Last week Dave and I stole some quiet time and headed out to Takapuna for a lunch date. Once my old stomping grounds, Takapuna, specifically Hurstmere Road has experienced something of a renaissance over the past few years. It’s pretty much the ‘restaurant row’ of the North Shore with many great and varied options and smack, bang in the middle sits The Lab Eatery.
Housed in the old Auckland University Laboratory, the on-trend decor and vibe is relaxed and semi-industrial – definitely inspired by the properties history. I’m pegging the large deck that looks out to Hurstmere Road as one of this summer’s hot spots, both for a bit of people watching and to be seen – of course!
So, I’ve got two tips for you, the first is obviously a new summer eatery, the second is what to drink when you get there. I’ve never had anything like The Lab’s Limited Edition Wine Pop before and I’m totally hooked! Sparkling wine served with a Vodka Peach Ice Pop that’s made in-house and is to-die-for good. A destination drink? Absolutely.
I get the feeling that the owners and chef at The Lab like to add their own twist to whatever they do and it totally works. Dave ordered the Daddy and Me burger, the patty made from lamb and bacon worked perfectly and was such a welcome change from traditional beef patties. I loved my Chicken and Prawn salad, the secret Lab sauce is amazing and makes the dish one I will return and order again and again.
The Lab Eatery ticks all the boxes for me, the service was wonderful from both the waitress and bar staff, the food is great (and a little bit different!), the drinks are divine and the location is hard to beat. Make this a Sunday afternoon date spot, sit on the deck and sip on a Wine Pop – you won’t be disappointed!
Follow
