Good food and good vibes
Etta is a gorgeous gem in the middle of Northcote. When it opened its doors in mid-July 2025, it brought a warm, welcoming energy to the neighbourhood.
Stephanie, a hospitality veteran, is no stranger to creating destination eateries in residential pockets. With Red Eight Café in Kaiapoi and Leeves at Portstone Café in Woolston already under her belt, Etta is her latest venture in what she describes as ‘neighbourhood creating’. It’s something she wants to see more of in Aotearoa.
The name Etta is inspired by Italy. “It’s not an Italian restaurant, but it’s got an Italian influence,” she says. “I love the fact that you gather together with the people that you love. It’s about nourishing your soul — good food, and having lots of laughs.”
The kitchen is in excellent hands, with Daryl Remaneses, formerly of 5th Street, leading the team, and 5th Street’s head chef, Samson Stewart, helping to shape the menu. Expect delicious, comforting food that suits every time of day: morning baking, cabinet salads, sandwiches and gourmet pizzas by day, and thoughtfully plated à la carte sharing dishes by night.
Located directly opposite the busy Nomads United football ground, Stephanie has future plans to add a takeaway window for hot chips, espresso from The Coffee Workshop, and scoop gelato from Gelato Roma.
Inside, Etta is a lesson in refined comfort. “My brief to the design team was understated elegance,” Stephanie says. “It has a lovely, warm feel, with beautiful materials like velvet booths and marble.”
At its core, Etta is about experience. “My philosophy has always been: if you’ve got excellent food, excellent drink, and excellent service, plus a really nice surrounding, it’s going to be really lovely.”
