With an already established dining scene, it’s not often that Matakana and the surrounding area sees new and noteworthy gastronomic openings. However, of late, we’ve been monitoring the increasing food-focused activity in the area, luring us city-dwellers to the charming region for more than just the markets.

Smiths is a new, industrial-cum-retro fragment of what’s known as The Stables restaurant in between Matakana, Omaha, Point Wells and Leigh. Its location parades what the area’s all about – farmland, family and delicious, local artisan food. Their menu, though small, is comprised of an impressive selection of sharing dishes. Take for example the utterly invigorating ceviche and king prawn salad with prosciutto, watermelon and rocket, or for something a little more grunty, the jerk chicken nibbles drizzled in lime coconut sauce and the bite-sized sliders that changes daily and are mouth-wateringly good. And when it comes to dessert, expect it neatly encased in the form of a jar, whether it’s the banoffee, tiramisu, or the chocolate addict, there’s bound to be a jar that caters to your sweet tooth’s desires.

While there are still a few more months of warm, light-filled afternoons and evenings in our future, there’s really no better excuse to head up north to try this pleasant new eatery. It’s the perfect place to spend the day grazing away at their delectable eats, sampling their cocktails (they do a mean negroni) and diverse local wines, all while enjoying the great outdoors.

Open Tuesday from 4pm, Friday and Saturday from 12pm (soon to extend its hours).