On the menu: Whether it's corporate lunch, after-work tapas and wine, a special date or lazy Sunday brunch, Bravo suits all dining occasions.
Breakfast has all the favourites, as well as a hearty vegetarian option and tempting treats for the sweet tooth like French-toasted brioche chocolate sammie with banana. Endless lunch
options include salads, pastas and gourmet sandwiches - try the hot free-range pork with dijon cream and caramelised onions ($16.50), or the chilli and maple chicken in pita bread with coconut and chilli sauce ($19.50). For those who can't decide, there's the "80km platter", packed with tasty local delicacies such as Omokoroa smoked fish and Kamai cheeses ($34).
Bravo's new chef, Tim Lumsden, from Christchurch has created an appetising new evening menu, including pan-roasted salmon crusted with macadamias on a fennel bulb and chive risotto ($30). Vegetarians will love the falafel salad, served with spinach, feta and roast veges, then drizzled with vinaigrette ($23).
I'll have: Pistachio-crusted lamb ($32) with a pinot noir jus. Cooked to perfection, it was served with creamy potato puree with a subtle smoky flavour and summer veges. I followed it up with possibly the best vanilla creme brulee I have tasted ($13).
She'll have: Pork belly with the right amount of crunch to the crackle. Served with new potatoes, braised pumpkin, green beans with pinot noir juice and a cinnamon apple salad that rounded the meal off nicely ($30).
For the adventurous: Fisherman's broth with scallops, prawns, fresh fish, mussels and calamari ($28).
Value for money: Share a stone-baked pizza - my pick is the Moroccan-spiced lamb with cashews ($26).
The coffee was: Caffe L'affare - or a specialty coffee for after dinner.
To drink: Same as the menu - there's something for everyone, including juices, smoothies and a wide range of wines and local and imported beers. For special occasions, select a premium wine from Jack's Rack.
The staff were: Welcoming and attentive.
The buzz: Intimate and sophisticated, yet relaxing.
The verdict: Perfect location and atmosphere - one to take your friends to, day or night.
Bravo
Where: Mid City Mall
Phone: 578 4700
Open: Monday to Sunday from 9am; dinner Tuesday to Saturday, 5.30pm till late
Prices: Breakfast from $15.50. Light meals from $16. Mains $26-$32
