Deep within SkyCity complex is a gourmet tour that’s wowing the crowds with diners who come here to enjoy an oasis of South Pacific cuisine.
Longtime gastronomic icon Michael Meredith of Mr Morris fame flexes his culinary muscle delivering top-notch fare that’s better than ever, showing authenticity and detail rarely found at this price. And whilst there’s not a lot of action on the menu, Michael Meridith pulls visionary influences from the Pacific and combines them in an interesting and artful way with big flavours and diverse elements.
The bill of fare is broken into two parts, scattered with local produce transcending into fresh, lively, pure flavours. This is one professional package with a menu that delivers clever, innovative food, but Michael Meridith’s forays into the unusual are tempered by a reassuring sense of what works.
Be prepared to be teased and challenged with delicate mouthfuls of fried pork belly ($10); pickled green lipped mussels ($14); geoduck clam oka ($18); cured king salmon ($27); seared tuna ($27); grilled king prawns ($38); wood-fired snapper ($38); crispy skin pork hock ($45); slow-braised lamb shanks ($55); wood-fired duck breast ($45); 55-day dry-aged beef scotch ($70); and a range of appetising sides. On the night the standouts were cured king salmon and seared tuna.
The small range of desserts are more than worthy, and if the waiting staff suggest panipopo, spiced rum caramel banana sorbet ($18); Pacific koko ($18) chocolate turmeric and citrus; or the passionfruit sorbet and coconut yogurt ($20), heed their advice.
The wine list, the Archilles heel of so many good restaurants, leads the way with an impressive list of local and imported vintages by the bottle and the glass.
And the verdict? Metita continues to impress with some of the most well-balanced and creative Polynesian dishes in town. Care from the kitchen brigade is obvious – this is adventurous food at its very best served with generosity in flavours and portions. Confident and professional floor staff rounds off a winning formula.
Rating 17/20
SkyCity, 90 Federal Street | 09 303 7030
Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday
