Antoine's

By GRAHAM HEPBURN for viva


A romantic dinner can take many forms depending on your mood. For some, it's a picnic with a bottle of vino in the park; for others, it's spreading out the fish'n'chips on the beach in the evening sun.

But for those who prefer theirs in a restaurant, here's a few suggestions. It's hard to beat the Hunting Lodge at Waimauku if you prefer a rural outlook. Make sure you arrive about an hour early for dinner so you can loll around on one of the benches in the shade of their gardens with a drink in hand. It's a wonderful setting to relax and enjoy an intimate chat; and the attentions of the thoughtful staff mean you won't have to stir from your seat to have your glass refilled.

Unlike some destination restaurants, Orbit at the Sky Tower doesn't rely on its location to win patrons over; it also prides itself on its food and service. While you won't find cutting-edge cuisine here, the standards are high and consistent. There's also more room here than your average eatery so you won't have fellow diners' elbows in you ear or people eavesdropping on your whispered sweet nothings. And the view at night is dramatic and ever-changing, even if your conversation is not.

If the twinkling lights of the harbour tweak your amorous inclinations, then the Hilton's White, and Mikano, at Mechanics Bay, have views and food to die for. And there's the bonus of a late-night waterfront stroll after dinner.

While some might consider Verona, on K' Rd, an unlikely venue for a bit of canoodling on account of the noise levels, the food here is always good and if you can snare one of their booths then you can enjoy a cosy, candlelit night staring into each other's eyes.

You can also add to your options old favourites such as Vinnies, The French Cafe and Tribeca which all offer stunning fare and an intimate atmosphere - along with relative newcomers such as Ottos, Rocco and Devonport's Esplanade.

Another that falls into the old favourites' category is Antoine's. This Parnell restaurant has been going so long now that it has a "nostalgia menu" as well as its modern one. Diners who favour offal or game dishes are well served, and the tripe is renowned.

Dining here is a high-class affair (with prices to match at $169 for two): restrained mood music, subdued lighting and unobtrusive service. The various nooks and crannies of this converted villa also make for a more private feel.

We sat in the rear dining room, enjoying the added entertainment of watching chef Tony Astle through the kitchen hatch, from the shoulders up, studiously and calmly constructing meals. Only a request for "a plate of chips" from one of the diners caused a stir in the kitchen and momentarily threw the almost-unflappable Astle off his stride. Our entrees were superb - beef carpaccio with breathtakingly fresh rock oysters, complemented beautifully by zingy wasabi mayonnaise ($24.75); and a mouth-watering avocado salad ($20.25).

The mains were their equal, although the venison on celeriac mash ($39.50) was easily outpointed by a rapturously received crispy roast duckling bathed in a Grand Marnier and orange sauce ($39.50).

And, more importantly, the unhurried service allows you plenty of time to enjoy your wine and conversation between courses - perfect for Valentine's Day.

Wine: Licensed.

Owners: Tony and Beth Astle

Chef: Tony Astle

Vegetarian: Options on menu

Open: Lunch Tuesday to Saturday, dinner Monday to Saturday.

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