Once overheard at Fleur’s: ‘Who’s John Dory, Dad?’ ‘He’s a fish, son.’ Fish, famous, fabulous fish is what this culinary outpost is all about.
In fact, when renowned British television chef and restaurateur Rick Stein was told by the Daily Mail newspaper that he could go anywhere in the world to write a travel article for them, he chose Fleur’s Place in Moeraki, North Otago. How’s that for world-famous in New Zealand?
Moeraki sure got put on the map. But locals have known that for years. She used to be over in Clyde, Fleur Sullivan, serving her outstanding cuisine in a beautiful setting, and when she relocated to the harbour by the bay, well, she blossomed! And it was the coast’s gain, for sure. The water from whence your catch will come is on three sides of the restaurant, taking the authentic fish dining experience about as far as it can go.
The site is actually an old whaling station, perfectly posited for the boats to virtually unload the catch at the door.
While that’s likely to feature the local favourite blue cod, there’s usually a selection of moki, bluenose, gurnard, sole, flounder, hapuku and even crayfish. Most of the vegetables are locally sourced, organic, often heritage and really do taste as if they’ve just come out of the ground. (Don’t worry, they give them a wipe first).
Before you sharpen your knife in preparedness for a piscine plunge, sharpen your senses with a wander around the rest of the Moeraki peninsula and Katiki Point. There is a fantastic and aged lighthouse, and colonies of yellow-eyed penguins and fur seals. You see, all the fish connoisseurs come here...
Please note: Fleur's Place is closed indefinitely. Check the website for updates on re-opening.
