Down the Road Local Eatery owner Justine Stewart extends her business to include a deli

Down the Road Eatery owner Justine Stewart with some of her products. Photo / John Stone

Whangarei foodies who are in the know will already be familiar with the recently opened Down the Road Local Eatery. The signature "local food everyday" business now also extends to the Down the Road Deli, offering a range of local and gourmet food to take away.

"We're super excited to open the Deli doors," said owner Justine Stuart. "There are so many delicious local products on offer around the Northland region which are often only found at the farm gate or at weekend markets.

"The Deli gives us an opportunity to provide a great selection in one place, as well as our style of fresh local food to go."

The Eatery opened in early November last year in the well-known Kensington building (previously home of fine dining restaurant A'Deco) at 70 Kamo Road.

It had been delighting regular diners since then, said Ms Stuart, with its frequently changing menu which is all about what's best, in season and sourced locally. Being fully licensed has also allowed The Eatery to showcase a 100 per cent Northland wine and beer list, she said.

"We love to be inspired by local artisan products and the talented people who make them," said Ms Stuart. "We'll always let our customers know when we're using these on our menu to elevate certain dishes".

The Deli, which opened on February 10, has its own space in the revamped garage to the side of the building. There is a convenient five-minute carpark in front and the offering includes a selection of ready to eat takeaway meals, Max Coffee, Kerikeri Tea and sweet treats.

For the home cook there will be lots of the local gourmet products often featured on the Eatery menu, from cheeses and small goods to preserves and popular staples like local free range "Good Eggs" and Down the Road house-made breads.