The Archive (Waiheke Island, Auckland, New Zealand)

If you want nice restaurant views in Waiheke Island, I guess nothing can beat this place, it is simply breath-taking whether you are inside or out, it’s one of those places where you want to have your wedding reception, it’s so romantic specially during sunsets. The Archive coins itself as a modern bistro, not evident from the looks of the place as for me it’s more appropriate to call it an elegant bistro instead, with lots of seating options from the garden and outdoor terraces overlooking the breath-taking Hauraki Gulf, it’s one of those restaurants to enjoy a relaxing dinner as you watch the sunset show.

It’s a very romantic place and they offer not just a nice restaurant but since it is within the Mudbrick estate, the area is quite large where they offer you options to stay, enjoy the winery, have wine tastings, and off course a couple of their restaurants.

We came here just at sunset for a dinner, and it did deliver, not just with the magnificent views but food as well. Menu was quite inviting so we grabbed several items starting from

Shoestring fries served with garlic aioli (NZ$25.00) and Sourdough with olive oil (NZ$12.00), nothing to fancy here just straight up decent food, perfectly cooked fries, and a good sour dough.

For mains we grabbed three items first was the Kiwi fresh catch (NZ$47.00) topped with poached zucchini then served with curried beurre blanc and sour apple

Then we had the Hand cut herb pappardelle (NZ$39.00) served with zucchini, creamed mustard, coconut and burnt leek

and finally, the Hawkes Bay natural lamb rump (NZ$48.00) served with broccolini, miso, nasturtium and umeboshi

Everything was great, pappardelle was delicate with nice thin ribbons of zucchini that was still crispy but perfectly tender. The fish was seared well and matched well with the curried sauce; the apples gave a nice touch which effectively cleanses your palate. Then the lamb too was perfectly cooked, rare so it’s quite juicy and tender.

Overall, we were happy while the food was great the views certainly can distract you from what was served in front of you and it’s hard to decide which of the two was better. Serving sizes were not that huge so if you are looking for a place to be full then its either you order extra dishes or find somewhere else. Prices on the other hand was expensive, lamb rump for NZ$48.00 or fish for NZ$47.00 was quite a lot of moolah, so whether it’s worth it or not it’s up for you to decide once you give this place a shot.

The Archive Bar & Bistro
Address: 126 Church Bay Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island 1081, New Zealand
Phone: +649 372 9050
Website: https://mudbrick.co.nz/book/archive-bistro/