The Fine Lion

A multi-cuisine restaurant that requires a roaring appetite, The Fine Lion is a lush destination that's standing out from the pack in Ashburton.

Indeed, 'fine' is an understatement. Rich with vibrant colours, patterns and plants aplenty, The Fine Lion is a glamorous retreat on Burnett Street. Housed on the first floor, it detaches itself from the world outside and serenades diners with a swish interior with nods to the Art Deco era. Plush pink booths, a gold and navy bar and an array of wow-factor lighting are just some elements that make The Fine Lion so memorable. A smart cocktail bar and eatery rolled into one, this one is shaking its mane and causing quite a stir.

And when it comes to hunting down your dinner, The Fine Lion has done all the hard work for you. Centred on premium local ingredients, the kitchen is turning out a magnificent free range pork belly and fillet with soy glaze, chorizo and smoked kumara, as well as ora king salmon rice en papillote, with rose harissa labneh, cauliflower and beetroot dip. For an extra decadent supper, you couldn't do better than a confit duck leg, chanterelle creme caramel, pickled oyster mushroom and roasted portobello.

If you have room for pudding that's roaring great news. From the refreshing feijoa and pear sorbet to a black forest brownie and parsnip cake, The Fine Lion is doing the sweet afterthoughts a bit differently, and we simply can't get enough.