Location: Helensville
Top Restaurants in Helensville
Top 10 restaurants in Helensville, New Zealand
Helensville is a town in the North Island of New Zealand. It is sited 40 kilometres northwest of Auckland, close to the southern extremity of the Kaipara Harbour. State Highway 16 passes through the town, connecting it to Waimauku 16 km to the south, and Kaukapakapa about 12 km to the north-east. Parakai is 2 km to the north-west. The Kaipara River runs through the town and into the Kaipara Harbour to the north.
Things to do in Helensville
1. The Riverhead
Overall Ratings
4 based on 626 reviews
Nestled on the shores of the upper Waitemata, The Riverhead is steeped in local history and was a vital part of the development of early New Zealand. Prior to The Riverhead being built on this site, Thomas Deacon, the original owner, owned a pub on the point just below where The Riverhead now stands. The early Maori used this landing point as the place to disembark and portage their waka across land to the Kumeu River to get easier access to the lands in the Far North. Early immigrants then used this same route to travel north, disembarking at Helensville and continuing by ship north via the Kaipara Harbour.
Reviewed By boatie_girl - Auckland, New Zealand
Three of us came for lunch in February. We'd booked a table and as it was sunny, we were seated under a sun umbrella on the deck, with a lovely view along the river. The wait for the food was too long, and we were on the verge of asking where our meals were when they finally arrived. I had the ribs, which were very nice but smothered in too much sauce (which I scraped off). The serving size was far too big for a lunchtime meal and I was only able to eat about half. My mother-in-law had the fish and chips, and she also commented that the serving size was far too big for lunch - with two large pieces of fish and a pile of fries, I had to agree with her! She did enjoy what she was able to eat of it though. My husband had the Caesar salad with chicken, which he said was okay but not the best iteration of that dish that he's had. We live about 25 mins drive away and come here about 2 or 3 times a year - I have to say we could come here a lot more often if there was a different menu for lunch, particularly in summer when you want smaller, lighter, fresher dishes.
2. Ginger Crunch Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 49 reviews
Very nice place to have a good coffee,and lunch, the staff are very pleasant and accomodating. Ohh and the Ginger Crunch slice and carrot cake are too die for.
Reviewed By STEVE CLARK - NORTHOLT England
Been here a few times while staying in Helensville,coffee and snacks for elevenses,yummy,nice friendly establishment obviously used well by locals which speaks well for its reputation.
3. The Tasting Shed
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
The Tasting Shed has one simple philosophy – a place where wine craves food. Expect to experience a unique environment where everything we are about is celebrating great food and wine pairings in a gorgeous wine country, less than half an hour outside of central Auckland.
Reviewed By got2bebiking - Saint Louis, Missouri
Our driver had made reservation for us for lunch. It was awesome. We had the Lamb (tender, juicy) and Broccoli ......with bread tray (as an American, I don't get this pay for bread, but it was excellent). Good vino too. Friendly staff and fun place
4. Curry Leaf - Indian Restaurant
Overall Ratings
3 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Noisyboys3
We went here for dinner a couple of nights ago because a number of reviewers seemed to like it. We ate in, the atmosphere was fairly nice, though with the front door open the traffic noise was quite something. That aside, this was the worst Indian food we have ever eaten, and we have had Indian food in several different countries and many different restaurants around NZ, and would have been happy with moderate quality. But if I was Indian I would be embarrassed to serve up the chunks of cooked corned beef in a feeble attempt at an Indian style sauce. Both our meals were beef, and they both contained corned beef throughout. My beef madras sauce was light yellow, mostly cream and coconut. Food courts in malls have better Indian food, even if it is probably from a jar.
When they came to ask us how it was we were too embarrassed to say, and we ended up just paying and leaving and not making a fuss. They need to learn how to cook Indian food if they are going to run an Indian restaurant.
5. DD's Country Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Melanie H
Had the French toast and it was lovely. All the food looked good in the cabinets as well. Hubby enjoyed his as well. Friendly service. Luke warm coffee but nice setting and I do recommend.
6. The Food Vault
Overall Ratings
4 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Carlene B
This is our 'regular' local go-to cafe. No matter whether you go alone for time out or with the family or even meet up with clients you can be assured that the food and coffee are always consistently good. Top marks for the porridge and savoury scones!
7. Art Stop Cafe
Overall Ratings
3 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Susan C
For basic KIwi food, or a quick bite, this could be a place to stop. I have no regrets. I wasn't in a hurry and a lot of the town is old and just starting to come back to life. Service was adequate and the pies were fresh and full of meat, unlike some meat pies which are filled with a lot of gravy and you're looking for a morsel of actual meat! Since it was raining they were very accomodating with our wet jackets and "brellies" umbrellas, and it was clean and proper, like all kiwi places tend to be!
8. The Jetty Shelly Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Mike M
Myself and my fiancé stopped off at this little cafe over the holiday weekend while we were visiting the south head for something to eat and to go for a quick walk along Shelly Beach. I can hardly explain how much of a mistake this turned out to have been. I ordered a pie, which was microwaved and stone cold in the middle. My fiance got a cheese and ham toastie which was just about edible. We were both starving and there was nowhere else nearby to get food, so my fiancé reluctantly swallowed hers down but I threw the pie away after a few bites. We decided to go for a walk down the beach, and parked the car up along the shore. When we came back to the car, we found that the gate to the carpark had been locked and we were confronted by some angry locals who were camping nearby and drinking heavily. One of them, an older man, who was wearing a high-vis jacket and looked somewhat in-charge, shouted at us and told us we shouldn't have parked where we did and threatened that if he had his gun he would have shot us!! We apologised and attempted to retreat as quickly as possible, finding the gate to the carpark had been locked. This was at approximately 7pm. There was a sign that said the gate would be closed at 10pm. So we were quite unsure as what to do. The owner eventually came over and opened the gate, and I explained that we didn't realise we weren't allowed to park in that area, but were absolutely shocked and horrified at the reaction we had received, and for being locked in a carpark with a group of threatening locals. No apology was offered to us. We drove on our way, and needless to say, shall never be back here again. And I would highly recommend every other tourist or traveller to avoid this place at all costs! Disgraceful.
9. The Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Jane P - Auckland, New Zealand
This is our favourite local cafe. They serve excellent coffee and really good cooked breakfasts and brunches. They also have a good range of home-cooked cakes and scones, and other prepared items.
Staff are very friendly and I like the low-key, 'down to earth' setting. Nothing fancy inside, but its a very comfortable space to spend time in for brunch or breakfast. It reminds me a little of a student cafe in Dunedin or Wellington, i.e. the tables and chairs are a bit run-down, but comfortable. There is a sofa and some toys for little ones. They also have a very comprehensive range of up to date magazines.
10. Macnuts Cafe
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By KiwiGranNewZealand - Auckland, New Zealand
A small cafe miles from anywhere out towards South Head and the Woodhill Forest. Decor is an old barn style..could be improved however the views are picturesque over a small lake. We had home made steak pie and chips, both were excellent. Also a burger which got top marks. The coffee was excellent and the owners delightful. Don’t forget to buy some Macadaemia nuts while you’re there....
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