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About
Monsoon bar and restaurant will quite possibly be your favourite bar in NZ, with roaring fires & regular DJ's. We carry a large range of New Zealands finest beers and wines. The Monsoon restaurant will satisfy your hunger whatever your budget with all you can eat pizza nights, bar meals and a specially created ala carte menu specially designed by our head chef Ronald Lacanilao who has created a menu of mouth watering local delicacies to treat you after a hard day glacier exploring. Choose from over 40 different gin's, have a create your gonna experience Monsoon: it rains... we pour...
PRICE RANGE
US$9 - US$20
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours, Drinks
CUISINES
Bar, Pizza, International, Pub, New Zealand
FEATURES
Takeout, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, 有泊車位, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music
Reviews (845)
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783 results
Traveller rating
367
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LanguageEnglish
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Traveller rating
367
267
95
28
26
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Reviewed yesterday

Full disclosure: We had two breakfasts here and one (wonderful) dinner. Staying two nights at the Rainforest Retreat, we experienced breakfast here first. The breakfast is great; not too much food, but food that is healthful and prepared well. The dinner here was also wonderful...(all directed by Fredrico-from Argentina) who seemed to be everywhere during the fun, tasty, and delightfully well paced meal that our National Geographic group (14 in total) enjoyed on our 2nd night in Franz Josef. Also, a special shout out goes to Grant who was working the bar on that second night and he handled the multiple requests of two large groups (ours and one other group) with flair, patience, and a calm that I wish I possessed. Both Fredrico (Rugby Star) and Grant (former farmer) made our evening at Monsoon quite a memorable one. Both of these gentlemen could have simply treated us as tourists that they would never see again, but instead, they gave us all memories of an epic evening @ Monsoon. Thank you to both of them!More

Date of visit: November 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 4 days ago via mobile

Even though the menu doesn't initially appear to have many vegan options, very friendly staff were able to offer others. They may have been out of vegan cheese but I didn't mind because they had a delicious cauliflower steak. My family all enjoyed their meals...there. The staff were very friendly and considerate regarding where they would seat us. Really enjoyed the setting and atmosphere.More

Date of visit: November 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile

We went here for the second night in a row as the food was good. However, we pre booked a table for 4. As we went in we met with another couple from our group and asked to sit together. We couldn't. There were 2...tables next to one another, one was reserved the other free. We asked to have the two tables moved together and just swap the reservation, but no. This couldn't be done. We could not even have 2 tables adjacent to one another, so at least we were close enough to talk.I couldn't see why it would have mattered, but no was the final word. Very disappointing. Once again the food on the evening was good, but the service was slow. Very blinkered service.More

Date of visit: November 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sinead Lyons, Owner at Monsoon Bar & Restaurant, responded to this reviewResponded 1 week ago

Kia ora, Thank you for your feedback. Our tables do get booked weeks in advance in some case so its likely it was pre booked. Otherwise our staff would have been more than happy to accommodate. Great to hear you enjoyed your food for the...More

Reviewed 2 weeks ago

Ate here Oct 2023. Chose to eat here while staying in the Rain Forest Retreat camp site. We were just too lazy to walk into town to be honest but in the end, we were glad that was the case. Have to reply at this...point, to other reviews, criticizing the staff in here. In our experience this is absolute rubbish. Our waitress was lovely, polite and nothing was too much trouble. Front of house was the same lady on reception at the campsite and again, very polite, attentive and friendly. Cost wise is pretty in line with other places and the interior décor is all very "ski lodge". Food was lovely, the Ribs were to die for. Overall, there is nothing to fault really. Many thanks to all who make the effort..More

Date of visit: October 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 3 weeks ago

This restaurant is well worth a visit. Alpine log cabin decor, warm ambience, really great food and friendly staff.

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 18 October 2023 via mobile

I'm a local who had breakfast this morning before I started work. I had eggs on toast with a large mocha, which was perfect, but more so, the personality & service that was given by Alex made my day start with a happy feeling !....Well done Monsoon & I would highly recommend other locals to experience what I had A A A A A * * * * *More

Date of visit: October 2023
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Reviewed 13 October 2023

Delicious food, good value in a warm relaxed atmosphere with open fires. We had great fun playing pool also. The staff are friendly and efficient

Date of visit: September 2023
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Reviewed 23 September 2023 via mobile

The staff were not trained, some boarding on rude. The meal was a disappointment, which is a shame because it's a great location.

