With great views of the Waitemata Harbour, Akarana Eatery is a new venture by acclaimed Kiwi chef Nic Watt – the highly-regarded maestro of Masu restaurant in the city’s CBD.

“Royal Akarana boasts what is arguably Auckland’s top waterfront location,” says Watt. “I come from a long boating lineage and grew up here so this location is very special to me. Akarana Eatery brings to life my love of being out on the harbour and celebrates the abundance of fresh seafood we have access to in New Zealand.

“The Eatery’s designed as a relaxed destination that’s perfect for sun-drenched Auckland days, to be enjoyed with family and friends. I’ve endeavoured to bring my food philosophy here, ensuring that every dish is standalone, packed with flavour, always focusing on enhancing the natural essence of the hero ingredient and allowing the food to speak for itself.”

Open seven-days-a-week from 7am, the 153-seat Eatery allows diners to grab a coffee, ice-cream or a selection of over-the-counter items – from sweet pastries and savouries to freshly-made baguettes – as well as a seasonal a la carte menu with simple classics such as fresh-cut fish & chips, a selection of shucked oysters, clams or tuatua, through to house-made lamb shank pies.

A centrally-located wood-fired oven serves pizza, roasted whole Kaipara Harbour flounder to share, as well as wood-roasted arrow squid with garlic, lemon and parsley butter. A kids-oriented menu is also available.

For heritage buffs, the Eatery’s interior décor holds a special attraction – plenty of rimu trimmings. The timber was salvaged from the old clubhouse demolished years ago. In addition, some of the original ‘taps’ for draught beer have been refurbished and reinstated at the new bar.

COMMUNITY HUB

The restaurant and clubhouse are also part of a much broader, community-focused initiative at Royal Akarana.

The clubhouse is only the first part of the Hyundai Marine Sports Centre, a new facility that aims to provide the wider public with opportunities to actively participate in various marine-based activities.

These include waka ama, stand-up paddle board, surfski and sailing – and offers these at a grass roots level, all the way through to top athletes. The facility boasts more than 800m2 of training and educational areas, as well as event spaces.

The Centre’s function rooms are scheduled to open in November, with the remaining facilities open by early next year.

Akarana Eatery is located at the Royal Akarana Yacht Club at the Hyundai Marine Sports Centre, 8-10 Tamaki Drive, Okahu Bay, Auckland.

For bookings call 09 520 0203 or email info@akaranaeatery.co.nz Members are eligible for a 10% discount!