Mike's Famous Seafood Kitchen & Oyster Bar

Overview

The newest addition to the slew of Queen's Rise eateries, Mike's Famous Seafood Kitchen & Oyster Bar, is celebrating Kiwi seafood just like we remember it as kids. Mike's Famous took over fine dining spot Grace not long ago and is bringing seafood fanfare to the forefront.

With pink and blue floral lino table coverings, the framed illustration of fish species found at every local fish shop, paired with old school classics on the speakers, it's clear that Mike's Famous doesn't take itself too seriously. What they do take seriously is fresh seafood. Caught, delivered and ready to be served the next day, it's just how every Kiwi seafood outpost should be.

The main drawcard is the fish 'n' chips, available in both beer-battered ($12) or pan-fried ($15). Served with chips or salad, they're a classic two-and-a-scoop (with an option to make it low-carb). It's sure to make a trusty weekday lunch, with a crispy batter seasoned with herbs, a generous helping of well-salted fries and a spoonful of mushy peas for good measure. Wash it down with a Mike's Famous lager and call it lunch for under $20. It's all you could want in a plate of fish 'n' chips — second to having them at the beach.

The menu starts with oysters served in a number of ways, including natural with mignonette sauce, beer-battered, kilpatrick and cornmeal-battered. At $4 each, they're smaller than some other offerings in the city, but the flavour doesn't miss a beat. The rest of the menu is split by prices ranging from $5 to $20, making it easy to pop in for an after-work drink and snack or go hungry for a big lunch. Small sides and snacks include the Chip Shop Hustle ($5), being nostalgic slices of beer-battered potato fritter with vinegar aioli, and the Made It! Over the Wall Taco ($10) which featured blackened fish of the day with avocado, slaw and salsa. Though the tortilla had gone a little stale, the fish was fresh pan-fried tarakihi and didn't skimp on the fillings.

There's no question seafood is the star of the show here, and Mike's Famous lets the flavours of our seas do the talking. Going further down the menu, the tostada ($15) is a lightly seared tuna, with avocado puree and fresh salsa, all to be constructed on a toasted pita-like chip. The tuna was a clear favourite, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and clean flavour.

With lashings of herbed garlic butter, the skillet prawns ($15) came sizzling on the hotplate. The dish came with thick sliced bread, which may have been a confusing addition to the four pieces of flavoursome butterflied prawns. The only non-seafood menu choice is a cheeseburger and chips, appropriately named Odd Man Out ($15). It's no afterthought, though. Unquestionably a solid burger, it has a thick beef patty and all the fixings inside a buttery, toasted bun sure to keep any seafood-shunner in your party happy.

Mike's Famous is no-frills seafood comfort food for the everyday city slicker. With easy-on-the-wallet menu options, a refreshing drinks list and quick, friendly service, it's a nice escape from the city hustle and bustle. If you really want to nail your fish 'n' chip experience in the city, choose one of the outdoor seating spots on a sunny day — it's the only spot in Queen's Rise that offers it.