IN BRIEF

Captures the essence of the City of Sails complete with marina and city views, sunny outdoor spaces and a modern fresh menu to appeal to all ages.

WHY CHOOSE THIS RESTAURANT?

Here’s an exciting fun-filled vibrant bistro that’s relaxed, always busy and has excellent service. Everything about this place is light from the food to the décor, designed to be instantly comfortable, yet smart and modern. Fish lovers will be in heaven, the cocktails are innovative and irresistible and it’s a place of both relaxation and celebration.

ABOUT THE MENU

It may seem extensive but this contemporary menu has everything a diner could wish for. Start with taquitos, the crispy pastry shells stuffed with tasty prawn and avocado, tuna sashimi or fresh salmon, all expertly spiced. The small plates are a real feature, from fresh expertly cut sashimi and tangy ceviche to the ever-popular Szechuan squid, prawn toast or a fresh tomato salad with buffalo curd. The whitebait fritter is a classic that has followed Judith Tabron everywhere she’s worked – don’t miss this one with its smooth chardonnay butter sauce and frizzled leeks. For the bold, FMLL’s seafood tower is a magnificent celebration of seafood. Fish mains are recommended, carefully garnished and always made from the freshest of the market catch. But the chicken katsu and lamb cutlets are hard to pass on, too. Make sure to leave room for dessert as this summer’s strawberry bomb and mango pavlova, along with the innovative ices from the pastry kitchen, are all silky and tempting.

ABOUT THE CHEF

Chef Cezar Takahashi, brought up in a Brazilian/Japanese family, has a deep understanding of both cuisines, as his uncle and father were fishermen who sold their catch to top São Paulo restaurants. He combines his knowledge of fish with his love of the flavours and skills to make some of the best sashimi and taquitos in the city.

ABOUT THE TEAM

Judith Tabron is undoubtedly the most-experienced restaurateur in this country and her return to scene, three or four years after she sold Soul Bar, has dazzled the city’s hospitality brigade and diners alike. She’s assembled a team of stars to work alongside chef Takahashi including her pastry chef Kristy Sze who turns out light and fanciful desserts and sublime ice creams and sorbets. Bar manager Peter Zahradnik is one of the best in the land and his pineapple martinis head a cocktail menu that is unequalled.

On the floor are some much-loved professionals who serve guests with experience, fun and respect. And there’s not a detail that Judith misses while expertly combining the kitchen smarts with the dining experience.

OF NOTE

If you’re seeking summer casual, the outdoor space is sunny yet well sheltered and even the dog is welcome here. Meanwhile, the bar is an excellent gathering place and for four to six guests the round booths are the ones to request for comfortable sophistication.

121 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven Marina,
Auckland Check website for opening hours Mains $31-$59, 09 414 4410,
firstmateslastlaugh.co.nz