Restaurant Review: Imbibe

On the menu: Tasty garlic bread, a soup, seared scallops or flat-top mushrooms sauteed in garlic butter on baby spinach with roasted pumpkin salad ... the entree menu has it all. The main menu choices are comprehensive - whether you want lunch on the run or a larger meal. There is fresh fish (steamed tuna steak with chilli and lime), Thai green curry, roast pork and rack of New Zealand lamb.

One meal that caught my eye was the slow-roasted eye fillet, wrapped in bacon served on courgette with roasted beetroot and garlic potatoes ($29.50).

Imbibe also has a separate express-lunch menu (sandwiches, burgers and wraps) and several salad and pasta dishes. The Harbour View linguini was another stand-out: pan-seared scallops with calamari and prawns in white wine, basil pesto and sweet chilli sauce, garnished with green-lip mussels ($19). Diners can end their evening sampling the tempting dessert menu or cheese platter.

Imbibe takes pride in supporting local business and uses predominantly local ingredients.

To start: We shared an exquisite entree, a medallion of lamb on a blood plum with Spanish red onion and rocket salad. The lamb almost melted in my mouth and the combination of seasoned meat with sweet plum was interesting. The portion size was very generous, certainly enough for two and would even be plenty for someone wanting a smaller main meal.

I'll have: Roasted supreme of chicken stuffed with bacon and camembert cheese on a golden kumara rosti, braised asparagus with sweet pepper puree, topped with crisp carrots and turmeric champagne sauce ($27.50).

The melted cheese and crispy bacon added to the tender chicken which, with the light, fluffy rosti, had my taste buds working overtime.

He'll have: The stonegrill mixed grill of beef, lamb, pork and chicken, served with a fresh garden salad, garlic-roasted potatoes and sweet-chilli sauce ($28.50). Four generous cuts of meat arrived raw and searing on the stone block. The waiter flipped, diced and cooked the meats to my partner's preference.

The baked garlic potatoes and mixed salad complemented the meat, and the sweet chilli was a nice addition. For once he couldn't finish off my meal for me.

For the adventurous: Seafood lovers' delight - the Treasure Island stonegrill sounded like a treat. Prawns, scallops and tuna steak served with an Asian salad, garlic roasted potatoes and honey soy sesame sauce ($29.50). There are also vegetarian options, including a whole-roasted stuffed capsicum with vegetarian infused savoury rice in a basil-infused cream sauce ($22).

For dessert: We didn't need dessert as we were both full from the mains, but staff recommended the chef special, a strawberry ambrosia cheesecake with marshmallows, chocolate and berries.

To drink: Imbibe supports a separate bar. The beverage list boasts 11 tap beers, a wide range of local and imported. The wine list was extensive and every meal on the menu could be matched to a wine or beer. A variety of spirits were on offer, plus juice, soft drinks and hot beverages.

The staff were: Extremely friendly with great service. Our waiter had an excellent knowledge of the menu and, when asked, advised us on our choices. The restaurant was reasonably busy for a weeknight and staff catered for every guest courteously and diligently.

The buzz: Imbibe restaurant and bar has a great atmosphere and the owners have made the most of the separate function areas. This allows guests to eat in peace while still being a part of the buzzing atmosphere.

Upstairs, a separate function room is available to guests. However, it was closed during our visit. The high ceilings give the restaurant a wide, open feel. In summer, the outside area would be a nice place to dine. As we ate, rugby played on the big screens inside the establishment.

The verdict: Eating at Imbibe was much more than just a meal, it was a dining experience that left me completely satisfied. Imbibe is family-friendly and suits people of all ages, from nocturnal partygoers on Friday and Saturday nights, to those wanting atmosphere for the RWC games or simply to pop in for a quality brunch, lunch or dinner; The perfect place for an enjoyable night out.

The details:

Imbibe Restaurant and Bar

19 Girven Rd, Mt Maunganui

Open: Monday-Friday 11am-3pm, 5pm-10pm. Saturday-Sunday 11am-10pm. Bar open 11am-late daily.

Price range: Entrees $8-16.50. Mains $16.50-$29.50. Brunch/lunch $14-18. Desserts $10.