Welcome to FQ Eats, our latest series where our editors recommend the best new restaurants and bars around Aotearoa. Kicking things off is editor-in-chief Sarah Murray, who enjoyed a picture-perfect evening with her family at the North Shore’s newest beachside hotspot: Takapuna Surf Club.
Takapuna Surf Club
Where
As the name suggests, right by the beach in Takapuna, Auckland.
First Impressions
The place was packed—clearly a weekend favourite— and the vibe was undeniable. I loved how the sun seemed to linger endlessly stretching the day into night.
The Highlights
The setup is a dream, especially for families. We took three kids, which can be a gamble depending on their moods, but with colouring-in kits, old-school arcade games (think Pac-Man), a TV playing cartoons, and cozy bean bags, they were completely entertained. And with happy kids, we happily stayed an hour past bedtime.
What We Ate & Drank
The kids’ menu covered all the staples—burgers, fish and chips etc—each meal arriving on a colourful tray with a fruit and marshmallow skewer (though, predictably, they still asked for ice cream). For the adults, seafood lovers are in for a treat with prawns on ice, fried calamari, and coconut ceviche. But the real standout? The lamb ribs with Xi’an salt—unbelievably good. There’s also a solid lineup of pizzas that we were too full to get to. Drink-wise, I couldn’t resist their peach margarita—it was so good I immediately ordered another. The drinks menu is extensive, and as we were leaving, the growing crowd made it clear this is just as much a go-to spot for cocktails as it is for a laid-back meal.
Final Verdict
A perfect all-rounder—great for families, but equally ideal for catching up with friends over drinks and nibbles in the sun.
