I had the pleasure of working along side Lorna (the head chef at Gothenburg) while OneZB was still alive and kicking, she’s a lovely person and, as many already know, a great chef. When Gothenburg opened she was on board from the beginning and has been able to craft the menu to suit the restaurants theme of a casual yet sophisticated tapas bar and restaurant. I’ve visited Gothenburg three times since it opened and each time I have tried something different from the menu.

The tapas menu offers plates of food suitable for sharing and sampling a variety of items without the price of a main meal. Great for grinks and as it seems becoming very popular elsewhere in the world but also in little old Hamilton. The pizza’s are another area of interest on the menu and Gothenburg easily outclass anyone else in town in this area. The bases are thin and crispy, the flavour combinations refined and varied, the ingredients? fresh and as should be the case with something like Pizza full of punch. Not quiet the nostalgic Italian pizza and jersey night fare that I enjoyed during my time in Italy, but I think the offerings are more in line with what is expected by most Kiwis out for a meal.

My most recent visit saw me trying the Pork Belly sandwich, I am nothing if not a glutton for all forms of simple pig meat and charcuterie, but it was not this that attracted me to ordering this. The description read as a Pork Belly Sandwich with wasabi mayo and pickled onions, or close enough to this, and it was the the pickled onions that caught my attention. Red Onions were used and after my first bite I was more than happy with my choice, the tang and light spice provided a perfect counterpoint to the warm rich and gloriously fatty pork. Some of the flavours where very Asian in their influence, the ginger vinaigrette, and I think I picked up a hint of five spice on the pork belly itself. The bread was a whole grain, nicely warmed with the portion size just enough to make me feel like taking a little nap afterwards before heading back to work. I’ve had a lot of sandwiches in my time, this was easily one of the best.

Pricing is appropriate and while we aren’t talking fast food type accessible levels, it isn’t going to force a second mortgage and after enjoying the food I have always felt that I’ve received value for money. Another plus that they have going for them is their Beer list, I haven’t come across another this comprehensive before.

My only problem with Gothenburg is it’s location, I would much prefer it was right down the road from my house, I don’t tend to get into town as much as I would like and so stopping in for a quick bite isn’t often an option. That’s life though isn’t it? If I want a good Taco I have to go to Auckland, and if I want a great pizza or a kick ass sandwich with a boutique lager or an imported Belgian I might have to go to Hood St.