Totara Restaurant
249 Dairy Flat Highway (SH17), Albany, North Shore City, Auckland
Physical address
Totara Restaurant has a cosy, intimate setting and a relaxing garden area and provides a unique dining experience over fine food and quality wines in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
steakfrites
Totara Restaurant is situated in the heart of Albany Village where you can enjoy a unique dining experience over fine food and quality wines in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Magnificent cuisine and excellent service has been the trademark for this restaurant since 1998 and the Totara team is passionate to maintain the high standard.
A cosy and intimate setting inside and a relaxing sunny garden area outside makes Totara an all seasons dining venue. The restaurant is fully licensed and has an extensive selection of quality wines to complement the exclusive a-la-carte menu. The well known NZ chef, Peter Jackson, is responsible for the exquisite dishes and never fails to amaze the guests.
For all food and wine connoisseurs, Totara is an excellent choice for private and business functions and special occasions.
Lunch : Tuesday to Friday (11.30 - 2 pm)
Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday
www.totararestaurant.co.nz
Magnificent cuisine and excellent service has been the trademark for this restaurant since 1998 and the Totara team is passionate to maintain the high standard.
A cosy and intimate setting inside and a relaxing sunny garden area outside makes Totara an all seasons dining venue. The restaurant is fully licensed and has an extensive selection of quality wines to complement the exclusive a-la-carte menu. The well known NZ chef, Peter Jackson, is responsible for the exquisite dishes and never fails to amaze the guests.
For all food and wine connoisseurs, Totara is an excellent choice for private and business functions and special occasions.
Lunch : Tuesday to Friday (11.30 - 2 pm)
Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday
www.totararestaurant.co.nz
Products/Services
- Totara Vouchers - ideal gift
- Exquisite food
- Quality Wines
- Wheelchair access and facilities
- Parking
- Menus
- Reservations
- E-Book Gold Cards Accepted
- North Shore restaurants
- Albany Restaurants
Meal Price
Premium - $30 and above
Parking
provided
Established
1998
About the venue
- Children
- Allowed anytime
- Smoking
- No smoking
- Capacity
- 36
Outdoor Seating
Licensing
We offer
Entrance Fee
Cuisines
Continental/European , International , New Zealand
Size
5 - 49 Employees
Payment Options
Dress
Facilities
Venue Type
Restaurant/Cafe
Awards Won
12 Current Review(s) |
0 hidden 
12 Current Review(s) |
0 hidden
0 Archived Review(s)
0 Archived Review(s)
steakfrites
13th September 2013
I dont usually write reviews, but we had such a great meal at Totera that I thought it worth writing a review! Visiting Auckland in August, friends of ours recommended that we visit Totara after a day trip north of Auckland. A great recommendation! This charming cottage on the edge of Albany had some of the best food in Auckland in my experience. Delicious tender meat, well cooked and presented, with a great selection of wine to accompany the meal. The most difficult part of the was choosing what to eat from the menu, all of it was delicious. Will definitely be going back when I am next in Auckland!
I dont usually write reviews, but we had such a great meal at Totera that I thought it worth writing a review! Visiting Auckland in August, friends of ours recommended that we visit Totara after a day trip north of Auckland. A great recommendation! This charming cottage on the edge of Albany had some of the best food in Auckland in my experience. Delicious tender meat, well cooked and presented, with a great selection of wine to accompany the meal. The most difficult part of the was choosing what to eat from the menu, all of it was delicious. Will definitely be going back when I am next in Auckland!
Please briefly explain why this content is inappropriate...
Reporting inappropriate
- If you'd like us to take another look at this review, provide a brief reason why this review should be reconsidered.
- If you'd like to respond to this review, please use the "respond" link, as this will publish your response directly under the review for all to read.
diningsleuth
25th May 2013
We have dined at this restaurant off and on for the last ten years and found it to be pleasant and above average in most respects. Unfortunately, it appears in Nov 2011 there was an ownership change and since then this restaurant has been on a slippery slope in some areas of it's dining experience. We had not dined at Totara for about a year, and, after a busy day of meetings etc, decided to drop by for a quick meal before heading home. This was not a special occasion thank goodness. In most respects up to the point of departure we found the food to be perfectly fine (albeit unadventurous - but then most suburban restaurants tend to play safe in AKL - so we overlooked that). Our waitress gave above average service and was happy, breezy and helpful (no complaints up to that point). Decor is uninspiring but acceptable. We finished our mains and were keen to get home after a long day - rather than have the bill brought to the table, I went to the counter to pay. I tendered my Entertainment Card and the bill came to $66.00 including a 3% Amex card fee which I agreed to pay despite being irked by the request. The staff member who was about to process the Amex charge was suddenly interrupted by the Maitre'd who then informed me that the restaurant had a "minimum spend" policy on Amex of $100.00 and that i would have to pay by another means. I objected as I found this simply outrageous given I had already been insulted by asking for the confounded 3% fee. Amex policy also forbids "minimum spends" of any sort. I travel within and outside the country on a regular basis and had never experienced anything like this before. We were not informed of this "policy" in person or in print on the menu at the time of being seated. I indicated that I was not prepared to accept it and wished to pay with my Amex card. The maitre'd became more and more attitudinal about the matter upon which I had to make it very clear that it was in his best interests to accept my Amex card or risk me leaving the restaurant forthwith after being insulted by him and a friend/customer of his who happened to be at the counter at the same time I was. The whole experience was beyond hideous - culminating in him shouting at me that I was now "banned" from the restaurant for future visits. This fellows arrogance and attitude knows no bounds and he is wholly unsuited to fronting a restaurant. His hospitality skills are zero. There are better places on the Shore to eat - I would recommend avoiding this place.
