Review - Trafalgar Street Bistro - 71 out of 80

The Trafalgar Square Bistro is one of those those real diamonds in the rough. Located in the Trafalgar Square by the Waterloo Train Station in Lower Hutt you would think that the location could be a killer, however this only serves to make you appreciate it more. It is also located right next door to Martha's Wines and Spirits who are a specialist in wines and most conveniently The Trafalgar Square Bistro is a BYO, so you can pop in, study the menu then whip next door and hunt for a special. I found a particularly great 2001 Shiraz that matched perfectly with everything including dessert which was a bonus.
We visited at about a quarter to 2 on a Thursday afternoon, so consequently parking was readily available.

Food

Duck leg confit with sliced roast duck breast.

Absolutely fabulous. The duck was tender and suculent, richly fat but not overpoweringly so. It was accompanied by a spicy mango chutney which helped cut through the richness and went fabulously well with the cassis jus. To help sop up the gravy were some wonderful pureed honeyed parsnip. This meal was brilliantly spot on and so balanced, so perfect, it now replaces a Duck in Red Curry Dish I once had at a place called Ann's Thai in Christchurch as the best meal I have ever had. 20 out of 20

Cajun and Rosemary Rubbed Lamb Backstraps.

This was ordered medium rare and was cooked to perfection. Again it was a meal that achieved a balanced perfection. The citrus mint lamb jus went really well with the minted lamb sausage that accompanied the dish along with the sauteed red pepper, artichokes and vine tomatoes. The jus was soped up with pureed potatoes. 18 out of 20
Both meals came with a side dish of vegetables,broccolli, steamed potatoes, carrots, cauliflower.

Dessert

A craving for chocolate was satisfied witha Double Chocolate Tear with chocolate ice cream. Basically it was a giant chocolate truffle so it was brilliantly rich without being sickly. The chocoalte ice cream was definitely homemade being rich and creamy. 8 out of 10
Service

We turned up late without booking and the restaurant was in the middle of a private function. They seated us quickly and it seemed only minutes that our orders arrived. The two waitresses were attentive without being overbearing, pleasant and took everything in their stride. They were quick, efficient and a great example of excellent service in the food industry. 8 out of 10.

Cleanliness

Everything was clean. Well polished cutlery, clean windows, clean outside courtyard with a tidy garden. The flooring which could be difficult to look after was well vacuumed. 9 out of 10.

Toilets

Very clean. We didnt use the toilets but the lady at the next table remarked on how clean they were. Because of that we ive it an 8 out of 10.

Bonus

Outdoor smoking area. Im not a smoker but my wife is so she appreciated the outdoor smoking area which could be used in all seasons. And it was a private courtyard with a chair and table and not huddling outside in a shop doorway on the street. Extra point.