Location: Whakatane
Top Restaurants in Whakatane
Where to Eat in Whakatane: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Whakatane (/fɑːkəˈtɑːni/ fah-kə-TAH-nee, alt. /ˌwɒkəˈtɑːni/; Maori: "Whakatāne", Māori pronunciation: [fakaˈtaːnɛ]) is a town in the eastern Bay of Plenty Region in the North Island of New Zealand, 90 km east of Tauranga and 89 km north-east of Rotorua, at the mouth of the Whakatane River. Whakatane District is the encompassing territorial authority, which covers an area to the south and west of the town, excluding the enclave of Kawerau.
Things to do in Whakatane
1. Babinka Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 327 reviews
Reviewed By denisesteven
We ate at this establishment twice in a four night stay , ordering completely different food each time, which was excellent! The owners and their staff work tirelessly to attain the high level of service they achieve, always with beaming smiles and a 'nothing is too much trouble' attitude.
2. Global Thai Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 134 reviews
Reviewed By Charliepump
LOVE CRISPY PAD THAI!
We went there a few weeks ago, group of 4.
I don't particular like spicy food but Pad Thai is the right choice for me because chilli was on the side and also some peanut.
Staffs always lovely and helpful, Pad Thai was one of their recommendations on Thai menu. The green Thai Curry was very nice, but a bit too spicy for me ( Kiwi Medium).
One of my friend order steak, it looked nice. Big portion, cheap and yummy.
Well done Global Thai. I'll be back.
3. Javaman Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 158 reviews
Enjoy great food and coffee with a full cafe menu, daily specials and prepared cabinet food. Providing free WiFi to our customers.Out catering available or book out Javaman Cafe for a special evening function.
Reviewed By Marlaina C - New Plymouth, New Zealand
Busy cafe with coffee that packs a punch. It was nice to find a quality cafe open on New Years Day it was super busy however our coffees came out fast and our barrister made coffee with love. Exceedingly busy now people in lines long...MoreHi there, thank you so much! It was a very busy day and we are very impressed with how our staff handled themselves and the cafe! We hope to see you again!
4. Roquette Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 292 reviews
At our fine dining restaurant and bar in Whakatane, we are passionate about providing the finest ingredients together with contemporary, relaxed environment. Open - Mon -Sat Lunch /Dinner
Reviewed By AWL-Womble-1
After my fiancée was seconded by work to assist for a week in Rotorua and myself home from a busy week in Wellington we decided to reset by treating ourselves to an afternoon out. We chose Roquette because they are modern, right next to the beautiful Whakatane river and always consistent. Maree’s favourite, the menu lamb salad was both of our choice and her a glass of Sauv, myself a Stella on tap. Lunch was perfect, we sat, smiled, listen to the breeze and chatted about our the hustle and bustle of our week. One improvement I would suggest is to remember providing salt and pepper ( which I needed to ask for) & always check the customers drinks as, even though it was not busy, we needed to call the waitress over. We will be back :)
5. wally's on the wharf
Overall Ratings
4 based on 135 reviews
Welcome to Wally's, we are situated right on the wharf at Whakatane. Known as " NZ's Finest fish and chips", there is also a selection of delicious fresh fish meals, Gourmet, Mega and Standard burgers, Kids meals and fresh garden salad. Dine outside on the waterfront, inside the cafe, or order takeaways. Wally's also serve mussels (mussels are our signature dish), scallops, paua fritters, oysters in season, and whitebait fritters in season. We only serve the freshest of seafood and fish n chips. Check our blackboard for daily specials. Come taste our unique crumbed fish which seals the fish and steams it from the inside. We also have a great selection of fresh seafood available "to go" from our seafood bar. Shrimp salads are popular and so are the fresh Coromandel mussels. We even have Fried Bread available. One batch made every day - first in first served! Fresh "wet" fish is also available when the fishermen's catch is good - there may be hoki, snapper, flounder, john dory or terakihi. We are open every day 11am till 7pm in winter and open from 11am till 8pm in summer. - See more at: http://www.Wallysonthewharf.Co.Nz/#sthash.9QbgvUHC.Dpuf
Reviewed By GRP355 - Whakatane, New Zealand
Tradition plus - good range of fresh fish with full batter option or crumbed for those thinking in terms of more healthy meals. Standard additional menu options, sausages, oysters etc with occasional small wet fish selection. Food I have purchased here has always been first class. In appropriate weather there is a table setting outside on the wharf where one can enjoy the sun and river/boat views. A unique feature of Wally's and one enjoyed by local fishermen is that the team will cook recently caught fish for you for a small charge. Popular with locals and visitors alike.
