Where to Eat in Whangarei: The Best Restaurants and Bars

July 16, 2017 Jacquiline Delozier

Whangarei (/ˌfɒŋəˈreɪ/, or /ˌwɒŋəˈreɪ/; Māori: [faŋaˈɾɛi]) is the northernmost city in New Zealand and the regional capital of Northland Region. It is part of the Whangarei District, a local body created in 1989 to administer both the city proper and its hinterland, from the former Whangarei City, Whangarei County and Hikurangi Town councils. The city population was estimated to be 57,700 in June 2017, up from 47,000 in 2001.
Things to do in Whangarei

1. Split Bar & Restaurant

15 Rathbone Street, Whangarei 0110, New Zealand (Formerly G&T Restaurant & Bar) Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Reservations, Wheelchair Accessible Bar, New Zealand, European, Pub, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Brunch HK$86 - HK$196 +64 9-438 0999
Excellent
52%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 157 reviews

Split Bar & Restaurant

'DOBRI DOSLI' - WELCOME TO SPLIT Enjoy a tasty cooked meal using fresh local produce and seafood, and succulent New Zealand lamb & beef. There is beer on tap and a range of beautiful New Zealand wines. Whether you are dining with us or simply wish to enjoy the atmosphere, a glass of wine and a delicious mezze platter after work, you are always welcome at Split. The two separate areas within Split, cater for a restaurant dining experience with cocktail bar, or a garden bar with a fun relaxed atmosphere, and a giant screen to entertain if desired. You can find us opposite the Post Office in Rathbone St, Whangarei.

Reviewed By David H - Tauranga

Good atmosphere, attentive but not intrusive staff. It was exceptionally hot the evening we ate, and some better ventilation would have been good. Food options were good, and the quality good also. I would recommend to anyone.

2. PimarnThai Restaurant

12 Rathbone Street, Whangarei 0110, New Zealand Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Asian, Thai, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +64 9-430 0718
Excellent
57%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 185 reviews

PimarnThai Restaurant

Reviewed By KevinTunn - Staffordshire, United Kingdom

A green curry and a stir fry with jasmine rice for mains, preceded by the mixed platter starter. The rice and stir fry were fine, good flavour and generous. The green chicken curry was OK but lacked depth of flavour and heat.

3. Shiraz Haveli Indian Restaurant walton street Whangarei

58 Walton Street | Whangarei, Whangarei 0110, New Zealand Buffet, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Indian, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$47 - HK$110 +64 9-438 3112
Excellent
62%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 289 reviews

Shiraz Haveli Indian Restaurant walton street Whangarei

Shiraz Indian Restaurant was the first truly successful Indian restaurant established in Whangarei. We have pleasure in bringing you the finest ethnic cuisine which evokes nostalgia of a glorious bygone era! Jaswant Singh and his team bring you the spicy, tantilising taste of India with a menu large and diverse enough for you to return again and again without ever tasting the same dish twice! You choose the degree of spiciness whenh you order either at the restaurant or for your home Delivery. Traditional dishes from the best of authentic Mughlai and North Indian cuisine are there to tempt you, whether they be chicken, lamb, beef, seafood or one of many vegetarian dishes. Don't be concerned if you don't think you can cope with a hot, spicey curry as mild curries are available for those with a more sensitive palate. If you're feeling brave, try a hot Beef Vindalloo! As well as a huge range of curries, Shiraz offers a large selection of Indian breads and entrees to round out your meal. And after your meal perhaps a bowl of mango ice-cream would be nice to finish? Bookings are not essential but it is a good idea to call in advance as some nights are busier than others. SHIRAZ is a lisenced restaurant and has an excellent range of wines, NZ & Indian beers. SHIRAZ can be found in; Whangarei, Kamo and Dargaville. 5 Reasons why you'll have a great time at Shiraz 1. You'll have delicious freshly prepared chicken, lamb, beef, seafood and vegetarian dishes. 2. Your meal is prepared with the finest fresh locally sourced vegetables and dairy products. 3. Awarded A+ Merit food licence for food safety, cleanliness & training programmes. 4. Have a family friendly restaurant and children's menu. 5. Guaranteed you'll leave satisfied... Simple.

Reviewed By JimJim_2016 - Whangarei, New Zealand

Visited Shiraz Indian Restaurant with a group of 12 people. Almost everyone chose a different dish and, despite the staff being asked loads of questions about taste and ingredients, everyone was please with the friendly reception they were given. The food was delicious and a fabulous night was had by all. Highly recommended.

4. Tonic Restaurant

239 Kamo Road, Whangarei 0112, New Zealand Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar European, New Zealand, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +64 9-437 5558
Excellent
65%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 225 reviews

Tonic Restaurant

Reviewed By Pam P - Auckland, New Zealand

10 out of 10 for Tonic restaurant. Couldn't fault the staff, the ambience and the food. Their Sunday night "deal" of 2 courses for $38 or 3 courses for $48 is excellent value. Would highly recommend this restaurant. Wish it was our local. Kamo people, if you haven't been to Tonic, you don't know what you are missing.

