The Boat Shed Bar & Grill
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Hours
Sun
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Mon
10:00 am - 11:30 pm
Tue
10:00 am - 11:30 pm
Wed
10:00 am - 11:30 pm
Thu
10:00 am - 11:30 pm
Fri
10:00 am - 11:30 pm
Sat
10:00 am - 11:30 pm
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.
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Bar, Seafood, Polynesian, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
Does this restaurant accept bookings?
Details
CUISINES
Bar, Seafood, Polynesian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.0
832 reviews
Excellent
329
Very good
309
Average
124
Poor
42
Terrible
28
Vicky U
London470 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
It’s hard to get anything different in Aitutaki and so my husband enjoyed his beef rendang. My pan-fried parrot fish was ok but the stir-fried vegatables had been cooked hours ago and were unappetising. The fish and chips were good though and generous portions and the tuna in coconut milk was tasty and nicely served in a coconut shell. But these are the basics that you get everywhere so they should be good. The waitresses were very jolly and the place has the best bar vibe on the island. But there’s not much competition!
Written 22 February 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.
ZenShell
Christchurch194 contributions
Jan 2022 • none
I was told this was the best place to go on Sunday. I saw more people here & liveliness than any other spot I had been to. A great mix of locals and tourists, kids enjoying themselves and the service by the two beautifully dressed staff was top notch as it was a full house.
They had damask table clothes with island prints over top for indoor dining & loads of memorablia to take in.
Food was reasonably priced. Sadly no raw fish nor sashimi but supplies at mo can be a issue. We had all starters and drinks which came to $45 a head - pretty good for a 5pm arrival & 10pm departure. I enjoyed their twist on a nasi goreng.
The karaoke was a surprise bonus & the locals & staff led the show. Was fantastic.
Loads of smiles shared and will have special memories of this.
Thanks to Poporoa Rentals too for giving a tour when it was shut and inviting me back.
Great fun!
Written 25 January 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.
Fran M
14 contributions
June 2021 • none
Great local food at good prices and a location overlooking the ocean just a brief walk from Ranginui Retreat beachside bungalows. This is where the island folk go for a good meal out. Don’t get ripped off elsewhere.
Written 20 June 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.
Rigger Reid
Timaru582 contributions
Jan 2022 • none
Stunning location, nice warm breeze during those sunny days
Interesting place to visit lots of nautical memorabilia to look at
Had a evening meal here, Tuna Sashimi to start which was yummy, fish curry and fish and chips, good size portions and was great food.
The curry sauce was yummy to dip your chips in !!!
Had fresh salad on the side with fish and chips which needed a dressing which is a minor point. Was a good feed.
You can dine inside or outside
Staff were friendly and we had good service, there was karaoke on Sunday night.
Written 23 January 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.
vicwine
11 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
The movement of people coming and going, the variety of drinks & dishes, the efficiency of staff and the quality & size of dishes makes this restaurant one worth visiting.
The meals are delicious and so it is worthwhile making other visits to enjoy the menu variety.
Located close to the shore to view the sunset and not too far from other resorts add this one to your Aitutaki list.
Written 8 January 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.
pizote67
Sondrio546 contributions
Aug 2023 • family
We went for lunch and dinner, and both times we waited more than 1 hour to be served (with the restaurant half empty). Our waitress was more than annoyed and 5 minutes after she served our pizzas she told us: "when you are ready you can pay at the counter". This was the only bad experience on our 15 days long Cook Islands holiday. Far better options in Aitutaki
Written 15 September 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.
spraggbj
Christchurch166 contributions
July 2022 • couples
Our fifth visit to Aitutaki and we decided to head to the Boatshed on our first night as it was close to our accommodation. Only half of the menu was available so we went for a Fish of the Day and a Fish Curry. The fish of the day was reheated not cooked from fresh. It was dry and fairly tasteless. My fish curry was simply awful. The curry flavour was from a powder … the type my Nana used to have. It was gritty and bitter. My wife’s cocktail was served without any garnish in a tall glass and described as ‘coconut milk mixed with petrol.’ At least the shared deep fried ice cream was nice at the end. We didn’t return in our seven night stay on Aitutaki as there are much better options elsewhere on the island. A shame as we’ve had some really good meals there in the past.
