Are you keen to learn about new places to eat in Takapuna? If so you’re in luck.
The Commons Takapuna is a brand-new hospitality precinct within half of the new McKenzies retail and hospitality development on Hurstmere Road. With five unique, but interconnected spaces, sharing or overlooking a common outdoor area, I’m sure the Commons will give other Takapuna restaurants a run for their money.
The main restaurant produces delicious bistro meals that are served on both floors of a two-story pavilion. They’re open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and wine lovers are well catered for with a 50-strong wine list, featuring predominantly New Zealand varieties.
Downstairs is for casual dining. It’s furnished with communal dining tables and sofas and offers a fast-food menu of finger food and shared dishes.
Upstairs is the Degustation or Common room, where you can put yourself in the hands of the chef and discover new flavours. You won’t find a menu; instead the waiter will ask how many courses you would like and what your likes and dislikes are of particular foods.
The executive chef is South-African born Nick Honeyman. Honeyman has several years’ experience in France and was previously the head chef for Cru on Sale Street (previously known as Dallows). He also featured as a guest chef on the Masterchef TV show.
Special dietary requirements are catered for, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals included on the menu. Prices range from $25 to $35 per meal and one dish to try is Salmon Tom Yum consisting of Mt Cook salmon, kaffir lime, tom yum, coriander, coconut, puffed rice and lemon.
After dinner, you can walk across the common area to the Little Empire bar and enjoy an after-dinner aperitif. Little Empire also has a great selection of top-quality wines, spirits and cocktails.
Nearby is Elske: a European-style bakery that makes, among other things, delicious sourdough breads, croissants and feuille cake.
So if you’re dining out in Auckland soon, give the Commons, one of the newest restaurants on the North Shore a try.
Editorial by Liam MacAndrew
8 August 2012
I would love to win a cookbook :)
11:18AM, 24th Aug 2012
This place looks absolutely sexy and gorgeous. Visited yesterday and I reckon that the place will put Takapuna on the must visit foodie map!
8:29PM, 24th Aug 2012
Wow, The Commons sounds and looks absloutely amazing.I would love to go and try out there menu,as well as winning one of the cook books that are on offer.I am moving from the Taupo area up to Warkworth so am looking forward to being able to try out The Commons.Regards,David
8:42PM, 25th Aug 2012
I had a wander past today after reading your article and can't wait to visit there with my husband for a meal. For to long Takapuna has been lacking a decent dining experience. The Commons looks and exciting addition to Takapuna and will fill a huge void in the North Shore dining scene
9:52PM, 25th Aug 2012