Four generations love it here
Fishermans Table, restaurant, seafood restaurant, family dinner, Paekakariki, Kapiti.
The food is still priced for families; this Paekakariki restaurant is on a stunning million-dollar location; the fish is fresh and the all-you-can-eat salad bar is a true favourite. "It's like choosing sweets in a sweet store," says owner Bernard Parker. "There's this array of food for their eyes." This iconic family restaurant is now onto its fourth generation of customers. Meals priced from $15.00.
Its Coast Time
- Kids friendly
- Waterfront views
- Windows scenery
- Large groups welcome
Fishermans Table
A: Main Rd South, Paekakariki
T: 04 292 8125
Meals priced from $15.00. Open 7 days 11.30am-9pm.
The success of Fishermans Table began from a desire to make good cuisine available to all, at a reasonable price. Owner and ex-chef, Bernard Parker, had a passion for French provincial cooking and wanted to incorporate a similar philosophy to suit a Kiwi market; fresh, simple food using local ingredients.
"When we introduced $10 light lunches it was so popular we extended the sitting time to 6pm," says Bernard. "It seemed logical to create one price for the whole day. It's worked well for a very long time."
The price for light meals has only increased by $2 since 1993. Sticking with the idea that good things don't need changing, little else has changed. "People love coming here because they know exactly what they're going to get, every day of the week, and they know they can afford it."
Fishermans Table is somewhat of a Kiwi institution. There are now four generations who dine here - those who came here as kids and who now bring their own kids, their parents, and even their grandparents. "Four generations sitting at the one table is pretty great to see."
Fishermans Table have recently streamlined their liquor prices to make wine or beer choices simpler. "It takes the price consciousness out of the decision," says Bernard. "So when people are choosing, they don't have to choose the cheapest to be polite."
When Bernard isn't busy running two Fishermans Table restaurants, he's out tramping with his wife, Sue. Although they are both weary of the weather changing Tararuas, they love the region. "We often get the huts to ourselves."
His favourite view of the Nature Coast is at the lookout on Paekakariki Hill. "They should make every tourist stop there. It's quite something. I once had a dream of putting a restaurant up there, with a cable car for access."
He would be following a golden Fishermans Table rule that is shared in the real estate world - buy in the best street and you can't go wrong.
- New Zealand
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