The Attic

Overview

Perched above a row of restaurants on Mission Bay’s main strip with stunning views over the bay, we feel instantly at home as we reach the top of  the stairs and arrive for dinner at The Attic Bar and Restaurant. A multi-functional space, it houses  four distinct areas including  a bar, restaurant, lounge area and outside deck to make the most of its seaside real estate. Inside its all warm woods, rugs, a fire roaring in the corner, a thoughtful fit out which includes old books, carefully placed candles and even nice touches such as an old type writer. It kind of reminds me of a lovely London Pub, which is rather fitting given its company director is British expat Tricky Hartley.

A Mission Bay local for the last five years, Hartley made his dream a reality after he noticed the bustling beach town was missing somewhere comfortable and relaxed for residents and out of towners alike.

But traditional English pub fare this is not – with an executive chef who has worked alongside culinary stars including Gordon Ramsay and Marco Pierre, the menu dishes up more of an upmarket gastro pub offering, yet with only one thing on the menu over $30 this could easily be your Friday night local.

The wine list is considered with a focus on locally produced New Zealand drops including popular favorites Mt Difficulty and Lake Hayes. The signature cocktails are ever evolving with a new $12 special every Friday night and earn a mention too. On the night we visit it’s the Blueberry Mojito which is delightfully delicious.

Entrée sees us share a plate of sesame tuna ceviche with broad beans –a quality dish which is a  great start to our meal and beautifully presented. For something more nibbly to share however you could choose something from their cleverly named 'snattics' menu.

For main I can’t go past the herb crusted lamb rump served with truffle mash, potato and spinach ricotta and it tastes as well as it reads. My date selects the corn fed chicken breast stuffed with mozeralla  wrapped in prosciutto with scallion smashed potatoes with a medley of baby vegetables and basil cream sauce. Homely, hearty classics with a twist. We round things off nicely with a decadent triple layer choc mousse, walnut and pistachio biscotti.

With both the bar and the restaurant there’s plenty of reasons visit the The Attic whatever the season, including ladies nights on a Thursday, discounted bubbles, house wine and cocktails and live music nights. And with summer just around the corner, you’ll be able to dust off the sand at the beach and head across the road for a beer and a bite to eat on the deck with one of the best views in town.