Location: Tairua
Top Restaurants in Tairua
Tairua Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Tairua
The town of Tairua is on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula in the North Island of New Zealand. It lies at the mouth of the Tairua River on its north bank and on the small Paku Peninsula. The population was 1,227 in the 2013 Census, a decrease of 42 from 2006. Tairua is a Māori name which translates literally as tai: tides, rua: two.
Things to do in Tairua
1. Hot Waves Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
+64-7-866 3887
Reviewed By cngj - Chelmsford, United Kingdom
We called here for breakfast prior to a bit of digging on Hot Water Beach. We had omelette and pancakes which were both good. The garden where you can eat is peaceful.
2. Taste Food 2 Go
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By avd201
I recently went to taste while visiting tairua and had the BEST burger ever! They are made with good quality ingredients and made to order,I was so happy with my meal I went back the next night to try a pizza, was pleasantly surprised once again as it was delicious. The owner of the shop is very lovely and the guy who made our pizza is a pro. Can't wait to come back next time, keep up the good work! BEST FOOD IN TAIRUA!
3. The Old Mill Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 154 reviews
A comfortable two-hour drive from Auckland City, The Old Mill Cafe resides opposite Tairua Marina overlooking picturesque Tairua Harbour. Nestled quietly at the base of Paku Hill. Great spot to come for fabulous breakfasts made with free-range eggs and free farmed bacon. A wide variety of options for lunch ranging from Fresh Coromandel Mussels to freshly caught fish and chips and epic beef pies for the meat lovers out there. We use fresh produce and focus on fresh seafood but we cater to all diets including Gluten free, Vegetarian and Vegan. We have a wide range of yummy cakes, quiches and pies to accompany your coffee by Allpress. And cocktails & platters are available from 3pm to 6pm just in time for sunset over Tairua Harbour. And to finish off try a Kapiti ice cream served in a cone. Our menu is seasonal. We are fully licensed and carry a discerning range of local, NZ and overseas wines, beers and ciders. Make sure you check out our international deli and fresh french artisan breads. Every Sunday we have live music!
Reviewed By Seanfrom72 - Auckland, New Zealand
I feel a little bad writing this review, and I put off doing it last year too, but another summer with no improvement, I feel I have to put it out there. The service at the old Mill is really slow. Painful in fact. I waited for over 25 minutes for a takeaway smoothie, despite two enquiries to help them along. It wasn't particularly busy at the time, and there was only one order in front of me. Its a lovely little place, in a beautiful spot, but without any significant improvement in the speed of their kitchen, I won't be back.
4. Manaia Kitchen & Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 316 reviews
Fully licensed cafe/restaurant located in the heart of Tairua. Woodfired pizzas, all day menu, dinner menu, sun-drenched courtyard. Tairua is a key stopping point for people traveling to destinations around The Coromandel. Equally, it is a much-loved local hotspot, favoured for its fresh and innovative cuisine, friendly service and spacious sun-drenched courtyard. Established over 10 years ago, Manaia Kitchen and Bar has kept pace with culinary trends while retaining its relaxed Coromandel vibe. Manaia Kitchen and Bar’s contemporary dining menu showcases the quality produce and kaimoana of the Coromandel and caters to every palate and appetite. From a morning coffee spot in the sun to a late night live music party, Manaia is constantly filled with people gathering in groups and having a good time.
Reviewed By Abby1005 - Devizes
We went in without booking and fortunately got a table because it was one of the nicest meals that we had in New Zealand-and with very friendly, efficient service. We went back for coffee the next morning and that was very good too.
5. Colenso Country Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By Azzza93 - Hamilton, New Zealand
On our way to cooks beach and stopped in to this gorgeous cafe on the main highway. Great homemade bacon and egg pie,steak pie,custard square and a lovely scone and jam. All these were great as you can taste the home cooking. Sat in the garden where we had our lunch with a beautiful scenery. Definitely recommend.
6. The Pepe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 259 reviews
The Pepe, Licensed Cafe & Restaurant is open 7 days from 7.30am for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Cabinet Food. Fresh Baked Scones & Muffins Daily. Licensed Bar. Indoor and outdoor dining. All food available to takeaway most times of the year (exception maybe at Christmas when visitor numbers are too large). Group inquiries welcome. Located next to the Pepe Reserve, Tairua with children's playground nearby and easy access to beach.
Reviewed By JefftheChef55
We called in to this place because of the spot over looking a park and water
I had fish and chips & salad
It was fresh and Ok - nothing special
My wife had the roasted vege and quinoa salad and she enjoyed this salad
We both had coffees and they were great
The staff were friendly
The price was medium priced for what we received with the other prices around
7. Pauanui Bakery and Pizza Shack
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Daryl C - Pleasanton, California
There aren't a lot of restaurant options in Pauanui. Most are in the small main shopping center. The Pauanui Bakery serves up takeaway Chinese food and pre-made meat pies. It's more convenient than tasty. There are a few picnic tables just outside but they're shared with the shopping center so most likely won't be available in high season.
8. Out of the Blue Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By thomasgrayc - Taipei, Taiwan
Very good value for money, best coffee in Tairua. Food is basic but fresh and filling Staff are locals, very friendly and unaffected. Get's a bit overrun by tourists in the busy season. Closes 2:30pm a bit too early for a late lunch option
9. TAll TAIRUA
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By toitoi53 - Paris, France
Sit down taste and absorb real Tairua. Marg has created a funky setting in a tiny shop - two tables inside, one out. Read the news, listen to the local chat from the endless stream of real NZ picking up their morning coffee fix. The smell of those perfectly cooked home made muffins cannot be resisted.
10. The Kiwi Outdoor Oven Company
Overall Ratings
4 based on 14 reviews
Enjoy authentic wood fired pizzas in an idyllic outdoor atmosphere with The Kiwi Outdoor Oven Company. Our mobile food truck is parked at the Pauanui Wharf every day over summer (weather permitting) from 3.00pm till 8.00pm.
Reviewed By GrantHay - Auckland, New Zealand
Our extended family of 18 went to the wharf end of Pauanui for pizza on the beach. The staff seemed worn out and more than a bit grumpy. Long busy days tends to do that. The Pizzas were tasty and enjoyed by all but at around $25 each a dozen pizzas was an expensive meal. If the market is prepared to pay that much for a takeaway meal then they will be back again next Christmas but I feel it is a bit rich to turn up in a van for a couple of weeks over the busy summer period to cash in. I feel sorry and a little bit beholding to the local restaurants who pay rent for 12 months a year and have to survive the winter. If we don't support them we won't have anywhere to eat for 50 weeks of the year.
