Everyone’s favourite Japanese-Peruvian restaurant, Azabu, has taken up residence in the Eastern Suburbs. Bringing its utterly delicious modern fare, Azabu at Mission Bay can now be found in the historic Mission House site.
Savor Group founder Lucien Law says the arrival of Azabu into Mission Bay is an ideal meeting of the cuisine for which it is adored, and the prime location. “We’ve had such success and great loyalty in Ponsonby,” he says, “and we thought it was the perfect time to bring the offering to the Eastern beaches, as it’s a great location with a large catchment area.”
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The Lance Herbst-designed building easily lent itself to a Japanese sensibility, thanks to its minimal feel and high quality craftsmanship. A refresh of the interiors palette (carried out by Izzard Design) heroes shades of warm, burnt orange, and the outdoor seating is suitably picturesque. Taking advantage of the incredible outlook, the courtyard has been transformed into the Roku Gin Garden in collaboration with Roku Gin, and is the ideal place to while away an afternoon under the ingenious retractable roof covering.
Within the food offering, helmed by the much-lauded Executive Chef Yukio Ozeki, diners will find all the dishes they know and love from Azabu’s Ponsonby Road site, as well as some new additions to the fold, exclusively available at the Mission Bay location. A particular favourite is the toothfish — moreish bites of impeccably-cooked fish are deeply umami, glazed with saikyo miso and finished with aji verde and a sprinkle of chives. A roasted coconut and yuzu slice with toasted meringue is the dessert of summer, a fresh and tropical finish to any meal.
In another bid to capitalise on the seaside location, Azabu at Mission Bay is also offering diners a special Japanese-style long weekend lunch, perfect for those lazy days of summer at the beach. On offer for groups of four and up, it’s the perfect opportunity to sit back and relax as the chefs send out a delicious variety of dishes.
“The long lunches will be fantastic for people catching up with friends and family,” enthuses Law. “It’s a no-brainer to order a high-quality set menu, and as it’s Japanese the food is nice and light.”
With its double-hitter appeal of delicious culinary offering and spectacular location, Azabu at Mission Bay has opened its doors just in time for the summer we’re all feverishly anticipating; on a languid, sunny afternoon, you know where we’ll be.
Opening hours:
Wednesday to Friday: 12pm – late
Saturday & Sunday: 11am – late
Closed Monday & Tuesday
Azabu at Mission Bay
44 Tamaki Drive
Mission Bay
Auckland
