Fantail & Turtle

The grass isn't always greener on the other side, although with this new shore-side establishment you'll be hard pressed to argue the latter, especially when it's called the Goodside. 

Situated on the leafier side of town, nestled amongst the collection boutique food and beverage outlets that make up the new Smales Farm dining precinct, is Fantail & Turtle. Placing the community at the epicentre of its focus, Fantail & Turtle recognises the importance of quality across all aspects of their offerings. 

Setting itself up as the newest watering hole for locals and suits from the "next generation neighbourhood", you won't be short of options when it comes to craft brews, artisan wines, or botanical gins. Following the same hop-heavy approach as owner Travis Field's former bar, Number 1 Queen Street, national and international craft brews are the main focus. Thirty taps that span across two bars, including craft options and an ever-popular kombucha tap. If you consider yourself a bit more of a wine enthusiast, Fantail & Turtle has you covered with roughly 50 wines from a variety of local and further afield locations. 

Chef Jason Selbie's menu is all about sharing, and Fantail & Turtle's long concrete tables and wooden bench seating make an ideal location for dining in groups. The pizzas are noteworthy for combining Italian flare with New Zealand's finest ingredients. The Hunter is an option worth considering — it comes loaded with chunky sausage, Italian salami, roast tomatoes and a touch of chilli to finish. Placing all the good the stuff on what some would call the house option is The Goodside. Laden in spinach, bacon, mushrooms, blue cheese and caramelised onion, it's a melt in your mouth combination in our books.

If you're more inclined to dabble in a few smaller sharing plates, Fantail & Turtle offer nibbles that are more than pair-able with an afternoon tipple or two. Attention should be focused on jalapeño wontons, buttermilk fried chicken and the spiced potato skins that come topped with smoked mozzarella, sour cream and bacon. 

Fantail & Turtle has well and truly stepped up to the mark at the shore's newest dining precinct.