17/10/2026
✨ SEMOLA OREWA — FEATURED IN NZ HERALD VIVA! ✨
We’re delighted to share that Semola has been reviewed by renowned food writer and broadcaster Jesse Mulligan in Viva - The New Zealand Herald 🥂🍝
A heartfelt thank you to Jesse Mulligan for visiting Semola, taking the time to write about us, and shining a spotlight on the dining scene here in Orewa. We truly appreciate the opportunity to be part of the conversation about New Zealand’s food and hospitality scene.
Here are a few lines from the review that meant a lot to our team 🥂
“Semola describes itself as a handmade pasta and steak restaurant. The steaks certainly look good, ageing impressively in a glass-fronted fridge you pass on the way to the bathroom, but I chose the $69 “Trust the Chef” menu, a generally reliable way of getting to grips with a large, unfamiliar menu.”
“The risotto was lovely. Golden yellow and lush, with sweet pumpkin velouté playing off pancetta, Parmesan and crisp fried sage leaves. Then came lamb shoulder, slow-cooked until tender, compressed into a neat little shape and roasted so the outside had taken on some dark, delicious scorching. It came with peas, peperonata and a bright white dollop of ricotta. The ricotta seemed an odd choice when I first saw it but didn’t clash. Another very good dish.”
“Dessert was sticky toffee pudding, and it was a fantastic specimen. Perfectly cooked, with that slight wobble when touched, some extra texture from what I think were macadamias, a very good toffee sauce and ice cream melting against the hot pudding at exactly the right speed.”
Every restaurant review is an opportunity to reflect, learn and keep improving. We’re grateful for the attention, and we’ll continue working hard to give our guests a wonderful experience.
A huge thank you to our valued customers for your continued love, trust and support. ❤️ Your support means the world to our team and inspires us to keep improving and creating memorable dining experiences at Semola. We wouldn’t be here without you, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon! 🥂🍝
📖 Read Jesse Mulligan’s review in NZ Herald Viva:
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/viva/food-drink/jesse-mulligan-reviews-semola-in-orewa-can-high-hopes-live-up-to-expectations/premium/BKVS5YGOUFEBVCHPNA2GCLEGMM/
