It doesn’t often happen that you go to a restaurant and then want to go back straight away. But this time, we couldn’t help but return to the lovely Charlotte’s Kitchen restaurant in Paihia, Northland, New Zealand.
And why it is worth a “special mention“.
Picturesquely situated at one end of the wharf where the local ferries dock, Charlotte’s Kitchen offers perfect views of the sea and the busy activities typical of a tourist town like Paihia’s waterfront.
Not only do the views add to the appeal of this establishment, but also the tasty, imaginative, interesting food and excellent service, accompanied by inspiring decor of timber and white aluminium joinery, polished marine ply and wooden tables, and white moulded chairs, that provide a comfortable and relaxing place for visitors to enjoy.
We arrived for lunch, having not made a booking. Nonetheless, a table was quickly found for us, and we were welcomed by the professional staff who greeted us with smiles and provided menus and water without hesitation.
As seafood fans, we found the food menu appealing with its array of kai moana. It was not a hard choice to order the Smoked Kahawai Remoulade share plate. Morish and very tasty, it was washed down deliciously with The Landing Pinto Gris. We followed this with a share “Carne” pork and fennel sausage, Buffalo Mozzarella, prosciutto, salami, and rocket pizza, served beautifully on a round wooden serving board.
Another The Landing Pinto Gris and beer were enjoyed. Time was not of the essence, and we were never made to feel the oft-common pressure to move on, although the restaurant was filling up despite the winter off-season.
We were so impressed with our lunch experience, we decided to return for dinner the following evening. This time, we made a booking. Again, we were welcomed by friendly, efficient, and caring staff. A packed restaurant meant the staff were almost running. Still, nothing was too much trouble. As we were served and had wine poured, a solo vocalist discreetly strummed her guitar while singing pretty ballads. Candles, glistening glasses, and silver cutlery added to an atmosphere of casual opulence.
On Tuesdays, the restaurant has a special dumplings night. The dumplings are $1 each, and on this particular evening, they came in two flavours: pork and prawn and mushrooms with cabbage. We ordered 4 of each. They were delicately crispy mouthfuls of yum. For mains we followed with the pan-seared Northland market fish, which tonight was a generous serving of fresh Snapper, slightly butter crisped on the outside, mouth-wateringly succulent, fresh white flesh on the inside, and accompanied by seasonal roasted vegetables. To finish the delightful evening, I couldn’t resist (maybe I didn’t want to leave), a delicious Charlie’s chocolate gelato dessert. Of course, he couldn’t help himself with an offer to help me finish it.
When we reserved for dinner, we requested a table near the windows so we could see the night sea, twinkling boat lights, and the white froth of breaking waves. We were seated right where we’d asked.
That, along with the fabulous food and drink menu (copious cocktail choices, plenty of wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks) and sublime service, sealed the deal as far as our memories of this restaurant were concerned.
There are a number of local places for dinner, but we went back to Charlotte’s Kitchen because it provided everything most diners would expect, plus some. This very special restaurant comes highly recommended.
Another special mention goes to The Landing Wines, a Paihia-based winery offering an excellent range of local wines. Be sure to try them if you plan to visit The Bay of Islands.
MTR Fun “Fact” Click here for the story behind Charlotte’s Kitchen
If you would like further information on this or any other story published on Mytravelroom please contact me at janeco@mytravelroom.co.nz
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