Restaurant Review: Chapman's Restaurant and Bar

WELCOME: Chapman's Restaurant and Bar offers a dining experience the whole family can enjoy. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

I am always a little suspicious when I hear the word buffet as I have been to a few that have left me feeling rather ill.

Thankfully my experience at Chapman's Restaurant and Bar was the complete opposite.

This restaurant, tucked away in the outer suburbs of Rotorua, has a strong local reputation and has won many awards. Renowned for serving up fresh, contemporary cuisine, it is no surprise people have been telling me to dine at Chapman's since moving to Rotorua.

The food was fresh and flavoursome with a wide variety of meats, seafood and salads.

The buffet menu changes daily based on what produce is in season, ensuring guests always have the best dining experience.

On the night we went, there were fresh oysters and shrimp on the entree table, alongside potato and bacon salad, and several green salads.

The vegetable soup and freshly-baked buns were particularly nice and I couldn't help going up for seconds.

For mains there was a wide selection of meat, including a lamb roast, chicken curry, lamb chops and poached fish.

All the meat tasted fresh and was well seasoned. On the final table was an array of sweet desserts as well as cheeses and fruit.

The desserts were bite sized which suited us perfectly as there was so much we wanted to try.

The baked and traditional cheesecakes were delicious and the chocolate mousse was to die for.

By the time we finished our mammoth meal we definitely felt like we were waddling out of the restaurant.

The drinks menu was very extensive, offering a wide variety of wines, beers and cocktails.

Alongside the traditional cocktail list was a set of drinks inspired by local landmarks.

I had the "Blue Lake" cocktail, made up of vodka, curacao and lemonade. The drink was refreshing and served with a lemon wedge to cut the sweetness.

My friend ordered a Tiger beer and said he appreciated it being served in a chilled glass.

The service was attentive and warm. We were greeted by the front of house waitress and promptly shown to our seats.

We were only waiting a couple of minutes before a waiter introduced himself and took our drink order. We were pleased to see our plates were cleared every time we went back up to the buffet.

The prices were reasonable for both the buffet dinner option and the set menu.

The buffet costs $47.50 per person and diners can inquire as to children's special buffet pricing.

The set menu ranges from $7 for traditionally toasted garlic bread to $38 for grilled venison medallions served with a mushroom risotto, seasonal vegetables, juniper berry and red wine jus.

Overall I would recommend this restaurant to either out-of-town diners and local foodies.

With its relaxed vibe and casual decor, it is easy to see why it has been a staple favourite for so many years. There is no doubting we will definitely be heading back.

Chapman's Restaurant and Bar - The Holiday Inn, corner of Froude and Tryon streets