Date of visit: September 2023
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Sinead Lyons, Owner at Monsoon Bar & Restaurant, responded to this reviewResponded 25 September 2023

Hi Paula, Thank you for your feedback. I would love more information regarding your visit. Please e-mail through to sinead@rainforest.nz so I can investigate. Thanks Sinead

Reviewed 19 September 2023 via mobile

My recent visit to Monsoon restaurant in Grand Joseph left me with mixed feelings. The food was undeniably good, offering a tantalizing array of flavors and dishes that impressed my palate. However, my experience at the counter was less than stellar. When I called last...minute to make a booking, the lady at the counter, albeit politely, declined, stating no seating was available. However, upon arriving in person, I was surprised to find the restaurant almost empty, and we were promptly seated. This inconsistency in booking policy left me a bit puzzled. While the cuisine at Monsoon is commendable, their reservation process could use some improvement for a smoother dining experience.More

Date of visit: September 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sinead Lyons, Owner at Monsoon Bar & Restaurant, responded to this reviewResponded 1 week ago

Hi Abshi, Thanks for your feedback. Its most likely we had a cancellation of a group which would free up space. I am glad to hear our awesome team still managed to fit you in when you visited despite being told there was no space!...More

Reviewed 6 September 2023

Wow - 3rd time here...in order [from a mans perspective] ribs....fish&chips ...ribs - perfect each time. Ambiance is lovely with the dual wood fires, and as I am from the older generation - can only say that getting there early even without a booking seems...to have got us a perfect table next to the fire on all 3 occasions we've stayed at the resort and visited the restaurant. And the wife also loved her meals - think it was some salad'y thing prior - and our last visit Aug 2023 - she had a chicken schnitzel which she absolutely loved - stating it was cooked perfectly. [she does also work in a commercial kitchen - so guess she can make that comment based on experience]More

Date of visit: August 2023
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Reviewed 16 July 2023

This restaurant has amazing food. My partner and I shared a pizza and a mushroom fettucine. They were absolutely delicious. They also have a great selection of gin. Would definitely recommend.

Date of visit: July 2023
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Reviewed 12 July 2023 via mobile

We had a meal for 4 here. Ambiance was lovely, several fireplaces going around the venue and we were Lu my enough to get a table near one on a particularly chilly night. Food was lovely. The teens had pizza and chicken burger which they...really enjoyed. Adults had the chicken schnitzel and bangers and mash, both were really nice. Service was friendly and nice and delivery was timely. Would recommendMore

Date of visit: July 2023
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Reviewed 2 July 2023 via mobile

We dined here two nights in a row and both times were spot on. Welcomed, seated and served both times quickly. Decor is awesome and clean, heating ample. The open fire places are perfect along with the wonderful attentive and smiling staff. Good hearty and...well priced food. A range of beers on tap. Establishment is within easy walking distance to most accommodation options.More

Date of visit: July 2023
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Reviewed 11 June 2023 via mobile

The fire was warm and welcoming, as were the staff. Even though the room was large, it has been really well laid out so it felt cosy and private with several fireplaces to gather around. The food was good and there was a nice selection...of wine and beers.More

Date of visit: June 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sinead Lyons, Owner at Monsoon Bar & Restaurant, responded to this reviewResponded 13 June 2023

Kia ora Sally, Thank you for your great feedback. We hope to see you again at the Monsoon! Kind regards Sinead

Reviewed 3 June 2023

The food was as you would expect from a restaurant in a tourist town in New Zealand, good and tasty. My ribeye was a perfectly cooked rare however had zero flavour. I am not sure it was a ribeye, probably more a sirloin but I...was hungry after a long drive. Garlic sauce is just a blob of garlic butter?? Ambience was good seated in a big room with a fire. From what I can only assume was the “manager” was our server. She was dismissive, uninterested and down right rude. Other staff were friendly and helpful, If this is the manager god help them. She decided that one of the drinks was finished, proceeded to pick up with her fingers inside the glass and then argued the point with us, thanks but no thanks, I’d rather wait till breakfast next time!More

Date of visit: May 2023
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sinead Lyons, Owner at Monsoon Bar & Restaurant, responded to this reviewResponded 13 June 2023

Kia ora, Thank you for your feedback. We pride ourselves on great home cooked food so disappointing to hear you did not enjoy your steak. We serve premium cuts of ribeye (definitely not a sirloin as suggested above) so I hope you gave this feedback...More

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MONSOON BAR & RESTAURANT, Franz Josef - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Monsoon Bar & Restaurant

Yes, Monsoon Bar & Restaurant offers takeaway services.

Yes, Monsoon Bar & Restaurant is taking precautions against COVID-19. A full list is available within the "safety precautions" section of this page.

Monsoon Bar & Restaurant is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4
  • Service: 4
  • Value: 4
  • Atmosphere: 4.5