Clarence Restaurant

In Tauranga’s Bay of Plenty, Clarence Restaurant channels the sunlit ease of the Mediterranean through the lens of fresh Kiwi produce. It is at once polished and unpretentious, inviting diners to settle in for a leisurely journey that favours generosity, seasonal brightness and a quietly confident kitchen.

The cooking speaks in lively, layered accents: briny natural oysters lifted with white balsamic mignonette; beef fat potatoes that nod to comfort with garlic, dijon and malt vinegar. There is a mezze-like glide to labneh scented with saffron, grapes and pistachio, while beef tartare is deepened with port and bone marrow. From there, handmade pasta and the grill take the lead, with an eye fillet enriched by truffle mash and bone marrow butter, and lamb loin paired with smoked rosti and anchovy cream. Even the pizza leans coastal, from buffalo mozzarella with San Marzano tomato and basil to roast lamb brightened by tzatziki and pomegranate molasses. A chocolate tart with sable, amarena and mascarpone offers a poised finale.

Equally at home for a relaxed catch-up or a special occasion, Clarence encourages sharing, lingering and savouring. The pace is unhurried, the flavours assured, and the plates designed to spark conversation as much as appetite.

Make a date, bring an appetite, and let Clarence whisk you seaside in spirit. Book in and taste the Med, one Tauranga sunset at a time.