Meadow Restaurant

Putting neighbourhood dining at number one on the agenda, Meadow is where locals get to know one another and where travellers from near and far are always welcome.

A beautiful destination in Meadowbank, this sophisticated and modern bistro-cum-bar hits all the right notes. Conceptualised by renowned interior designer Virginia Fisher, Meadow puts its own spin on the traditional bistro and creates a reviving, uplifting space in the process. Here, floor-to-ceiling windows welcome every ray of sunshine in their dining room which is composed of deliciously juxtaposed shades of indigo and white. Perfectly pruned greens breathe life into the whole establishment whilst the extensive patio permits diners to soak in the sunshine amongst Meadow's lowkey humdrum.

The menu hunkers down with NZ staples with a European twist. The mains are informed by fresh, local ingredients including lamb shank with capsicum and baby potatoes, roast pork belly with a refreshing fennel and rocket salad, and a wagyu beef burger with lashings of onion relish and crunchy greens. They're also putting NZ seafood on the map with pan-fried snapper and battered tarakihi fillets with chunky chips.

They're also taking on the mighty pizza with their own toppings. We're talking pulled lamb spiced up with jalapenos and mint, cajun chicken alongside capsicum and mushrooms, and spinach and roasted mushrooms amped up with stunning almond ricotta and caramelised onion. As for dessert, they're taking inspo from the kitchens of Europe and using every opportunity to serve up NZ's famous Duck Island ice cream. Dunked in an affogato, squidged into a cone or anointed with a salted caramel crumb, it has to be the best ice cream in the world, right?