedback passed on to our staff and managers. It is only through your input that we can learn about what we do well, and what we need to improve upon, in order to ensure that every customer’s experience at Iguaçu is the best it can possibly be. On reading your survey I was sorry to note that you rated our food as “average”. Your survey concerned me greatly given our vision to “constantly exceed customer expectations”. I would like to follow this matter up with our Head Chef so would greatly appreciate any further information you could provide me with that led to your evaluation. I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.
Kindest Regards
Owner (name removed)
---------------------------------------------------
That's some conflict resolution skills from the owner. I like it how she was not present and was told by the hostess that we were abusive when we said we weren't paying for something that was burnt and not eaten. Word of warning, better not say you don't like your steak! Or you will be banned like me for saying so. I see others on dineout have also been unhappy with the scotch fillet as well so we are not the first.

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Review by: Dihang (8) on 8th October 2009

Total		7.8
Food		7
Dessert		9
Presentation		8
Service		7
Environment		9
Toilets		7
Child Friendly	Yes

I went to this restaurant a few months ago but I thought I might add some feedback. I remembered ordering a main of Seared Salmon with Risotto and I would have to say that the Risotto with the peas in them tastes a little bit weird. But apart from that, the Salmon was well cooked and it was definitely fresh. I had their luxury hot chocolate for dessert and it was really nice. The restaurant had also a really warm and cousy environment to dine in and even though the food here is a little bit pricey it would still give you a wonderful dining experience whatever the occasion might be.

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Review by: norbert1 (8) on 4th October 2009

Total		9.3
Food		10
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		8
Service		9
Environment		9
Toilets		8

I had dined at Iguacu previously and was excited about taking my husband to eat here. When we made the reservation while having a drink at the bar two days prior to dining, my husband had to go to a separate area to make the booking. He was given the full head-to-toe inspection of his clothing, which made him feel uncomfortable and instantly less keen to dine here. However, when we arrived in our better atire we were greeted warmly by the French waiter, who later proved to be very chatty and helpful when discussing the French wines, and shown to our table.
We chose an entree and a main each. We found both courses exceptional and the flavours were more than expected from the menu description. The ambiance was warm and there was a buzz in the restaurant. While eating we had to think back a long time to when we had had a meal of this quality. The price was certainly balanced for the very high quality of the food.

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Review by: RoxieBaby (3) on 22nd September 2009

Total		7.6
Food		7
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		9
Service		8
Environment		8
Toilets		7

Hadn't been here for ages - so decided it was time to revisit as it always looks so inviting from the Road and we had an hour or so to spare the other evening. Great Choice as we certainly weren't disappointed, friendly greeting on arrival and a nice roomy table near the spiral stairs. I ordered a main course scotch fillet and it was probably one of the tastiest I've had in a long time. My partner went for the seared tuna salad nicoise (main size) and it was also extremely good as she was expecting the usual salad style presentation but this was so much more. Well worth a visit.

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Review by: Cuttsy (22) on 14th September 2009

Total		8.7
Food		9
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		8
Service		8
Environment		9
Toilets		9

I am from Wellington and had never heard of this place and literally walked in off the street. What a treat! Great ambience in a French/Italian style. Very friendly staff and food to die for (I am pretty fussy so it has to be something extra special for me to rave) All my colleague and I ate was the steak dish and it was fabulous and very filling. I recommend this place if you like good food and are prepared to pay for it

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Review by: Bee21 (4) on 8th August 2009

Total		9.5
Food		10
Dessert		10
Presentation		10
Service		9
Environment		9
Toilets		5
Child Friendly	Very

I had wanted to try iguacu for awhile so I chose it for my birthday dinner. We were seated on the mezzanine level which was a bit quieter and more intimate which was nice. The service was attentive but not over the top, the best service in a restaurant I have experienced in a very long time. I had the olives as a starter because I wanted to leave room for dessert but I wish I had've chosen the chicken wontons instead, my partner did and being the birthday girl I got to taste a little of his and it was delicious. The mother in law had scallops which she said were perfect. For mains I had the lamb which was divine and my partner feeling adventurous had the kangaroo which was apparently was very good. We also appreciated that they had a comprehensive children's menu not all deep fried nuggets and fries like most other restaurant's, our 9 year old's meal was presented with just as much care as ours. Dessert was also exceptional, it was nice not to end the meal with a ho hum dessert which has been our experience elsewhere lately. It was quite expensive but for a special occasion I felt it was worth it, I'd love to go back again one day.

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Review by: Blakomen (2) on 26th May 2009

Total		7.8
Food		7
Dessert		9
Presentation		7
Service		9
Environment		7
Toilets		N/A

stunning food - though it comes at a price. went on a day before mothers day, about five of us - ordered kangaroo just for laughs but it was pretty tasty. portions were large and presented well. white chocolate brulee that i had for dessert was excellent!
my boyfriend and his mother ordered the same dish (pork belly), and first time around his was quite dryand tough (especialy compared to his mother's), so we told the waiter and they were very courteous about it and re-did it, no questions asked. manager came up after to apologize - great service all around.
while its definitely not cheap, it was delicious and a good experience overall.

