Hazel Restaurant, 4 Roxburgh Street, Mount Victoria.

HAZEL Restaurant looks unassuming from the outside, but through the door  it has warm lighting and a homely feel.
We were shown to a prime table next to the window – my ears welcomed the soulful sound of Tracey Chapman floating through the air.
The menu was intriguing, the dishes seemed to be mainly European, with a touch of Asian cuisine, such as bok choy or spicy Thai cakes.
I was told the owner and chef is a Hong Kong native, although he has been in New Zealand for 30 years working in the hospitality industry.
Spanish garlic prawns with avocado and tomato salsa and romesco dressing was my choice of entrée. The avocado was a great complement to the big juicy prawns.
Marinated beef tenderloin with avocado and balsamic roasted red onion was “just delicious” said my date, and the medium-rare tenderloin was generous.
I sipped on a Lake Ferry Cab-Merlot. Woody and sweet – an ideal drop for my seafood entrée.
My main, ginger and rock sugar glazed chicken fillet with roasted potatoes, braised cabbage and champagne mushrooms was a feast for my eyes.
The first bite into the plump chicken coupled with the melt-in-your-mouth buttery cabbage and mushrooms was simply divine.
A bite of my prawn entrée pleased my date so much, he chose a Waikanae crab cake with scallops, garlic prawns and crispy bacon salad for his main.
I sampled a scallop; it was flavoursome and fresh.
The large selection of desserts was impressive.
We shared a dark chocolate mousse torte with black currants and chocolate ice cream, and a caramelised banana tartlet with vanilla ice cream and butterscotch sauce.
Both exceeded our expectations.
Add to the mix that Hazel is now open for BYO from Monday to Wednesday and it is a great dining experience.