Rating des Ortes: 1 Blockhouse Bay, Auckland, New Zealand
The place looks pretty run down. There’s an entrance going up from the bottom car park but it’s permanently blocked and flooded in winter time. The food is average, just the usual buffet type food: Ham, roast, and potatoes. Doesn’t have much that really stands out like oysters or selection of sea food except for small prawns. The last time I wanted to come here because of some family function, it was closed because of a poor food grading…
Rebecca S.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Auckland, New Zealand
You know what? A lot of people will rag endlessly on Valentines, but when I went there a few years ago(we had an Entertainment Book, so it was half price, so we thought, let’s re-capture some childhood nostalgia) it really wasn’t so bad. Most of the people there seemed to be big family groups going along as part of a celebration, and I see that a place like Valentines is perfect for this: you know exactly how much it’s going to cost, you know there will be food for all sorts of preferences and tastes, it’s a place children can be in and not be frowned at, and there’s space for parties of 20+. We went on a seafood night and there was a good range of options, all seemingly fresh and well prepared. I didn’t have anything from the carvery but didn’t feel like I was missing out, what with the plethora of other items on offer. I’d say if you went along expecting authentic Indian or Chinese food you’d be disappointed but they do have items that are influenced by these cusines. No, it’s not gourmet, but for what it is, it’s totally fine. I probably wouldn’t go there again but only because there’s other places I prefer more, not because it’s awful. The only downside is that this Valentines is definitely a bit battered around the edges: it really needs a paint and tidy up.
Liv D.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Auckland, New Zealand
I do not like this place. For several reasons. It’s not like I’ve had a terrible experience here or anything. No food poisoning or rude waiters or anything like that. It is just the set up, the atmosphere, the vibe of the whole place, and the food on offer. So basically everything that matters in a restaurant. It was years ago that I went, but I remember it all clearly. The food is meh, a buffet of the usual, proteins cheeses pastas meats. Not actually appealing at all I do remember as a kid the dessert section was amazing.(but to a kid anything desert is amazing). The décor of the restaurant is so average — with the outdated furniture and stupid ice and butter sculpture — and this brings down the whole vibe of the place. There is no friendly atmosphere. It doesn’t feel like a restaurant instead it feels like a massive cafeteria.(shivers). Go here if it is your birthday(free dining) and if you have a love for buffet dining. Dont go here if you care about the food and the experience.