Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Indian Star
INDIAN $$$
( 07-343 6222;
www.indianstar.co.nz
;
1118 Tutanekai St; mains $14-22; 11am-2pm & 5pm-
late; )
This is one of several Indian eateries around town, elevating itself above the
competition with immaculate service and marvellous renditions of subcontinental clas-
sics. It has sizeable portions and good vegetarian selections (try the chickpea masala).
Book for dinner.
Leonardo's
ITALIAN $$$
OFFLINE MAP
( 07-347 7084;
www.leonardospureitalian.nznic.biz
;
1176 Pukaki St; mains $22-32.50; 5-10pm
Mon-Thu, 11.30am-2pm & 5-10pm Fri-Sun)
Not far from the lake in an unpretentious shop-
front, Leonardo's goes heavy on the hokey 'just like mama used to make' marketing, but
what comes out of the kitchen is far from kitsch. Try the simple but perfect gnocchi with
tomato, mozzarella and pesto, or the angel-hair pasta with mussels and anchovies.
Capers Epicurean
CAFE, DELICATESSEN $$$
( 07-348 8818;
www.capers.co.nz
;
1181 Eruera St; mains breakfast & lunch $7-23, dinner $27-32;
7.30am-9pm; )
This slick, barnlike cafe is perennially busy, with diners perusing
cabinets full of delicious gourmet sandwiches, pastries, salads and cakes, and the excel-
lent blackboard menu of breakfasts and other tasty hot foods (try the pork belly with
pumpkin dumplings). The deli section is stocked with olive oils, marinades, relishes,
jams and chocolates.
Urbano Bistro
MODERN NZ, CAFE $$$
( 07-349 3770;
www.urbanobistro.co.nz
; cnr Fenton & Grey Sts; mains breakfast & lunch $14-21,
dinner $24-43; 9am-11pm Mon-Sat, to 3pm Sun)
This hip suburban diner, with mega-
checkerboard carpet and curvy wallpaper, is a bold move by reputable local restaurateurs.
Try the beef, pineapple and kumara curry - rich in flavour and well executed. Fine wines
and five-star service to boot.
Fat Dog Cafe & Bar
CAFE $$$
( 07-347 7586; 1161 Arawa St; mains breakfast & lunch $12-23, dinner $28-30; 7am-9pm;
)
With paw prints and silly poems painted on the walls, this is the town's friskiest and