6. PeeJays Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
Born out of a love of good coffee, today White Island cafe is a favourite of both coffee lovers and foodies alike. Our food is all freshly prepared onsite ensuring that it is always tasty and wholesome and includes a selection of gluten-free and vegan options.
Reviewed By GladiatorDelWino - Auckland, New Zealand
No joke! Coffee - I've had few this millennia. The coffee here: Fair Trade Organic Havana, was manufactured here last Saturday by a young chap who produced the best damn coffee I have ever had (with the exception of a small coffe kiosk in Wellington CBD owned and operated by a chap called Shane Forde if my memory serves me well).
To ensure our experience at Peejay's was not a one-off we ordered a takeaway, and this was just as good too. We also ate in the cafe. Great food, excellent menu and I still have a couple of (still fresh) ginger slices for lunch tomorrow. This barista deserves a CBE: Coffee Brewed Exceptionally!!!!!!!!!!
7. Chez Louis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Best pizzeria for miles, authentic French style, Louie and Anais are fab.
Reviewed By Julia M - Wellington, New Zealand
We love this place! Great pizza’s, bread, croissant’s and pies. The coffee is really good too.
You have to try this place whilst in Ohope, everything is freshly made in the premises and the pizza menu has something for everyone in the family.
You might have to join the queue and wait a while for your pizza, but trust me, every mouthful is worth waiting for.
8. Soulsa Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 186 reviews
New restaurant
Reviewed By MissBabs64 - Manchester, United Kingdom
Restaurants are a little thin on the ground in Whakatane, however, having been thrilled by the White Island trip, we were really happy to have our supper here. Marinated scallops were perfectly “cooked” in their citrus and coconut liquor. Rack of lamb cooked and rested- tender- accompanied by a well balance feta and mint dressing- more delicate than it sounds.
Service was a little slow getting going- suspect that was a sign of youth and inexperience- however, overall, suspect Soulsa is the true #1 restaurant in these parts
9. L'Epicerie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Bonjour! Welcome to L'Epicerie Cafe and Creperie. Discover this little piece of France in Whakatane, enjoy a crepe, a galette or one of our delicious pastries served with an organic house roasted Apteryx coffee. Our friendly team will welcome you with a smile and do it best to offer you an unique experience. For delicatessen goodies and bread visit our newly opened sister shop "L'Epicerie Larder" on commerce street. Bon appetit et a bientôt!
Reviewed By KiwiintheWorld - Auckland, New Zealand
If I’m honest, I might be a little hard to please with my coffee, but this place is hands down, the best cafe in Whakatane, if not the entire BOP! There are 2 cafe’s, the waterfront location, and the larder in Commerce st, and although...Moremerci Kirk and Sussan ! thank you for your feedback, we hope to see you again soon.Au revoir!
10. Kopeo Indian Restaurant, Bar & Takeaway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
We at Kopeo Indian Restaurant & Bar,tend to serve authentic Indian cuisine with a plan to upgrade ourselves very soon to add up with Malaysian and Thai cuisines together with our already existing authentic Indian dishes.Our New Menus coming soon with all the above updated dishes.
Reviewed By Scott J - Whakatane, New Zealand
Great service and food. They even do a Thai green curry which really encapsulates those Thai flavours very well. All Indian dishes are prepared to order and represent excellent value for money. Our friends are now regulars as well!
