Location: Whangarei
Top Restaurants in Whangarei
Top Things to do in Whangarei
Most Popular New Zealand food in Whangarei, North Island, New Zealand
Discover Restaurants offering the best New Zealand food in Whangarei, North Island, New Zealand. Whangarei (/ˌfɒŋəˈreɪ/, or /ˌwɒŋəˈreɪ/; Māori: [faŋaˈɾɛi]) is the northernmost city in New Zealand and the regional capital of Northland Region. It is part of the Whangarei District, a local body created in 1989 to administer both the city proper and its hinterland, from the former Whangarei City, Whangarei County and Hikurangi Town councils. The city population was estimated to be 57,700 in June 2017, up from 47,000 in 2001.
Things to do in Whangarei
10. Riverside Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By BruceWE
As part of the walk around the Hatea loop we stopped here for a quiet drink. Warm out in the setting sun, the light was great showing of all the boats, service was good and the beer was nicely chilled.
9. Jolt Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By Davinafox
Jolt - Attitude....They've got that bit right! We invited our Daughter and Son-in-Law out for Sunday Lunch there yesterday. The person taking the order didn't seem to understand English, although it was a simple order for four people, two of which were the same meal. We were told the wait would be 40 minutes, what? However, we took our seats and asked for water. After asking twice, it eventually arrived, minus glasses. We asked for glasses obviously. A very rude waitress, older than the rest, gave us glasses, yes, with 'attitude' and just plonked them on the table. One meal arrived. With four guests, we expect the meals to arrive together, wouldn't you? Not so. Eventually, the rest of the order arrived, minus one meal. My husband was so cross and showed it. Why wouldn't he be? After all, it was a simple meal order, which we all heard him ask for and he was now being told he didn't ask for two meals the same, just one. Rather than wait even longer, he declined to eat. The atmosphere now was awful, so embarrassing, as we'd invited our Guests out for lunch. My Daughter asked for her nearly untouched meal to be put in a box to eat later. I watched the older waitress put the remains of her meal in the box with her hands, no fork, nothing. How disgusting is that? We were over it by then. I think a career change would be on the cards for this person, as 'hospitality' doesn't seem to be 'her thing'.The service was terrible. One boy tried to placate the situation by offering coffee vouchers. Like we'd go there again.We met a Family whom we knew, outside and they said they had been in there over 2 hours, that the service was terrible and their order came up in dribs and drabs, the final bit arriving just before they left. Needless to say, our Family and the other Family will not be frequenting this establishment again. The owners, whoever they are, are clearly at fault. They should spend money on extra kitchen/waiting staff to cope with the Sunday rush, if they wish to continue trading. It was also interesting to note that dogs were allowed outside, fine for people that enjoy eating with a dog close by, but not smokers. This experience cost us over $90., with my Husband too frustrated to eat. With the competition so high in Whangarei, if they wish to stay in business, in our opinion, this isn't the way forward. We eat out frequently and this was the worst by far.
8. Mokaba Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 310 reviews
Stunning location, delicious food & coffee, gorgeous cakes & pastries including gluten free, friendly service, licenced, free wifi, plenty of parking. Fully licensed.Delightful all day cafe overlooking the bustling Whangarei Town Basin where boats from al
Reviewed By getdihere
Lovely setting with a view of the marina. Great selection of food, cabinets and menu. Enjoyed the vegetable stack and fresh light cheese cake. Big pot of tea for two. Quick service. It was mad when we visited just after Christmas yet service was with a smile and we didn't wait long. Great team. Excellent food.
7. The Quay
Overall Ratings
4 based on 594 reviews
Restaurant and bar New Zealand Cuisine smart casual dining on the waterfront craft beers and international wines
Reviewed By seadragon99
I've been to The Quay on several occasions and thought it had stepped up to be the best restaurant in town. However, we went a group of 8 people last week and this time they did not deliver. Their waiting staff have always been a bit hit & miss, some are very good and others are awkward at best. But in general the food has been excellent. This time two of us ordered the fish of the day, which apparently was hapuku. Well, we all know why we like hapuku - with large, flaky and succulent fillets. As a previous reviewer noted, it was rubbery and so average it should never find its way to a plate in a nice restaurant. I suspected that it was in fact monkfish they were serving. It certainly did not resemble hapuku in any way - and if it was, then the chef had done an incredible job of murdering it. I also tasted one of the dishes ordered by the person next to me; some cauliflower hummus salad with pomegranate seeds scattered over it, but it was extremely vinegary and very disappointing. Those who ordered pizza or pork belly were happy with their meals. I didn't try any of the deserts but one person ordered a coffee which never came. So it was a very average experience this time but I'm sure we'll give The Quay another go again, considering past visits have been so much better.
