Ever noticed that when summer comes around, vibes get better, flavours get yummier and faces get friendlier? It's definitely a thing. And if you've been hanging out for just that, here's some good news. We can't promise long hot nights or latherings of aftersun, but we sure as heck can point you to a place that screams summer. Day and night. Clarence Rd Eatery is the latest spot to open its doors on the shore, and the timing could not be more perfect. Having taken the place of Northcote Point favourite Sausalito (long may you rest in peace), this eatery always had big boots to fill. But as it turns out, Clarence Rd can fill boots — and tummies — rather nicely. The new owners clearly ummed and ahhed over the fitout to get it just right, and it shows. White is the canvas of choice, with accents of duck egg blue here and there. Artwork from a local artist hangs on the walls but just as attractive is the bold brass of the counter and the caffeine machine, where the day really starts. Doors open from 6:30am and stay that way well into the evening, so you're covered at any hour of the day. For breakfast, the raspberry and mint chia pot is to die for, the zucchini omelette is already a crowd favourite, and the oat hotcakes just scream Instagram. Complete with a steaming cup of coffee, of course. From 11am, the team fire up the ovens and things get real. The wood-fired oven delivers handcrafted pizza in six delicious varieties whilst the chargrill oven tempts with the likes of can-can pork, butchers cut beef, fresh hapuka or pilsner-marinaded half chicken. The health conscious can choose from salads so good they almost feel like cheating — with the option of adding a skewer for ultimate gains. The hard-working can indulge in a beer or wine from the carefully curated drinks list. And those on their best behaviour can choose from soda spritzers, fresh-squeezed juices, dairy-free smoothies or dairy-licious gelato shakes. And if you've gone out for a bite to eat and the weather isn't living up to those summery vibes, fear not friends, because these guys have warm (and very cool) blankets. So really, there's no excuse.
