Restaurant Review: Abracadabra

FUNKY DIGS: Abracadabra has converted a 1940s house into a popular restaurant. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER 170914SP5

ABRACADABRA is located in Amohia St in a funky 1940s house. Diners can choose from several different areas including the front deck, an area out back including a garden bar, and several colour-themed rooms for small groups.

It's been a popular spot in Rotorua's foodie scene since it opened about six years ago, and earlier this year Nadia Glyn Goldbert and her partner Justin Kala Genest took over.

They're open for brunch through to dinner, with menus including meals, tapas and bar platters and desserts as well as cabinet food during the day.

The food has traditionally been Moroccan themed but over the past year the menu has been expanded to include a real Mexican flavour.

It's fair to say the items on offer are diverse - sizzling fajitas to traditional beef and apricot tagines.

There's also a good range of salads on the menu.

I tried the chicken tres tacos which didn't disappoint with a delicious hit of spice and heat to them.

We also sampled the Tunisian spiced lamb shank which lived up to its promise of meat that "falls off the bone".

We're definitely keen to try more of the Mexican offerings on the menu, especially if they live up to the standard set by the tacos.

The service was friendly and prompt. Staff were helpful in explaining the menu and meals were on the table quickly.

The drinks include a range of wines (including Rotorua's own Volcanic Hills), craft beers and a extensive cocktail list. Abracadabra has also made a name for itself with its top-notch coffee and we agree that they're right up there with producing one of the best caffeine fixes in town.

The prices for the dinner menu range from salads from $15 through to the steak main at $30.

Overall we can see why this place is popular. The new owners have done a good job of keeping what's working, but we're looking forward to seeing some of the new changes including the extended bar area they're creating.

And as a mum, I love the area out back with kids' playhouse and a safe environment for them to play while we enjoy the offerings.