This place is just great! It's large, it's unique, it's friendly, the service is amazing, the food is great, the pirate band in the dungeon is amazing and most of all the menu is old school long. We were in town for a trade show and recommended this place by a local. It was so good we went back a second night in row. I'm not a big desert eater but my wife is. Both nights she ordered desert and I ate half of hers, not too sweet and beautifully presented. read more

Excellent Paua Fritters- whitebait fritters, oysters on the half shell, mussels- BEST seafood ever!!! We were so happy some pucs are of all the eaten food! read more

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We stopped in for an early lunch on a quiet Friday in January and sat outside on the great patio watching the boats and service vehicles stocking them with fuel and ice before they head out to catch more fish. Inside, This place big place with lots of nautical themed items plus a ginormous disco ball (apparently they are the only night club in Napier and open until 3 am). The menu is pretty broad with apps, small plates and sandwiches. My wife got the panini (cheese, tomato and avocado) and I got the chicken "burger" (aka chicken sandwich) with Bree, cranberry sauce and lettuce. Both came with fries and because the could tell be we're Americans, "tomato sauce" (aka ketchup). While the fries were crispy and good the sandwiches were just ok. Nothing special about the food here. read more

The Thirsty Whale - It's a pretty big place with a nice patio too - Seafood Near Me - Napier, HKB

Great location during sunset if you're able to get a seat outside. Our main courses were good and the salt and pepper squid appetizer was delicious! read more

The Thirsty Whale - Pork Belly and Salt and Pepper Squid appetizer - Seafood Near Me - Napier, HKB

I had the squid with a little bit of salad for lunch. The squid was fresh and tender. Wish the portion was more generous! My hubby had fish and chip. He liked the fish very much. Sitting on the outdoor deck looking over to the harbor in a mild, sunny was was a joy. Their dining hall was huge with fire place; looked comfy. read more

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Found this little gem on our way from Wellington to Rotorua. Casual joint with good food. We had the Paua fritters and Pepper squid with French fries. Would recommend both if you like seafood/shellfish. Friendly staff who love to chat. read more

The Thirsty Whale - Paua fritters (sorry one is already gone). Aka- abalone. - Seafood Near Me - Napier, HKB

4,5 out of 545 reviews on Tripadvisor is a bit exaggerated. This is a good place and they are ambitious, I'll give them that! Food is nice, but the service doesn't feel completely natural, they should practice that. Often we were looking for staff to help us or helping them helping us. We asked them before they asked us and we had to ask for water and so on. Another thing that hits me is that we are very picky swedes with extremely high standards. That wouldn't give much a five in this country I'll admit, but I do review each place from a bigger point of view. Our feeling while sitting down at our table was that this was a five out of five kind of place, but then the service lowered the result and also the drinks and food. The Irish coffee had no taste of coffee, the Mojito no taste of mint and the food was bland. Not bad in any way, quite impressive looking really, but no food sensation and from a swede; just no. Risotto good, prawn good, fritters tasted burned and kalamari tasted nothing. Nice looking place and if you have low expectations you will probably be very happy! Great view of the harbor. read more

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Not impressed with the food at all. Veggies were not too tasty and some not at all in season. Not enough dressing on the salad. Outdoor seating is nice, But not worth the poor food. I'd try next door at the restaurant that has "gin" in the name. read more

When in Napier NZ, a must visit. The most epic greenlip mussels we've had and a NZ burger that was so good. Located on the shores of a sleep little bay near the port , cab it over and try it. You will be amazed. read more

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Lamb shanks were great Ribs were tasty with lots of gravy Mussels bland and tasteless. Not fat and juicy . Probably the wrong season to order them. I would give them a miss. Service was great. read more

This place was fine. It was a cool bar outside of the main CBD of Napier. We were there over a long weekend and the place was pretty quiet at dinnertime. We had some burgers, which were standard fare. Unfortunately they were out of the spare ribs that I ordered (though I was charged for them, which I realized after I left...) read more

The beetroot and haloumi salad was fresh and tasty. The fish tacos were cooked nicely. By that I mean the fish was seared and you could see the fish flake evenly. The dressing was a great addition. Their wine list and craft beers are a great choice. We sat on the deck - great view. The staff were helpful and happy to help you. read more

Such a disappointment. We received recommendations from our hotel and wine tour guide. Took short of two hours to receive our APPETIZERS (entree in NZ) let alone our main course. Wait staff was scarce. Very disappointed and waste of a great Napier dining opportunity. Don't do it, not worth the wait for food or drink. read more

Fun restaurant/bar on the waterfront. We stopped in because they had mussels on the menu. I've never had green lipped mussels, absolutely fantastic! My wife had the chicken and I had the swordfish. Everything was excellent, the fish was more flavorful than expected. The sauce and serving over a potato mash is an excellent way to enjoy the swordfish. After dinner we drank until the place closed. Excellent staff, fun & inviting atmosphere - definitely worth a stop even if only for a quick pint! read more

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Fun place. Sat upstairs where doors were open and had a great view of the river whilst the colours were changing as it got later. Menu had a good selection and my fish'n'chips was great. Good serve well cooked. Service was friendly. Would gladly go back. read more

Probably one of my favourite go to places to go for special occasions. Had an amazing lunch with family the food was awesome had the veal burger amazing and the service was brilliant. read more

Food was average to bad. Pricing was high. Not worth it :(

Excellent meal, great harbour views and very friendly staff, would recommend without hesitation