La Spiaggia Murrays Bay
EATING OUT ON THE SHORE
La Spiaggia Restaurant Murrays Bay Prime waterfront location now has an eatery to match! Earlier in the year, in our May issue, we announced the arrival of La Spiaggia, the new Italian restaurant launched at Murrays Bay by well-known local North Shore restauranters Emilio and Maria. For many years they ran a popular eatery that has become an institution at Takapuna Beach. Six months on from launching La Spiaggia, they are well on their way to achieving similar success in Murrays Bay. This prime location in Murrays Bay has long cried out for a restaurant that not only Sabo, Emilio and Maria. delivers fantastic food and service but also embraces the view. In Italian, Ristorante La Spiaggia means 'restaurant on the beach' and that is exactly where you are. Prior to opening, Emilio and Maria spent months creating the new restaurant at the prime site. They crafted a sensational new bar with rich timber tones and a river stone feature to provide a warm introduction as customers arrive. The tables were all totally new, with a mix of banquet and singular seating to break the large welcoming space into different areas. There are ochre and rich red tones, classic Mediterranean colours and rustic brickwork – you could easily be somewhere in Italy! Appropriately, a river stone-covered pizza oven is a key feature at La Spiaggia as well – Emilio does sensational pizzas. An excellent feature of the new restaurant is a private dining room for up to 18 guests. It’s great for family
celebrations or business functions as it has prime views out over the bay – as does most of the restaurant. Emilio has been making pizza since he was a teenager and has become a bit of an expert in flour quality. He can tell if a supplier has changed the flour, which just won't do! Emilio’s pizza’s are legendary with their loyal clients who come from wide and far. The menu also features a mix of classic and modern dishes, including the most popular main choice Scaloppine Marsala with its tender veal medallions with mushrooms and masala wine sauce. La Spiaggia’s chef, Sabo, has vast experience in Italian cuisine and his creative flair is obvious. New Zealand Angus steaks are a feature and cooked to your preference, while the market fish is a visual and flavour delight. All mains come with vegetables prepared with a modern twist such as cauliflower puree, beetroot and crispy kale. The Linguine a La Spiaggia, a seafood lover's delight, is Maria's favourite. "Italian cuisine is simple," says Maria. "This pasta dish with its pan-fried prawns, garlic, chilli and lemon zest is simple, and beautiful." Maria makes the desserts herself. Classic tiramisu and creme brulée are menu staples, along with gelato and sorbet. The current baked Ferrero Rocher cheesecake is so popular right now that she is reluctant to take it off the menu, but is keen to try a new version. Being in the heart of the Bays, La Spiaggia makes for a fine destination with plenty of parking right at the door, and in summer a leisurely stroll along the sea path from Mairangi Bay. But be sure to book first – it has become very popular! La Spiaggia Italian Restaurant – 470 Beach Road, Murrays Bay. Phone 475-5643. Visit: www.laspiaggia.co.nz
www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 104 - November 2019
31