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Review by: Temmy (1) on 25th May 2009

Total		3.9
Food		3
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		5
Service		6
Environment		3
Toilets		N/A
Child Friendly	Yes

I had high hopes for Iguacu because it always comes so highly recommended... I had phoned and booked for a Sunday dinner specifying to the person taking my booking that it was for our wedding anniversary and a special occasion so could we please be seated at a nice romantic table.
Upon arriving the girl who seated us had (it would appear) not bothered to check the booking for these details as she escorted us to the least intimate side of the restaurant. I think they were trying to seat people close to the windows so it looked busier. I was a bit annoyed that we were seated next to a table with four children under the age of 10 which is hardly intimate or romantic - and the place was very quiet so there were plenty of private tables elsewhere, but decided not to kick up a fuss. I had a full length coat on and it would have been nice if they had asked if they could hang it up since it draped over the floor at the back of my chair. Minor details yes, but for the cost of a meal here I expect it.
They left us with the menus and then came back to take our order. Would prefer that they took the wine order first, so that we did not sit there empty handed for ten minutes prior to ordering.
We ordered the oysters entree which was delicious. Although we specified that we were sharing it we were given no side plates and they put it down in front on my husband whereupon again we said we were sharing and still no side plates. A minor that we soon got over as the oysters were so yummy! I regretted that I did not just order a dozen for my meal.
Next up the mains: my husband ordered the 'game pie' and I ordered the 'Angus Scotch on corned beef hash with a cream/mustard reduction'. Neither of us got what we imagined and it is my pet peeve when restaurants try to be overly clever and serve you something that is very different to what the menu states. Husband got a plate half filled with stew and half with mashed potato and with two small pastry triangles poking out of the middle of it. He said it was nice although his initial reaction was that it was not what he had in mind.
I got a piece of steak on which there was a tiny bit of evidence of some cream sauce and a huge pile of cubes of potatoes with grated corned beef (I clearly got the wrong end of the stick of what has was - I would have described that as 'cubed potatoes'). The potatoes were nice, but the flavours were far too simplistic - I could not even taste the cream reduction and I left more than half the steak as it was the worst piece of steak I had ever eaten. It tasted not quite right, was tough as old boots - I could not even cut it with the steak knife I was given and half of it was a hunk of fat. I left most of my meal - something I never do. I also ordered it 'medium rare' and it came out 'well done'. I think I have only been to one restaurant in NZ where the chef managed to get the steak right, but I live in hope. I usually ask for steak 'blue' in order to get it medium rare. However, I digress...
When the waitress came back to take our dessert order my husband commented that my meal was not nice and the waitress went back to explain to the chef. She then came back and told us it was a very fatty cut of meat and that's just how it is. Oh well, mental note to never order 'Angus Scotch' again.
By this time the kids at the table next to us had decided to play a game of tag and run around the tables so we decided to flag dessert - again something we never do. The waitress gave us four chocolates and complimentary coffee and tea to make up for my meal, but frankly I will never eat here again.
The table service was fine, but it was an entirely dissappointing experience. Surely at $35 for a main we can expect things to be a little better than 'fine' anyway?

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Review by: brentb (8) on 10th December 2008

Total		6.0
Food		5
Dessert		7
Presentation		8
Service		6
Environment		5
Toilets		N/A

Took clients to Iguacu as I had been before and really liked it.
A little disappointed this time.It was busy but I felt it took to much time to take our drink orders-picked up after that.
On arrival I sat at the end of the table and was botherd by flies through most of the meal-I didn't say anything as I wasn't sure anyone else noticed and didn't want to make a scene with clients I was trying to impress.
The one entree ordered was average but everyone seemed to enjoy the mains which were steak and salmon -although as it was a client lunch it was hard to tell if they were just being polite.
I ordered the lamb rump which while looked good was a very small portion of 4-5 small slices of rump,a little fatty and slightly overcooked and totally totally overpriced at $38.
The desserts were pretty good.
Overall I was disappointed this time as I have been before and really liked the Restaurant-perhaps an off day.I probably will return as everyone can have a bad day.But they do need to look at portion sizes and/or price on some of the meals and check the cleanlines-eg flys.

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Review by: eatingallthetime (2) on 27th November 2008

Total		9.6
Food		10
Dessert		9
Presentation		10
Service		10
Environment		9
Toilets		8
Child Friendly	Yes

My partner and I, and another couple went to Iguacu on Sunday 9/11/08, we had entertainment vouchers and had been recommended this restuarant, so we were all dying to try it out. We were promptly seated, found the environment to be cosy yet spacious enough to enjoy our meal. The service was spot on, our waitress bought ice water, then took drink orders, and came back promptly to see if we were ready to order. After a cocktail or two, we ordered our entree, but couldn't make our minds up on the mains as they all looked extrememly inviting! The food definitely exceeded expectations, my pork confit was superb, and my partners lamb rump was cooked to perfection. All presented to a high standard. One of the friends who was dining with us is a chef and at times is very critical, but even he did not complain and was more than pleased with the entire experience. We filled out the customer card and had a personal response from the Proprietor at the restaurant - which was the icing on the cake. Excellent experience from start to finish and will definitely return.

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Review by: hindll01 (28) on 14th October 2008

Total		8.5
Food		8
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		9
Service		9
Environment		9
Toilets		8

Tuesday evening at 5:30pm and we were one of 3 tables. The service was excellent as we were seated immediately and asked if we wanted mineral or tap water. After 2 minutes we were asked if wanted to order drinks and they were brought to our table immediately. 4 minutes later we were asked if we were ready to order - excellent attentive service. I ordered the eye fillet and my friend ordered the sirloin. Both were excellent. We had a side of chunky fries which were yum. We would have liked to sample their desserts but were too full. Definitely will go back and recommend this place to anyone who likes well cooked and presented meals and, fantastic service

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