IN BRIEF
Northland flavours shine on this slick and modern menu.
WHY CHOOSE THIS RESTAURANT?
Go for a taste of the unique ingredients of the Far North and stay for the stunning views over the Bay of Islands.
ABOUT THE MENU
The current Taste of Terra menu is available from Wednesday to Sunday and is a terrific way to grab an outstanding take on local flavours. The chef’s snacks are often a surprise, each one showing the creativity at play in the Terra kitchen. Ruakākā kingfish, wild venison, snapper, lamb and goat all feature on the current dégustation menu which spans a variety of global influences with intriguingly delicious little extras to every dish. During our visit, a rich and meaty portobello mushroom with ricotta and walnut provided an exceptional partner for the duck, and an insanely good – and totally unexpected – delicate mix of cauliflower and crab accompanied the market fish. The carefully composed desserts at Terra are special, not an afterthought, so make sure you save a little room.
ABOUT THE CHEF
Dishes constantly evolve on this seasonal menu as chef Marcus Berndt explores his close connection to local producers and growers while giving a nod to foraging additional ingredients from the local landscape. His food has a fine-dining approach and there is obviously great skill and knowledge behind each dish, although the restaurant is intimate, casual and extremely approachable. Marcus has slowly built a reputation as one of the region’s best chefs and should be applauded more widely and more often.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Owner-operators Marcus Berndt and Sarah Connor are super passionate about Northland food and look for opportunities to promote local in every dish. Although it bills itself as a neighbourhood eatery, those in the know are travelling great distances to eat at its tables.
OF NOTE
Brunch or long lunching options offer you a perfect way to spend your weekend with comforting favourites such as the goat’s cheese soufflé, chilli pork tostada or the Terra schnitzel with burnt caper-butter sauce, housemade rosti and apple-chicory slaw.
76 Marsden Road, Paihia, Bay of Islands
Check website for opening hours
MAINS: $36 – $39
DEGUSTATION: $120
FULL: $90 half
WINE MATCH: 70
CONTACT: 09 945 837
WEBSITE: terrarestaurant.co.nz
