Good George North Wharf
Hamilton's biggest craft brewery opens another dining hall by the water.
Overview
In Auckland, you don't need to drive far to hit water. Whether it's an ocean view, a beautiful beach or sailing to another island, water is a key part of the city's identity. Many restaurants have capitalised on this, popping up beachside or with ocean views, creating an ambiance that on a good day is hard to beat.
North Wharf is one such area, that on a weekend, is full of diners, families, and couples strolling through the area. Some grabbing a coffee, or an ice cream, a drink or having a proper sit-down meal. The vibe is only set to get better with America's Cup just around the corner and the team at Good George can't wait.
The newest addition to this popular waterfront dining precinct, Good George is positioned right in front of the water. One can almost picture the superyachts lined up and the buzz that will create for the city. Until then, Good George is happy to serve its best to the locals, tourists and in between who come for a drink or bite to eat. Looking around, there was a mixture of diners enjoying the sunny evening. Some were just having a drink, others ordering food, and Good George's menu catered for them all. A cleverly designed menu, it features bar snacks like as well as small and bigger plates. A clever option after enjoying a few of Good George's craft beers.
With dishes designed to share, it's recommended to order a mixture of a few, as well as some sides, depending on the size of your group. We started with the kingfish sashimi and opted for the t-bone steak, lamb shoulder and chargrilled asparagus. The sashimi was fresh and paired with a wonton-like crisp and topped with salmon roe. A great way to start and perfect for those looking for something light in the warmer months. The mains were both well-cooked and the lamb was served in a delicious Mediterranean-inspired sauce with tomato along with a tahini and yoghurt sauce. The chargrilled asparagus was cooked perfectly and lightly dusted with cheese — a perfect side accompaniment.
Of course, being the second Auckland outpost from the Hamilton craft brewery, grabbing a drink is a must. The menu caters for a range of palates and doesn't just feature beer — though the sprawling venue is armed with eight 500-litre tanks and 22 taps of the core Good George beer and cider range. The gin menu is sure to be popular particularly the elderflower and mint cocktail — a refreshing summer drink. For those after a non-alcoholic option, Good George serves its own ginger beer, and lemon, lime and bitters.
The dessert was truly the icing on the cake. The dark chocolate parfait can also easily be shared, it comes with a raspberry sorbet, meringue, all placed on a cacao hazelnut cookie crumb. We were also lucky enough to sample one of the dessert cocktails. Keep an eye out for these as they were simply divine. Good George's mixologist has utilised the menu as well as their craft beer and created dessert cocktails unlike anywhere else in Auckland. Unique, delicious and the perfect to end a meal for those who prefer a liquid dessert.
As we sat outside, finishing off the last of our meal, the sky turned a beautiful shade of pink. The restaurants was abuzz with diners and music, all taking in the great vibe created. Should a restaurant be judged on the atmosphere it creates or just the food and service? Either way, Good George has it locked up.
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