Noa Is Mission Bay's New Home of Chargrilled Burgers

Alex Isik is no stranger to the Auckland hospitality scene. The restauranteur is the head of the Nazar Group, which operates a string of eateries across Tāmaki Makaurau — Bodrum Kitchen, Feriza's, Miss Istanbul, Ottoman Mezze Lounge and Devon On The Wharf are just a few.

Now, Isik has expanded his empire into the competitive burger territory with the launch of new barbecue restaurant, Noa Chargrill + Burger.

The opening can be found in the new dining precinct in Mission Bay shopping centre Eastridge — the newly developed space is now home to inventive Indian joint Royal G, Dante's Pizzeria and Uncle Man's, among several others.

The space at Noa has been designed to showcase the best of low and slow barbecue. Those who dine in are seated around an open kitchen and wood burning fire where meat is slowly chargrilled. Everything from pork, beef and lamb, to chicken and fish is cooked over charcoal embers using the minimalist Argentine asado technique — the only preparation of the meat is the application of salt before the cooking period. To finish, the meat is enhanced with Noa's house-made chimichurri.

Mexico-born chef Daniel Castro leads the kitchen. His menu — which takes influence from Latin America, North America and the Mediterranean — features dishes like twice-cooked short ribs, tomahawk steak and a chicken mole burger, while the sides span everything from curly fries to jalapeno poppers, onion rings and corn tortillas.

Four of the seven beers on tap have been produced to match the overarching sweet and smoky flavours. The selection offers an easy drinking lager to a dry stout and a Turkish pomegranate cider — a nod to Isik's heritage.

NOA Chargrill + Burger is open Monday to Sunday from 11am until late. For more information, visit noaburger.co.nz.