Applejack group has a reputation for creating classy venues with a difference. (SoCal, The Botanist, and Della Hyde, to name a few). Bopp and Tone is their first venture in so central a city location.

Founders Hamish Watts and Ben Carroll have brought to life a restaurant paying homage to their grandfathers and their era. The decor is inspired by post World War II opulence, featuring dim lighting, rich timbers, and warm leathers. Pops of marble take the air of luxury from being understated to…well-stated. They even have a terrace dripping in on-trend greenery, perfect for the Summer evenings ahead of us. The unusual name is derived from their grandfathers’ nicknames.

The Mediterranean-inspired menu is all prepared in an open kitchen. If you’re not sure what to order, spend some time watching other peoples’ dishes parade past, I’m sure inspiration will strike. The Pecorino served with a generous drizzle of wild thyme NZ honey and pepper was a favourite of mine, as well as the olive croute and spiced eggplant with woodside goats curd and pistachio.

Fresh meat and seafood feature heavily on their menu, all lovingly prepared over their mammoth wood grill or charcoal oven. Despair not, vegetarians. They also have a Botanical Fare section on their menu (including smoked mushroom, herb mascarpone, gremolata) which can be made vegan on request.

The impressive beverage list (121 wines, plus carafes of house red and white) has been designed to mirror the food menu, blending Australian and Mediterranean flavours. Try the Old Fashioned with wattleseed, or the Raspberry Spritz with Creme de cacao if you prefer something more refreshing.

This place will be a quick contender for date night or unwinding after work. It’s smack in the middle of the city (a stone’s throw from Wynyard station), it has mood lighting and plenty of space to get cosy – and that’s all before you even get to the food or drink!

– Liv
Liv S. is a creature of warm weather and negronis. Her interests include restaurant launches, trying new things, and triple utterances. Follow her frolics on @callmememphisjones, or tenderlcreative.com.au .

Disclaimer: The Plus Ones were invited guests of Pendulum Communications.
Image Credit: Guy Davies