What should I order at The Aviator Experience?
The Aviator Experience
Pizza
Recommended multiple times for being very good and part of a meal where the steak, pizza, and pasta were all praised. Reviewers also said they ordered pizzas and enjoyed the food overall.
Cheese Burger
Called an absolute standout in one review, making it one of the most strongly praised specific dishes mentioned.
Steak
Mentioned alongside the pizza and pasta as being great, with the whole meal described positively.
Pasta
Included in a group of dishes that were all described as great, suggesting it was a well-liked option.
Eggs Bene With Bacon
Praised as possibly the best eggs bene the reviewer had ever had, with perfect homemade relish, hollandaise, and crispy bacon.
Thunderbird Burger
Specifically highlighted as one of the mouth-watering burgers available, contributing to the cafe’s strong food appeal.
Afterburner Burger
Also singled out as a mouth-watering burger option, showing it was memorable enough to be named in the review.
Aviator Salad
Mentioned as a specific menu item among the appealing burger and salad choices, suggesting it was part of the cafe’s recommended lunch offerings.
About The Aviator Experience
The Aviator Experience is a restaurant and aviation-themed venue in Thames, New Zealand. It serves brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert, coffee, cocktails, beer, wine, and small plates, with dine-in, takeout, and onsite services available. Reviewers consistently praise the flight simulator experience, the welcoming staff, and dishes like eggs benedict, pizzas, burgers, steak, pasta, and tiramisu. The atmosphere is described as casual, and it is popular with groups, families, tourists, and solo diners.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Frequently asked questions
What is The Aviator Experience known for?
It is best known for its flight simulator experience, which reviewers describe as highly immersive and realistic, with a wide range of aircraft to try. The aviation theme is a major part of the appeal, and many visitors say the simulator alone makes the trip to Thames worthwhile.
What dishes are most recommended at The Aviator Experience?
Reviewers most often highlight the eggs benedict with bacon, pizzas, burgers such as Thunderbird and Afterburner, steak, pasta, and tiramisu. The eggs benedict gets especially strong praise for its homemade relish and hollandaise, while the burgers and pizzas are repeatedly described as very good.
What is the atmosphere like at The Aviator Experience?
The vibe is casual and family-friendly, with an aviation theme, lighting, and music that reviewers say make it feel fun rather than formal. It works well for groups and families because the simulator adds an interactive element, but solo diners also visit for lunch and the experience.
Is The Aviator Experience good value, and what is the price range?
The listed price range is NZ$20 to 60, and reviewers often say the food is plentiful and the overall experience is worth the trip. Large groups were well catered for with platters, meals, and dessert, which supports the idea that it offers solid value for a meal plus the simulator experience.
Do you need to book ahead or plan for busy times at The Aviator Experience?
Lunch reservations are recommended, and the venue accepts reservations, which is useful because it is popular with groups and tourists. Reviewers also mention that the staff handle larger parties well, so booking ahead makes sense if you want the simulator and a meal without waiting.
Is parking available at The Aviator Experience?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Is The Aviator Experience kid-friendly?
Yes, The Aviator Experience is good for kids.
Restaurants like The Aviator Experience in Thames
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