What should I order at Nautilus Buffet Restaurant & Bar?
Nautilus Buffet Restaurant & Bar
Dumplings
Most frequently singled out as a favorite; reviewers specifically called them out as an absolute favorite and praised the overall food quality.
Pineapple And Cucumber Salad
Recommended for being fresh and light, especially as a refreshing contrast to the buffet’s fried foods.
Desserts
Frequently praised across reviews for being delicious, handmade, and a standout part of the buffet selection.
Ice Cream
Mentioned as part of the well-liked dessert selection and included in the buffet’s appealing variety.
Hot Dishes
Repeatedly mentioned as part of the buffet spread, with reviewers noting the food was delicious and offered good value.
Cold Dishes
Highlighted alongside the hot dishes and desserts as part of the broad, satisfying buffet selection.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 2:30 PM, 5 to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 2:30 PM, 5 to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 2:30 PM, 5 to 9 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 2:30 PM, 5 to 9 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 3 PM, 5 to 9 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM to 3 PM, 5 to 8:30 PM |
About Nautilus Buffet Restaurant & Bar
Contemporary waterfront restaurant serving all-day breakfast, New Zealand mains & wine.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- All you can eat
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Private dining room
- Salad bar
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Quiet
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Nautilus Buffet Restaurant & Bar known for?
It is best known for its buffet and oysters, with reviewers repeatedly calling out the seafood spread, hot and cold dishes, and seafood chowder. The waterfront setting in Tauranga also stands out, especially for diners who want a sea view with lunch or dinner.
What dishes are most recommended at Nautilus Buffet Restaurant & Bar?
Reviewers most often highlight oysters, seafood chowder, dumplings, and the pineapple and cucumber salad. Desserts and ice cream are also mentioned often, with some guests saying the desserts taste handmade and the variety makes the buffet feel worthwhile.
What is the atmosphere like at Nautilus Buffet Restaurant & Bar?
The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, quiet, and trendy, with outdoor seating that can feel sheltered and heated on the deck. Reviewers say it works well for families, groups, couples, and solo diners, and several mention the sea view and Mount Maunganui outlook as part of the experience.
Is Nautilus Buffet Restaurant & Bar good value, and what is the price range?
The listed price is NZ$30–40, and reviewers frequently say it is good value for money, with one noting NZ$37.9 per adult for hot dishes, cold dishes, and desserts. Several comments compare the price favorably to the amount and quality of food, calling it a satisfying feast for the cost.
Do you need a reservation at Nautilus Buffet Restaurant & Bar?
Yes, reservations are accepted and both lunch and dinner reservations are recommended, with some reviewers saying the restaurant was already full when they arrived without one. That suggests it can get busy, especially at peak meal times or on holidays, even though service is often described as prompt.
Is parking available at Nautilus Buffet Restaurant & Bar?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Nautilus Buffet Restaurant & Bar have vegetarian options?
Yes, Nautilus Buffet Restaurant & Bar offers vegetarian options.
Is Nautilus Buffet Restaurant & Bar kid-friendly?
Yes, Nautilus Buffet Restaurant & Bar is good for kids.
Restaurants like Nautilus Buffet Restaurant & Bar in Tauranga
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