LOCATIONCorner of Raglan Street and The Esplanade, across the road from Balmoral Beach; 15 minutes’ drive from the city. Parking is available.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIABeginning life as a small fish and chip shop 20 years ago, Bottom of the Harbour has since moved premises and expanded into one of Balmoral’s favourite seafood joints. Now stretching into its corner premises across the road from the rolling ocean, this is the perfect setting for a seafood fix. Sit outside in the Balmoral breeze, at wide wooden benches which are spacious enough to fit the whole brood, or find a quiet spot inside to nurse a glass of wine and plate of fresh fish. Alternatively, with nature on your doorstep, take your loot across the road and sprawl out on the grass. With the day’s catches purchased fresh from the markets each day, Bottom of the Harbour is praised by regulars for its high standards and quality fare.
Breakfast is a popular affair here; join the locals for all the well-loved favourites, from eggs Benedict to a big brekkie, fruit salad and muesli, or zucchini fritters. At lunch and dinner move on to the restaurant’s specialty – seafood. Classic fish ‘n’ chips proves a popular choice, or tuck into burgers and salads as you sip on a freshly squeezed juice or fruit smoothie. Alternatively, pick from the restaurant’s wine list or bring along a bottle. Desserts wink from glass cabinets, or end on a healthy note with an organic herbal tea or coffee. The restaurant trades for breakfast and lunch seven days a week, with the takeaway section open until around 9pm.
Lauren Barker