Merediths (2)

365 Dominion Rd, Mt Eden. Ph 623-3140, merediths.co.nz
Lunch Friday, dinner Tuesday-Saturday. $$$

Finalist, best chef: Michael Meredith / Finalist, best short drinks list

Michael Meredith is one of our most creative chefs, dedicated to exploring the new and unusual (fried fish skins!), raising high the possibilities of Pacific ingredients and, most of all, creating dish after dish of beautifully harmonious food. “The balance was invariably perfect,” said one of our judges, who also remarked that “the service was exemplary”. At Merediths all the meals are degustation — what better way to eat this food? — and there’s an almost reverential tone in the three little rooms, but we’re not sure anyone should mind that too much. You’re there to eat. Besides, there’s also, very obviously, a great sly sense of humour in play. Slices of duck breast are slipped between the halves of pink meringues. The climax of the degos over summer, a complex and lovely-looking chicken dish, was called, wait for it, “chook & egg, sweet corn, mustard & cheddar”. Gotta love that.

5 Spoons

A favourite dish: Misu baked red kumara with pork flavours.

Degustation / Good for vegetarians / Free-range chicken and/or pork / Private room / Takes large groups / Craft beer selection