The Riverhead

Writing a review for The Riverhead is … complicated.
Mostly because it is not just «The Riverhead» but rather the Landing (restaurant), Portage (sports bar) and Boat house (function center). Soo to be clear this review is for the Portage Bar section of the trifecta.
After exploring the Rangitopuni Stream by kayak, we decided to pop in to the Tavern for some drinks and nourishment (BONUS — you can actually dock your kayak (or vessel of choice) right outside the tavern). The ambiance is very ‘sports bar ’ with pool tables, TV’s as well as a giant projector to broadcast the rugby. The beer selection is decent but on this cold winter’s day I was after just one thing: MULLED WINE.
And the tavern delivered. Warm, delicious, spiced mulled wine in a large glass and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We also ordered some pizzas (margherita and roasted veg) which were okay, but nothing to write home about. The dessert, however (‘chocolate overload’) put me in a chocolate coma: chocolate tart served with double chocolate ice cream & drizzled with chocolate-​orange sauce. Decadence. I’d probably recommend sharing it, A. cause it is RICH and B. cause $ 15 is a bit OTT.
Although we didn’t dine at the restaurant, we did stop in to scope it out — it was 6PM on a Saturday and there were no tables (for 2) available until at least 8PM. Sooo yeah, it’s popular and you should probably book a table if you plan to dine here.
All in all, I would definitely come back but probably just for afternoon drinks and to soak up some sun while overlooking the river. And obviously, I’d arrive by boat because… you just can’t top that :)

Service was the start of many great things here. The queen and I gave the Restaurant a try and although the place was pumping, the boss found us a table.
Affordable and very snappy service. The history here is interesting enough too.
The queen and I had a salt & pepper squid entrée which was served up super quick. The mains of Ceasar Salad and Rivs Ribs were bigger than Texas. I have never been beaten at Ribs but this came with 4 rib sides — for lunch, I got beaten! Apparently Tuesday is the all-​you-​can-​eat rib day. Saving for that.
Perfect in every way. A must do /​experience in Auckland. You can get here also by boat and Ferry!
Well done Riv!

Definitely the surrounding is beautiful, nice river, settings and definitely perfect for a chilling Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Next to the pub you have the boat house playing jazz music every Sunday which is very pleasant with a great packed atmosphere. Drink wise the usual, and well good wise as well, nothing extraordinary, the classic burger, pizza and fish fried. Certainly go well with the drinks, but won’t make you go there for the food. But hey, the surrounding is the best excuse with a very nice ambiance. Go for it in Sunday you won’t regret it

I had never been to Landings at Riverhead Tavern but I had always wanted to go. The staff were amazingly friendly and accommodating, especially since we showed up without a booking with eight people intending to eat.
When half of the party didn’t arrive for nearly an hour, they did not pressure us to leave or get annoyed (as has happened to me before) and continued to chat with us, be very understanding, and continue to bring us very delicious wine.
For the food itself, sadly it was below my expectations, though that is mostly because my expectations were very high. Don’t get me wrong, there was nothing wrong with the food; it was hot, filling and tastey, but it was just average, typical bar style lunch food — burgers, fish and chips, steak etc. the apple tart for dessert was also a major disappointment, as the pasty was over baked and the «candyfloss» ice cream just tasted like vanilla with some blue food coloring.
All in all the location is beautiful, the décor quaint and rustic and the staff friendly, with good food (for the most part), but nothing to rave home about. I should note that their dinner menu looks a lot more interesting and have every intention of returning to try some of those dishes.

The environment is beautiful and the summer vibe is chilled out and inviting. You want to sip wine all afternoon gazing out at the river. Lots of greenery and many big tables which serves large groups well.
The downfall is in the service. Slow, slow, slow and without apology. The second downfall is the food. Extremely underwhelming especially for the wait. I don’t mind decent pub fare and this is what it is, but it should step up a level if you need to be kept waiting for such long periods of time growing hungry and impatient.

The ultimate location and a stones throw from Auckland’s hustle and bustle. We went to this restaurant for our Christmas work function. We took the riverhead ferry from Auckland’s downtown ferry terminal. The ferry trip is 1 hour, 20 minutes and takes you through Auckland’s beautiful harbour and under the harbour bridge. This location will take your breath away, it’s nestled in some bush away over looking the river. Great looking, and massive decks to soak up the sun while sipping on a wine or beer. The food was amazing and a really intense menu that left you unable to make a decision on what to have! We had a three course dinner which was amazing. The staff were great and the restaurant screams sophistication and has a very local and old ambiance. This is going to be my new spot for a relaxing dinner and drink in the summer. Can’t wait to head back!

