With summer at its best and a constant calendar of waterfront events, Somm Wine Bar & Bistro has timed its latest menu refresh perfectly. Sitting on Princes Wharf with sails cutting across the horizon and the waterfront humming with activity over the coming month, securing a table at Somm is high on our agenda.
Somm has always understood its position on the water, not just geographically, but culturally. It is a place designed for watching Auckland in motion, glass in hand, plates landing steadily as the afternoon slips into evening. The new dishes lean into that rhythm, light, seasonal and confidently crowd pleasing, without losing the polish that has long defined the bistro.
Among the standouts are sweetcorn and basil arancini with tomato fondue, crisp on the outside and generously molten within, and a summery buffalo mozzarella paired with heirloom tomato, melon and mint. A kingfish tartare with mango, jalapeño, avocado and lime arrives vibrant and fresh, scooped up with a corn cracker, while grilled market fish is served with sweetcorn, tomato, basil, caperberry and chilli, tasting exactly as a waterfront lunch should.
Some favourites remain firmly in place. The crumbed lamb chops are still as compelling as ever, rich with saag sauce, vadouvan butter and curry leaves. Heartier appetites are well catered for with grass-fed sirloin, finished with fried olives, green garlic herb butter and jus.
Pizza keeps things relaxed. Smoked brie with zucchini, lemon and parsley is an easy sell, as is the chimichurri chicken bianca with red onion. Dessert feels inevitable rather than optional. Peach melba with Te Kairanga rosé, raspberry, almond and vanilla ice cream is the kind of finish that encourages one last glass and a longer linger.
With the waterfront set to be busier than ever in the coming weeks, Somm’s location on Princes Wharf is already a drawcard. Add this refreshed menu, and it becomes essential.