Written 18 July 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.
sydneysider48
Sydney1188 contributions
Aug 2023 • couples
We dined here at night on a number of occasions during our stay on Aitutaki. The restaurant has a great atmosphere, with a verandah and outside area overlooking the reef. The menu is quite extensive and interesting, and all of our meals were excellent. Food, cocktails and wine were all reasonably priced and the service was attentive and friendly.
Written 31 August 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.
Pitts Coach
Crookwell27 contributions
July 2023 • couples
We visited on a busy Sunday evening for dinner, after hearing mixed reviews after we had made our booking was wasn’t sure what to expect. BUT the service was great , food was fast to be delivered to the table and the meals were excellent, we had the fish and chips and fish curry. The curry was full of fish and the curry had a great flavour. The fish and chips was also beautifully cooked and 2 large pieces. The cocktails was the cheapest we found on the island and big sizes. Would highly recommend the boat shed
Written 10 July 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.
GlasgowStephi
Crosslee105 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
We were staying close to the Boatshed and with limited eating options we had dinner here a couple of nights. We found the food nice enough but nothing special, portions are decent size. Some of the staff weren’t too friendly. Nice views though.
Written 25 March 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.
steve
Hamilton1 contribution
Apr 2024 • couples
My partner and I recently dined at this restaurant, anticipating a delightful meal based on recommendations to dine here. The server was pleasant, but the overall service was quite slow, with our meals taking 45 minutes to an hour to arrive.
I specifically inquired about onions in the Hawaiian pizza when ordering, as I don’t care for them. I asked if they could be excluded but was assured that the onions were finely chopped and actually part of a pre-made mix. The pizza arrived with large onion slices. Additionally, the menu failed to mention the presence of capsicum, another ingredient I dislike, which is not typical for a Hawaiian pizza. It would’ve been nice to have a pizza base that was made from freshly made dough rather than a frozen base.
When I shared my disappointment with the waitress, she seemed receptive but made no mention of being able to update the menu to reflect the dish’s ingredients accurately. We also overheard another table expressing dissatisfaction with the chicken curry.
We hope this feedback encourages the restaurant to improve its menu descriptions and address the consistency of its dishes, ensuring a more enjoyable experience for diners.
This review is in no way reflective of the service we received from the waitress who was lovely.
Written 24 April 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.
Daydream800448
8 contributions
Apr 2024 • couples
Chicken curry was Watties mixed veges topped with sliced fried chicken, topped with a bland curry sauce. Swordfish steaks thin, overcooked and dry. Serving staff had no idea what the Sauvignon Blanc was, and couldn't be bothered finding out. Restaurant very quiet, even though we were told on phone last booking was 1830. They need a cook who cares. I will never go back again
Written 13 April 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.
Travel Junkie
Timaru34 contributions
Jan 2022 • couples
The Boat Shed is in a great location for a nice sea breeze to cool you down while you have lunch or dinner.
We went in the evening for dinner and we loved the feel of it, lots of interesting ship memorabilia around the place which was cool.
We started with a sashimi plate which was delicious, very fresh and it just melted in your mouth. For mains my partner ordered fish and chips and I had the fish curry….. and a piña colada. Both meals were as good as you would get for any pub lunch but I don’t think the fish in my soup was fresh. The cocktail was lovely and I loved the flower decoration. Overall cool place.
Written 1 February 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.
David N
Yungaburra24 contributions
Feb 2023 • none
During a two week stay on Aitutaki we dinned here the majority of our stay. The food offers value for money with great flavor, great portion size and a good selection of menu items.
The service by the girls was fantastic, the girls even when busy still maintained a smile and professionalism.
If you visit Aitutaki this is a place you must visit.
Written 7 March 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.
macfod
Amberley797 contributions
Mar 2022 • couples
As its one of few places open locally it was for us a draw after eating average overpriced food at Pacific Resort.
Service was very good and seating having views out to the ocean.
Not far from airport and a good bike ride if your up for it.
A good choice of food and reasonable, but pricey drinks at $8 for a bottle of beer.
Staff we found very good and all in all a great place
Written 1 April 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.
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