We have dined at this restaurant off and on for the last ten years and found it to be pleasant and above average in most respects. Unfortunately, it appears in Nov 2011 there was an ownership change and since then this restaurant has been on a slippery slope in some areas of it's dining experience. We had not dined at Totara for about a year, and, after a busy day of meetings etc, decided to drop by for a quick meal before heading home. This was not a special occasion thank goodness. In most respects up to the point of departure we found the food to be perfectly fine (albeit unadventurous - but then most suburban restaurants tend to play safe in AKL - so we overlooked that). Our waitress gave above average service and was happy, breezy and helpful (no complaints up to that point). Decor is uninspiring but acceptable. We finished our mains and were keen to get home after a long day - rather than have the bill brought to the table, I went to the counter to pay. I tendered my Entertainment Card and the bill came to $66.00 including a 3% Amex card fee which I agreed to pay despite being irked by the request. The staff member who was about to process the Amex charge was suddenly interrupted by the Maitre'd who then informed me that the restaurant had a "minimum spend" policy on Amex of $100.00 and that i would have to pay by another means. I objected as I found this simply outrageous given I had already been insulted by asking for the confounded 3% fee. Amex policy also forbids "minimum spends" of any sort. I travel within and outside the country on a regular basis and had never experienced anything like this before. We were not informed of this "policy" in person or in print on the menu at the time of being seated. I indicated that I was not prepared to accept it and wished to pay with my Amex card. The maitre'd became more and more attitudinal about the matter upon which I had to make it very clear that it was in his best interests to accept my Amex card or risk me leaving the restaurant forthwith after being insulted by him and a friend/customer of his who happened to be at the counter at the same time I was. The whole experience was beyond hideous - culminating in him shouting at me that I was now "banned" from the restaurant for future visits. This fellows arrogance and attitude knows no bounds and he is wholly unsuited to fronting a restaurant. His hospitality skills are zero. There are better places on the Shore to eat - I would recommend avoiding this place.
Please briefly explain why this content is inappropriate...
Reporting inappropriate
- If you'd like us to take another look at this review, provide a brief reason why this review should be reconsidered.
- If you'd like to respond to this review, please use the "respond" link, as this will publish your response directly under the review for all to read.
VickiCarr
8th June 2012
We had another lovely meal at Totara last night! Amazing food, lovely staff and great atmosphere. Highly recommended.
We had another lovely meal at Totara last night! Amazing food, lovely staff and great atmosphere. Highly recommended.
Please briefly explain why this content is inappropriate...
Reporting inappropriate
- If you'd like us to take another look at this review, provide a brief reason why this review should be reconsidered.
- If you'd like to respond to this review, please use the "respond" link, as this will publish your response directly under the review for all to read.
DWO1954
28th June 2011
Our family had dinner on Saturday, 25th June, at Totara. We enjoyed the ambiance of this lovely restaurant with exceptional service. The menu presented unique en variety of dishes. Our family explored with several of these on the menu and which was truly enjoyable and excellently prepared. I personally enjoyed my best tuna dish ever. We highly recommended this restaurant.
Our family had dinner on Saturday, 25th June, at Totara. We enjoyed the ambiance of this lovely restaurant with exceptional service. The menu presented unique en variety of dishes. Our family explored with several of these on the menu and which was truly enjoyable and excellently prepared. I personally enjoyed my best tuna dish ever. We highly recommended this restaurant.
Please briefly explain why this content is inappropriate...
Reporting inappropriate
- If you'd like us to take another look at this review, provide a brief reason why this review should be reconsidered.
