Chef/owner James Stapley and his team just get better all the time. Last time, we gave Kika 16.5; now we’ve upped it by one. That’s in recognition of the experimentation and innovation James brings to his dishes. This tapas eatery likes to look abroad for flavour ideas and then goes local in search of supplies, which means an ever-changing seasonal menu accented with flavours both Italian and Asian. This is a place to share food and a view. Tasting plates feature prominently on the menu in the stone-hewn dining room that overlooks a creek. Lumina lamb shoulder with lemon, rosemary and chilli is big on flavour and made for shared enjoyment while a smaller ‘piccolo’ plate of stracciatella, beetroot, red kiwifruit, pine nuts, beet butter and focaccia is a delicious study in rouge. A carefully curated wine list featuring a mix of local and international varietals complements Kika’s singularity of style.