Bay of Plenty
This retro-fitted cafe serves up robust homemade burgers, toasties, steak sandwiches and salads, with guest appearances by the likes of pulled-pork pita…
Must-see restaurants in North Island
North Island
Despite its insalubrious location in a car park near the mall, this breezy modern pub is a good place to drink, watch the rugby or catch a band. The food…
North Auckland
Decked out with quirky NZ-themed art – mostly for sale – this cafe serves excellent coffee, robust eggy breakfasts and delicious homestyle baking…
Auckland Region
Located amid the heritage vibe of Lopdell House, Deco's decor channels a Turkish ambience, while the menu combines Anatolian classics with a broader…
Bay of Islands & Northland
Don't be put off by the fluorescent lighting and the lunch-bar feel; this unassuming restaurant is one of Dargaville's best. The flavour-filled Northern…
Coromandel Peninsula
Views of the Whitianga marina – including the sleepy ferry crossing to Ferry Landing – provide the backdrop for relaxed but stylish dining. In summer the…
Palmerston North
A wonderful option for Japanese in Palmy. The all-wooden interior gives the place a warm and rustic vibe, but the food is nothing but meticulous. The…
Kingsland & Mt Eden
Pan-Asian shared plates at the stylish Xoong include smoked salmon in a Vietnamese-style curry, Wagyu beef with Thai basil, and kimchi dumplings with…
Bay of Islands
This unassumingly looking family-friendly restaurant delivers when it comes to delicious pizzas (gluten-free available) topped fresh produce and free…
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
A switched-on young couple have enlivened this main-street cafe. Hearty quiche and homemade pies are served with chips and salad, while eggs Benedict…
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
Very pleasant daytime cafe in the heritage surroundings of the Te Aroha Domain. Definitely worth a stop for coffee and cake even if you’re only passing…
Bay of Islands
The interior of this winery restaurant is large and featureless so opt for the covered terrace at the rear, which has wonderful views over the vines and a…
Palmerston North
Bring your future husband or wife for taste of Kerala right on The Square, with fun, un-Bollywood decor (love the coconut wall) and aromatic food. You'll…
Auckland Region
Less a cafe and more a food truck with an awning, Bethells Cafe does a roaring trade in burgers (beef and vegetarian), pizza, cakes and coffee. On Friday…
Bay of Islands
This excellent Chilean-owned cafe has the best coffee in town and terrific breakfast burritos, tacos and baked-egg dishes, such as spicy huevos rancheros…
Bay of Plenty
Breezy Bluebiyou is a casual, maritime-styled bistro riding high on the dunes and serving big brunches and a mix of meaty and fishy dishes. The beer…
Palmerston North
This bright cafe is also a registered charity that teaches 12 to 19-year-olds how to cook nutritious and sustainable food. One hundred per cent vegan, the…
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
Rolled-to-order sushi, udon noodles and donburi rice bowls, all with a touch of hip Hawaiian-Japanese surfer style. Check out the great selection of…
Bay of Plenty
Pronto's menu of gourmet burgers reads like it belongs in a bistro: chicken parmigiana, herb-grilled chicken salad, scotch and bacon, pulled pork… The…
Wellington
Yes, it's another Wellington craft-beer bar, but this one is just as much about good food as the good stuff in your glass. Roll up for some baked eggs and…
Wellington
Perpetually brimming with cool cats, Sweet Mother’s serves tasty takes on the Deep South, such as burritos, gumbo, pulled-pork po’boys, jambalaya, grilled…
Palmerston North
Simple, fresh, authentic Japanese food cooked by Atsushi Taniyama in an unpretentious suburban house with empty sake bottles lining the window sills. All…
Rotorua
Italian restaurants bookend Eat Streat, but Leonardo’s is our favourite. The wine list is good and while the menu has few surprises – arancini, carbonara,…
Bay of Islands & Northland
It's well worth a trip to the suburbs to seek out this cheerful and relaxed restaurant, popular with Thai expats for its authentic flavours, gutsy…
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
The service is first-rate at this modern, upmarket restaurant, which introduces Asian flavours to predominantly French- and Italian-style bistro dishes…
Coromandel Peninsula
In summer everyone wants a garden table at this excellent cafe. For a lazy brunch, try the eggs Benedict with smoked salmon or the legendary Big Breakfast…
Bay of Islands & Northland
Stylish Kiwiana decor combines with good coffee at this appealing place attached to the tourist office. Grab a table on the expansive deck and tuck into…
Auckland
Run by a charming pair of sisters, Siostra is the perfect little neighbourhood bistro, serving up hearty Italian fare with a modern sensibility…
Coromandel Peninsula
Coromandel Town’s most upmarket option dishes up generously proportioned meals with an emphasis on local seafood. On a summer’s evening, the courtyard…
Bay of Islands & Northland
This cafe, high above Helena Bay, is one of the main stops on this route. Offering excellent organic fair-trade coffee, scrummy cakes until close, and…
Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
Chateau Tongariro's elegant and formal à la carte restaurant, with white tablecloths and chandeliers. Bookings are recommended and the dress code excludes…
The Far North
Start the day with a cooked breakfast and Ahipara's best coffee on the sunny front deck of this relaxed little cafe. Come back at lunch for a burger, fish…
The Wairarapa
Housed in a 1920s cottage abutting the Cobblestone Museum, Schoc sells a wide range of truffles in unusual flavours (mango cardamom, pinot noir, caramel…
Auckland
Sophisticated cafe fare combined with excellent views of Takapuna Beach ensure that this cafe constantly buzzes. If you can’t snaffle a table, grab an…
Bay of Islands
Northland’s best falafels, lamb shawarma (kebab) and meze platters, all served with a smile and a social vibe. Most mains come with rice, pitta bread,…
Bay of Islands
Bagels, baguettes and croissants all feature with the best coffee in town at this compact spot one block back from the waterfront. Beans are locally…
Taranaki & Whanganui
Well above the high-tide mark on Oākura's main street, boho little High Tide offers superfresh cabinet fare – maybe a smoked-salmon croissant or some…
Rotorua
Our pick of the global selection of ethnic eateries along Tutanekai St, the Thai overcomes an unimaginative name with excellent service and top-notch…
Tauranga
All your Texan favourites are served up at this rustic and relaxed spot in the Wharf St dining precinct. Grab an outdoor table and combine ribs, a fried…
Bay of Islands & Northland
Rural Europe comes to Mangawhai at this atmospheric chocolaterie and its accompanying cafe. Sample handmade chocolates, then fill up on the all-day…
