A converted century-old Birkenhead villa is the perfect residence for Eight Point Two. Outside the front courtyard is hidden by a tall solid wall, but once through the gate you are greeted by cobble stones, red lava lights set into the paving leading the way up the deck to the front door.

Inside the chic refurbishment continues with white walls, tables and chairs offset by low lighting and plush green bench seats along the longer walls towards the back of the conversion.

This setting is perfect because the stylish design sets a sophisticated scene, which is exactly what Eight Point Two delivers. Sophisticated but unpretentious, earning this North Shore restaurant a big tick.

We arrived on a Friday evening unannounced without a booking. We were fortunate to beat the rush, as every table was booked later in the night so we were quickly escorted to a vacant table which we would have to vacate in an hour’s time.

A quick perusal of the seasonal adjusted menu and we’d made up our minds, lamb rack ($35) for him and veal ($33.50) for me and a side of roasted potatoes ($8.50) to share. While we waited and discussed politics of the week, the restaurant started to fill up around us. An elderly couple took up residence beside us and jokingly asked for a torch to read the menu while reaching for their reading glasses. A young couple arrived on the other side of us and a bit further down the bench seat a family of four sat eagerly. It is clear Eight Point Two caters for everyone.

My glass of Lamont riesling ($10) in hand and the mains had arrived and for a split second there was a flurry of activity around our table as all three wait staff found something to do; water glasses were refilled, mains delivered and the side dish slipped onto the table. The lamb was perfectly cooked, almost melt in your mouth type stuff, while the veal was also delicious and the coconut cream rice was a nice addition to the meal.

Patrons of Eight Point Two are Lindsay Swannack of Harbourside and Jane Raybould from Killarney St Brasserie and both of Turtle Creek in Takapuna. We had the privilege of being served by Lindsay who seemed to effortlessly go out of his way to ensure everything was to our satisfaction.

A slight hiccup with the bill was quickly sorted without fuss and we were back out of the converted villa in time for the next couple to enjoy their pre-booked table.

Overall Eight Point Two delivers a fine dining experience without the pretentious fuss. The staff are friendly and efficient and cope well in a busy setting. The menu is adjusted to suit the season so frequent guests can never tire of the innovative New Zealand inspired cuisine.

Those not of North Shore residence shouldn’t be put off by the location, Eight Point Two is easy to find and worth the trip across the bridge.

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