Emporium Eatery & Bar

I love this place for its reliability, location, old-world charm and cool interior and it’s a buzzy place to hang out on Friday night. It’s been judged a “world’s best bar”, so that says it all about the beverage side of things. There’s enough on the menu to satisfy a bite on the run, the seasoned traveller or fine diner, but I always fill up on several small plates – the tasty fried polenta, cauliflower puree, smoked tomato salsa, parmesan cheese or the pork, fennel and lemon meatballs, hummus and tzatziki and sample the latest from Emporium’s guest wine showcase.

Life just gets better for the Emporium Eatery & Bar. A favourite with both locals and visitors it’s the only bar in New Zealand to reach the World’s Best Bar’s Top 100 list. The location on Marine Parade in the iconic Masonic Hotel Art Deco building in the historic precinct is hard to beat. It’s had a revamp under designer Tom Skyring and is a fabulous and sophisticated place to enjoy Napier’s Art Deco elegance, while still maintaining a contemporary edge. Relish some of Hawke’s Bay famous wines or sip on a grand cocktail while enjoying the friendliness and local knowledge of true kiwi hospitality.

There will be complimentary cake and parties galore at the Emporium Eatery & Bar and Art Deco Masonic Hotel on Friday, September 12. Join the staff for a triple celebration as they mark the completion of the hotel’s three-year renovations, the arrival of head chef Damon McGinniss’s new menu and the second birthday of the Emporium Eatery & Bar. It’s been two years since the new bar opened so revel in its victories – it’s been recognised as the World’s Best Bar and has had huge success at the Hawke's Bay Hospitality Awards, won Beef & Lamb Excellence awards and many other awards. Always a great place to be.

Classical elegance in the Art Deco Masonic Hotel, in a location that can’t be beaten, adjacent to Marine Parade and in the heart of the historic quarter. Not specifically a tapas menu, but it’s designed for sharing.