The Best Restaurants in Coromandel, New Zealand

The Pelorus Mailboat, officially part of the NewZealand Post mail run
The Pelorus Mailboat, officially part of the NewZealand Post mail run | © Brian Hartshorn / Alamy Stock Photo
Thalita Alves

The Coromandel is a highly sought after destination for New Zealand’s travellers, be it holidaying locals or passing visitors. Whether you’re spending some time familiarising yourself with the picturesque beaches or romantic escapes, you’ll want to find a good place to sit down for a meal. Here are 10 of the area’s best restaurants to get you inspired.

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Pepper Tree Restaurant and Bar

Bar, Restaurant, European, Oceanian, Seafood, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, $
Pepper Tree Restaurant and Bar has earned several accolades for its food over the years, and has equally won the heart of many travellers who have found themselves in Coromandel Town. Hearty seafood and beef mains are among its top specialities — the seafood chowder in particular is quite popular among patrons. Diners can settle by the sunny courtyard in the summer days or cosy up to the roaring fire during winter.

Coromandel Oyster Company

Salt Restaurant & Bar

Bar, Restaurant, Oceanian, Contemporary, Seafood, European
Salt Restaurant & Bar is laid-back venue in Whitianga that is known for its delicious meals, beautiful marina views and friendly atmosphere. The slow-roasted lamb shoulder is made to be shared among two people — and is the ideal option for those wanting to sink their teeth into some classic New Zealand cuisine. Fish and seafood also feature heavily among their entrees and mains.

UMU Restaurant and Cafe

Cafe, Restaurant, European, Contemporary, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, $

Pizza

During the day, UMU Restaurant and Cafe is a good place for brunch or a casual cup of coffee after exploring Coromandel Town. For lunch and dinner, the restaurant is loved for its pizzas, mussel platters, decadent desserts and a large assortment of mains and drink options to suit all palates.

Mercury Bay Estate Vineyard

Restaurant, Wine Seller, Contemporary, Oceanian, European, Wine, $
The restaurant and cellar door at Mercury Bay Estate Vineyard, in Whitianga, offers everything you could ever want in a wine tasting session: a stunning location, fabulous wines and a delectable selection of pizzas, cheese platters and charcuterie boards to keep all diners replenished. Sundays are burger nights and live music is played during the summer months too.

KORU at Rapaura

Cafe, Contemporary, Coffee

Soup

The tranquil Rapaura Watergardens are located just 30 minutes from Thames. Nestled within its beautiful blooms and garden art you’ll find the wholesome Koru Cafe, an eatery that’s renowned for its fresh ingredients (many of which are grown on-site), hearty soups and home baked goodies. Breakfast is served from 9 a.m.-11 a.m., lunch goes from noon til 3 p.m. and coffee and dessert are served until closing time at 4 p.m. The restaurant is seasonal and usually shuts its doors during the winter months (i.e. May-Sept.).

Miha Restaurant at Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort

Restaurant, Oceanian, Contemporary, $
If you’re looking for a venue with a luxurious flair, Miha Restaurant at the Puka Park Resort has got you covered. Its seasonal menu offers an interesting European twist to your usual Pacific Rim thoroughfare. The deck views are the perfect accompaniment for a summertime lunch while the beautiful interior makes for a lush dining experience.

Manaia Kitchen & Bar

Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, Contemporary, European, Beer, Italian, $
Another great option in Tairua is Manaia Kitchen and Bar. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, lunch or dinner, there are lots of tasty treats awaiting even the fussiest of eaters. Signature dishes include wood fired pizzas, wharf-to-table bluenose and a large assortment freshly baked desserts. Bookings are required for groups of six or more diners and there are also takeaway options available.

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