Reviews - Criterion

Lovely bar lady Jesse, makes the best hot choc on a cold nite read more Lovely bar lady Jesse, makes the best hot choc on a cold nite

A great day was had by all. Looking forward to next year !!! Well done Sue Cameron-Duncan and your team of wonderful workers. Finished the day with... read more A great day was had by all. Looking forward to next year !!! Well done Sue Cameron-Duncan and your team of wonderful workers. Finished the day with...

I took a client who used a wheelchair for a light meal and a beer. The staff were extremely accommodating. Sadly, he passed away a couple of weeks later. It was... read more I took a client who used a wheelchair for a light meal and a beer. The staff were extremely accommodating. Sadly, he passed away a couple of weeks later. It was a wonderful experience...

Good Food and Excellent Beer with a Bonus of some Class Live Music : read more Good Food and Excellent Beer with a Bonus of some Class Live Music :

Excelente location with good access to public parking. Lovely staff. The best pork ribs I’ve ever had. The rooms are comfortable and many options for... read more Excelente location with good access to public parking. Lovely staff. The best pork ribs I’ve ever had. The rooms are comfortable and many options for...

This is an amazing place to stay, and the food was fantastic! This establishment truly deserves all the praise it receives. A huge thank you to the staff, espec... read more This is an amazing place to stay, and the food was fantastic! This establishment truly deserves all the praise it receives. A huge thank you to the staff, especially owner Sue, for providing such a wonderful experience and excellent service. P.S. The chef is a delight and always eager to please even the pickiest of diners!

I would highly recommend this restaurant to everyone! It has a fantastic atmosphere, incredibly friendly staff, and the food was amazing. I can't forget to ment... read more I would highly recommend this restaurant to everyone! It has a fantastic atmosphere, incredibly friendly staff, and the food was amazing. I can't forget to mention the dessert—delicious! The Southern Man was the perfect way to end the night. A special thanks to Sue for making the Criterion the place to be. Great job!

We sincerely appreciate the meal we won in your Valentine's Day competition. The staff was wonderful, and the food was outstanding. We will definitely be return... read more We sincerely appreciate the meal we won in your Valentine's Day competition. The staff was wonderful, and the food was outstanding. We will definitely be returning!

Had a great day sampling interesting craft beer. Finished off with with a tasty chicken burger in the Snug at the Criterion. read more Had a great day sampling interesting craft beer. Finished off with with a tasty chicken burger in the Snug at the Criterion.

Excelente location with good access to public parking. Lovely staff. The best pork ribs I’ve ever had. The rooms are comfortable and many options for mornings t... read more Excelente location with good access to public parking. Lovely staff. The best pork ribs I’ve ever had. The rooms are comfortable and many options for mornings tea!

Staff where great. With what experience they had I was empressed. We waited an hour and 15 for our starters. This wasn't an unexpected wait due to opening. Tota... read more Staff where great. With what experience they had I was empressed. We waited an hour and 15 for our starters. This wasn't an unexpected wait due to opening. Totally annoyed that the owner didn't realize and except her mistake that she was short staffed. Due to her experience in the industry I would have thought she would have understood. We were told we would get a discount which never happened.

During the last month we had a holiday on the South Island, we were able to celebrate a birthday party with friends in the newly opened statement. we all had a... read more During the last month we had a holiday on the South Island, we were able to celebrate a birthday party with friends in the newly opened statement. we all had a fantastic night. the service was great and eating was even better. hubby and I shared the beef wellington, which was perfectly cooked, tender and tasty! friends had the common lamb dish they also loved. as for dessert was the baked whitestone mt domett brie unrealistic! also recommend home care.

The meal also came with a beautifully presented selection of garden vegetables, and the crispy potatoes were exceptional. There was more than enough food for tw... read more The meal also came with a beautifully presented selection of garden vegetables, and the crispy potatoes were exceptional. There was more than enough food for two of us, and we couldn't finish everything. If this meal is any indication of their regular offerings, I highly recommend giving them a try. The only suggestion I have is to add garlic bread to the menu, as we're both big fans of it.

It’s time for dinner on this lovely evening in Oamaru. As we stroll through the streets, we come across the Criterion Hotel Eatery and decide to stop in. Steppi... read more It’s time for dinner on this lovely evening in Oamaru. As we stroll through the streets, we come across the Criterion Hotel Eatery and decide to stop in. Stepping inside the Criterion feels like taking a trip back in time, with beautifully preserved decor that reflects its historic charm. We order a couple of house IPAs and browse the menu, ultimately choosing the lamb and oysters. While the lamb is cooked to perfection, we enjoy some flatbread and dip. The staff is incredibly attentive and demonstrates excellent customer service throughout our visit.

Since reopening recently, decided to visit for a couple of drinks. Great atomphere, however a pint of beer and glass of wine cost $29. If looking for casual dri... read more Since reopening recently, decided to visit for a couple of drinks. Great atomphere, however a pint of beer and glass of wine cost $29. If looking for casual drinks, other places nearby offer far better value for money. Customer service of hosts also seems a bit forced. Possibly teething problems that may be overcome in time.