The Backyard (North Shore City, New Zealand)

We have been planning to dine in here for quite some time now but can’t quite the right timing and when we visit this place we either dine in the nearby places like Khan and Bushman’s Grill. Those were the two first options always when we eat out in Northcote Rd, first because our friends prefer Khan as it’s a Mongolian barbecue buffet and Bushman’s Grill have a family special every Sunday but today no friends are involved so they have the opportunity to go eat in The Backyard.

The time we visited here it was quite quiet which is quite unusual for this place on a weekend, usually it is quite packed with patrons specially if there is a game of rugby. I started with a beer and the choice was Monteith’s American Pale Ale (NZ$11.00), a hoppy citrusy beer which is a good recreation of an American Classic, not for everyone specially the Kiwis but I love it.

Upon looking at the menu I saw this Pork Belly (NZ$24.90) and it sounded like a good idea hence I grabbed one. Basically, a Crispy Pork Belly served with Potato Puree, Apple Salad, Plum and Port Wine Jus, it was divine and the serving was huge. The skin was so crispy like a crackling and the meat was so soft, accompanied by creamy puree, it was heaven in plate.

We also had some Fettuccini Carbonara, Bacon, Chicken and Mushrooms (NZ$21.90) this too was hefty and delicious, again it can serve two people and it was loaded with flavours. This pasta is loaded with good chunks of bacon and definitely will not let you down.

Pizza was also on the table and yes it was my daughters one so I was the Hawaiian (NZ$15.90), it’s your normal Champagne Ham, Mozzarella and Pineapple. It was good but the bread is not on par as the ones they serve in Italy.

For our side we had this Curly Fries Served with Aioli (NZ$9.00)

And for dessert it was this Massive Chocolate Mousse, a traditional Chocolate Mousse served with Fresh Whipped Cream. This was delicious as well and again another huge serving.

Food was great here, a step up from other bar bistro type dining. They are all delicious and the servings are plenty, I will definitely be back here just for the pork belly and if you visit this place you need to try it too.

The Backyard
Address: 31 Northcote Rd, Hillcrest, Auckland 0627, New Zealand
Phone: +649 419 6299
Website: http://www.thebackyard.co.nz/