Reviews of Ozeki Cafe & Bar. (Restaurant) in Wellington (Wellington).

Ozeki Cafe & Bar

201 Reviews

106 Comments

Restaurant

Japanese restaurant

161 Tory Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Description

Information of Ozeki Cafe & Bar, Restaurant in Wellington (Wellington)

Here you can see the location, open hours, popular times, contact, photos and real reviews done by the users.

This place has good reviews, this means that they treat their customers well and you’ll feel great with their services, recommended 100%!

Map

Open hours of Ozeki Cafe & Bar

Popular times

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Reviews of Ozeki Cafe & Bar

D.

Good place to visit. Wanted to try for a while. The place is very big and can suit large parties. Tried few things: edamami, aged dashi tofu, and two sets : bbq beef and katsu set. Edamami and aged tofu were delightful ! Very well seasoned edamame was great for start. Tofu was delicious. Very crispy outside and silky inside. I was very pleased. The set were a nice combo: miso soup, rice, and salad, and whatever meal you have chosen. Bbq beef was nice. Thinly sliced, well seasoned, and hot. I thought katsu could be better. It seemed it was little bit overfried. The servise was friendly. They do have specials there on Tuesday, 2 for 1 bento, which we didnt get. But seems like people were coming for that and they had 2 large parties. I thought its a good place but somehow it seemed that they little bit struggle to get customers. The food is good ! Don’t know why I felt this way. Ah ! If you visit, take a jacket with you. Its a little bit cold inside.

L.

I really wanted to like this place. The venue is really nice and large enough for big groups. It's also close by for me. However, the food really isn't that great. For the very first time I had sushi rice that was both mushy but with hard bits at the same time. Rice with 3 thin slices of cucumber in top is hardly consider as sushi (really shouldn't count that as one). The wasabi was tasteless. The miso soup was alright, a little light but had seaweed and scallions. The sashimi was fresh. You can tell the chef doesn't know how to cut sashini though. The cut is all wrong. Overall it was just disappointing. The sashimi and sushi set also didn't come with veggies, only miso soup. The service was friendly. I really do hope they improve, so they aren't empty during lunch hour.

H.

What a pleasant surprise to discover this gem in the city. Hugely popular for groups. BYO. Enjoy the fresh snack food and the authentic sake 酒

S.

No real complaints except some food portions is quite small for the price. Also corkage should not be charged on everyone on the table, only those that brought wine, we had a dinner and my friends got charged extra when they only had food. I suggest checking your bill before paying or you will be charged without them telling you, abit dodgy move there.

G.

I went for a BYO on a Friday night, and the entire dining area was jam packed. This place is mostly busy on a Friday and Saturday night, so make a booking in advance. Be prepared to wait for long hours to be served. You need to get the attention of the wait staff first for them to come to you. When you enter the restaurant, You will see about 10 to 20+ people per table. Diners are crammed like sardines on every table. The noise level in the restaurant is loud, so you need to scream when you talk. Their service is as slow as a sloth during these days. As you order, the wait staff will ask you to pay right away as well on your seat. You will also be charge a $4 corkage fee per person. The staff will then ask for your name so that once they serve the food, they will just shout for your name. They still got our names wrong though, so it took a while before they serve the food to the right person. One of the appetiser that I ordered, Ebi gyoza, was served burnt. Some of our orders were good and some were not. I believe that the quality of the food and the service level is allways compromised when there is too many customers and not enough staff when busy.

S.

Perfect Japanese Food Family run, Ozeki is a gem in Wellington. Every aspect of Japanese cuisine is done exquisitely by Ozeki master chefs. The appetizers are scrumptious and the selection is impressive: agadashi tofu; edamame; korokke (potato and ham fritters); gyoza (dumplings) gyuusashi (rare beef with lemon-onion dressing); spring rolls and so many more - the variety makes for an intense complete appetizer set or you can try different selections on multiple visits. You will be spoiled for choice. What Ozeki is truly brilliant for are their tempura dishes (batter fried seafood and vegetables). Tempura is an art and to do it well is not easy. Ozeki has tempura down to an art and a science. Each tempura piece of seafood (shrimp; scallops; crab; whitefish and market catches of the day) or fresh vegetables (sweet potato; broccoli; onion; string beans; etc.) is lovingly hand cut and dipped in Ozeki's master-chef freshly prepared tempura batter and then fried to perfection. Each tempura plate comes with a delicious ginger based tempura sauce and the option to add other sauces of your liking (mayonnaise; soya sauce; teriyaki sauce; Japanese vinegar; etc. or sea salt and dry spice mixes). Ozeki also makes the best sushi and sashimi in Wellington. Every piece of sashimi is professionally cut from whole fish selected at market, fresh each day for highest quality at the peak of freshness and excellence. Sushi gets the same loving care; awesome additions that make Ozeki sushi brilliant are quail eggs, various fish roe. To experience Ozeki at its best, the bento boxes are highly recommended. Ozeki bento boxes are amazing for their variety and uncompromising value. Each bento box comes with a mixed leaf light vinaigrette salad; miso soup and rice. You can choose a combination of sushi and sashimi with tempura or meat options such as beef, chicken, barbecued eel or the pan fried fish of the day. Ozeki has a relaxed atmosphere and the owners are super friendly. Ozeki is a little oasis of tranquility in Wellington and there's an energy of true Japanese hospitality that welcomes you to come in and relax and take an hour or two to really experience the best this outstanding restaurant has to offer. Ozeki has takeaway service for your convenience. Suggested is a meal starting with rice and or green tea followed by cold saki and then appetizers. The appetizer set makes for an easy and delectable presentation. After your main, a dessert such as fried ice cream along with a cup of barrista roasted coffee or a pot of goumet loose-leaf tea celebrates the meal nicely. All dietary needs such as gluten-free, nut allergies and lactose/egg intolerance are catered for. If it's not on the menu, suggest it and Ozeki can make your dream dish happen. Here's wishing you magical dining at Ozek

