There are many reasons why you might love to eat out. Some people want to have a dining experience that they save for special occasions while others are fortunate enough to be able to afford to eat out several times a month. Whatever the occasion, it’s always great to find a nice restaurant where the cuisine is the main highlight. Book cheap bus hire in Tauranga and you can even bring your family and friends together on a cuisine marathon! Let’s find out about some of the most popular restaurants in Tauranga:
Somerset Cottage
If you are looking for an upmarket multiple-award-winning restaurant, then the idyllic Somerset Cottage is the place for you. This is an incredibly popular eating venue as it offers a wide range of dishes and these are in a constant state of flux as ever more delicious delicacies are introduced. Focusing on seasonal produce, the dining experience is sure to delight. A small sample of wonders you can expect include: steamed pork buns, cheese soufflé with oven roasted paprika and liquorice ice cream. Is your appetite whet yet?
Mills Reef Winery Restaurant
Mills Reef Winery was the destination for the inaugural Restaurant Association’s Bay Hospitality Awards this year and the gala dinner was packed to the rafters. The building design for this inspiring restaurant is reminiscent of art deco in style and oozes charm. They specialize in Asian flavours combined with ‘antipodean-Pacific Rim’ cuisine, which includes wild meats, game and seafood. The menu is varied and interesting and the palate is certainly promised a rare treat when sampling such dishes as Asian hot pot or crusted venison loin.
Mediterraneo Cafe
Mediterraneo Café has gained itself a reputation as a brunch-and-coffee expert. This is an excellent choice if you want to eat somewhere special during the day, meeting up with old friends or relatives. Bear in mind it closes around 4pm, so if you want to eat out at night you may have to find an alternative venue. That said, many people prefer to have a main meal earlier in the day – so this is just perfect! You can choose from a fabulous breakfast menu, such as avocado, tomato and spinach or even mushrooms on toast. Although the mushrooms are not simply mushrooms, they have been lavishly prepared in a port sauce. If lunch is your preference, then the coconut chicken curry is heavenly! They also offer delicious but simple chicken salad, but clearly it is a little more than that! Book now to delight your taste buds.
The Drawing Room
As you might expect from the name, The Drawing Room is sophisticated and stylish offering a varied menu in opulent surroundings. The bar is softly lit, and you can stay for a full sit-down meal or there is a lighter menu if you prefer. Beetroot accompanying fried squid may not sound like your cup of tea, but what about kingfish and watermelon coupled with feta and verjus vinaigrette?
Talk Of India
This long-standing restaurant has been the hub of Tauranga for more than twenty years. Locally sourced meat and ingredients lovingly prepared into mouth-watering favourites are the best in the region. Attentive and friendly staff ensure your dining experience is one you will want to repeat. There is a very loyal clientele, so you may need to book ahead if you are looking for a special date. Their banquet is a sumptuous array of dishes to delight, including Navrattan korma, which is highly popular as a traditional local dish.
Harbourside Brasserie And Bar
There are many riverside restaurant and diners opening, but the Harbourside Brasserie and Bar has quietly made its mark. It is a closely guarded secret tucked away by the water’s edge under the old railway bridge. Its secret is not the plentiful beautiful food, of which there is a nice variety, but its idyllic views across calm and meditative waters. A beautiful outlook is accompanied by dishes such as lemon ricotta ravioli or pulled pork mini soft-shell tacos. This is one of the most perfect locations you can get for gourmet food.
Zeytin
If you love Turkish food then Zeytin is your aim, although you might have to wait for a seat as its popularity is very high. Simple and delicious food, such as pizzas baked in manuka-smoked ovens and served on ‘foot-long’ platters. Other dishes such as pide and meze platters can all be made freshly to order. Kick off your shoes, drink some wine and slowly relax in the ambient atmosphere as you enjoy downtime with friends and family. A very homely atmosphere where you feel welcome on your own or in a group of friends. Certainly, a wonderful dining experience to be repeated.
Delissi
Delissi offers delightful dishes for brunch that are matched by few dining eateries during the day. The menu is reminiscent of a top restaurant where you would spend time at night. For example, breakfast may include French toast and the usual breakfast items, but you can also choose such delicacies as crispy pork belly sandwich with pumpkin hummus, onion jam and chunky applesauce. Of course, they are not just open during the day, they also turn into a popular evening restaurant where their divine menu can be accompanied by a huge choice of well stocked wines.
Elizabeth Café And Larder
This is quite a trendy vogue dining experience and you will be struck by the sheer light and airiness in the restaurant. Huge windows are responsible for this and because the seating has been arranged sensitively you will not feel overcrowded. This allows people to linger over their meals, which makes a really relaxing meal break! Elizabeth Café and Larder is open all day into the evening and serves breakfast delights and fusions evening haute couture. The evening menu is less but the dishes are just as delicious, combine this with a relaxing atmosphere and you can be sure of the perfect dining experience. Don’t take my word for it, check out the young professionals that frequent it often.