Though a weekend venture over to Waiheke is one usually spent within the confines of a winery, it can also call for a more relaxed dining solution. A place to down a few Bloody Marys the ‘morning after’, for a casual dinner with friends or even grabbing a quick takeaway lunch to enjoy on the beach. The Courtyard addresses all such occasions, and more.

Set just off the main stretch in Oneroa, the restaurant has a bach-like feel to it with white and blue furniture, a mix of indoor and outdoor dining, plenty of colourful flowers and water views (from the prime seats). Opening early on the weekends, breakfast is an encompassing selection that ranges from classics like house-made granola with poached fruit and yoghurt, or bacon and eggs with beans, all the way through to the more inventive dishes like Nasi Goreng that comes made with cauliflower rice and topped with a perfectly fried egg.

Come lunch, the innovative cuisine continues with deconstructed poké bowls, whopping burgers and classic sandwich combinations. Then, at dinner, the menu expands again and rib-eye steak, braised beef cheek, fresh local fish and an exquisite ricotta gnocchi with Italian sausage and porcini mushroom make an appearance — along with many other tempting delights.

With a well-curated wine list, refreshing cocktails and Aperol Spritz to keep you lubricated, The Courtyard is the sort of place you can happily stop in, no matter the time of day. The staff are friendly, the atmosphere is relaxed, yet the food is refined. It’s the perfect balance and a much-appreciated addition to the Waiheke culinary set.

Opening hours:
11am-late, Tuesday-Thursday
8am-late, Friday & Saturday
8am-5pm, Sunday