Location: Ruakaka
Top Restaurants in Ruakaka
Where to Eat in Ruakaka: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Ruakaka (Maori: "Ruakākā") is a small township in the north of New Zealand approximately 30 kilometres south of Whangarei in the Bream Bay area. Originally a small beachside community, Ruakaka has seen development due to its proximity to the expansion of the country's only oil refinery at Marsden Point during the 1980s. A recently established timber processing plant at Marsden Point has further stimulated growth.
Things to do in Ruakaka
1. McLeod's PIZZA BARN
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 345 reviews
The Pizza Barn is Northland's go-to destination for good vibes and delicious food. Whether it's incredible pizza, massive salads, or delicious McLeod's Brewery craft beer you're after, the world famous Pizza Barn has something for everyone.
Reviewed By Undcva - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Stopped in for a quick dinner around 5pm, this place has been recommended by many & definitely lives up the hype. We had to wait a little while for a seat, but such a great place to order a beer (normal imported or a selection of McLeods craft beers) and pull up a chair while you wait. The wait for good was around 15 to 20 mins but the squid plate and the prawn pizza was absolutely to die for. The large pizzas are huge and so full of toppings they easily feed two people per one pizza. There is ample parking around the streets & a child playground outside. Recommend and would for sure come back
2. TopSail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 224 reviews
Reviewed By hurlp - Montreal, Canada
What an extraordinary meal at Top Sail Restaurant in Onerahi near Whangarei.
Debbie (full ‘o charm Welsh lady) and her super chef, Mr. Lanky Kiwi husband Ian, have a truly memorable food experience on offer out by the water.
Our starters included the salmon and Bream Bay scallops with wasabi aioli and the roasted yellow capsicum, stuffed with buckwheat watercress and date risotto, the starters paired with the suggested wines: Peregrine Pinot Gris for the former and Clos Marguerite SB for the latter.
Being our last NZ meal of the trip, we both elected to savour the rack of lamb special of the evening... and boy, it was quite special, spectacular and memorable! Delicious rack (4 apiece) pink and tender with a Dijon, moutard à l’ancienne mustard rub on the edges, a jus to die for and a memorable Kiwi and mint compote to really have you melting in your seat, served with home grown leek and onion magic washed with a Marlbro’ Clos Marguerite . The mains were accompanied by mini roast potatoes, an original lettuce slaw salad with red wine vinaigrette and fresh home baked mini bread buns. All to die for!
$215 for 2 happy, satisfied diners.
Many thanks Ian and Debbie for a memorable meal.
3. Parua Bay Tavern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 350 reviews
Parua Bay Tavern is nestled on the waterfront of the beautiful Whangarei Heads harbour under the majestic Mt. Aubrey and Whangarei Headland.With its own jetty and picturesque outlook the tavern is a favourite for lunch and dinners, groups and large functions whether downstairs on the covered dining deck, on the lovely lawn or upstairs in the function area.
Reviewed By traciegila - Whangarei, New Zealand
Gorgeous view of Mt Manaia and the bay. Chill in the grass, inside or on the deck. Food was fresh and full of flavour. Just watch the road when you cross from the car park it's a bit hairy being the main Rd and all. Staff very friendly.
4. The Estuary Takeaways
Overall Ratings
3 based on 17 reviews
Great spot to stretch and let the kids run around on the grassy area, or have a swim in the Estuary. Plenty of parking for camper vans and/or caravans. Not set up to take large tour groups yet, but watch this space for more details on that soon... Only 1km off state highway 1. New owners George & Lena Allen took over the premises in April and look forward to seeing you soon...
Reviewed By Jacqui P - Auckland, New Zealand
We were staying at Ruakaka motor camp.... couldnt be bothered cooking, so got pizza chips and burger from here, made a phone order, it was ready on time, pizza delicious especially the smoked chicken one, prices ok, and better still at low tide you can walk over the estuary to the shop rather than going the long way round.
5. Waipu Cafe and Deli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Fresh Food Simply made Daily Serving AllPress Coffee, Breakfasts, Cabinet food, Fresh Salads, In house daily Baking and FREE Smiles. Dine in OR Takeaway Large outdoor Courtyard - located at rear Street side tables Sandpit for kids Wheelchair access Dog Friendly - for friendly dogs Onsite bathroom Located 3km off SH1 Waipu, 30mins South of Whangarei. Opposite Waipu GAS station. Only 10 minutes from popular Beaches. Stop on by - see for your self Relax, Refuel, Enjoy... Hosted by passionate and outgoing team, who strive to produce excellence.
6. Madly Indian
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By John M
Couldn't definitely say this was the best curry I've had in NZ (memory not that good to remember them all) it's certainly up with the best. Not certain why they'd recommend a chicken tikka masala when wife couldn't make up her mind and asked the waiter. It came from Glasgow! Then again Madly Indian is in Waipu. Must be the Scottish link.
7. SeaChange Beach Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By Lance S
Eggs bene was lovely. Lots of hollandaise sauce. Bit windy outside but that's beyond the staff control. Only downside was waitress trying to take plates before all had finished snd before someone had finished their meal. Otherwise great. Will go again.
8. Land & Sea Cafe, Bar and Eatery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By Neil M - Baneuil
We saw a coastal route advertised on SH 1 going south towards Aukland and decided to do a detour and find somewhere for lunch. We came across the marina and saw the cafe and stopped for lunch. I had deep fried calamari with salad and a side order of chips and my wife had a toasted Sandwich, both of which were very tasty. Service was very good and looking at the yachts in the marina was a treat.
9. Madly Thai
Overall Ratings
4 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By ruakakakiwi - Ruakaka, New Zealand
We are pleased that this restaurant has been restarted but as a Thai restaurant it has still got quite a long way to go. The management were totally disinterested in us when we arrived and the manager stayed behind the reception desk and just pointed to a table and said to take that one. The waitress was very good although she did not really know a great deal about the cuisine. We each ordered something different ( there were three of us dining), the food was very tasty but lacked the true taste of authentic Thai food. The restaurant has been upgraded since the previous operator shut up shop although there is nothing Thai in the restaurant decor and the setting of the table is that of a café rather than the high priced restaurant this one is now trying to be. I doubt that the management are trying but it looked to us that they are more a takeaway rather than a restaurant. It will be interesting to see how they progress.
10. Spice Route Indian Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