- If you'd like to respond to this review, please use the "respond" link, as this will publish your response directly under the review for all to read.
jayvonhero
10th April 2011
10 of us went there for a dinner on this friday night, food and services was great, 110%, especially the duck confit and duck rabbit terrine... ... Such a nice restaurant, best on the shore, highly recommended. Jay
10 of us went there for a dinner on this friday night, food and services was great, 110%, especially the duck confit and duck rabbit terrine... ... Such a nice restaurant, best on the shore, highly recommended. Jay
Please briefly explain why this content is inappropriate...
Reporting inappropriate
- If you'd like us to take another look at this review, provide a brief reason why this review should be reconsidered.
- If you'd like to respond to this review, please use the "respond" link, as this will publish your response directly under the review for all to read.
Anvilaccounts
30th January 2011
I enjoyed my dining experience, not only was the food excellent but the waiters are always pleasant and helpful and always on hand though the resturant was quite busy. I have bben there before and the food has always be beyind expectaion. Great wine and service, this is a high end restaurant but really worth it
I enjoyed my dining experience, not only was the food excellent but the waiters are always pleasant and helpful and always on hand though the resturant was quite busy. I have bben there before and the food has always be beyind expectaion. Great wine and service, this is a high end restaurant but really worth it
Totara Restaurant
1st February 2011
Anvilaccounts, Thank you for the feedback. Kind Regards Totara Team
Anvilaccounts, Thank you for the feedback. Kind Regards Totara Team
Please briefly explain why this content is inappropriate...
Reporting inappropriate
- If you'd like us to take another look at this review, provide a brief reason why this review should be reconsidered.
- If you'd like to respond to this review, please use the "respond" link, as this will publish your response directly under the review for all to read.
diningcritic
9th December 2010
I took my husband to Totara Restaurant for his birthday the other night and it was one of the best dining experiences we have had. From the welcome, to the service, to the quality of food, we were very impressed. An excellent 'special occasion' restaurant.
I took my husband to Totara Restaurant for his birthday the other night and it was one of the best dining experiences we have had. From the welcome, to the service, to the quality of food, we were very impressed. An excellent 'special occasion' restaurant.
Please briefly explain why this content is inappropriate...
Reporting inappropriate
- If you'd like us to take another look at this review, provide a brief reason why this review should be reconsidered.
- If you'd like to respond to this review, please use the "respond" link, as this will publish your response directly under the review for all to read.
stixster
6th December 2010
We found the food to acceptable, and certainly not top end as some people have commented. But more importantly, the restaurant was devoid of atmosphere, I felt like we were in a church and one had to whisper. Only went there because of the review, and very very disappointed.
We found the food to acceptable, and certainly not top end as some people have commented. But more importantly, the restaurant was devoid of atmosphere, I felt like we were in a church and one had to whisper. Only went there because of the review, and very very disappointed.
Please briefly explain why this content is inappropriate...
Reporting inappropriate
- If you'd like us to take another look at this review, provide a brief reason why this review should be reconsidered.
- If you'd like to respond to this review, please use the "respond" link, as this will publish your response directly under the review for all to read.
spicy4me
18th November 2010
I must say that the staff are friendly, the food taste great too. But the portion is really too small, with a 3 course meal we still go away not feeling satisfied.
I must say that the staff are friendly, the food taste great too. But the portion is really too small, with a 3 course meal we still go away not feeling satisfied.
Please briefly explain why this content is inappropriate...
Reporting inappropriate
- If you'd like us to take another look at this review, provide a brief reason why this review should be reconsidered.
- If you'd like to respond to this review, please use the "respond" link, as this will publish your response directly under the review for all to read.
strawberry8
23rd June 2010
I would like to say my partner and I enjoyed our meal and found the service excellent. The waiters are always pleasant and helpful and even have a sense of humour. We have been there 6 times and the food has been without fault. Great food, wine and service, this is a high end restaurant but really worth it.
I would like to say my partner and I enjoyed our meal and found the service excellent. The waiters are always pleasant and helpful and even have a sense of humour. We have been there 6 times and the food has been without fault. Great food, wine and service, this is a high end restaurant but really worth it.
Please briefly explain why this content is inappropriate...
Reporting inappropriate
- If you'd like us to take another look at this review, provide a brief reason why this review should be reconsidered.
- If you'd like to respond to this review, please use the "respond" link, as this will publish your response directly under the review for all to read.
tangochilli
27th February 2008
This restaurant is outstanding. Very hard to get a booking because it is SO good. The service and food is something you don’t find very often and certainly not in Auckland City Central, which is where I would usually dine. A friend recommended me this restaurant and I have to say, it’s the best dining experience ive ever had in this country. I booked for a special occassion and my partner (who I was keen to impress!) and I, were not disappointed! I have recently been informed that the Chef has been named as a Beef and Lamb Ambassador for 2008, and on the wall above where we were seated were the biggest collection of awards i have seen in any restaurant. Winner of the beef and lamb Hallmark of excellence for 10 consecutive years.... not to be missed, but be sure to book early!
