Restaurant Review: Corner Stone Bethlehem

On the menu: A good selection, with light meals like burgers and sandwiches, interesting salads, lamb, chicken, fish and steak. There are some creative daily specials as well.

I'll have: The seafood chowder ($16) as a starter. The chowder was thick, creamy and flavoursome, and there was plenty of seafood in my bowl. It was served with crunchy garlic bread. I chose one of the three specials of the day as a main, and received a huge plate of seared scallops served on a Caesar salad ($31). The poached egg on top was cooked perfectly, as were the scallops. It's easy to overdo, but the chef obviously knows what he's doing. It was a great meal, but much more filling than I thought.

It wasn't easy to squeeze in a dessert, but if a restaurant has home-made tiramisu, I just have to try it. CSB's version did not disappoint.

She'll have: Salt and pepper squid with aioli and lemon was a great choice for a starter. Her main was the surf & turf with mushroom sauce ($34). She likes a good steak, and was happy with what she found on her plate. The sauce was made with fresh mushrooms, served on a potato cake with a salad on the side. She chose the cheesecake to finish with. It was also home-made and delicious.

The buzz: The bar area at CSB is a great place to watch sport or to catch up with friends over a few drinks. It is spacious and sophisticated, yet relaxed. The restaurant area can be found on the other side of the bar, and here you can enjoy a meal in peace.

CSB is a great choice if you'd like a meal and a few drinks but don't want to go into town, and it's popular with the locals.

Price range: Brunch, $14-$19; entrees, $7-$16; mains, $17-$34; desserts, $10

To drink: The drinks menu lacks nothing, with a good selection of beers, wines and non-alcoholic beverages, and CSB serves some interesting cocktails, too. The coffee and tea list is extensive and I am keen to order one of the special coffees ($9.50) on our next visit.

The verdict: The best thing about CSB is the staff. The waitresses and bar staff were happy, friendly and unpretentious. They understand the true meaning of hospitality, and that's the main thing I look for when visiting a restaurant. The portions were generous and the food was good, as well as reasonably priced.

CSB has a nice and relaxed atmosphere and families are welcome. We'll be back soon.-->

The details:

Corner Stone Bethlehem (CSB) Gastro Bar SH2 Bethlehem Rd, Bethlehem Town Centre

Ph: (07) 579 2084

Hours: 11am until late, seven days

Website: www.csbgastrobar.co.nz