My favourite component was the herb-marinated chicken with polenta puree. The polenta was creamy and flavoursome and the chicken was cooked to perfection. My friend said she was sold on the beef tenderloin with wild mushroom sauce and was pleased to see it was cooked medium rare.
All the elements of the platter were well seasoned and thoughtfully presented.
For dessert I had the vanilla and strawberry ice cream served with passionfruit and mango sorbet and my friend had the Tarawera lava pudding with chocolate ganache, toasted almond crumbs and Baileys cream.
Both desserts had us salivating and my friend said hers was particularly decadent.
The drinks menu was extensive with several pages outlining the different wines, beers, spirits and cocktails on offer. As part of the Valentine's Day special, each dinner guest who orders the shared platter is given a complimentary glass of Lindauer Brut.
The prices were reasonable for what we got. The Valentine's shared platter available tonight is $64 per couple, including the bubbles, meaning it won't break the bank if you fancy another drink during dinner or want to grab a dessert.
The regular restaurant menu ranges from toasted ciabatta bread and dips for $9 to $35 for the chargrilled Angus beef fillet with mushroom puree, caramelised onion and tempura cauliflower florettes.
The service was attentive and friendly. We frequently had our water replenished and were asked how our meal was going.
Before our platter arrived, we were greeted by the restaurant's executive chef, Steven Van Duyn who talked us through the specialised menu.
He explained many of the elements on the platter were variations from the main menu but with special twists.
Overall: For a Valentine's date your significant other is sure to remember, consider booking an intimate dinner at Restaurant Nikau.
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