OAK & IVY

In Blenheim’s Marlborough heartland, Oak & Ivy is a wine bar and restaurant devoted to evenings done well.

The cooking favours clarity and craft, highlighted by the pristine snap of Marlborough oysters Kilpatrick and a silken steak tartare enhanced with smoked bone marrow and a 63° yolk. A vibrant daily ceviche on a crisp tostada rounds out the selection, while a still-warm house rosemary focaccia with roasted garlic butter invites lingering.

For unhurried dinners, expect generosity without fuss. A slow-glazed lamb shank is paired elegantly with potato pavé and winter greens, while a charcoal-fired bavette is complemented by a rich peppercorn sauce and tallow fries. The pasta selection offers equal comfort, featuring ribbons of house pappardelle tossed with local porcini mushrooms and a robust ‘Salubre’ osso buco ragù that coats tender tagliatelle with cherry tomatoes.

Drift in from late afternoon to settle at the relaxed bar, or take a table for an intimate date night or a laid-back catch-up with friends.

Either way, the welcome lingers as long as you do at Oak & Ivy. Let the evening unfold, one sip and bite at a time - go on, make a night of it.