Zomer

Run by Dutch Joost van den Berg and his Kiwi wife Clare, the Takapuna edition of Zus and Zo has a crisp take on life. Named 'Zomer' the dutch word for summer, the entire interior is decked out in what could best be described as retro-Scando(navian). Yet, with an unexpected kick of yellow accents in the decor prove to add quite the touch of zest.

Speaking of, Zomer knows how to throw a few well-placed kicks in their food as well. The Energiser Juice ($8) with carrot, green apples, ginger, mint and lemon, has just that right twang to throw a few tingling crackers at your mouth without being overwhelmingly explosive. So does the Moroccan Chicken Salad ($20) with grilled capsicum, chickpeas, eggplant, chutney and tatziki. I mean, who thinks about throwing chutney and tatziki together in a Moroccan salad?! But, the results are marvellous. The Classic Beef Burger ($20) was another beauty, with aged cheddar, beetroot, tomato and gherkins.

For those plant-eaters among us, Zomer will look after you well. The Baby Beetroot and Haloumi ($20) with spinach, pistachio praline and almond gazpacho looked tempting enough, and so did the Warm French Goat Cheese Sandwich ($16) with beetroot stack, capsicum and roasted pine nuts.

Zomer's smoothies and sandwiches are takeaway-able so if you're in the neighbourhood with only a little half hour slot for food, or if you prefer taking your food sitting on the nearby beach you're welcome to.