Met a friend here for lunch. I’ve been twice before and been disappointed. This time it was a bit better, I had the pear and haloumi salad with a side of roasted baby potatoes (ok). Not really a foodie destination. Went next door to the opening of the newly built Boatshed, an extension of the Tavern with a more outdoor feel. Here you can order bar style food Enjoyed the jazz/​blues band playing. This is a destination to drive to on the weekends, plenty of classic cars and bikes outside. Take your kids or your parents.

So I had heard so much about this tavern transformation almost a year n half back, it’s so close to where I live and thought I’d give it a try — the place is brilliant!
The Riverhead has an authentic country pub ambiance. It’s actually two eateries at one locatione — the pub where you have sport — i.e. a sports bar and a fine dining lounge /​restaurant.
We tried out the pub and they have Monteiths, Tiger and Heineken on the beer tap. We went with our daughter, so yes it was quite a family friendly pub and there were other kids too.
The Riverhead has a history of being a motorcycle pub — café racers have plenty of room to lug their gear like helmet and jackets at their tables — very thoughtful ‘cos I’m a biker too!
The food options range from standard pub fare to finer dining at the lounge/​restaurant next door, but they stuffed up a simple order of stringy fries! Too much salt else they were in for a 5 star rating but it was no fuss at all replacing the fries — orders were quick to arrive and overall, I’m guessing the good would be good.
Would I go there again? YES! Most likely on two wheels sans the family ;)

Never having been to The Riverhead tavern when it was once known as the roughest joint to hang, it sure must have picked up and turned itself around as it was quite a stylish country pub experience.
Located right down the end where the river slides through alongside mud flats and mangroves is this treasure amongst pubs.
Being Mothers day I must say arriving at eleven in the morning around brunch time, was a wise decision, and so our table for 11 on the outside deck and more than enough seating and space in the quite large outdoor area. The decks actually drop down two more levels for more outdoor sun and views of the river inlet.
The décor a real mix of the old and the new with a lot of tribute to the rich history of the area and the pub.
Had a coffee to start off my visit, and this was wonderful, great flavor and caffeine kick.
Decided on ordering a meat lovers fantasy the BBQ Pork Ribs with thick cut Fries, heavy on the meat and light on the potatoes, perfect amount of sauce to set that flavor in. The size of the ribs to my delight had beautiful chunks of meat, I will remember that flavor and taste.
My partner ordered a Prawn spaghetti which was spicy with some chili and very delicious.
I loved that the service was very professional and quick and that all our orders arrived pretty much on time, once the kids meals had been served.
Recommend taking the kids, and the big kids down for a walk to the jetty below the decks– great way to walk off the meal, and enjoy some sunshine.
A wonderful spot to drive out to, and enjoy the countryside of Auckland, we are honestly so lucky to have such places nestled so close to home.

You have to buck the trend. After hearing mostly negative feedback about the Riverhead, we decided to try it anyway, with trepidation we arrived at 8pm on a chilly Friday evening, there were six of us and the men arrived with visions of Pork Ribs wafting into our minds.
The Riverhead is a tavern, restaurant hybrid, there are two sections, one for the drinkers and sports watches, the other for the eaters and talkers. We were seated quickly and served quickly in a little niche by the fireplace, the atmosphere was a little bit like «back home» with a dash of familiar
The guys chose the Ribs, the girls chose … some things I was vaguely aware of that were not-​ribs. The room was fairly busy so I didn’t feel we waited a long time for our meals and it was plated and presented nicely. The Ribs themselves were good, its a little unfair that I’m reviewing three plates of ribs (I *promise* I didn’t order three of them) but we all discussed it afterwards and felt that the value for money was slightly lacking, the ribs were tasty and seasoned well, the sides were delicious … really! big chunky chips that were super-​yum … but the ribs lacked something, which was of course, MORE ribs. We felt the portions were not completely up to scratch. The fish and chips (not-​ribs) were also very nice. Service was quick and efficient, and they even politely laughed at the vague attempts at humour made, so they tried to make us feel at ease.
I happily refute the negative feedback about the Riverhead and I would be very easily persuaded to go there again, this time I might try the steak or the *takes a deep breath* all-​you-​can-​eat ribs on Tuesday nights.