Esplanade

Beachfront and Italian may not be the most common marriage on New Zealand shores, but it’s a marriage that works well at St Clair’s Esplanade.

The exposed brick walls reveal the heritage of the building – contrasted with plenty of timber throughout, the space has an airy and ‘bach-like’ feel that you’d want in a seaside eatery and watering hole.

As spectacular as the sea views are the Italian offerings on the menu. Pizza and antipasti-style eats are the heroes here. Wine offerings are predominantly Italian, adding a whiff of authenticity, but a few quality local meals have found their way onto the menu too. True to Italian hospitality, here it’s warm and fun, friendly and family-orientated. With the added Kiwi dimension of beach culture and salty sea air, it’s no wonder Esplanade attracts not only its neighbours but also those from further afield too.