Top Restaurants in Whangaparaoa
Whangaparaoa Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Whangaparaoa
Discover the best restaurant in Whangaparaoa, New Zealand including Carpe Diem, Thai Windows Restaurant, Ripples Cafe On The Marina, Jambalaya Southern kitchen, Oliver's Cafe, JAC's Trading Co., Maison Thai Restaurant, Esquires Coffee House, Casablanca Meditteranean Cafe and Bar, Sun View Chinese Restaurant
Things to do in Whangaparaoa
1. Carpe Diem
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 84 reviews
Carpe Diem, a common Latin phrase meaning "Seize the day", reflects our Restaurant philosophy. "Carpe Diem" reminds us to seize each day and cherish it dearly. Everyday opportunities await us and we must decide whether to take the chance or play it safe. We encourage you to take risks, for nothing is gained without them. It is this Carpe Diem spirit to which our Restaurant is dedicated". Pacific Bar was named to encompass the connection with the marina and the outlook of the water we have. Together Carpe Diem Restaurant and Pacific Bar provide a stunning venue and everything you need to embrace and enjoy your time with us. The Bar and Restaurant were some of the first structures to be built in Gulf Harbour back in 1996, Whilst there have been a few name changes in this time, Pacific Bar and Carpe Diem Restaurant named in 2004, have continued to become a popular venue for locals and visitors to enjoy ever since. We offer a wide variety of menu from Breakfast in the weekends, Lunch, Brunch, Entree's, Mains, Desserts, Platters, Bar Snacks, Cheese boards, Wood fired pizza and skilfully crafted Cocktails. We have a team of professionals from charismatic bar staff, attentive waiters, to our culinary master chefs that are only too happy to cater to all of your needs and ensure you have the best experience with us. Our quality fresh food encompasses fresh local produce and only quality New Zealand premier meats will be prepared for you in our restaurant. With traditional fayre and a slight Mediterranean twist, our menu compositions include perfected recipes from our talented chef's, who are certain to tantalise your taste buds and give you an experience you have been waiting for. We offer a wide variety of menu's available on our menu page.
Reviewed By Baronclog - Canberra, Australia
One of those bars where an attractive maiden suitably dressed holds court to intoxicated salivating males and a clientele that likes to party. The restaurant section provides excellent food in a sort of localised Italian manner. We had a garlic,rosemary and cheese pizza bread, Caesar salad, and pork belly. The pizza dough/base was the best I've had in NZ; the salad was too much Caesar and not enough crispy lettuce but still tasty and good. Her indoors enjoyed the pork and the service was charming and attentive. Really nicely poured and served Stella Artois complemented my meal. The chardy by glass was a top drop. Yeah, this is well worth a visit.
2. Thai Windows Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By buffin2015 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
I made an advance booking for a group of twenty for a mid-week dinner. All agreed that the starters and mains were absolutely delicious - Many Thanks to the Chef.
However, the evening was marred by :-
1.Supply of wine glasses proved farcical.
2.Extreme difficulty in getting the attention of the waiting staff.
3.Staff had a poor understanding of the menu.
4.Desserts not offered.
5.We were told that coffee, special coffees and liquors were not available!!
6.Staff were confused with what to charge.
We expected that with the advanced notice of booking for a large group we would be served by experienced staff. They gave us the impression they did not want us back. Conversely the group are not particularly keen to return. What a shame for a local restaurant with such a great view and such great food!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. Ripples Cafe On The Marina
Overall Ratings
4 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By Msbbls - Auckland Central, New Zealand
I’m stuck on the Ripples burger but I switch chicken breast for beef. Not a problem for this cafe. It’s casual, local, and has that marina vibe. Lots of people hanging out chattering at the wooden out door benches, drinking beer, wine and if the large plate of plank chips, plenty of tom sauce, in front of the 6 Coastguard boys sitting next to us is anything to go by - the food enjoyed by more than hubby and I. $16.50 for a hulking burger, mine, chicken, egg, bacon, mushrooms, tomato, lettuce, beetroot, pineapple and so high held with a skewer. Being a burger in hand person it was a challenge but deeee-lish. Get extra napkins. Chips were crispy. Yum. Husband, who is a knife and fork burger eater was way less messy.
