Ortolana

The portions are small to mid sized. The house smoked mackerel was delicious and the side of cauliflower was good. The good is great and the menu is always fun. Always try your luck asking for a salted caramel milkshake, sometimes they'll get it from The Store. 

If you like interesting flavour combinations and meals that look like works of art, but for a totally reasonable price, then Ortolana may well be your favourite eatery. It's always busy but you don't usually have to wait long for a table, and if you do have to put your name down on the list, it's a perfect chance to browse around the new boutiques in the Britomart Pavilions. Everything on the menu sounds delicious, even if you might have to ask one of the friendly staff members to explain what an item is (or maybe just have a sneaky Google on your smartphone), and when the food comes, it doesn't disappoint. I had the market fish and the flavours were fresh, delicate, and the portion size was very reasonable. Tea comes in a cast iron Japanese pot which keeps it nice and hot (and hot water refills are free), and if you have room for dessert, you can sample the full range of Milse's offerings, from tarts to gelato sticks. The best thing is they're open all day, so if you're looking for cafe style food at around 2.30pm and you're worried that the kitchens of most other places could be shut, make a beeline for Ortolana.

Britomart’s Ortolana is one of my new favourite places to eat, a European style bistro that has some of the freshest flavours on the block. They have a ‘garden to fork’ philosophy that means all food is locally sourced, and it shows in the amazing seasonal menu. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, so get in there if you can for any of the above. You won’t be disappointed!

Warm cozy and chic!

Is it premature to call Ortolana the best new casual dining restaurant in Auckland? I will just have to visit a few more times to test my theory. The food is divine. To start with I had burnt fig, mozzerella with a sesame dressing which just melted in my mouth. The figs had a savoury flavour not unlike a zucchini which was a pleasant surprise. Next up was market fish - snapper with skin on, cooked to perfection, with green beans, smokey roast eggplant, a green chilli laced dressing and toasted nuts. The whole dish was seasoned perfectly and I could have eaten another. Dessert was gelato bombe alaska which sweetly sealed the meal. There are no bookings so make sure you get in early for a table.