Butterfish, Russell - Restaurant Reviews, Phone Number & Photos

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CUISINES

European, New Zealand

Special Diets

Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks

FEATURES

Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, Waterfront

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4.5

226 reviews

Excellent

143

Very good

60

Average

11

Poor

3

Terrible

9

Zip Zing

Auckland Central395 contributions

Nice lunch with a view.

Jan 2020 • none

Booked a table of 8 for lunch outside and staff were very accommodating.Most of us had the mussels that you can have with either a garlic or thai sauce and they were very tasty and a decent sized serving. Service was good, prices reasonable, food tasty and the location very attractive on the beachfront adjacent to the ferry wharf. Recommended.

Written 14 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.

wrightaway

107 contributions

Wonderful flavours and bright service

Jul 2020 • none

We had had lunch the previous day at a far more upmarket restaurant with rather disappointing results, and for a much greater price tag, so it was a delight to enjoy a super lunch with a lovely glass of wine here at Butterfish. The lady serving us was a delight, there is a menu meal, but we chose two things out of the cabinet, and loved them. Mine was a bagel type with falafel and salad. Out door seating across from the water

Written 20 July 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.

Gwen008

Perth337 contributions

Great location and great food

Mar 2020 • none

We were looking for somewhere to have lunch along the waterfront in Russell. We tired a number of places and none quite fitted our needs until we reached ButterFish We ordered hamburgers and then sat at a table under the trees right on the waterfront and watched the boats and the people while we waited. Given it was a busy day , it wasn't a long wait and the waitress who delivered our lunch was very happy and pleasant. Our hamburger was really good and we enjoyed it. Highly reccommended

Written 13 April 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.

Andrew

1 contribution

Disappointing

Oct 2020 • couples

Went to Butterfish in September with my partner expecting good food which everyone talks about only to be let down and disappointed. We ordered an ice chocolate to start with but when we received it only to be coffee which we don't drink. Next we ordered the Big Breakfast and Eggs Benedict. The Eggs Benedict when it arrived my eggs were soft boiled and the hollandaise sauce tasted like it was from a jar. My partner had the Big Breakfast which his sausage was dry like it was left under a warmer all morning,soft boiled egg, Beans were also very dry, the mushroom wasn't cleaned as there was still dirt on it. After this experience we were told by locals to try again as this was very unusual for them so we did,this time just the cabinet food (american hotdog) and a fish burger, when we recieved our food 5 minutes apart from one another, it was disappointing again. For the Fish n Chips the batter was good, but the fish was average, and seasoning was non-existent. Also the tartar sauce tasted of nothing. Then came the American Hot dog which was smothered in dijon mustard which overpowered every other component not to mention it was luke warm therefore the cheese was still cold. Wont be going back again very dissatisfied.

Written 19 October 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.

Coconut Lands

Wellington121 contributions

Best fish and chips EVER - outstanding

Jan 2020 • none

I'm in my fifties and I'm an Anglo-Kiwi, so I have had lots of fish n chips in my time. Including from places which are often said to serve the best, such as the Magpie in Whitby (UK) and the Mangonui fish shop (NZ). I can honestly say that the fish n chips I enjoyed at Butterfish are the best I have ever had. The gurnard was fresh, chunky and succulent, the batter was beautifully crisp and golden, and the chips were perfect - neither overdone nor underdone. The simple salad garnish had a delicious dressing. The meal came with a little dish of tartare sauce, but mayonnaise was brought willingly and swiftly when I asked for it. Without doubt this was the best meal we had during our stay in Russell, beating the pricier and swankier establishments we visited. Along with the jaunty and friendly staff members who took care of us, the lovely waterfront location and a balmy summer evening, this was a fabulous night out. Highly recommended.

Written 9 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.

Ethan W

Mount Maunganui22 contributions

Great views from tables outside. Good food.

Mar 2020 • couples

Had lunch and dinner here. Excellent mussels in Thai sauce for lunch, and delicious fish and chips for dinner. Not over the top expensive, affordable and good. Happy helpful staff. Hot fresh meals. Asked for extra piece of toasted bread to soak up juice of mussels, no problem!

Written 11 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.

Expedition31644

London16 contributions

Great evening despite some tension between waiting and kitchen staff

Jan 2020 • family

Booking is essential at this busy time of year. We were seated at a nice table but there was no cutlery set up (I think this is a feature for restaurants in Russell) The place is called Butterfish but they had only one fish dish as a main - fish n chips! That said we opted for Scotch Steaks on a potato rosti with asparagus and bearnaise sauce. Tasty and delicious but perhaps a bit pricey at $33 each. We had a nice Tilia Malbec, fruity with a hint of bitterness in the aftertaste. Everyone left happy. The menu also offered a goreng dish and chicken bao buns which two of our party enjoyed. Food is tricky in NZ I have now learned and to be honest you never know what standard of food, service or hospitality you will get. The location is stunning but I think this means that the restauranteurs don’t try hard enough to make it an excellent dining experience. Pity.

