The nautical dining trend

Outdoor dining area at The Crew Club on Princes Wharf. Picture / Babiche Martens.

Check out three new restaurants that boast fresh seafood and ocean views.

As access to Auckland's waterfront keeps growing and members' clubs become 'de rigeur', nautical-themed restaurants are taking off.

Following Ostro's lead (in the historical Seafarers building with its own members' club), three new restaurants have tapped the seaworthy trend.

We're talking striped T-shirts, fresh seafood and ocean views, along with a distinct feeling that you might just be on a boat - or at a far-flung beach club.

Here are three to check out.

The Crew Club
This Barworks Hospitality Group eatery replaced Waterfront late last year. Boasting a fit-out by Jasmax and an extensive menu by Nick Haszard (ex-Dine by Peter Gordon), seafood highlights include salt and pepper squid and whole flounder.

• Maritime Museum, 150 Quay St, City.

The Crab Shack
Simon Gault's popular Wellington restaurant has recently opened on Princes Wharf. Crab is a focus, alongside clam chowder and shellfish by the scoop. The staff wear T-shirts proclaiming their dedication to crabs, and there's a casual, Cape Cod-style fit out.

• 21 Princes Wharf, City.

Regatta
Another Barworks restaurant is part of the latest development overlooking Takapuna beach (alongside casual eatery Franc's and Japanese restaurant Tokyo Bay). Taking inspiration from the neighbouring Takapuna Boating Club, there's a 'Welcome Aboard' sign at the door and a focus on fresh fish.

• The Strand, Takapuna.

- VIVA