5. TopSail

206 Beach Road | Onerahi, Whangarei 0110, New Zealand Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar European, New Zealand, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night +64 9-436 2985
Excellent
84%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 224 reviews

TopSail

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.

6. Mokaba Cafe

6 Quayside | Town Basin, Whangarei 0110, New Zealand Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Cafe, European, New Zealand, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch HK$24 - HK$228 +64 9-438 7557
Excellent
37%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 278 reviews

Mokaba Cafe

Stunning location, delicious food & coffee, gorgeous cakes & pastries including gluten free, friendly service, licenced, free wifi, plenty of parking. Fully licensed.Delightful all day cafe overlooking the bustling Whangarei Town Basin where boats from all over the world are moored. Open 7 days from 8am - 5pm,fabulous food (including gluten free options) and delicious Chiasso coffee are served all day by friendly, welcoming staff. Zenbu hotspot wifi available - free download vouchers. After an exciting Mokaba experience there is a wide range of excellent boutique shops, artisans and craftsmen, museums, parks and a boardwalk along the side of the Hatea River.

Reviewed By Virgo248 - Whangarei, New Zealand

Good spot for coffee, lunch....anytime, even if its raining. Plenty to chose from...cabinet food or menu, find a table, after ordering and they will bring it to you.
Popular location, plenty to look at while you relax .....
Hot and cold drinks available...even a glass of wine if that is your preference. Plenty of parking although at holiday times harder to find a space.
Shady spots on the veranda or under the sun umbrella....perfect !

7. Serenity Cafe

Shop 6 | Whangarei Town Basin, Whangarei, New Zealand Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible Cafe, European, New Zealand, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +64 9-430 0841
Excellent
56%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 201 reviews

Serenity Cafe

We have indoor booth Seating as well as tables for couples and tables for four. If you are a big family don't be shy to ask our friendly staff to join tables, we are more than happy to do that for you. Outside are more tables and Seating with umbrellas for shade. A view of our Clock museum with flowers surrounding a huge sundial gives plenty to entertain visually while enjoying your meal. Tour buses regularly arrive not far from our doorstep with lots of parking and a big play area for children just around the corner. Feedback is essential for constant improvement which we welcome gladly. We hope you enjoy your meal, From all the staff at Serenity Cafe :)

Reviewed By Skin197 - Auckland, New Zealand

Came for brunch, you have to order and pay at the counter; busy, a little noisy. Food came quickly as did the coffees. Had scrambled eggs and bacon; my wife ordered firm poached eggs bacon and mushrooms. The food arrived hot. Plentiful portions. Nice tasty food and coffee but ambience pretty ordinary

8. Parua Bay Tavern

1034 Whangarei Heads Road | Parua Bay, Whangarei 0174, New Zealand Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Waitstaff, Accepts Credit Cards Pizza, Seafood, Bar, Pub, New Zealand, Gastropub, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$55 - HK$173 +64 9-436 5856
Excellent
47%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 350 reviews

Parua Bay Tavern

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.

9. Suk Jai Thai Restaurant

93 Kamo Road | Kensington, Whangarei 0112, New Zealand Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards Asian, Thai, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$110 - HK$212 +64 9-437 7287
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 516 reviews

Suk Jai Thai Restaurant

The only Thai restaurant in Whangarei which received the prestigious "Thai Select" Award from the Prime Minister of Thailand in March 2013 to certify and recognise Thai restaurants outside Thailand which serve authentic Thai cuisine of the highest standard.

Reviewed By grey.dave - Yorkshire, UK

We ate here twice during our five days in Whangerei. It really was that good! Great food, excellent service, reasonable price. What more can anyone say?

10. Fat Camel

12 Quality Street | Walk through from Cameron or Vine Streets, Whangarei 0110, New Zealand Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards Cafe, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Israeli, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Kosher, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$71 - HK$173 +64 9-438 0831
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 568 reviews

Fat Camel

Casual dining for breakfast, lunch or dinner, cafe with off street outdoor Seating. Fresh, healthy and tasty Israeli food. Plenty to offer no matter what your dietary requirements, be it meat lover, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free. Friendly atmosphere, counter service during the day and waiter service from 6pm. Park in Vine Street Car-park or on Cameron and walk through to Quality Street.

Reviewed By friedrice4 - Paynesville, Australia

Stopped here on route to bay of Islands for lunch. 7 in our party, each ordered a different selection. All meals substantial and very priced. Very good little cafe tucked away in a great little alleyway in the middle of town. Well worth the visit.

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