Location: Whakatane
Top Restaurants in Whakatane
North Island, New Zealand Food Guide: 10 New Zealand food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Whakatane
Find out what New Zealand restaurants to try in Whakatane. Whakatane (/fɑːkəˈtɑːni/ fah-kə-TAH-nee, alt. /ˌwɒkəˈtɑːni/; Maori: "Whakatāne", Māori pronunciation: [fakaˈtaːnɛ]) is a town in the eastern Bay of Plenty Region in the North Island of New Zealand, 90 km east of Tauranga and 89 km north-east of Rotorua, at the mouth of the Whakatane River. Whakatane District is the encompassing territorial authority, which covers an area to the south and west of the town, excluding the enclave of Kawerau.
Things to do in Whakatane
10. Cobb & Co.
Overall Ratings
3 based on 253 reviews
Reviewed By Stasia872
We had an awful meal here. The food came at different times and was very processed. The restaurant was very cold and unfriendly. I would not recommend and wish we had eaten at home.
9. Red barn Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By sharonelizabeth33
Decided on breakfast... and travelled out of town for a change. Upon arrival we were greeted by a lovely staff member. Other girls seemed to be playing at being busy. The drinks were very nice... breakfast was very standard... poached eggs were firm and not at all runny. Cutlery was just plonked down. Overall not the best dining experience by far
8. The Craic Irish Pub
Overall Ratings
3 based on 164 reviews
The Craic, Irish Pub, located in one of the Whakatane's most iconic structures, the Whakatane Hotel. The Craic is home to Irish based hospitality, friendliness and culture. We are proud to serve an extensive menu that will have something to satisfy anyone
Reviewed By jollyrobert
Staying for a few days here in Whakatane, we gravitated to this pub in the early evening whilst out looking for somewhere to have dinner. The outside pavement is a natural meeting place with several tables under the shady trees. With the temperature hovering around 28c it was an invitation to sit and enjoy a drink. Santonius Crook, the manager, keeps some outstandingly good Guiness and that was my choice, my wife's tipple large Sauvignon Blanc. His dad followed Argentina when they were on their winning run to the World Cup, and one of the players caught his eye, hence his newly born son was christened with a Saint's name. There were several people, mainly blokes, occupying the tables outside, and they were being reinforced by a number of women of a certain age. Shortly afterwards we understood why, as a two-man band struck up the music, playing almost 90 minutes of foot stomping, madly loud songs and instrumentals, all accompanied by their adoring female fans! We decided once the music stopped, to quietly quit the area, and find somewhere to eat. Great start to a fine evening, and great beer.
7. The Quay Cafe & Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By R_and_D_NZ
Sunday brunch, salmon & Avocado, and a Ceaser salad. Both fresh, well presented, good quality and generous serves. Coffee was good, and a reasonable range of teas. Service was friendly. good venue & location
6. The Whitehouse Cafe & Gallery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 74 reviews
The White House Cafe is a family run business that is based on good food and good service. We are situated just minutes from Whakatane on Thornton Road, in a charming traditional villa in a lovely semi-rural setting. There is seating inside the villa, on
Reviewed By Rachael C
Ordered two calamari meals and one drink which came to $41. Was very surprised When I received my meal. For $18 I received 7 pieces of squid. All laid on lettuce. I asked the chef if this was the entree size. The waitress said it was because it was good quality squid... Iâve tasted better in boxes at the supermarket. Itâs was floury, chewy and no flavour. For $18 I would have expected some chips with it at least. Lucky I wasnât that hungry... pathetic. Absolute would not recommend this cafe to eat at.Initially the complaint was about the size of the meal being too small, I then cooked an extra portion which we were told was very much appreciated.All food including the extra portion was eaten, please let me know if a meal is not to your liking before consuming it all which although not very hungry as you claim, as I will refund your money or cook you something else. Further more not lettuce as stated but a rocket and fennel salad. Pathetic is a strong and hurtful word...we did well over a 100 covers that Sunday and received no other complaints
5. Cafe 4u
Overall Ratings
4 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By JALMountie
Not sure how this cafe reviews highly. When I went to order breakfast, I felt like I was an inconvenience to the guy serving.Food, presented well, but bacon undercooked, and potato burnt. And the orange juice... donât order that... tasted like bitter watered down concentrate.Try somewhere else
4. Javaman Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 181 reviews
Enjoy great food and coffee with a full cafe menu, daily specials and prepared cabinet food. Providing free WiFi to our customers.Out catering available or book out Javaman Cafe for a special evening function.
Reviewed By OldDeuteronomy2014
We struck a nice day and sat under the umbrella in the outdoor courtyard. You order and prepay at counter, The service we received was friendly and there was a array of choice in the cabinet or on the blackboard menu. You can have a glass of vino with your meal if you wish but on this occasion iced coffees were order of the day-yum!The food arrived and we were all pleased. Try the chicken thigh wrapped in bacon with a few chips :-) The couple with us said they would definately be back.Thank you very much for taking the time to review our business. Our staff are passionate about what they do and produce and we are over the moon that you must feel the same
3. Roquette Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 341 reviews
At our fine dining restaurant and bar in Whakatane, we are passionate about providing the finest ingredients together with contemporary, relaxed environment. Open - Mon -Sat Lunch /Dinner
Reviewed By gedmother
Very good food and service. Roquette is definitely becoming the best place to eat on Whakatane. Wine list is very good and the whole drinks menu benefits from the fully functioning bar. Tiramisu was amazing. Irish coffee needs more whiskey though so maybe order a whiskey neat on the side. Was really busy when we went so make sure you book.
2. White Island Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 226 reviews
Born out of a love of good coffee, today White Island cafe is a favourite of both coffee lovers and foodies alike. Our food is all freshly prepared onsite ensuring that it is always tasty and wholesome and includes a selection of gluten-free and vegan opt
Reviewed By d240i
hip minimalist looking cafe serving great coffee and snacks/pastries. great staff. we went back again (for a 2nd serving).Kia ora d240i,Thank you for your review, we're thrilled you enjoyed your visit to White Island Cafe. Cheers.
Most Popular Indian food in Whakatane, North Island, New Zealand
1. Soulsa Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 222 reviews
New restaurant
Reviewed By gedmother
Usually my family are huge Soulsa fans but our visit on 18/07/19 was not good. Food quality was below the usual high standard and service was sloppy. The duck was not as good as Roquette and the kids spaghetti bolognese was terrible, I could have cooked better at home, and went uneaten and ended up in the bin at home. The eye fillet was well cooked but had a weird sauce and the shrimps smelt like hot electronics. Sides came well after the mains which was annoying as they arrived when we were most of the way through our meals. Dessert was underwhelming with a cheese cake that dissolved into a wet pile on the plate and a flourless cake drenched in berry sauce which wasn't good. Feijoa pudding was okay. Also ordered an Irish coffee that came well after the desserts and was served in a thin glass with no handle so I had to wrap my napkin around it so I could hold it without getting burnt. I honestly doubt the staff that were working knew what they were doing, it was really disappointing. I'd recommend going to Roquette until Soulsa sorts itself out.
Where to eat European food in Whakatane: The Best Restaurants and Bars
