Rusty Pelican Bar and Pizzeria

Food service was fast, quality of food is excellent, atmosphere casual and cozy, location… Cool right on Matakana square!

Not happy with Shrimp Avocado drenched in goopy sauce that completely took away from the fresh food experience this could have been.
Also did not like being told to get my own water from spicier next to toilet that you are suppose use provided urine sample-​like cups that collapse as you lift them from being so cheaply thin.
Just ended up bummed from what could have been a fine experience, after all we’re in Matkana.

My first every one star review! Top three to five restaurant experiences of my life! I’m not sure I’ve ever encountered such appalling service.
We have visited the Rusty Pelican several times over the last few years. It’s very convenient for a casual meal if you are visiting Omaha or Matakana. The food is expensive for what it is and the outrageous policy of not serving tap water is irritating but has not been enough to stop us going back.
Over New Year 2014 we popped in with some friends for a quick pizza and drink late one afternoon. The place was quiet, no more than half a dozen tables of people eating. We were greeted by a very friendly waitress but the person who took out orders was one of the rudest individuals I’ve ever encountered. Right from the get go she gave off a an air that she found our presence irritating. After we placed out order she walked away from the table and muttered about us under her breath. We called after her and she walked away. Rather than ruin our meal we left it there but wanted to give feedback to the manager who handled the whole situation terribly suggesting we were the ones at fault.
This place has a serious problem with customer service. I’d recommend the Rusty Pelican if you want to eat over-​priced, mediocre pizza, pay for bottled drinking water and be served by surly staff.

Heading up to Sandspit last weekend, there was the (massive) question of what to get for dinner. Whilst in the middle of deciding, a friend called. She asked what we were talking about and quickly recommended the Rusty Pelican. I could eat pizza anytime of day so I was happy.
From my friend’s gushing reviews I expected crazy flavours like thai chicken and banana, or veal and rocket, but the menu was very ‘normal.’ I must admit I was a bit disappointed at this, but my disappointment wouldn’t last.
The service was great in that relaxed (read: Not Auckland) way.
We got a chicken one with bacon and olives and stuff. We had to drive it back to where we were staying and it was a very difficult drive. The pizza base is a good thickness and not too doughy, and boy do they pack the ingredients on. Everymouthful is chockablock of tasty goodies and everything is fresh and flavourful.
A really yum pizza, and even better the next day.

The Rusty Pelican does a damn good pizza. You can smell them cooking as you drive through Matakana, trying to entice you in. I don’t need much enticement; the pizzas are big and loaded with topping. They have a good variety (my favourite in the capsicum chicken) and you can also order half in half. It’s ideal for a big group; you can all sit around the one table and order a load of pizzas and beers. They also have themed nights (Indian, Mexican, Chinese etc.) which have gone down very well with the locals. I went to Chinese night; all you can eat from the buffet for $ 14.50. I can’t actually eat that much it turns out (perfect customer) but I enjoyed the food. Luckily we got there early though (senior citz styles) as people were being turned away by 7pm. So if you’re keen it’s definitely wise to book first!