Hello Sailor Restaurant & Bar, HMB

About Hello Sailor Restaurant & Bar, HMB

Hello Sailor is a vibrant seaside restaurant and bar situated right along the marina in Half Moon Bay, East Auckland. Set against sweeping coastal vistas and boat-dotted moorings, the venue combines the easy-going energy of a coastal retreat by day with an upbeat lounge atmosphere into the evening.

The kitchen crafts an extensive menu centered on ocean-fresh seafood, raw bar delicacies, flame-grilled cuts, and creative sharing plates. Guests can unwind on the expansive outdoor deck under signature red umbrellas, settle in for sunset views with craft cocktails, or gather indoors for live music, weekend DJ sessions, and big-screen sporting events. Whether dropping in for a casual lunch after a boat trip, enjoying sunset drinks, or organizing a lively dinner with friends, Hello Sailor provides an inviting maritime destination for locals and visitors alike.

Seaside Dining and Marina Vibes at Hello Sailor in Half Moon Bay

Perched alongside the marina at Half Moon Bay, Hello Sailor brings a sun-soaked maritime dining and social scene to East Auckland. Designed around sweeping views of bobbing masts and scenic waters, the venue offers a modern space where guests can drop in for casual drinks, linger over seafood platters, or celebrate into the evening.

The restaurant's aesthetic reflects relaxed coastal hospitality. An outdoor deck covered with bold red parasols lets diners make the most of warm weather and sunset hours, while expansive glass windows provide panoramic views of the water from indoor banquettes and bar counters. Whether arriving after a day out on the water or meeting friends for dinner, the space shifts effortlessly from day to night.

Ocean-Fresh Seafood and Charcoal Grills

The culinary offering places top-quality seafood at the center of the menu. Guests can start at the raw bar with freshly shucked oysters served on ice with chardonnay and shallots, or choose delicate plates like kingfish crudo with blood orange ponzu and classic Cook Islands ika mata with coconut and fresh lime. Richer oceanic cravings are satisfied by buttery lobster rolls, bowls of seafood chowder nestled in a sourdough boule, and pan-seared John Dory with chorizo.

For those seeking hearty fare from the land, the kitchen prepares charcoal-rested bone-in ribeye with merlot jus and nduja butter, pink-seared duck breast, and a decadent wagyu burger loaded with bourbon bacon jam and alabama truffle xo. Plentiful plant-forward plates, including potato gnocchi with roasted beets and gorgonzola, ensure every guest has something satisfying to explore.

Cocktails, Sunsets, and Evening Entertainment

The drinks program balances playful vacation-inspired flavors with meticulous craft techniques. Signature creations include the tropical Sailor's Vice, layered with clarified strawberry and coconut foam, alongside spirit-forward twists like the Banoffee Pie Old Fashioned. An Aperol Tree allows groups to order spritzes together, and a dedicated margarita lineup brings plenty of zest to the table.

As daylight fades over the marina, Hello Sailor transitions into an evening hub featuring resident DJs, live music, and pub quiz nights every Wednesday. Multiple screens across the bar cater to sports fans gathering for the latest match, making the venue a regular community fixture for entertainment, weekend unwinding, and memorable seaside dining.

Signature items

• Freshly Shucked Oysters
• Lobster Roll
• Seafood Tier Platter
• Wagyu Burger
• Sailor's Vice
• Banoffee Pie Old Fashioned

Menu

Raw

• Ika Mata — White fish, coconut, cucumber, red onion, lemon & chilli
• Kingfish Crudo — Blood orange ponzu, wakame, fennel & horopito
• Hand Cut Steak Tartare — Shallots, gherkin, soft herbs, free range yolk & crispy potato
• Yellowfin-Tuna Nigiri — Fermented white soy & tobiko caviar
• King Salmon Aguachile — Dragon-fruit, cassava, jalapeno & lime

Sea

• Chowder — Sourdough boule, daily catch, fennel & garlic creamed velouté
• Poached Salmon Crab Cake — Crab hollandaise, bacon dust & crab bisque vinaigrette
• John Dory — Pan seared, parsley oil, leek, potato, chorizo & crème fraiche
• Heineken Battered Daily Catch — Fries, burnt lemon & tartare sauce
• Monkfish Skewers — Bok choy, oxtail bolognaise, light soy, singed spring onion & ginger
• Spice Crusted Calamari — Green papaya, soused chilli, salt roasted peanuts & wakame
• Seafood Tier Platter — Hot, cold & smoked from the boat & rocks

Land

• 300g Bone in ribeye — Charcoal rested, merlot jus & whipped nduja butter
• Pink seared duck breast — Fennel, kumara, braised cherry gel & cognac
• Pink seared rack of Lamb — Seasonal greens, butterbean puree, balsamic port wine
• Seared wagyu bavette — Wilted spinach, whiskey & green peppercorn sauce
• Chicken breast — Shimeji mushrooms, creamed garlic shoots & whipped polenta
• Wagyu burger — Alabama truffle xo, double cheese, bourbon bacon jam, brioche
• Twice cooked Pork belly — Parsnip puree, calvados, apple & fennel slaw

