Review: Seaside Cafe and Restaurant

Price range: Seaside Cafe and Restaurant has just been revamped with a new heating system making it perfect for romantic winter dining by the ocean. It offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as an under-$20 dinner menu for those not wanting to spend a lot. The menu focuses on fresh produce, particularly seafood. The quality of the food is exceptional. Entrees on the dinner menu cost around $14.50. Main meals cost from $15 to $35. Vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
On the menu: Impressive range of seafood selections, all sourced locally, traditional sirloin steak, and chicken dishes. A stand-out was the Marlborough king salmon, horopito infused and grilled on citrus mash, with caviar and cabernet sauvignon verjus vinaigrette and salad, for $29.50.
We shared: Entree of succulent queen scallops, doused in a fresh white-wine, garlic and herb marinade. Accompanying the scallops was a generous helping of sourdough bread, still warm from the oven. The scallops were cooked to perfection, and the sauce delicious.
I had: Fish of the day - two large fillets of snapper in a mandarin and butter sauce, with gourmet potatoes and a side salad. The dish was a taste sensation, and the combination of simple flavours worked well together, without being over-complicated.
He had: Prime aged Mahy's Farm sirloin steak with red onion and chilli jam (or herb and garlic butter), served with mashed potato and salad. The steak was how it ought to be - thick, fresh, tender and tasty. It was served in a stack with seasoned mashed potatoes on top and a side bowl of salad. It satisfied his hunger and was delicious.
We shared: After a tasty entree and a large meal each, we decided to share a dessert. We had vanilla icecream and a slice of dark chocolate cake, served with berry coulis.
For the adventurous: A true seafood lover would appreciate the kaimoana platter, which consists of grilled king salmon, panko-crumbed fresh fish of the day, and steamed seasonal shellfish, served with French fries, kawakawa aioli and salad, for $32.50.
Value for money: The restaurant has an under-$20 menu. Dishes include seaside chowder ($19.90), pasta of the day ($19.90) and prime aged beef sirloin steak ($19.90). The lunch menu was great value for money, and included most dishes offered on the dinner menu, for a slightly smaller price.
To drink: A wide variety of wine, beer and non-alcoholic drinks were available. Seaside Cafe and Restaurant is also BYO, so diners can bring their own wine. The drinks were very affordable and the Allpress espresso coffee was of the standard you would expect from your bustling city cafe.
The staff were: Very enthusiastic, but not overbearing. One young lady waited on the whole restaurant - ourselves, another pair and a larger party of six. She was approachable, professional and made our dining experience very enjoyable.
The buzz: Locations don't get better than this. Nestled into the rocky outcrop of the Maketu headland, it has panoramic views across the Pacific Ocean, and back to the distant Mount Maunganui.
This venue is a rare gem given our country's privatisation of coastal land. When chef Volker Deckers took over the restaurant, the cooking facilities consisted of a deep-frier and a microwave. The changes since have revolutionised the restaurant, and more renovations are on the way.
Mr Deckers doesn't complicate the dishes, and he uses only the freshest seafood, sourced locally. He prepares everything on site and creates stunning dishes - much more than you would expect from a small-town restaurateur. It is clear from our brief dining experience that Mr Deckers is not just talented, he cares about producing top-quality food.
The verdict: This restaurant is an excellent destination. Whether you want a Sunday lunch, an afternoon coffee, takeaways on the beach, or fine evening dining, it is well worth the trip.
Seaside Cafe and Restaurant, 2 Town Pt Rd, Maketu
Open: Cafe and restaurant: Monday-Friday: 10am-10pm; Saturday-Sunday: 9am-10pm
Takeaways: 10am- 8pm, seven days