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Swordfish Bar & Bistro
Review
About
The Paihia Swordfish Club is on the main Paihia waterfront, with views north toward KeriKeri inlet and across the water to Russell. The Bay of Islands Swordfish Club is the oldest big game fishing club in New Zealand with a history dating back to 1910 and boasts an amazing display of life size big game fish and historical memorabilia.
Features
CUISINES
Bar, Seafood, New Zealand
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly
FEATURES
Digital Payments
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Mastercard
Outdoor Seating
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Television
Visa
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Open until 10:00 PM
Sunday
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Contribute
3.9
94 reviews
Excellent
39
Good
30
Average
13
Poor
5
Terrible
7
Karen H
7 contributions
Apr 2023 • couples
This place is upstairs so unless you are looking for it, you’d miss it. Food was very good. Our steaks were cooked perfectly & you honestly didn’t need a steak knife. Chips & salad a little on the small side, but overall a good meal. My husband had the sashimi - fish was beautiful. Only negative was it was an awful wet night, so not many patrons. Felt a bit deserted but this wasn’t because of the quality of the food. I’d go back.
Written April 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katherine P
6 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
We have been to the swordfish club a few times and always found it okay however the last time we went with some overseas friends will be the last. The lady behind the bar acted like she didn’t want to be there.She was most unpleasant in her actions and lack of friendliness. Not a good look for a tourist town. Food was okay but sorry Swordfish club we will take our visitors and our money somewhere else where we feel welcomed
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Smudger5363
Royal Tunbridge Wells12 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Disappointed as absolutely no seafood available. We didn’t realise it’s not a restaurant. There is no service: order at the bar, get your own drinks, water and glasses. And cutlery. Collect your food (except seafood) from the kitchen. I had a burger which tasted as if it had been bought frozen from a supermarket. My wife enjoyed her Asian salad though.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark E
Whitianga803 contributions
Sep 2022 • couples
We dined here 2 nights.
Tavern type setting with lots of fishing memorabilia and game fish.
Great views of the bay across to Russell.
Indoor or outdoor seating.
Good menu and not too dear either.
Good range of alcoholic drinks.
We had the Lamb Shank and Beef Ribs which was actually a pulled beef slab. Both meals were lovely.
Pool table and quiz night on Thursday night.
Open from 4pm.
On one night we sat with a bunch of Aussie tourists on a bus tour which was a hoot.
Not a fishing club so no need to be a Game Fishing Club Member and no signing in required.
Friendly staff.
Written September 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheral-Harris
Kerikeri20 contributions
Mar 2020 • friends
Terrible very disappointed
Club not busy at all drinks very expensive for a club. Ordered garlic bread which came out with mould on it returned to counter informed woman behind bar who glared then a guy behind bar took to kitchen no sorry refund absolutely nothing . Expensive for what you get.
Staff rude obviously customer service training is needed.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liane
3 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
I had the entree only so I could save room for dessert - would definitely order again - braised beef cheeks, good size, melting apart, yum. Husband had the lamb shanks and is still thinking about it haha. Friendly service, was nice talking to the manager there. Will come back for a game of pool too another time.
Written August 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vacationer
8 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
This restaurant is a fishing club, but the food is nice. You order at the bar, and then given a number, and pick it up at the service counter. The food is really nice, and the boys at the bar are great, serving drinks, waiting tables. They were fantastic
Written January 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter3152
Auckland353 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
We came across the Swordfish restaurant by accident, thinking it was a private club. Visitors do sign in but all are welcome…very welcome. Service is definitely with a smile, (thanks Brooke) and very efficient.
The menu is quite broad but do try the Oysters….excellent and so fresh. Our Lamb Shank and quality burger meal were both excellent and the wine reasonably priced. The ambiance is local, friendly and the waterfront setting beautiful. On a less than warm evening, protective screens keep out the wind and outdoor heaters kept the evening temperature up well….or you can easily sit inside.
We had a great visit there and will definitely be back again – highly recommended
Written October 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola B
292 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
We ate here the last time we stayed in Paihia and were keen to try it again. The clam fritter was excellent and the chateaubriand nice but slightly over cooked. Plenty of chips and we ordered broccoli as a side. The wine was great value. Service is of the DIY variety but friendly enough. The view from the balcony is wonderful...worth trying out.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TouringNZ
Auckland164 contributions
Dec 2020 • none
Excellent views across to Russell and great, simple seafood menu. The drinks are very reasonably priced and service is excellent too. There’s another Swordfish Club over in Russell which has an even better view.
Written December 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracey H
Wellington24 contributions
Feb 2021 • none
Fantastic food, staff, views. Not an extensive menu, which is perfect for someone like me who can't make my mind up! But the food we got was exceptional. Very relaxed dining and the staff were great. Great views over Paihia harbour. A definite must-go when visiting Paihia.
Written March 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul B
Chesterfield1706 contributions
Sep 2022 • none
Stumbled across this Game fishing club and they welcomed none members. Had great fish and chips. Staff very welcoming. Prices very good. Highly recommended. I imagine in summer the views will be stunning
Written September 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rochelle H
Kerikeri55 contributions
Nov 2024 • family
Awesome food and experience..great views sitting outside..had the seafood platter a salad and calamari..was lovely and very tasty. The staff were excellent
Written November 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Road49745782867
2 contributions
May 2024 • couples
Ordered the pan fried fish of the day. It was the worst fish dish I have ever had at a restaurant. It was so tough and over cooked I struggled to cut it. Disgraceful.
Written May 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill P
Hervey Bay24 contributions
Feb 2024 • couples
Best seafood chowder with a view of the Bay of Islands , cheap drinks & lovely staff. A must see while in Paihia New Zealand
Written February 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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