Valentines Licensed Buffet Restaurants (Petone)

 

Overall Result (based on 12 reviews)

 

REVIEW BY merriken (99) on 10th July 2010

After a complete refit, Valentines Petone recently re-opened in its new Jackson Street premises in an old hotel bought by its owners, having been previously located for some years until a few months earlier in a rented Esplanade loocation on the foreshore. Not having experienced dining in its former location, we cannot make comparisons, but the new premises were certainly impressive when we chose the restaurant recently for a mid-week lunch. It is currently offering a lunch 'special' at $14.95, a reduction of 25% on its normal price, and this showed with so many other patrons present seemingly taking advantage of this.
And our visit proved well worth it, with its smorgasbord laid out in an attractive manner and with much variety from entrees through to mains and desserts. The latter in particular were most inviting and included the usual pavlova, chocolate mousse, profiteroles and lashings of whipped cream, as well as slices of delicious pecan pie. Whilst roast meats were limited to beef, this could be expected, being lunch and not dinner, and a variety of veges were available, together with a range of 'fork' foods, a salad bar providing a wide selection and an albeit limited cheeseboard. Soup was available for those who wanted it, but we passed on this, with so much else on offer. As buffet/smorgasbord restaurants go, the food is certainly of a good standard, and especially so, considering the low price. Whilst alcoholic and other drinks were shown on a price list and available from table service or at the bar, we decided to instead take advantage of the percolated coffee available in the food area.
Whilst the environment is pleasant, and especially lively with so many diners constantly moving to and from the buffet area, the restaurant was initially insufficiently heated for a cold wintry day, but it warmed up as time went by during our two-hour stay. Staff were very attentive to any requests and queries, and we received unobtrusive enquiries from time to time as to how we were enjoying our meals. We even had a visit to our table from the manager seeking feedback on our experience and demonstrating good public relations. There was none of the rudeness some reviewers on this website in the past have complained of. All this combined to make our lunch visit a pleasant leisurely dining occasion, and we will certainly return.

 

REVIEW BY SamIam (6) on 11th May 2009

Since changing hands a few years ago Valentines has really pulled it's socks up! The new owner seems to work the till and is very friendly and helpful. I took my two young sons there after master 6 nagged me to go for his birthday, and it was great to see them putting more on their plates than just chips! Both boys ate vegetables (OMG!) and roast potatoes, now nag me to cook them like Valentines do! The range of drinks for kids is also good, not just fizzy stuff.
Overall I was pleasantly surprised and really impressed with the quality of the food, everything was very fresh and well cooked and presented. I regularly saw the owner walk into the food area and check things, he also had good communication with his chefs and staff.
My boy was even presented with a complimentary wee birthday cake with a sparkling candle - he felt really special.
We shall return!

 

REVIEW BY Frances Johnson (13) on 1st May 2005

Went here for a family birthday....it was appalling. I have been to this restaurant a few times and I vow each time never to go back. But they had a special and the birthday person was free, so off I went again. This time I do VOW never to go back.

 

REVIEW BY P R (117) on 20th February 2005

OK OK - I'm not an "all you can eat" buffet type so I may be somewhat against this place from the start. Went for a family gathering so I had no choice in the matter! Mountains of mediocre food and sickly desserts is just not my scene. Much tastier and better value heading to one of the local, well priced cafe's or Asian eateries.

 

REVIEW BY mike (1) on 21st November 2004

Had dinner there last Saturday night, at the second session which started at 8.00pm. The place was packed, with some large groups in who judging by the noise were obviously having a good time.My wife and I were seated by a very pleasant young girl who took our drinks order. The meal was great! The soups were hot, there was plenty of variety of other food, and the desserts were delicious (especially the pecan pie!)
Throughout the whole night the duty manager was walking around the room, and actually came up to our table and asked how our meals were going, which we thought was a nice touch. It was funny to see him joking with the larger groups (he was quite loud) and full credit to him and the rest of his team, they were extremely busy but they kept things running smoothly. We will be back.