Rocks

• Freshly Shucked Oysters — Over ice with chardonnay, shallot & lemon
• Lobster Roll — Clarified butter, thousand island, chive
• Green-lip Mussels — Green curry, lime leaf, coconut, cilantro
• Whole Tiger Prawns — Chargrilled with citrus butter, sherry & oregano
• Moreton Bay Bugs — Chargrilled & basted with aromatic butter, lemon & ciabatta

Pantry

• Freshly baked artisan breads — Garlic, smoked sea salt & horopito butter
• Hand cut agria fries — Black truffle & parmesan mayo
• Polenta fries — Citrus crema, hot honey & pomegranate
• Hummus — Roasted sweet potato, confit garlic, hazelnut dukkha & crumbled feta
• Cornflake fried chicken — Hot sauce, celery & blue vein ranch
• Burrata — Monocultivar extra virgin olive oil & cracked pepper

Pastures

• Roast kumara & buttercup pumpkin salad — Baby spinach, chickpea & tahini
• Potato gnocchi — Roasted beets, tomato carpaccio, gorgonzola & pickled walnuts
• Corn fritters — Tomato chilli jam, greek yoghurt, mint, cucumber
• Cauliflower popcorn — Harissa drizzle, cauliflower cream, vindaloo spice
• Caesar salad — Baby cos, parmesan, soft boiled egg, white anchovy & croutons (optional chicken & bacon)

Beverages

• Hello Sailor Lager — Poured fresh on tap
• Export Ultra "Low Carb" — Chilled tap beer
• Aperol Tree (5) — Five Aperol spritzes served on a display tree
• Blue Cheese Olive Martini — Waiheke Gin / Absolut Elyx Vodka, blue cheese, dry vermouth, black truffle, olive
• Espresso Martini — Absolut Vodka, Kahlua Salted Caramel, espresso
• Pornstar Martini — Absolut Vanilla Vodka, passionfruit, pineapple, citrus, sparkling rosé
• Yacht Club — Malfy Limone Gin, Lillet Rose, raspberry reduction, whites, citrus
• Sailor's Vice — Bumbu Rum, clarified strawberry, citrus, coconut foam, whites
• Purple Lady — Beefeater Gin, lavender, whites, citrus
• Matcha Colada — Havana Rum, Malibu, toasted coconut, pineapple cordial, citrus, matcha powder
• Bloody Pirate — Havana Rum, Jack Daniels, tomato juice, citrus, Worcestershire, beef jerky
• Banoffee Pie Old Fashioned — Rum blend, rye whisky, coffee liqueur, palm sugar, cacao, salted butter, banana
• Strawberries and Cream — Gin, strawberry tea, strawberry milk, vanilla, citrus, whole milk
• Classic Margarita — Altos Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, citrus, sugar
• Skinny Margarita — Altos Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, citrus, agave
• Jalapeno Coconut Margarita — Altos Blanco Tequila, Gracias a Dios Mezcal, jalapeno, coconut, citrus
• Waiheke Distilling Co Red Ruby Gin — Paired with Fever-Tree Lime & Yuzu Soda

Ice Cream Sundaes

• Blueberries Sundae — Spiced apple honey & marshmallow
• Cookies Sundae (R18) — Baileys cream & malted milk
• Espresso martini affogato (R18) — Espresso martini affogato dessert cup
• Milk chocolate Sundae — Milo flakes & hazelnut
• Salt caramel Sundae — Banana & Biscoff
• Caramelised pineapple Sundae — Gingerbread & dulce de leche
• Strawberry & white chocolate margarita (R18) — Strawberry & white chocolate margarita sundae

Sweet Treats & Soft Serve

• Tiramisu — Chocolate, coffee, mascarpone, tia maria, biscoff
• Apple & rhubarb crumble — Maple toasted oats & crème anglaise
• Crème Brule tart — Raspberries, burnt sugar, crème fraiche & citrus vanilla brose

Frequently asked questions

Where is Hello Sailor located?

Hello Sailor is located at 1 Ara-Tai Road, Half Moon Bay, Auckland, right by the marina in East Auckland.

What are Hello Sailor's opening hours?

The venue is open 7 days a week from 12:00 pm until late.

Does Hello Sailor take table bookings?

Yes, bookings can be made directly online via their website booking portal.

Does Hello Sailor have a Happy Hour?

Yes, daily happy hour runs from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and again from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm (not available for large groups, special events, or functions).

Are there events or entertainment at Hello Sailor?

Yes, they host live music, weekend DJs, Wednesday trivia quiz nights at 7:00 pm, and broadcast live sports on screens in the bar.

Is Hello Sailor open on public holidays?

They are usually open on public holidays, though a public holiday surcharge may apply.

Tips

• {"body":"Outdoor tables under the red umbrellas fill up quickly as the sun goes down over the boats in the marina.","title":"Book Ahead for Sunset"}
• {"body":"Catch drink specials twice daily from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm on select beers, wines, and cocktails.","title":"Drop In for Happy Hour"}
• {"body":"Wednesday evening trivia starts at 7:00 pm and requires booking in advance.","title":"Bring Your Team on Wednesday"}

Good to know

• {"family":"A dedicated children's menu is available.","payments":"A surcharge may apply on public holidays."}