Bay of Islands ‘Scenic Snapper’

Nikau Restaurant – Scenic Bay of Islands

Slow down, pull up a chair, and savour the spirit of Tai Tokerau at Nikau Restaurant, where Chef Mike presents a dish that celebrates the best of land and sea in perfect harmony. This is Northland on a plate – a union of freshness, heritage, and innovation, designed to be lingered over with good company.

 At the heart of the dish is locally caught snapper, pan-fried to golden perfection. Alongside it, plump green-lipped mussels add a briny sweetness, evoking the tides of our coastal waters. These treasures of the sea rest on a silky kumara and celeriac mash – both grown in Northland’s fertile soils – brought together with a delicate dashi cream sauce that layers umami depth with refined elegance.

 To brighten the palate, we serve a crisp salad of watercress and wild basil, dressed lightly and kissed with the aromatic essence of kawakawa oil – a native ingredient that ties the dish back to Aotearoa’s unique ngahere (forests). Each bite is balanced, nourishing, and deeply connected to place.

For the perfect pairing, we’ve selected a lightly oaked, buttery Chardonnay from Black Mountain Wines in Kerikeri. Its richness and subtle stonefruit notes embrace the flavours of the sea while lifting the earthy sweetness of kumara – an exquisite match that speaks proudly of Northland terroir.

Join us this October at Nikau Restaurant, Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands, where every dish is a story – and this one tells of the bounty and beauty of Tai Tokerau.  

Bookings Essential

DETAILS:
Dates: 01st – 31st October
Time: 5.30pm – 9pm Saturday to Thursday
Cost: $48 plus optional $11/glass (wine pairing)

BOOKINGS:
Phone: 09 402 7826
Email: Email for Bookings
Website:  Scenic Bay of Islands

VENUE:
Name: Scenic Bay of Islands
Address: 58 Seaview Road, Paihia