Little White Rabbit
We’d heard... It was a great spot for a day trip, near the beach.
The vibe... Bach chic! Like being on holiday without having to pack a bag or remember your passport. Unfortunately it was raining, but the sunny colours and decor lifted our spirits.
We ordered... While we arrive early enough for the breakfast menu, it was the lunch menu that caught our eyes – specifically the pizza list, and prospect of a cheesy garlic and herb loaf ($10.50)
The loaf was sensational, with lashings of tangy cheese and just enough greenery to cut through the grease. Smashing.
We were at the seaside, so despite the very tempting pizza list, I had to go for the Tuatara pilsner battered fish and chips ($22.50). The batter was puffed up to perfection, encasing some tender, fresh-as white fish.
The chips were home-cut style and ample. Unfortunately, I think the tartar and tomato sauces were from jars, which was a little bit of a let down for the price.
But the batter more than made up for that. There was also a lovely, peppery rocket salad on the side.
My partner went straight for the pizza, nabbing himself a steak, caramelised onion, bearnaise and blue cheese pie that was not for the faint-hearted ($23). It could easily have fed both of us.
The steak was soft and perfectly done and the robust flavours were well-balanced, although the blue cheese was a little overwhelmed by the onion.
We had planned to finish the meal with one of the cafe’s famous sandy doughnuts – sugar and cinnamon encrusted ($5) – but we were full after that meal. They do look good enough to warrant a second visit, however.
All in all, while the prices are a little Wellington-steep, the portions are generous to a fault, and beautifully prepared.
The service… Super friendly and laidback. It felt like the kind of place that would very quickly become your ‘‘local’’ even if you didn’t live particularly close.
If you go… Pick a day with better weather! You’ll want to walk off the enormous meal at the beach. The coffee was... Mild, smooth and well made.