6. Helena Bay Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 224 reviews
Enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch while taking in the stunning sea views or relax in our conservatory-style indoor area. Try our homemade slices and cakes. Reservations welcome. We are open from 8am -5pm daily with our kitchen open from 9am - 3pm for f
Reviewed By Streefland
We visited this cafe - gallery and were confronted with signs everywhere that dogs were not allowed out of the car even to pee . We had traveled a long way and the website did not state that dogs are not welcome . We have 2 pug dogs who had to either leave or wait in a hot car on a sunny day with windows down and car unlocked and open to theft !! We quickly had a bite to eat . The food was underwhelming and service slow . We then let our dogs out on leash to drink some water and not to pee - they were very thirsty . We were parked by the garden dumping area at the very bottom of the property and yelled at by the owner from a distance !! . If you want to abuse your dogs and be abused by the owner then this is a good place to go .Please pre warn people on your website that dogs are not tolerated at all and then people will not have to go through this Thank you for your review. I can not speak for the Gallery but would have preferred if you had spoken with me about the slow service and underwhelming food! There is very little I can do about it via social media. We did receive at $10 tip from your table so I am not sure why that would be if our service and food were not up to standard.
5. Serenity Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 257 reviews
We have indoor booth seating as well as tables for couples and tables for four. If you are a big family don't be shy to ask our friendly staff to join tables, we are more than happy to do that for you. Outside are more tables and seating with umbrellas fo
Reviewed By BarbaraW4004
I have eaten here several times now, and found it always consistent, fantastic food, lovely wait staff, quick service and most definitely value for money. Also a great location to take your dog and sit at their outside seating then go for a nice walk along the waterfront afterwards.
4. Parua Bay Tavern
Overall Ratings
4 based on 434 reviews
Parua Bay Tavern is nestled on the waterfront of the beautiful Whangarei Heads harbour under the majestic Mt. Aubrey and Whangarei Headland.With its own jetty and picturesque outlook the tavern is a favourite for lunch and dinners, groups and large functi
Reviewed By Helen B
We lunched here one year ago and enjoyed it so much we returned. We heard there had been a change of ownership but the food was still excellent and I mean excellent. Great portion size, robust flavours and delicious. Judging by the numbers of patrons this is a very poular meeting place.I chose the lamb shank but the other favourite choice was the beef and ale pie. Highly recommend.
Where to eat Indian food in Whangarei: The Best Restaurants and Bars
3. Split Bar & Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 203 reviews
'DOBRI DOSLI' - WELCOME TO SPLIT Enjoy a tasty cooked meal using fresh local produce and seafood, and succulent New Zealand lamb & beef. There is beer on tap and a range of beautiful New Zealand wines. Whether you are dining with us or simply wish to enjo
Reviewed By 1Maya23
My friends and I had a splendid time enjoying our evening at SPLIT. A lovely, not over-crowed atmosphere with attentive service. My sea food chowder and Steak dish were delicious, with the steak being made exactly to my likening [including exchanging the steamed veges for a side mixed salad]. I also indulged in a yummy creme brulee for desert and had a great TOBLERONE cocktail as an aperitive. My friends both also found there pork bellies most delicious, as well as their Irish coffees and creme brulee. Though one of my friends commented that her cocktail had too much ice, i.e. it was very watery ... i ordered mine without ice. Otherwise - an excellent experience.
Best European food near Whangarei, North Island, New Zealand
2. Tonic Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 265 reviews
Reviewed By Woolies
Tonic have a set menu on a Sunday, very nice selection if you like Garlic, If you don't you will be restricted to the bare minimum. However, it was very tasty as I am allergic to Garlic.Service was good, so no complaintsHi Woolies, Tonic Restaurant prides itself on catering to dietary and allergy requirements for all our customers but we were not made aware of your garlic allergy on Sunday Night. This being said - you will be pleased to know that the only dishes on our Sunday night menu containing garlic is one of the entree options Mushroom Risotto and one of the accompaniments with the Haloumi entree - baba ghanoush In the future please let us know on booking of any allergies and we are happy to accommodate you.ThanksLisa (Manager)
1. TopSail
Overall Ratings
4 based on 269 reviews
Reviewed By Rosemary S
Top Sail is located above the sailing club rooms with great views across the harbor to historic Limestone Island. The welcome is always warm friendly and genuine.The food is always fresh and frequently sourced locally. New flavours, interesting combinations - it has been consistently good for as long as we have been dining here.
