The Local Waiheke
Where everybody knows your name.
Overview
The Local is located in the centre of Oneroa Village, hang a left just past the Four Square, head down a flight of stairs and you will likely be greeted by the fish & chip shops resident pet Cockatoo - his name is Bobbi.
The Local has a balcony that is, well, bloody great. It overlooks Oneroa Beach and is a pretty magic spot for an early evening beer. It is more of a quick bite/takeaway spot than a full blown restaurant/bar although there is a small but well put together drinks menu, and there are plenty of tables to kick back and take in the view. It would be awfully rude not to.
Owner Simon Pope lives up to the stores name by aiming to source fresh and local produce where ever possible. We delved into a couple of Fish Burgers ($12 each). The burgers were huge, and included locally grown salad by aptly named Nikki Green, Rangihoua Olive Oil, and burger buns from Waiheke's beloved Ringawera bakery. Also on the bill was a serving of wumara chips ($6), we ate about half of the chips but there came a time when there simply was no room left in the tank. The only area for improvement I could see was the pre-packaged Watties aioli I was given to accompany the chips - Wouldn't have minded paying an extra couple of bucks for something home made.
The rest of the menu is fairly simple and features all the classics you would expect at your local fish and chippery, but with a touch of extra class, and ten times the view.