We came here because a work colleague lives nearby and he rates new chef Jonny, of Jonny's Kitchen, the tavern's bistro.
Parking was easy enough on the street.
We walked in and immediately thought the owners have done a great job of doing up this beautiful old pub,which was built in 1884 after a fire destroyed the original premises.
The most unusual thing on the menu was the baked vegetarian filo with spinach, feta, cottage cheese and salad ($16.50). Nothing too crazy here.
We ordered smoked salmon scrambled eggs ($12.50), which were pronounced fresh and delicious, a tasty ham, cheese and tomato omelette ($12.50), and the pan-fried gurnard with hand-made chips and salad ($20). This came wrapped in a newspaper twist and was absolutely divine - the fish melted in your mouth, the batter was fluffy and crunchy, and the fries perfect.
The service was friendly and efficient.
The coffee was very good - I should have squeezed in another but was too full.
We recommend if you come here you make an afternoon of it and bring the kids - there's plenty of space for them to run around out in the garden bar and there is even a petanque court. If you want to stay on and have a few drinks, the ferry stops nearby.
Overall we thought Northcote Tavern is one of the best pubs in Auckland and has great views to go with its good food.
