Restaurant Ari is Simon and Emma Lillico's modern Mediterranean bistro in central Hastings, shaped by the food traditions of Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Hawke's Bay produce anchors that broad geography, giving the menu a clear connection to its surroundings rather than treating Mediterranean cooking as a fixed set of classics. The room is pitched as warm but elevated, suitable for a considered lunch or dinner, and a private dining space gives larger groups and events a setting of their own.
Small plates show how comfortably the kitchen moves between polish and bold flavour. Dark rye seeded sourdough arrives with a dark beer and malt glaze and caramelised onion butter, while a porcini custard gougère and duck liver parfait offer richer openings. The starters become more layered: confit duck tart is paired with braised endive, sheep's brie and walnuts; charred tomato-marinated octopus meets kumara miso and toum; and venison carpaccio is balanced by pine-nut cream and pickled beetroot.
The main courses keep produce at the centre while drawing on a wide Mediterranean pantry. Market fish is served with scallops, artichoke and grenobloise, and duck breast brings persimmon into the Persian flavours of fesenjan. A pork chop is matched with cabbage, quince, bordelaise and apple ketchup, while a glazed beef parcel sits beside silverbeet, parsley risotto and gremolata. These are composed plates rather than interchangeable proteins, each using sauce, fruit, vegetables and herbs to establish its own character.
Vegetarian diners receive a distinct menu rather than a token substitution, with options built around charred kumara, pear tart, roasted pumpkin, halloumi and a glazed lentil parcel; vegan alternatives can also be arranged. Dessert continues the seasonal approach through combinations such as apple and feijoa crumble with cardamom parfait, or chocolate pot with caramel ice cream and pear. A considered wine list, Thursday BYO and the private room make Ari adaptable to both an intimate meal and a more social shared dinner.
Address: 103 Karamu Road South, Hastings 4122, New Zealand
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