Social Kitchen

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#5 of 158 Restaurants in New PlymouthEuropean, New Zealand, $$ - $$$

What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Social Kitchen

Review

At a glance

Opens in 30 min

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Website

+64 6-757 2711Improve this listing

About

Authentic food and exceptional beverages in an environment which celebrates a social experience and shared dining.

Features

CUISINES

European, New Zealand

Meal types

Dinner, After-hours, Drinks

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options

FEATURES

Accepts Credit Cards

Full Bar

Outdoor Seating

Reservations

Seating

Serves Alcohol

Table Service

Wheelchair Accessible

Wine and Beer

Location

40 Powderham Street, New Plymouth 4310 New Zealand

Does this restaurant offer outdoor seating?

Yes

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Hours

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Opens in 30 min

Sunday

5:00 pm - 12:00 am

Monday

5:00 pm - 12:00 am

Tuesday

5:00 pm - 12:00 am

Wednesday

5:00 pm - 12:00 am

Thursday

5:00 pm - 12:00 am

Friday

5:00 pm - 12:00 am

Saturday

5:00 pm - 12:00 am

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4.5

(669)

Excellent

445

Good

147

Average

Poor

Terrible

stork90

Mount Juliet1398 contributions

Excellent meal!

Mar 2024 • couples

I loved the vibe when we walked in - lively music & conversation, even on Easter Sunday. The staff were really friendly, and you could tell they got along well together, especially when they were dancing at the kitchen counter, waiting for their orders to come up. Every dish we had was scrumptious, and we loved having the option of pairing 2 veggies (peas, and salad) with our perfectly cooked main of beef fillet. We started with beef carpaccio and "stuffed" mushrooms. The bottle of Syrah from Hawkes Bay paired well with everything. I would love to go back and try the rest of the menu!

Written 31 March 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.

Ferrygirl

21 contributions

Food to Die For!

July 2022 • couples

Note to start, we turned up earlier than our booking thinking we would just have a drink or two at the bar before our booking, bit of a mistake and the FOH wasn’t impressed with our early presentation however he seated us at a table and the Waitress was super friendly and accommodating. The atmosphere and decor was impressive as was the open kitchen where we could see the chefs at work. The food arrived super quick after ordering and tasted A Mazing!! We shared the Pork Belly and a couple of sides, note the Menu is made for sharing so don’t be discouraged by the prices. Then onto dessert….we decided not to share…..and I’m so glad we didn’t! The Lemon Curd Cheesecake is to die for!!!!! Would definitely return (on time next time lol). Cheers for an awesome culinary experience!

Written 24 July 2022

Madster2010

Bristol7 contributions

Just perfect

Jan 2023 • family

I visited Social Kitchen with my two children (4 & 6) and my Mum for Mum's 76th birthday. Such a fantastic experience. They seated us outside which was light and airy with lovely potted plants and colourful old-style strings of lights. We had the sparkling sangria which was very yummy and refreshing. We ordered 6 small plates and sides between the 4 of us which, considering the kids barely ate anything, was probably one dish too many for us, but everything was utterly delicious, and served very fast. The flaming halloumi was a particular highlight as it literally arrived on fire. We ordered two desserts and they were seriously heavenly! The best custard dessert I've ever had. The food was just perfect and we loved the atmosphere and decor too, even the bathrooms were attractive and fun! It's pricey but so worth it in my opinion for a special occasion. I will definitely be keen to return next time I get the chance to visit New Plymouth.

Written 22 January 2023

Mr Creosote

Auckland19 contributions

Way too far up its own behind.

Oct 2024 • friends

A well-known, high-end venue in New Plymouth but something of a letdown, at least for our group. The food we ordered was very well cooked and presented but not outstanding However, the overall experience was unpleasant. The first thing that came out of our waiter's mouth when we sat down was to announce the time by which we must vacate the table. Not particularly welcoming. It was then pretentiously announced that "it is a shared menu" (presumably because that is currently trendy) when that was quite obvious from the menu itself. Service was pleasant but somewhat snotty, as if we were lucky to be there. We asked for an eye fillet steak as part of our shared order but were advised that this would take 40 minutes because of "prep". Ridiculous! You do not get a bill at the table - you have to walk to the counter. This is acceptable for a 'greasy spoon' breakfast place but not for this price of restaurant. The music was overly loud, making conversation difficult and the lighting was seedy nightclub dark. Not recommended.

Written 28 October 2024

Kiwiflier23

Auckland79 contributions

Average as that was what was delivered.

Jan 2025 • couples

Have rated average as it was exactly that - service was ok however dissapointing that they did not serve the food was ordered and left off a side dish and for the pricing charged would have expected somewhat better. Would not go back based on tonight’s experience. Food overall was good just let down and was not asked when I went to pay was everything ok as would have advised that it was disappointing.

