This osteria and wine bar has been pleasing locals ever since opening in late 2019. The clientele, who willingly queue, span the generation gap – all keen for the rustic, delicious meals that chef and co-owner Otis Gardner Schapiro and his kitchen team send out night after night. The front-of-house crew is equally proficient, with maitre d’ and co-owner Willy Gresson ensuring you are well looked after. If you are just dropping in for a glass of wine, there are Waiheke oysters as well as excellent wood-fired bread with olive oil to be enjoyed with pickled mussels, anchovy and caramelised onion butter or beef tartare. Most patrons come to dine and, while the food menu is not huge, it offers simple, seasonal shared dishes drawn from fresh local seafood, meats and produce. It’s the type of neighbourhood restaurant everyone should have within walking distance of home.