Ours was a late lunch in the courtyard at Butterfish, right beside the Bay of islands Swordfish Club.

We came to Russell with the name of one dining venue ringing in our ears. It and the name Russell are synonymous but for us our lunch at Butterfish will be our lasting memory. We had the dumplings and a steak sandwich. The menu is well balance fusion style that includes local oysters served as oysters should be, simply. Supplementing the menu is a very good range from the cabinet.

This meal is very close to the best we have had in one of the many restaurants in Paihia. It has a local feel, local product prepared by a local chef. We have found that this has made a difference in this delightful area.

We ordered half a dozen oysters and prawn linguine. Excellent. Our only complaint was that the cafe was open in the morning and early afternoon -- good for lunch, but what about dinner!? We would have gone twice if it had been open in the evening.

We ordered the Big Breakfast and Eggs Benedict and it was delicious! We had been told Butterfish did the best Eggs Benedict in Russell and we weren't disappointed. Great food and sitting right on the waterfront made for a fantastic morning.

Stopped in for lunch and had our meal indoors as outside was so crowded (and warm). Service was good and our meals were too, and very big - too much for me

Came in here with my husband for breakfast. Even though it was quite busy the service was great and done with a smile. The thick cut bacon was superb as we're the home-made baked beans.