This prime location in Murrays Bay has long cried out for a restaurant that not only delivers fantastic food and service but also embraces the view. In Italian, Ristorante La Spiaggia means 'restaurant on the beach' and that is exactly where you are.
Expansive windows overlook one of the prettiest bays on the Shore, with its pohutukawa trees, wharf, walkers and bustling Murrays Bay Yacht Club. Weekends and event days provide plenty of activity to look upon. It really is a unique position.
Owner Maria and her family previously ran a popular restaurant in Takapuna and took over this space last year, spending months rebuilding the restaurant interior. An impressive new bar with rich timber tones and a river stone feature is a warm introduction as you arrive and starting with a drink is a nice way to lead into the evening. All new tables and a mix of banquette and singular seating breaks up the space into different areas, including a more intimate private room, with that view, for up to 18 guests. La Spiaggia can also host your large gathering in all or part of the restaurant.
Ochre and rich red tones on the walls are classic Mediterranean colours and the brickwork that Maria retained has been given the rustic treatment to add to the character of the space.
The river stone-covered pizza oven is a key feature at La Spiaggia, sitting in the restaurant itself and throwing out the most delightful aromas as the wood-fired pizzas are baked at the perfect temperature. It's hard to resist choosing pizza while considering the rest of the menu. Maria's husband Emilio has been making pizza since he was a teenager and has become a bit of an expert in flour quality. He can tell if a supplier has changed the flour, which just won't do!
A mix of classic and modern dishes are available, including the most popular main choice Scaloppine Marsala with its tender veal medallions with mushrooms and masala wine sauce. Chef Sabo has much experience in Italian cooking and his creative flair is obvious. New Zealand Angus steaks are a feature and cooked to your preference while the market fish is a visual and flavour delight. All main course dishes come with vegetables prepared with a modern twist such as cauliflower puree, beetroot and crispy kale.
The Linguine a La Spiaggia, a seafood lover's delight, is Maria's favourite. "Italian cuisine is simple," says Maria. "This pasta dish with its pan-fried prawns, garlic, chilli and lemon zest is simple, and beautiful."
Maria makes the desserts herself, with some assistance from her youngest daughter who loves the creativity. Classic tiramisu and creme brulée are menu staples, along with gelato and sorbet. The current baked Ferrero Rocher cheesecake is so popular right now that she is reluctant to take it off the menu, but is keen to try a new version.
Maria is a restaurateur who really knows her business. She says she learns something every day and that listening to customers is valuable. "I am excited to come to work. You have to really enjoy your work to do it well."
Being in the heart of the Bays, La Spiaggia makes for a fine destination with plenty of parking outside the door, and in summer a leisurely stroll along the sea path from Mairangi Bay. But be sure to book first.
