The Bicycle Thief Restaurant 136 Old Taitapu Road, Kennedys Bush, Christchurch, Canterbury 8025

"Ate here two years ago for my partners birthday and it was fantastic. We were recently celebrating a special occasion and decided to return here, but it was so disappointing and completely different to our previous experience. The vibe: Firstly, we were sat on a table that was adjoined (at a 90 degree angle) to a six person table, and separated by a curtain. I have never been to a restaurant where I have been that close to other people. It was uncomfortable and weird. We were literally CMs away from the 3 people sat on the other side of the curtain. Everytime they laughed or moved, the curtain would move with them, which was weird and distracting (not their fault, just a bizarre set up) I don't really know how to describe it, it was such a weird and uncomfortable vibe!! We were sat so close that we could hear every word of their conversation as if we were sat on their table (because we basically were) which made it difficult to enjoy our own conversation and was distracting and uncomfortable. Edit no.2 We absolutely DID ask to to move tables and was told it wasn't possible. The decoration: when we visited before each table had a cute little vase of flowers and a candle/candle in a wine bottle and it felt really cosy and romantic. This time our table was bare, with nothing but 2 K mart plates on. Not even salt or pepper... The service: the waitress was polite and friendly, but service was a bit lacking and disappointing. For example, it was difficult to order drinks, the starters we wanted weren't available but we weren't told etc. Food: I had the seafood pasta and the quality of the seafood was poor and the sauce was way over peppered and not very pleasant. I will say that the pasta, which I understand is made on site, was very, very nice and the only positive of the evening. Overall, disappointing experience and complete contrast to our previous visits. Unfortunately we won't be going back and wish we'd gone somewhere else for our special occasion. EDIT: since the owners response is to suggest I may have reviewed the wrong restaurant, instead of actually addressing the issue, here's a marked up picture of where I sat. On the other side of that curtain is a 6 person table with a bench at a 90 degree angle to our table. 3 people were sat there, with their heads right against the curtain (it's that close) (represented in blue). If you would enjoy being this close to strangers, and having the curtain move and flap around over your dinner table whilst you're trying to enjoy a night with your partner, sure, go eat here!"

"Great food, reasonably priced, not your standard dish choices with some very unique tastes going on. Great service and a cool chilled out atmosphere"

"Cute little restaurant with a unique atmosphere and pretty authentic menu. Lots of dietary options for vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free."

"What a great surprise was to discover this "hidden" gem. I had the best Italian pasta that I've tried in New Zealand so far, and the decoration and the service was great as well. I'm looking forward to trying their pizza next time I go there."