Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 06-759 1241;
www.arborio.co.nz
; Puke Ariki, 1 Ariki St; mains $13-34; 9am-late)
Despite -
looking like a cheese grater, Arborio, in the Puke Ariki building, is the star of New Ply-
mouth's food show. It's airy, arty and modern, with sea views and faultless service. The
Med-influenced menu ranges from an awesome tandoori chicken pizza to pastas, risottos
and spicy calamari with garlic and coriander. Cocktails and NZ wines available.
Elixir
CAFE $$$
(
www.elixircafe.co.nz
; 117 Devon St E; brunch $8-18, dinner $18-31; 7am-4.30pm Mon, 7am-late
Tue-Sat, 8am-4pm Sun)
Behind a weird louvered wall facing onto Devon St, Elixir fosters
an American-diner vibe, serving up everything from coffee, cake, bagels and eggs on
toast, through to more innovative evening fare. Below a wall of rock posters, sexy staff
give the coffee machine a serious work-out.
Bach on Breakwater
CAFE, RESTAURANT $$$
( 06-769 6967;
www.bachonbreakwater.co.nz
;
Ocean View Pde; brunch $11-24, dinner $27-38;
9.30am-10pm Wed-Sun; )
Constructed from weighty recycled timbers, this cool cafe-bis-
tro in the emerging Breakwater Bay precinct looks like an old sea chest washed up after a
storm. Expect plenty of seafood and steak, sunny outdoor tables and killer coffee. The
seafood chowder is a real winter warmer. Lots of gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Frederic's
TAPAS $$$
(
www.frederics.co.nz
; 34 Egmont St; plates $12-19, mains $18-25; 11am-late)
Freddy's is a fab
gastro-bar with quirky interior design (rusty medieval chandeliers, peacock-feather wall-
paper, religious icon paintings), serving generous share plates. Order some lemon-crusted
calamari, or green-lipped mussels with coconut cream, chilli and coriander to go with
your Monteith's pale ale.
Portofino
ITALIAN $$$
( 06-757 8686;
www.portofino.co.nz
;
14 Gill St; mains $20-49; 5pm-late Tue-Sun)
This dis-
creet little family-run eatery has been here for years, serving old-fashioned Italian pasta
and pizza just like nonna used to make. The rigatoni Portofino is a knockout (spinach,
feta, garlic and sun-dried tomatoes).
Laughing Buddha
CHINESE $$$
