186 Jervois Road,
Herne Bay
Auckland,


(09) 360 0714

add to my map

4 out of 5 stars

Like its name, Pure is clean, wholesome and genuine.

Located at the top end of Jervois Rd, Pure is a relative newcomer to the Auckland restaurant scene having only opened earlier this year, but that’s not to say it’s lacking in experience. Award winning chef Stefan Loetscher, formerly of the Hilton, is busy out in the kitchen while wife, Nadine, is busy out the front, welcoming us in with a warm smile.

The restaurant takes its residence where the Herne Bay Cake Kitchen, Scoozi and Noisette once stood. The decor is simple, with dark wooden floors, tables and chairs and pure white napkins. The low dim lights are complimented by tea candles gently burning on each table. It’s a nice atmosphere, but not exactly cosy.

Seconds after ordering from the bistro menu (where each main comes with a wine recommendation) we’re presented with homemade bread and cauliflower foam. Homemade, I say probably a little too inquisitively, but the waitress confirms this and invites me to pop into the kitchen and see the oven where the bread was freshly baked. I decline; I believe her and besides the bread is warm and tastes homemade to me.

With some favourable reviews since opening, Pure’s popularity is ever increasing. The only time we could book a table was early Friday evening, just after 6pm, to be cleared by 7.45pm for the next booking. I advise making a booking, several hungry walk-in diners were turned away the night we were there.

Our meals arrive promptly. My gnocchi with watercress, walnuts and blue vein cheese (entre size, $17), my companion’s Hapuka on risotto ($32) and a side of roasted vegetables to share ($7) is quickly devoured with no complaints. For dessert I’m treated to chocolate terrine ($14), which I then, reluctantly, have to share.

Then, just as the small restaurant was starting to fill out, it was time for us leave and let the next lucky diners indulge in Pure. My advice, if you work or live in the CBD, Pure is well worth the effort of walking up College Hill.