Written 3 January 2025

Sharon H

Wellington277 contributions

Sadly not that great any more

Jan 2023 • friends

We used to go to Social Kitchen every time we were in New Plymouth because it used to be really really good. Sadly that’s not the case anymore. The once ultra professional service has gone, this visit our server didn’t clear the entree plates when the mains arrived and was unable to answer queries about the menu. To be fair we’d have forgiven that but the food quality also has gone. The (famous) flaming halloumi was either overcooked or a different (lower quality) brand and the carpaccio was thick and chewy. At $22.90 per small serve that’s way too expenny. The black angus picanha rump cap was also chewy, the tiny amount of chimichurri was difficult to get out of the jug and was inadequate for the size of the meat. This restaurant used to be our favourite treat, looks like we will have to find another…..

Written 24 January 2023

Colin W

New Plymouth169 contributions

Not to be Missed!

May 2023 • friends

Had heard differing views from others we knew but they must have been mistaken as we thought it was fantastic! The food, and the service was awesome. Everything we ate was outstanding (especially the vegetable selection) and left us wanting more even though we all were full! The protein dishes (meat) were absolutely divine. I'd advise to go as a group (4-8 pers) and try different dishes as going as a couple might get a bit pricey. Will we be going back, hell yeah! So much more different choices to try!

Written 27 May 2023

Taurus Travellers

Hamilton & Waikato Region68 contributions

Pricey

Aug 2022 • none

Visiting the Naki for a long weekend & heard good reviews about this restaurant. Did feel it was rather overpriced. Most mains around $40-50 but that is without any form of sides or vegetables. So basically if you have a steak its just that without anything else & at $14 extra for each side dish (potatoes, greens etc) it makes it pretty pricey. Initial service great but once seated service did slip slightly. When came time to pay there was a delay

Written 28 August 2022

RachSNZ

Auckland97 contributions

Eat here. Try the gnocchi. You're welcome.

June 2022 • couples

Fabulous dining experience. The atmosphere, service and food (especially the gnocchi, beef cheek and lemon curd cheesecake) were all great We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Good to note the mains are intended for two people with a side each, as this gives a more accurate view of what you'll pay. Two of us shared a main, 3 sides and a dessert and were stuffed. Would definitely return.

Written 18 June 2022

beshill

Tauranga15 contributions

Excellent tasting Plates

Oct 2022 • none

Nice bustling casual atmosphere. Good range of flavours to choose from and interesting combinations. We had 5 small dishes and half the dessert each- cost us $75 per head with a drink each. This is not cheap eating but it was delicious and worth the money. We'll be back, thanks, Barbara

Written 29 October 2022

Thea E

Woodville83 contributions

Best in town

Feb 2024 • couples

Great small wine list. Service relaxed and lots of. Food exactly what the menu promised but omg! The ‘butter’ which goes with the various cuts of beef is something i have never had before - stunning. Prices actually work out well as you really only need to share.

Written 3 February 2024

Food is life

Auckland225 contributions

All round fabulous experience.

Nov 2022 • family

A fab meal here nearly 3 years ago and we wanted to return as we were back in NP post covid. As mentioned in other reviews it appears pricey but we ordered the pork belly platter-asparagus-potatoes and bread and it was perfect for 4 and reasonable. The staff were just lovely and the whole experience from front of house to wait staff were friendly and professional. The dining room and atmosphere was gorgeous. We loved it and yes despite pricing reservations we had a wonderful evening. Thx team. 🌺🌸

Written 12 November 2022

sensational18

18 contributions

Felt like in a production line.

Oct 2022 • friends

Dined with a table of five. Can’t complain about the food it was fine. Staff friendly enough. But felt very rushed. Told when we got there we had to vacate table at a certain time which was ok but then courses arrived so quickly and waitress was removing plates before all of the party had finished eating. We were out hours ahead of schedule. Don’t like being rushed won’t go back.

Written 6 November 2022

Loulou0833

Wellington194 contributions

Devine..

May 2024 • business

From the moment we walked in, lovely and warm ( cold out doors!) Great ambiance and on point service. We had a mix of small plates and 2 sides, absolutely delicious, and shared the lemon curd cheese cake, some how light and devine. I think one of NZs best. Wellingtoain visiting.

Written 8 May 2024

San Francisco332 contributions

Enjoyable Food in New Plymouth

Dec 2023 • couples

Tasty, fresh, well made meal in New Plymouth. We came for dinner in early December around 6/7pm. We were able to get in for the outside covered patio dinning without a reservation. This place looked very popular and pretty busy. The food was enjoyable, flavorful, and a fun variety. We really enjoyed the food while in New Plymouth.

Written 21 January 2024