Last Night's Dinner – Social Kitchen

This inspired bar and bistro, tucked down an unassuming little lane off New Plymouth's main drag, is the kind of space you'd expect to find in a culinary city like Melbourne.

Follow the scent of slow-cooked lamb or marbled Angus beef and prepare yourself for an evening of pure degustational delight, because Social Kitchen deliver nothing less.

 

During our visit on a balmy Sunday evening, the ambience is spot on, with the urban courtyard peppered with a handful of hungry punters. We start by leafing through the extensive wine list, and settle on a Central Otago Pinot, setting the tone for what's to come.

 

If you're new to Social Kitchen, brace yourself for a menu (masterfully curated by executive chef Blair Clement) that stars meat as its hero. The chefs use an authentic mibrasa charcoal oven, enabling the tender meat dishes to retain their natural flavour.

If you're opposed to a menu where meat reigns supreme, the flavoursome vege sides and heavenly blue cheese gnocchi are bound to satisfy; however the taxidermy on display from wall-to-wall probably may not be your atmosphere of choice.

The interior fit-out is befitting of the menu, leather-clad private dining booths boast a casual bistro-feel, while the centrally-located floating iron bar houses nothing but the hard stuff.

 

The starters here are finger-licking good, with enough options to cater to every palate. We start light and settle on the Clevedon Valley Buffalo Fresh Mozzarella, serrano ham and
wild rocket, macadamia nuts and juicy, generous slices of rock melon, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil.
 

If you're dining with a larger group, be sure to bring your appetitie and savour the meaty mains like the Taranaki Ruby Fields free range pork belly, 12-hour spiced Central Otago goat or the baby back ribs – should you dare to get your hands dirty.

Social Kitchen is the ideal group dining locale, fit for a special occasion, long overdue catch up or a five-star feast. Should you ever find yourself passing through New Plymouth, this is one bistro that's well-worth the cheeky detour.

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Social Kitchen,
06 757 2711
40 Powderham Street,
New Plymouth, 4310.
Opening hours:
7 days, 12pm–9pm.