A weekend away from Auckland to Waiheke Island seems so far away and exhausting at that... how wrong could I be.
Only thirty minutes from Auckland by ferry and when we arrived on Waiheke Island ready to check out the island and soak up everything it had to offer, I was immediately surprised at how all the locals are really friendly. You could tell everyone knew everyone as they all greeted each other by their first names and some even had conversations about local happenings.
We were booked in for Dinner at Cable Bay restaurant that night, and throughout the day the locals were impressed when I mentioned that's where I was heading, one even told me it was THE best place to go. High expectations of awesomeness have now been reached by that comment.
Upon arrival we were greeted by their Sign "CableBay Vineyard", opening the very large wooden doors into a very big welcoming room started to make the hairs on my neck stick up. We first went into the wine bar to try some authentic Waiheke Island Wine, as they say.. When in Rome, do what the Romans do.
After drinking our wines, overlooking the scenery by this time it was dark, but you could still make out Auckland with all the night lights. A truly awesome sight. We were taken to our table right next to the window and not too far from the roaring fire-place. Double Bonus.
The menu looked like you would expect from a very upmarket restaurant of this caliber. A series of Starters, Entrées and Mains. I immediately had the trouble of deciding what to order, because in fact I could have ordered one of everything, it was that dangerous. We decided to have opposite mains so that we could share and get the best of both worlds.
On her side, she ordered the Angus Beef and I ordered the Free Range Pork, our waiter inquired whether we wanted any sides to go with our choices, we politely declined and he left us be. The only times he returned was when our wine glass was nearing empty. Such a good experience to have when the waiter notices your glass going dry and tops it up with your choice bottle of wine.
After about forty minutes, our mains had arrived and the presentation was amazing. Only bettered still by the first taste you get as you deconstruct your meal and separate out the components and have a mouthful of each, followed by a mouthful of them all combined.
My free range pork equally looked visually inspiring and mouthful of explosions in taste. There is no doubt in my mind this is worth every cent of the price on the menu.
After dinner we made our way back to the wine bar, which was all closed off but we were told we could sit outside and walk around if need be and that's exactly what we did. What a perfect way to finish off your evening in such a beautiful and quiet place.
I cannot wait to come back here again, this time during the day to look at the view over the harbour.
I therefore provide the following ratings;
Food 5/5 - Top Quality from a Metro Top 50 Restaurant
Service 5/5 - Warming & Friendly
Price 3/5 At $45 per main, $54 per bottle of wine, and deserts - This is one saved for a very special occasion.
Atmosphere -4/5 - Even at night, the views over the harbour looking at the city lights is breath-taking
Overall 4.5/5 - Well deserved place at Metro's Top 50 Restaurant & I can't wait to come back. read more