J.

Great little, but big restaurant to start your boozy evenings off with, as this a a B.Y.O restaurant with a corkage fee. Small or large groups are welcome. The night that I went, there were two birthday parties, both respectively large. Great japanese food, severed quickly and with smile. I don't remember waiting more than maybe 10 minutes for food. Probably take a jacket as I did get a little cold. Would recommend to anyone or you, the person reading this. 4/5.

P.

Ozeki is one of the best Japanese restaurant's in Wellington that I've ever been to. The seafood is incredible with a clean taste, flavorful food and good taste in sake that is perfect for any adult wishing to try sake for the first time. I highly recommend Ozeki as it is perfect for introducing you to Japanese food, delicious seafood and sake.

G.

It's been a few years since we've last been to Ozeki. The space is still set up in much the same way. There are plenty of tables for smaller groups and a few spaces for much larger groups, with reasonable space between. The result is enough privacy but with a fair bit of ambient noise. On a busy night, the noise can be a bit much. The food is on par with expectation. It's good value, especially in the set menus, and the selection is wide enough to provide lots of choice without being difficult to choose. Service was incredibly prompt, although the larger groups were arriving after we'd already ordered. I would like to try a few more things from the menu, so I'm hoping we get back shortly.

D.

So good, I could eat Japanese every night!

L.

Great and very affordable lunch menu, nice and quiet during the week when service is very quick. Nicely decorated premises. Judging from other reviews it seems to get loud on a weekend but I'd highly recommend visiting on a mid-week afternoon for a tasty lunch.

S.

Had the sushi lunch. Good value for money in a clean and upmarket restaurant.

J.

Food is great and resonobly priced. The decor could be a little nicer

M.

Great space for groups, good menu

L.

Absolutely thoroughly enjoyed the meal here nice atmosphere and service was great gave a 5 star as the food here was yummy thanks again will definitly make this my fav Japanese restaurant while I am here in Wellington looking forward on trying everything on the menu sooooo delicious 😍👍

L.

Great place, where to go with big or smaller groups You can reserve table,if you come with big group. Many tasty options available on menu, including vegetarian and vegan food. I took chicken teriyaki set and it was nice. As it is BYO - you can take your own wine and pay $4 per person.

N.

. (06/2017) Delicious Japanese food. Pleasant ambiance, spacious and comfortable seating. Cordial staff and friendly service. Normally quiet during afternoons which is good for groups visits. Good for celebrations. Limited choice for vegetarians especially no vegetarian listing in set menu.

C.

Excellent food and service! Went on a quiet Tuesday night with my mum and partner (a vegetarian). We all thoroughly enjoyed our meals and our server was very attentive!

K.

Food, atmosphere and service were pleasant but nothing special. Food was not great value and not that different from what you might get from a regular sushi place. Atmosphere was cool with nice paintings and decor. Service was very friendly and reasonably prompt, but infrequent.

S.

A good place for a big gathering/BYO, with big tables and lots of room. That also means it's usually packed and gets pretty loud and rowdy, which isn't really to my taste. The food is fine, but if you really are going out for a nice meal, as opposed to getting a lot of people together, other places do better Japanese for cheaper, and with a nicer atmosphere, and with better service. But Ozeki is probably still a solid choice for that big birthday get together you're planning.

B.

Amazing Teriyaki Salmon! Super yummy and great portion. The room was just way too noisy it was very unpleasant to be yelling all evening loke we were literally in a night club bc the other tables were ridiculously loud. Maybe should have avoided Friday night (and probably the same elsewhere too). At least great food and nice staff! And big space for group booking!

M.

Excellent! Gourmet Japanese at its best! The food at Ozeki is superb. Always fresh and prepared with caring attention to detail. Each dish is lovingly created and absolutely delicious. The presentation in bento boxes and Japanes artistic crockery looks great too! Check out the pictures on the Ozeki Facebook page and the Ozeki website. I had the bento box with teriaki vegetables, agadashi tofu and assorted tempura along with rice, miso soup and a green garden salad dressed with a tasty vinagarette. The menu is huge and includes the whole range of sashimi, sushi and delectable appetizers like dumplings, edamame, skewers and fritters. If you're unsure what to order, the friendly staff are always willing to make suggestions for a wonderful selection. Ozeki is vegetarian and vegan friendly. They will make sure to cater for your personal dietary needs. It is family owned and the cozy warm atmosphere reflects this. The chairs are comfortable and the tables are made from feel at home wood. This place is without doubt, the absolute go to Japanese restaurant in Wellington. The staff really care and treat every guest with respect and personal attention.

