Top Restaurants in Russell
Top 10 restaurants in Russell, New Zealand
The seaside town of Russell is one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. The area teems with a mash-up of indigenous and European history, evident in its architecture and historic sites. Sail around the bay on a chartered yacht or iconic tall ship or explore the multiple personalities of The Gables 1847, which has served as a bakery, bordello and shelter for AWOL sailors on the lam.
Things to do in Russell
1. The Gables Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 866 reviews
New Zealand's oldest operating Restaurant, The Gables offers fine food and wine in a stunning waterfront setting.
Reviewed By Karen C - Auckland, New Zealand
We have been to the gables restaurant now for 18 years and never been disappointed. Great friendly service with excellent food with a stunning view over the water. Book early as you may not get a table.
2. The Wharf - Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 290 reviews
Reviewed By hourdy - Sydney, Australia
Soup on menu but not available. Ordered chicken Sandwich & were told no Brie ! Menu is not extensive so cannot understand how they could be short ingredients. We heard the gentleman next to us complaining about his fish & chips and understood why when ours arrived. No taste at all. The view is to die for but food lacking which is a shame.
3. Omata Estate Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
Boutique wine growing on a sunny peninsular in Russell. Casual style eatery serving gourmet local produce platters and wood fired pizzas to complement our wines. We also have a cellar door offering wine tastings & sales, panoramic ocean and vineyard views. Vineyard & bush walk on offer if you want to take a stroll after lunch.
Reviewed By Justonetripatatime - Auckland, New Zealand
A great place to eat, drink, relax and enjoy the view.
It is quite a drive down from the main road down an unsealed road to get to the winery and restaurant, but well worth the drive. The location is beautiful - tables overlooking the vines across to the bay beyond. The food was delicious - a lovely selection of gourmet pizzas or tasty platters, and of course the wine was a perfect match.
A great way to spend an afternoon.
4. Only Seafood
Overall Ratings
4 based on 793 reviews
Reviewed By markilee - Auckland, New Zealand
We had dinner at this restaurant which is on the main road in Paihia. The setting both outside and inside is wonderful, brilliantly clean, very comfortable. Staff were good. Best of all, the food. We both had fish, cooked differently with a salad and potato accompaniment. The fish was so fresh, almost as though it had just been caught and the potato croquettes were very tasty. I also had a chocolate mousse dessert which melted in my mouth. All were a good size serving, and beautifully presented. Would highly recommend.
5. Pizza Pasta Ruffino
Overall Ratings
4 based on 360 reviews
Ruffinos Pizza and Pasta has been located in Paihia for 18 years. We specialise in Homemade Pasta and pizzas, you can also create your own pizza. We are now doing gluten free pizza. We are fully licensed and also BYO wine. Dine in or Takeaway available, we do not deliver
Reviewed By dskid - Overland Park, Kansas
We were looking for a quick dinner near our motel and this place got decent comments. They apparently do mostly takeaway business as we were the only people dining in. We ordered a jumbo pepperoni pizza but only got a medium (that's all we were charged for, however). The crust reminded me of the Pizza Hut thin & crispy pizza - my wife's favorite but not mine. The pizza was fine but nothing special. If you're not looking for a gourmet meal, you will probably find this acceptable. Photos are attached.
Thanks for Reading. If you’ve found this helpful I’ll appreciate a thumbs up below.
6. Provenir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 319 reviews
Provenir is a modern local restaurant with a seasonally driven menu. The centre of the restaurant is the kitchen where ingredient quality is non-negotiable. Provenir emphasises the age old formula of simple ingredients cooked well, freshness with a sense of energy, a little bit theatrical, true to life with quality and a story. Hand made, artisanal, from farm to chef. We know our farmers, fisherman, wine makers & growers; from Rod McDonald with his Quarter Acre stunning Syrah, to Bill French who raises our Perendale Lamb, they are just a few of our team. Head Chef - Marcus Berndt
Reviewed By keith h - new york
breakfast was great and the wait and kitchen staff really accommodated our requests.. I think dinner would probably be good there but I did not try it
7. sally's restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 645 reviews
We would like to Thank you for your service over the last 19 years. We are now happy to advize you that we have SOLD. Sally and her team.
8. The York Street Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By Neil M - Baneuil
We had a late breakfast at the York Street Cafe which we had visited two previously for a coffee and noted that it offered breakfast and a lunch menu as well. I had a cooked breakfast of eggs, sausages, hash browns, toast and mushrooms. My wife had poached eggs and bacon on toast and we both had coffee. Super breakfast. It is a small independently run place catering for those who don’t want to eat in their hotels or apartments. It is not a posh cafe but does provide well cooked local produce.
9. GREENS
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 854 reviews
We have been one of Paihia’s most popular restaurants since 2006 serving the finest Thai cuisine under the name ‘THAI GARDEN CAFÉ’ now rebranded as ‘GREENS’. Keeping the same Thai chefs, we are proud to announce that we have introduced full Indian meal, which will be served by a new team of highly experienced Indian Chefs.Lovingly prepared, authentic Thai and Indian cuisine, with a few surprisingly Kiwi twists – that’s what we have on menu at GREEN’S. With a wonderful mix of Thai and Indian dishes, you will enjoy the fusion of spice and flavour. From traditional dishes like Pad-Thai to Indian Butter Masala Chicken and new fish dishes which are closely guarded, using the finest quality ingredients is the speciality at GREENS.At GREEN’S, the dining experience is as important as the food itself. Take a seat in our modern and stylish water-front restaurant, and enjoy great service from our waiting staff.Whether here for lunch, dinner or a private function, enjoy an atmosphere that combines the Indo-Thai warmth with the friendliness Paihia is famed for.
Reviewed By Karen D - UK
We visited here twice on the recommendation of our accommodation hosts. Both times delicious food, both Indian and Thai. The owner was very hospitable and prices were very reasonable.
10. Alfresco's Restaurant and Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
UNLIKE MOST PLACES WE NEVER CHARGE HOLIDAY SURCHARGE Live Music Every Sunday Afternoon 3pm - 6pm. Happy Hour Everyday 3pm - 6pm Alfresco's is a family run business that is open everyday from 8.00Am serving freshly produced food and excellent coffee. We strive to give great service anytime of the day.
Reviewed By colkop - Liverpool, United Kingdom
We had eat here on our first visit to NZ 8 years ago and we had great memories of the place.
We went to eat with another couple and we were not disappointed .
Wide choice of high quality food, excellently prepared and a pleasure to eat!
The French onion soup was outstanding as was the chowder.
The four main courses we had were all good of high quality.
This is a restaurant well worth a visit!