Written 4 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.

Michelle S

Wellington2999 contributions

Seafood chowder enjoyed right beside the sea

Feb 2021 • couples

The key attraction to us as we strolled past this Russell cafe on a weekday lunchtime was the outdoor tables across from the cafe, under the pohutukawa and right beside the beach. What a lovely spot to relax, refresh and look out over the water to the wharves, moored yachts and the ferries coming and going. Just before noon, there were a couple of these tables free. This is a cafe rather than a restaurant, so you order and pay inside, and your meals are then brought out to you. We both ordered the seafood chowder (it seemed the obvious choice), and were pleased we did. Plenty of fish, properly hot and very tasty. It came with a nice piece of toasted bread. Fast, efficient service completed the experience.

Written 11 February 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.

BudgetFrog

Havelock North92 contributions

Beach front dining

Mar 2021 • friends

This restaurant had absolute beach front dining and views to die for. The service was friendly and mostly efficient although the waitress forgot to bring the drinks back a couple of times, but quickly got them when reminded. The food was DELICIOUS (asian influences) and we were all happy with our meals. The website needs work tho and I could see menus in advance so we very nearly didn’t come here because I could see it would meet our needs. But fortunately, once we saw the printed menu outside the restaurant and saw the tables under the trees right on the sand, we made our choice. The BEST place to watch the sunset :) (Also - the loos are shared with the fishing club next door and leave a bit to be desired.) Bummer my phone won’t let me upload my pics of the glorious views!!!

Written 21 March 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.

Brett C

26 contributions

Brunch

Jun 2020 • couples

Good location right on the waterfront. We had the big breakfast and bacon and eggs. The big breakfast was good and came with really nice relish. Unfortunately the beans were a bit cold and we thought the one piece of bacon when you order bacon and eggs was a bit mean. You can order a meal or select from the cabinet. The staff were welcoming and friendly.

Written 6 June 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.

dog m

Birkenhead50 contributions

Sitting here finishing brunch.

Mar 2020 • none

Sitting here finishing brunch. For years this was the rather staid and mundane Sally’s It has undergone quite a transformation. Menu much more interesting. Had huevos rancheros with a slab of thick cut bacon that was top notch. Attractively presented flavoursome without going to challenge the average palate with proper bacon full of flavour and not water. Partners mince was rich succulent perfectly balanced and not swimming in an anaemic “sauce”. Top quality coffees enlivened by the occasional chorus of Motown from the kitchen 😎

Written 20 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.

tintin630

North Yorkshire341 contributions

Good food, friendly service and nice views

Feb 2024 • couples

We arrived in Russell quite late and were pleased to find Butterfish still serving food thanks to the friendly and very obliging restaurant owner. We settled down with nice views of Russell and enjoyed an excellent fish and chips meal. We were so impressed that we made another visit to Butterfish a few days later. Unfortunately our return was not as successful and my prawn linguine had a lot of excess liquid which affected my enjoyment of the meal. Russell doesn't have many restaurants, but we are sure Butterfish must be one of the best offering an interesting variety of good value food and great views of the waterside and the sea beyond.

Written 14 May 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.

KhunWilliam

Christchurch153 contributions

Ours was a late lunch in the

Dec 2020 • friends

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.

Written 3 December 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.

MTNZ_11

Wellington1 contribution

Excellent brunch, great food & location

Jan 2023 • couples

We would highly recommend Butterfish to anyone visiting Russell. We stopped in for brunch and both of us had the Turkish eggs with some sides. Everything was cooked perfectly and our coffees were fantastic. They also had a range of delicious looking cabinet food. Their prime position on the waterfront and beautiful views topped it all off. Nothing we could fault. We’ll be back!

Written 3 January 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.

Linda S

2 contributions

Thank you all at Butterfish

Feb 2024 • solo

Spent 6 days in Russell in Feb, and all the staff at butterfish treated us (with my niece initially, then solo) as friends from the word go! Food, atmosphere, view, location (oh, and the Pinot gris!) , all awesome. Reasonably priced and, as a solo (older) traveller, felt comfortable and relaxed. Now back home in Uk, with very fond memories of my time in Russell. Thank you all at butterfish..

Written 11 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.

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Butterfish

Butterfish, Russell - Restaurant Reviews, Phone Number & Photos - Tripadvisor