Highwater Eatery

Didn’t even make it to the table. Partner was waiting outside for friends and I went to see where the loo was and got hit with “only paying customers” I replied yes my partner and I are coming in just waiting on a friend to which he said “well we aren’t a public toilet”. I understand that yes but planned on coming in. I turned my heel and left. If that’s the customer service you have to offer then that’s disgusting. Not even a hi how are you? I mean has customer service really slipped that much? Do better highwater eatery.

Utterly dreadful. To begin for a place of this caliber the service was fast and good, the first dish was a delicious medley of fresh vegetables beautiful! And overshadowed by the ridiculous sweetness of sugar that fought against the umami of the row toasted seed and nori flakes. Next was by far the worst Karaage chicken ever. Bland small, chewy batter, matched with a god awful muscle sauce with the shade of mud, Next was the main and last side. Flounder, my first experience with flounder was here. A sad day indeed, You are expected to dissect a maze of thin bones to eventually arrive at bland tasteless meat drenched in butter and Finally the supposed roasted Beetroot I only suspected it was beetroot as the dunk tank of acrid olive oil was the only profile visible.

Visited this place for brunch more than a year ago. Had to wait over an hour for food to be served.

Came back today and experience was worse. Had to ask 3x for an orange juice to come, one of the coffees was forgotten and when food was served one dish was missing. When asked answer was “is on its way”. Only to be told that it was forgotten when everyone else was finished eating. Never again.

Had brunch there at the weekend and was very disappointed. The worst poached eggs I have ever tasted, they were hard and overcooked. The coffee was excellent.

Too expensive for what you get. Service average, but most of all WAY too much salt on everything.

The service was courteous but aloof. Food was half good and half narcissist. Dishes from Medium were tasty and well presented. On the other side, Dry, Salty, Dark chicken swam in soy sauce pond. Not really a hint of smoked flavor from chicken. Try to imitate Asian flavors but it failed. Large dishes haven’t brought out the theme from the menu. Wagyu rump was juicy but thyme butter wasn’t hitting the point. Lack of smoky and herbal flavor. Flounder was perfectly cooked. The “Ndjua Butter” didn’t perform well as an emulsion sauce. It was separated to red oil all over the plate. Spiciness from Salumi wasn’t present in the butter.

Visited on Saturday for the set menu - service was mostly really good apart from the fact that one of our party is gluten free and was left confused at what food was gluten free/if there was supposed to be separate food coming out for her. She was given some gluten free bread at the beginning and then was not spoken to for the rest of the night so she had no idea what she was supposed to eat which wasn’t very nice for her. I had the vegan menu which was nice enough but definitely not worth the $85. I think that maybe I was overcharged too because another one of our party who got the vegan menu was only charged $75

A foodie paradise.but prices are very high. You do have to pay for artisan food. Portion size small for big eaters.but the food is amazing.

The chicken dish was tough and lacking in flavour.
Advertised as an organic chicken with sauces I found
The meal utterly forgettable. Dined august, 2022

We came with another couple, we really enjoyed the food. Well done guys, delicious! But we were quite disapointed by some people working there. We arrived at 1pm today, we stayed there talking until 3.30pm. The restaurant was almost empty around 3pm and a couple of kitchen hands gave us many black looks. Especially a blond with make up and a tall guy. I guess we annoyed them by staying here late. That was very awkward. How are we supposed to know when to leave? Please come to people and explain them politely they have to go.
We wanted to support a local business but I am not sure if we will come back again.

It was ok. Ok food and alright value for money.but.our waiter was a co-owner who, it seemed, thought waiting tables was beneath him. Fair enough if that's what you think but I suggest you go back to supervising perhaps. His attitude can only be described as "surly". I suspect this will come as no surprise to the other owner.

The food was delicious love the little side of pickled cucumber but one third of the pork chops was fat which I didn’t like so much. The oysters were great super juicy with the bit of lemon juice and the butter was salty though it went perfectly great together. I usually don’t eat raw oysters. But this was an interesting try.

Some of Wellingtons best coffee. Delicious breakfast menu. Definitely get a side or two. Highly recommend the croquette. The sausage is amazing but for the price I would have liked a second one.

Very popular place. Wasn't overly impressed with our reception and felt like we were "squeezed" into a bar seat without much politeness towards the person we sat by. The snack was delicious. The drink range great. $11 for the sparkling water? Really?

First time eating there. This review is for the food as I love coming here for cocktails. Why is it that we accept subpar service if we're only drinking? Anyway, service was better at the bar (bar tender took our order and he was really awesome actually). I knew the food was going to be expensive prior to going out but I was keen to try anyway. We had Wagyu, Ice Berg and Gnocchi. Such tasty food! I just wonder if its worth the price tag. Maybe. Anyway while the service was good, the tables are quite close together and I got a face full of server bum at one point. I still enjoyed myself and will be back

Good vibes, friendly and helpful service and the wine list was diverse and interesting (cold reds!).

The grilled flounder is definitely a must but the wagu rib caps were very chewy and didn’t have that buttery taste we were hoping for! Overall would recommend - but definitely book.

Great food, excellent staff hospitality.
Tasteful environment, world-class menu.
Delivers more than one's expectations.

Had the shared dinner and it was delicious array of foods. Service was excellent would recommend it to all

Has to be one of the standout restaurants on Cuba st, exceptional quality food and service. Really enjoyed the Oysters and Mussels for lunch but will be back for dinner next time in Wellington to try a few other of the delicious items on the menu

Went for dinner over the Christmas period and we were very pleased with the food we ordered. The highlight would of been the mussel emulsion. Service was attentive and we left very happy. Hope to come back some time for breakfast.