Oyster Cove - Oyster Cove 8 Ward Parade

We ordered the Fisherman's Platter and it was more than enough for two people and then some. All seafood ( the green lip mussels, drunken prawns, oysters [your choice], smoked salmon, battered blue cod, s & p squid, and crispy squid tentacles) was either cooked or fried to perfection. The smoked salmon was served on a bed of salad which was the perfect amount of greens. We highly recommend Oyster Cove if you ever find yourself in Bluff, the northernmost town in New Zealand's South Island.

It is very much time to say Thank You for all the great Lattes I was blessed with at your place! The location proves to be not only beautiful, but perfect for very special experiences! Each and every one made my day and I would come back for them any day!

Awesome view. Nice wait staff. Kind of put off by the way the bluff oysters were served. We ordered a dozen, and they put two oysters in each shell. They tasted all good but it felt like if I had gone in the back I may have seen them washing used shells and placing oysters out of those tiny plastic contains in them and passing them off as "fresh on the shell". They were definitely not large enough to fill each half shell individually. Completely a theory, but the presentation caused the thought so, 3 stars.

Friendly and efficient service. Ordered a dozen oysters ( they were delicious) which arrived promptly despite being warned that food may take an hour. The dining room was far too warm which was uncomfortable (it was 22 degrees C outside) Great views out over Stirling Point. Lots of vacant reserved tables! Recommend that you book in advance if you want a window seat.

It took us a year to be able to dine in this lovely restaurant. They are always busy and full but mind you it is worth the visit. Staff are fantastic, chowder was more than our expectations and the oysters are so so delicious. A must when you are in Bluff.

3 things: 1. The issue of lots of empty “reserved”tables as stated on previous reviews of the place. Personally, I came here for two reasons: oysters and the VIEW. There were loads of empty “reserved” tables by the window and only 2-3 tables were occupied at the restaurant and we were placed by the door. Like, really?? I would not mind if it was busy. But even after we’ve left, the tables were still empty. Makes me wonder if it’s too hard for them to allow customers to sit by the window, and informing them ahead that the said table is reserved (for example, 5pm) and if they could transfer or leave before that time. 2. Came here knowing bluff oysters were not in season yet, and I was prepared to have fried ones cooked from frozen. However, bluff oysters were not available, they only have pacific ones. Which wasn’t a problem since I love freshly shucked raw pacific oysters with lemon. In fact, what they served us was amazing. ? Just be aware, that you will still pay the same price wether it’s bluff oysters or pacific oysters available in the menu. 3. The service. It was good, but I just wish that they will be more careful in serving guests. One staff initially served our drinks to the other table. I know, coz I saw it and there were only 2-3tables occupied. In this time of pandemic, I am and will be very concerned if another customer had already touched my drink. It was hot (outside and inside) and we enjoyed a cold refreshing drink. On the bright side, they have a good selection of food and drinks- they have beer on tap. They have a cafe too. Make a booking ahead to get the best seats. They have staff shortage so they might limit their guests and/or expect some delays. Toilets are clean, and they have a mini lounge while waiting to be seated. Take note of the entrance and exit. The door you see at the front is actually the exit. The entrance is at the rear side. Vaccine pass required upon entry.

Finally my hubby tasted the real bluff. The bluff oyster ? is fresh and fatty today, but no wine ?isn’t allowed to order at lunch? great time to be here. Must Try?????? To me, Soup of the day is tasted a lot better than seafood chowder ?

We came with low expectations because of the reviews, and were pleasantly surprised as a result. When we arrived around 1:30 pm without reservations, about half of the window tables were available. We were seated at one without even needing to request it. Maybe that's the right time of day to walk in if you're hoping for a window table! The fisherman's platter turned out to be the perfect way to try a bunch of seafood, and was the ideal amount for 2 people. Between my husband and I, we really enjoyed each part of the platter. I was particularly impressed by the light, crispy batter on the cod! The only nitpicking things I'd point out are details like not bringing an extra plate for empty mussel/oyster shells, and not being checked on at all once the food was dropped off (so we couldn't ask for a shell discard plate). No big deal, and totally understandable during pandemic times, but worth mentioning just to make it clear that it isn't a high-end fine dining experience.