Regatta Bar and Eatery (Takapuna, North Shore, New Zealand)

Regatta Bar and Eatery is a stunning restaurant located in the heart of Takapuna, North Shore, which offers both indoor and outdoor dining options. The ambiance of the restaurant is very relaxed and calming, with large windows that allow ample natural light to filter through, creating a serene environment. The restaurant is a perfect spot for a romantic dinner, a night out with friends, or even a business meeting.

The menu at Regatta Bar and Eatery is extensive and features a wide range of dishes that are prepared using fresh and high-quality ingredients. The restaurant prides itself on offering a unique dining experience that will appeal to every palate. The dishes are inspired by various cuisines from around the world, and the chefs put their spin on traditional recipes to create mouth-watering and innovative dishes.

We started our meal with House-Baked Sourdough with Seaweed Butter (NZ$14.50), and it was a great start to our dining experience. The butter was rich and full of umami flavour, and the seaweed gave it a unique twist. However, the sourdough was a bit moist and denser than I am used to, which detracted from the overall experience.

Next, we tried the Crispy Snapper Wings (NZ$19.50), which were served with charred pineapple salsa. The dish was well presented, and the pineapple salsa was a delightful accompaniment, providing a tangy and slightly sweet flavour. Although it was advertised as crispy, the wings were not as crispy as we expected. Moreover, the price was a bit steep at NZ$19.50 for just two wings, which felt like we were paying almost NZ$10 per item.

For our main course, we had the Chargrilled Tuna (NZ$42.00), which was served with caponata, anchovies, cauliflower puree, and olives. The tuna was cooked to perfection, with a nice and fatty texture that made it melt in your mouth. The caponata and other accompaniments were all outstanding, and the flavours blended together to create a harmonious and balanced taste.

The Braised Short Rib (NZ$42.00) was another standout dish, which was served with baba ghanoush, grilled leek, pumpkin seed dukkha, and harissa. The beef was very tender, and the other components on the plate were equally delicious. The flavours and textures were well balanced, and it was a perfect dish for those who love hearty meals. However, the leeks were tough and detracted from the overall experience.

We also tried the Katsu Chicken Burger (NZ$32.00), which was served with Japanese mayo, iceberg lettuce, and tonkatsu sauce. The burger was good, and the chicken was juicy. The brioche bun was soft and had a nice texture. The portion size was huge, and it came with a good serving of fries, making it a filling and satisfying meal.

To wash it all down, we had Long Island Iced Tea (NZ$18.00), which was prepared with City of London gin, Finlandia vodka, El Jimador Blanco tequila, Flor de Cana rum, De Kuyper triple sec, lemon, and Coke. The drink was expertly mixed and had the perfect balance of sweet and sour. We also had Orchard Thieves Berry Cider, which was a refreshing and light drink, and a great alternative for those who prefer something less stronger.

The only thing I would suggest is that the plates should be changed, as they are in the style of a bowl. You can’t rest your utensils on the edge without them falling and dipping into your food, making it a messy dining experience. Overall, we loved the ambiance, the food, and the amazing service at Regatta Bar and Eatery, although it was a bit pricey compared to others. There were so many staff members roaming around, ready to attend to our every need, which made the experience even more enjoyable. If you are looking for a great dining experience with a lovely atmosphere, Regatta Bar and Eatery is definitely worth a visit.

My only suggestion would be to change the plates because they are bowl-shaped, making it difficult to rest your utensils on the edge without them falling and causing a mess. Although we would have preferred to dine outside, the restaurant’s outdoor area was closed due to the stormy weather caused by Cyclone Gabriel. Despite this, we still had a pleasant dining experience at this oceanfront restaurant. Overall, we enjoyed the ambiance, food, and outstanding service at Regatta Bar and Eatery, even though it was a bit pricier than other places. The restaurant had numerous staff members available to cater to our needs, making the experience all the more enjoyable. If you’re seeking a superb dining experience in a charming setting, Regatta Bar and Eatery is definitely worth a visit.

Regatta Bar and Eatery
Address: The Strand, Takapuna, Auckland 0622
Phone: +649 488 0040
Website: https://joylab.co.nz/regatta