This restaurant is outstanding. Very hard to get a booking because it is SO good. The service and food is something you don’t find very often and certainly not in Auckland City Central, which is where I would usually dine. A friend recommended me this restaurant and I have to say, it’s the best dining experience ive ever had in this country. I booked for a special occassion and my partner (who I was keen to impress!) and I, were not disappointed! I have recently been informed that the Chef has been named as a Beef and Lamb Ambassador for 2008, and on the wall above where we were seated were the biggest collection of awards i have seen in any restaurant. Winner of the beef and lamb Hallmark of excellence for 10 consecutive years.... not to be missed, but be sure to book early!
Please briefly explain why this content is inappropriate...
Reporting inappropriate
- If you'd like us to take another look at this review, provide a brief reason why this review should be reconsidered.
- If you'd like to respond to this review, please use the "respond" link, as this will publish your response directly under the review for all to read.
icepicknz
15th February 2008
We went to totra for Valentines last night but left before eating, we just paid for our drinks. The Podgy little guy was so arrogant and was very mad when I requested no eggplant with my lamb, when we asked for a min to make our minds up on something else, we were told "No! we're very busy, make your mind up now". I know there food is good because my mate is the chef (Who apologized about the service) and he cooks for us often at home. We were shunned off like as to say "Dont like what's on the menu, dont eat here, we have enough good reviews". Well here is my bad review thanks!
We went to totra for Valentines last night but left before eating, we just paid for our drinks. The Podgy little guy was so arrogant and was very mad when I requested no eggplant with my lamb, when we asked for a min to make our minds up on something else, we were told "No! we're very busy, make your mind up now". I know there food is good because my mate is the chef (Who apologized about the service) and he cooks for us often at home. We were shunned off like as to say "Dont like what's on the menu, dont eat here, we have enough good reviews". Well here is my bad review thanks!
Please briefly explain why this content is inappropriate...
Reporting inappropriate
- If you'd like us to take another look at this review, provide a brief reason why this review should be reconsidered.
- If you'd like to respond to this review, please use the "respond" link, as this will publish your response directly under the review for all to read.
Totara Restaurant
4 12
Review Totara Restaurant
SEND
- //assets.finda.co.nz/images/thumb/zc/1/9/7/4p91kc/90x57/totara-restaurant.jpg
- //assets.finda.co.nz/images/thumb/zc/1/8/8/4p91jc/90x57/totara-restaurant.jpg
- //assets.finda.co.nz/images/thumb/zc/1/6/0/4p6nyy/90x57/totara-restaurant.jpg
- //assets.finda.co.nz/images/thumb/zc/1/6/2/4p6np7/90x57/totara-restaurant.jpg
- //assets.finda.co.nz/images/thumb/zc/1/6/3/4p6npc/90x57/totara-restaurant.jpg
- //assets.finda.co.nz/images/thumb/zc/1/8/9/4p91jw/90x57/totara-restaurant.jpg
- //assets.finda.co.nz/images/thumb/zc/1/9/4/4p91jz/90x57/totara-restaurant.jpg
- //assets.finda.co.nz/images/thumb/zc/1/9/8/4p91ky/90x57/totara-restaurant.jpg
-
//assets.finda.co.nz/images/thumb/1/k/c/4p91kc/602x381/totara-restaurant.jpg
-
//assets.finda.co.nz/images/thumb/1/j/c/4p91jc/602x381/totara-restaurant.jpg
-
//assets.finda.co.nz/images/thumb/n/y/y/4p6nyy/602x381/totara-restaurant.jpg
-
//assets.finda.co.nz/images/thumb/n/p/7/4p6np7/602x381/totara-restaurant.jpg
-
//assets.finda.co.nz/images/thumb/n/p/c/4p6npc/602x381/totara-restaurant.jpg
-
//assets.finda.co.nz/images/thumb/1/j/w/4p91jw/602x381/totara-restaurant.jpg
-
//assets.finda.co.nz/images/thumb/1/j/z/4p91jz/602x381/totara-restaurant.jpg
-
//assets.finda.co.nz/images/thumb/1/k/y/4p91ky/602x381/totara-restaurant.jpg
I dont usually write reviews, but we had such a great meal at Totera that I thought it worth writing a review!
Visiting Auckland in August, friends of ours recommended that we visit Totara after a day trip north of Auckland. A great recommendation!
This charming cottage on the edge of Albany had some of the best food in Auckland in my experience. Delicious tender meat, well cooked and presented, with a great selection of wine to accompany the meal. The most difficult part of the was choosing what to eat from the menu, all of it was delicious. Will definitely be going back when I am next in Auckland!