K.

The food is standard. Nice ambience though.

A.

Yummy food, good customer service.

S.

All time favourite go to! Great for BYOs with medium to large groups. They are super accommodating and the staff are lovely. Can get very noisy with everyone having such a great time.

F.

It has become sort of a ritual for our family, to visit this place whenever we go shopping around CBD. We love the dining atmosphere of Ozeki, especially the large Japanese Yamato-e style wall painting. We had Deep fried squid, Gyoza for appetisers. Teriyaki chicken, Pork Kastu and Angus Beef for main. Top quality food and the prices are very affordable. This place is unique, charming and makes you happy for being there. I cannot wait to go back.

m.

Byo and amazing food, cant complain other than you dont wanna be in the large parties room unless you're also getting rowdy as it is very noisy in there so if you're not also a noisy bunch steer clear

G.

A regular here. Still making my way through the extensive menu. Can't fault the food or the friendly service. Highly recommend!

J.

Very pricey, but it's a good quality sushi.

j.

good deal 2 for 1 bento

D.

Been to a BYO here many times as a student the ambiance and vibe is great and the restaurant looks nice. The food is good but under portioned.

L.

Really well priced meals, the sashimi was great. Standard fare really with some reasonably priced sake to wash it down. Service was friendly enough.

r.

Great atmosphere, great for large groups. Food is as good as you can expect when you have over 25 people ordering at once

K.

Was a nice place. Food was good and filling. Got pretty loud and hard to hear with all the people. Sake was on point though.

R.

The katsu kare was absolutely nothing like that which I had in Japan :( it was super disappointing. I like the vibe of this place though, it's nice and clean, and the staff are really great at their job.

T.

Excellent meals, large portions, friendly staff, thank you very much

L.

Amazing food love it heaps been there for five of my birthday dinners and the service is simply delightful!

A.

Great service.... Helpful and friendly staff.... Sorry no pics.... All gone before we realised 😂

J.

Always good food. but small portions and very loud rowdy place.

D.

Good food. Love the combo type meals. Byo which is great. Little bit loud tho

H.

they have amazing food there and it is soo cheep the do gluten free as a option and have generous amounts

M.

Nice little gem of a restaurant in Tory st wellington , Japanese food , friendly helpful staff , excellent food , nice atmosphere

D.

Good service healthy stlye of eating i enjoyed what i bought ..and i posted photos up of what food i was eating .. friendly staff.good for large groups

L.

Really great food, atmosphere and service. Decent pricing too

A.

Great place for takeout. Sushi is fresh, made quickly, and reasonably priced.

D.

Nice food, good service, gets very noisy on a busy night.

S.

I liked the authentic Japanese cuisine and also was surprised by the selection of sake.

b.

Great service and food. A bit pricey but didn't have to wait long

B.

Always good food, top service!! Try the parrotdog apa.!

J.

Casual and enjoyable. Younger crowd where you sit in long benches and eat and drink plenty.

C.

Very nice restaurant layout and design. Good food.

S.

Great food and atmosphere. Also great on the wallet and BYOB

J.

Fairly good service & fairly pleasant staff... Can sometimes get a bit over run and they forget your orders...

M.

Absolutely beautiful. Great presentation of dishes and a cool setting.

B.

Often used as a BYO location for students or large groups. Not too many vege options.

C.

Delicious food and great service

Z.

Best japanese meal I have found in wellington

K.

Beautiful food. Great service.

S.

Good food. Lots of very drunk students though.

E.

Great place with amazing food and amazing service!!! A must place to go!!!

S.

Always delicious, consistent and quick with service

K.

It was ok nothing remarkable. Service was lovely.

T.

Was good but was a bit pricey for what it is

L.

Nice Japanese restaurant for a big group

L.

Love this place, can be very noisy when it's busy

S.

Great experience, lively atmosphere, wonderful

Y.

Food is decent and good decorations

R.

Good food, rowdy atmosphere

m.

Great place amazing service

Y.

Food is decent and good decorations

B.

Often used as a BYO location for students or large groups. Not too many vege options.

B.

Great food & service

e.

Yummy fresh food

L.

Love this place, can be very noisy when it's busy

G.

Fantastic Japanese eatery.

K.

Great food, fast aervice

A.

Food is nice on occasion!

K.

Really like the food here

C.

Great service, recommend for the BYO service, handled professionally and well mannered.

A.

My kid loves this place

S.

Excellent food!

J.

Lovely people and foods

e.

Yummy fresh food

S.

A++

E.

A must when in Wellington

J.

Good as always

P.

Great food

B.

Fast service

S.

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