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While there is already a good range of dining options on the Hibiscus Coast, some local restaurateurs believe a wider choice of international cuisines could make the area even more of a dining destination.
They say that although fans of Mediterranean and Indian food are well catered for, there is less choice for diners wanting to sample interesting cuisine from other cultures such as Chinese or South American.
“We do informal dining really, really well,” one restaurateur says. “There are lots of options for casual and al fresco dining, and many restaurants are family-friendly. Our location and views are second-to-none and we are only a short drive from the city.
“But there is room for more choice in the types of restaurants here.”
Catering contractor Scott Fraser, who runs the Kotare Bistro, in the Orewa Surf Club, agrees.
He says visitors from America and Europe quite naturally want to find out what NZ fish and NZ beef tastes like.
“We specialise in fresh, high quality food that offers value for money,” he says. “My philosophy is to offer generous portions and let the food speak for itself.
“But I think local diners would appreciate more opportunities to choose from a variety of international flavours.”
The new owners of Mick’s in Orewa, Frank and Lesley Geaney, who are busy getting to know their new establishment, believe the one thing the Coast doesn’t need is fine dining.
“The beach and the relaxed atmosphere on the Coast lends itself to good, every day food,” Frank says. “There is definitely a dining out culture here and we’re quite conscious of that in terms of Mick’s. We’re keeping the restaurant’s good food reputation, although we do plan to extend the hours and opening days in future.”
Owner of the Millwater Bistro & Bar, Deanne Wright, says she took into account her location when choosing her menu.
“We’re on the Millwater Walk so our place makes a great little stop for something a little different,” she says. “We like to think we’re bringing a little bit of the city to the coast by offering sharing plates with a tapa style menu. They are really popular with groups and couples. We have also invested in a fantastic wine selection to complement the food.”
Deanne believes more variety in the styles of food available on the Coast will benefit the industry as a whole.
“It’s always nice to have options.”
On the café scene, Emi Deli owner Jonathan Ma says that while Orewa already has plenty of variety and choice in cafes, the same cannot be said of its retail sector.
“The shopping centre needs more retail stores to draw people into the town,” he says. “We need a hardware store, more clothing shops and an appliance store. A department store would be good too.”
Jonathan has owned Emi Deli for nine years and has built a reputation for consistently good coffee and homemade gourmet food.
“Local customers won’t settle for average coffee. But if they know they can rely on you for good coffee and good food, then they are very loyal.”
Orewa’s Ship and Anchor owner Neeraj (Raj) Chugh says he would like to see businesses on the Coast work together to offer package deals for visitors. This could include accommodation, dining options, an activity such as surfing and rental car hire.
Like Jonathan Ma, Raj would also like to see a vibrant retail centre.
“We would need the support of landlords to do this though,” he says. “If we can make Orewa a one stop shop/tourist destination that would be good for everyone.”
The Ship and Anchor offers a tavern restaurant experience and can cater for functions such as parties and quiz nights. One of their first events next year will be a Bollywood Night.
Roberts Café manager Nicola Cornelius says easier parking and better front of house service would also improve the dining experience on the Coast.
“I would like to see more up-market restaurants and more bars that stay open later to provide the much needed nightlife on the Coast where you can go from one place to the next similar to Takapuna and Mission Bay,” she says.
Roberts is a family friendly cafe with an all day breakfast and lunch menu with plenty of gluten free options, as well as a quality children’s menu.
“We also have an indoor children’s area to keep the little ones entertained while dining.”