I saw comments about this place being a bit tired. Rubbish, it’s a local watering hole, casual, friendly and good for those who maybe back from a fish, not having to get punked up and just want a beer, grub, smile from the owners and be gone. If you don’t like plastic chairs and picnic tables, go elsewhere. It’s ‘70’s chic!!! No diamond tiara required.
We have our Auckland wide yacht mates gathering here. I see other food ordered that looks great, fish and chips, scallop salad, pizza even lamb shanks, salt and pepper squid ( huge selection) and devoured with relish, I tell you. Me, how many times have I been to Ripples, can’t count, but totally stuck on the Ripples burger. Best I’ve found in Auckland, and burgers are my yardstick.
4. Jambalaya Southern kitchen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By sussan59 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
We attended this establishment on a Thursday, which is rib night, however, we decided to order off the menu. The pizza we ordered was delicious, very well cooked, with plenty of topping. The jambalaya however, was a taste disappointment, with the promised fat juicy chorizo sausage being very difficult too find. The service was somewhat underwhelming as well, with the wait staff lacking in service skills and general politeness and friendliness.
5. Oliver's Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
Oliver's Cafe and Catering Company is dedicated to delivering high quality food and outstanding coffee to the Hibiscus coast. With an award winning chef producing taste sensations from an all new menu, and our team of qualified baristas brewing perfect cups of Allpress coffee, Oliver's Cafe is the place to be in Orewa. Breakfast and lunch is served from 7am all day, every day, and our fresh selection of mouth watering muffins, cakes and deli savoury's will keep you coming back for more. Oliver's is fully licensed and the perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer or a wine from our selection of New Zealand and Australian wines, while sitting in the sun and enjoying the views of Orewa beach. Open 7 days from 7am. Come in and see what all the fuss is about.
Reviewed By wegetaround02 - Wakefield, United Kingdom
We have visited on a number of occasions recently sometimes just for coffee or sometimes for breakfast.
The staff are always friendly, and attentive. The jug of cold water and glasses arrive unbidden as you sit down.
Coffee is great,the food is tasty and the portions are big. Prices are, if anything , on the low side given the cafe’s superb location.
I guess I’ve answered my implied question in the title.
6. JAC's Trading Co.
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By stuart942017 - Auckland, New Zealand
I would have to rate my visit to this establishment as the worst place i have ever been to. The so called service was non existent they have next to no idea of what customer service even means. We went there on a Friday and would of expected to see more people there especially because of their location but talking to the few people in there they told us why. The food was discussing and i feel sorry for the locals if this is all there is thank god i can go home and was only visiting
7. Maison Thai Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By decline421 - Decline
Relocated from upstairs to a very accessible downstairs position in the same building. Limited car parking directly outside. More nearby. Agreeable Thai decor, good Seating. Good service and good food. Excellent Loos. Main courses around $ 20 to $ 25. BYO corkcage $6 per bottle. Happily go again.
8. Esquires Coffee House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By 777pj777 - Whangaparaoa, New Zealand
Often stop in here for breakfast / brunch and the Bacon & Eggs are always excellent. They taste fresh and are a good portion size too. The staff are always exceptionally friendly and a pleasure to be around...go here if you're in Whangaparaoa...
9. Casablanca Meditteranean Cafe and Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 392 reviews
Reviewed By Vik_and_Linz - Auckland, New Zealand
This was a great find for us staying one night in Orewa. We thought the prices were very reasonable. We had the spanakopita (Filo pastry stuffed with spinach and cheese) for $23... very yummy ! And enough with the calamari for two people. Service was good and I think it was one of the last places to stay open on a Tuesday night.
(Go to Olivers cafe next door for breakfast).
10. Sun View Chinese Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Brian T - Nambucca Heads, Australia
This restaurant functions as two separate divisions with two shop fronts, two doors and a door dividing each. The same staff member deal with both, This results in a somewhat topsy-turvy operation where only one side or the other receives attention at any point of time. The young lad who served us was pleasant enough but overly casual and just TOO laid back in our opinion. Now to the food. The Won Ton soup was the best I've had for many a year. The Prawn and Pork Fried Rice was tasty but too dry. The Chinese Fillet Steak had excellent flavour but the texture of the meat indicated that it was way overcooked. My overall impression was that the food was better than many Chinese cafes but slack management is letting this business down
