Elaine T.
Yelp
Tangaroa is an ocean god in Polynesian and Maori mythology, so the name of this fish market and restaurant is a well chosen one if you revere fresh fish and seafood.
I stopped by for lunch and found their service, space, and food all impeccable. I have never been to New Zealand, but I know several kiwis. I appreciate their very honest, clean, and sustainable ethos, which also comes through in the bounty from the sea; there is a reason that New Zealand Red Snapper is one of the preferred fish for sushi and good restaurants.
The beet salad for $19 could have been a meal for a vegetarian, and it is ample enough to share if you want to split it an an entrée.
Their calamari for $17 was tender and flour battered. I would have preferred a different crunchier batter, but it included tentacles (my favorite) and was done with a light hand.
Crab cakes for $19 served with salad could have been a small meal with two good sized cakes. There was quite a bit of heat from the mustard in the crab mix, but the crab meat still shone through.
Grilled octopus salad for $29 was my favorite dish (so far). Perfectly cooked octopus was tender on the inside and crisp on the outside, served with a generous panzanella salad, this was a hearty plate!
Red snapper filet for $31 with carrot purée and sautéed squash featured perfectly crisp skin and tender red snapper, served with a medley of sautéed squash. If you order this dish as a solo eater, I would bet you will leave with delicious leftovers!
I had wonderful service the first visit with two men who were very happy to recommend dishes and were obviously very happy to be sharing their fresh seafood.
The reason for my taking off one star was the waitress on my second visit who seemed to be quite annoyed to have to take an order, and then deliver it. She was not helpful in either suggesting something from the menu or providing a container for leftovers.
If I had not had the marvelous service along with fabulous food on my first visit, I may not have returned. So my suggestion is either order to go, or go. eat in and take your chances with the server.