Riverside Lodge
1 Riverside Lane, Te Kuiti, New Zealand
07-878 8027

After a couple of wrong turns, I finally found this lovely little restaurant which is located right besides the river.

The Soup of the Day (NZD$10) is Morrocan Tomato Soup served with hot crusty farmhouse bread. I like it! The consistency of the soup was just nice--not too watery nor too thick.

The Vegetarian Gratin (NZD$18) was awesome! Smoked mushrooms, spinach, balsamic onions and zesty sundried tomatoes are oven baked on a bed of potato with melted mozzarella, topped with a tasty herb and garlic crumb and a petit salad. The serving is so large that I couldn't finish it even though it's delicious.

The Lamb Sandwich (NZD$19) consists of rosemary and garlic slow roasted lamb with pan gravy, thick mint sauce, caramelised onions on mixed salad greens and farmhouse bread with melted cheddar cheese. I didn't try it but it looked pretty good and the portion was generous as well.

After the wonderful mains, I expected desserts to be as fabulous but it was not. The Rhubarb Crumble Pie (NZD$9) served with vanilla ice cream was average. I didn't like the pastry as it was too thick.

The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and cosy setting. Service was rather slow though as there was only one waitress on duty.

Presentation of the food was excellent and the portions served more than justify the price tags. I really enjoyed my dinner here and would recommend this place to anyone who happens to pass by Te Kuiti!

Labels: New Zealand

7:15 PM