On the menu: A good selection of meal choices, from small snacks to small or large gourmet pizzas, roasted lamb rump, salmon and steaks. There are plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options to choose from.
We'll share: The selection of breads with dips and spreads ($13.50). It was well presented, and a great way to start our meal.
I'll have: I love salmon when it is cooked right so I chose the spice-rubbed salmon with saffron aioli and citrus salsa ($28.50). I'm one of the few people who don't like lemon on fish, as I think it takes away too much of the flavour, so discovering that the citrus salsa was made with mandarins was a pleasant surprise. The veges were cooked to perfection, and so was the fish. This meal was scrumptious. For dessert I chose the white chocolate cheesecake with raspberry compote ($12.50) and that was beautiful, too.
She'll have: The pan-roasted eye fillet wrapped in bacon served with garlic jus ($32.00). It was so tender, the steak knife wasn't a necessity. The meat was beautifully cooked and perfectly presented.
For a dessert she chose the tropical sundae with coconut icecream, roasted pineapple, caramelised banana and passionfruit ($11.50). Bring on summer!
For the adventurous: The sauteed chicken livers in a mustard cream sauce for breakfast sounds like something different, or perhaps the chicken and curried kumara filo parcels with satay dressing from the appetisers menu.
To drink: Naked Grape is not just a restaurant, it is also a wine bar and the wine list has certainly been arranged by an expert.
You can splash out on fine Champagne or choose from the sparkling wines categorised as "methode traditionelle" if the real stuff is a bit too extravagant. We had a glass of Moana Park 2009 Pinot Gris from the Hawke's Bay. It's a vegan and biodynamic wine that tasted great. The wine list goes on for three full pages. There are many beers and ciders, plus juices and other non-alcoholic beverages to choose from. I haven't even mentioned the cocktails and mocktails yet. Naked Grape also has, in my humble opinion, the best hot chocolate in town.
Price range:
Breakfast: $8.50-$17.00. Lunch: $9.50-$18.50.
Snacks: $6.00-$35.00.
Pizzas: $18.50-$23.50. Appetisers: $9.00-$14.50. Mains: $25.50-$32.00.
The staff: The waitresses were friendly and efficient. Their smiles made our dining experience even more special.
The buzz: As a wine bar should, Naked Grape has a rather sophisticated atmosphere. It's a great place to unwind, meet with friends or go for after-work drinks. The seating is comfortable, with candles all around, and there is a nice fire burning on colder nights.
The verdict: This is an excellent place to meet and eat in downtown Tauranga if you prefer going somewhere a bit more quiet and relaxed. And if you like wine, I can't think of a better place to enjoy it.
The details:
What: Naked Grape Restaurant & Wine Bar
Where: 97 The Strand
Contact: (07) 579 5555
Website: www.nakedgrape.co.nz
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7.30am-late, Sun 8am-4pm