Location: Kumeu
Where to Eat in Kumeu: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Kumeu is a affluent, rural community situated 25 km north-west of the Auckland City centre in New Zealand. State Highway 16 and the North Auckland Line pass through the town. Huapai lies to the west, Riverhead to the north, Whenuapai to the east, West Harbour to the south-east, and Taupaki to the south.
1. Soljans Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 188 reviews
Family owned for three generations, Soljans Estate Winery & Cafe is located at the gateway to Kumeu Wine Country, Auckland's heritage wine region. Sample award-winning wines at the cellar door then enjoy exceptional New Zealand cuisine in the highly acclaimed winery cafe.
Reviewed By fbokma - buhl, idaho
we stopped at soljans winery and cafe on a private tour while in Auckland. our wine tasting for ten people was informative and included small samples of five different wines produced from grapes gathered from different areas in new zealand. following the wine tasting, we enjoyed a tasty lunch chosen from limited options menu that is offered to groups. the options included red meat, white meat, vegetarian, and also could accommodate those with gluten intolerance. the lunch also included dessert and a glass of wine/beer/soda and a cup of coffee/tea. we were all very happy with our food! the only thing that was a concern was the service. it seemed as though our order had been lost, and our tour guide had to remind the staff that we were on a tight schedule. even with that concern, i would not hesitate to recommend stopping at soljans for the wine or the food!
2. Carriages Cafe
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By salupm1 - Provo, Utah
We stopped for a business meeting. The carriages provided a quaint, nice cafe. We each ordered something different. I had the Crumbed Calamari Salad and it was very good. One coworker enjoyed the Mussel Fritters and said they were excellent. The third had a salad and three desserts. Yes, he loves his desserts. The carrot cake was fairly dry, and his date scone was not the best. The service was fairly slow; on the other hand, the ambiance of this place was wonderful.
3. 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.
4. 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
5. The Fireplace
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By Biswadeep G - Auckland Central, New Zealand
We went to the restaurant to celebrate Valentines dinner but were not impressed. It took 10 min and 2 reminders before one of the girls came to take the order. Food arrived late and the quality and quantity was not up to the mark. Overall no value for money spent. Never going back
6. Goldensilk Thai Restaurant
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 17 reviews
7. Blossoms Espresso Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By worldatmyfeet128 - Auckland, New Zealand
I wish I had taken my camera, as the view of the orchard is just stunning! Staff are friendly and the lunch was nice, although the mint chocolate chip cheesecake appeared to be made with spearmint which didn't taste very nice. There is also an excellent food market right next door.
8. 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!
9. Chikos Restaurant and Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By VicnJen67 - Morrinsville, New Zealand
Good friends organised a dinner at Chikos. Looked at the menu from home and was a little surprised with the lack of vegetarian options. Place was very busy on our arrival at 7.00pm on a Saturday. Venue is new and very smart. Waiting staff were professional and seemed happy to be there. Darling and I chose a share platter with King prawns, battered mussels and chicken. Well cooked and yummy condiments such as fried Kale, beetroot relish and what tasted like a Miso creation. Ordered a side of wok cooked vegies that were spot on. Our friends had the lamb main which on this occasion was lamb romp. Her one was a lentil based gravy filled delight. His was the gluten free option so was a little plainer but still much enjoyed. Dessert was an unexpected delight. Around a dozen hand made treats. I loved the tiramisu and my Darling had an affagato. We had a side of coconut ice cream which was spot on. The coconut brûlée was small but tasty. Dinner for four with mains, drinks Deserts and coffees for $209. Great value and will be back to try the rest of the desserts.
10. Kauri Gum Store Cafe
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 42 reviews
A quaint little rustic cafe in riverhead selling homemade pies cakes and slices along with an all day breakfast and lunch menu Serving "brazil coffee" Open 7 days a week - Coffee to go from 7am
Reviewed By CliveP-T - Auckland Central, New Zealand
We are Riverhead locals and enjoy the food here. Thet have most dishes at $12.99 Monday and Tuesday evenings and they are excellent value. The restaurant has recently been refurbished as a Cafe during the day and Indian at night. They have done a good job and its a much nicer decor I think. We have only had a coffee during the day and that was good too
