Across the last year or so, it’s been interesting to see how the restaurant scene has reacted to the recession. We’ve seen most places offering lunch specials or early in the week discounts, and the rise of loyalty cards or buy one, get one free meal deals. Now the newly opened Goode Brothers restaurants in Takapuna and Botany Downs have been launched to fill a perceived opening in the family restaurant sector.

First impressions of Goode Brothers in Takapuna include a spacious open kitchen and a sunny corner location. Pots of fresh basil dot the interior and the relaxed ambience is much like a North Shore family living room; right down to the toys on offer, and the mini-tanty being thrown by the three-year old in the corner. Retreating to the relative quiet of the open deck, I browse the diverse menu that looks to have been devised with equal input from the chefs and the marketing mavens.

With a tagline of ‘Goode Gourmet, Great Everyday’, Goode Brothers are primarily targeting families and younger dating couples that definitely want to move up from Denny’s and McDonald’s. Chances are they also want a beer or a glass of wine to accompany the mainly Italian- and Mediterranean-influenced food. Another comparison is definitely the La Porchetta chain, with Goode Brothers’ menu also priced well.

That means anti pasti – think chorizo and roast peppers on bruschetta – from just $5.50, pasta – you choose the sauce – from $13.50, and pizza from $13.50 to $18.50. I plump for a Salsiccia pizza ($13.50) with spiced Italian sausage, tomato, confit garlic, and pesto, and while I’m waiting have a draught Heineken and peruse the opportunity to sign up for the Goode Brothers loyalty card the friendly wait staff have offered me.

The pizza is definitely a good size with generous toppings, but unfortunately is let down with an oily base that becomes increasingly soggy as I work my way through the eight slices. It’s definitely not the worst pizza I’ve had but compares badly to the superb offering of a couple of days earlier from Dante’s in Huapai.

Still it is six bucks cheaper, and with well-priced burgers and salads, and a family-friendly atmosphere I can definitely understand the appeal of the Goode Brothers offering. Most of the menu items could be achieved by your average weekend home cook, but that doesn’t mean the well-planned and smartly marketed Goode Brothers isn’t a good fit for these uncertain times.

venue information venue map view auckland review user reviews (8) image gallery (1)