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Rotorua has the area's most diverse dining scene. You can order anything from Indian to Japanese fare, or, for true local flavor, try a M?ori h?ngi (a traditional meal cooked in an earth oven or over a steam vent). Hawke's Bay is another hot spot; its winery restaurants emphasize sophisticated preparations and food-and-wine pair
Rotorua has the area's most diverse dining scene. You can order anything from Indian to Japanese fare, or, for true local flavor, try a M?ori h?ngi (a traditional meal cooked in an earth oven or over a steam vent). Hawke's Bay is another hot spot; its winery restaurants
Rotorua has the area's most diverse dining scene. You can order anything from Indian to Japanese fare, or, for true loca
Rotorua has the area's most diverse dining scene. You can order anything from Indian to Japanese fare, or, for true local flavor, try a M?ori h?ngi (a traditional meal cooked in an earth oven or over a steam vent). Hawke's Bay is another hot spot; its winery restaurants emphasize sophisticated preparations and food-and-wine pairings. Around Eastland, which is so laid-back it's nearly horizontal, the choices are simpler, and you'll be treated with the area's characteristic friendliness. One thing you won't find on any menu is fresh trout. Laws prohibit selling this fish, but if you catch a trout, chefs at most lodging establishments will cook it for you.
Dressing up for dinner, or any other meal, is a rarity, expected at only the most high-end lodges and restaurants.
The pleasing scent of spices may entice you into this large, open restaurant, which serves sustaining meals like chicken shiitake linguine (a grilled chicken breast set on pasta tossed in a creamy mushroom sauce, then topped with crispy prosciutto). Half of the space is a delicatessen that sells preserves and specialty foods, such as chutney made from kūmara (a local sweet potato) and a rub made from kawa kawa (a spicy native herb). Afterward, wander to the dessert cabinet and choose from goodies like the chocolate-cherry frangipani tart.
1181 Eruera St., Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, 3010, New Zealand
If you are not good at making decisions, Eat Streat could drive you crazy. This area at the northern end of Tutanekai Street is covered with a retractable roof and has 15-odd restaurants and bars that tempt tourists and locals with a variety of cuisines. The place is certainly buzzing at night.
Tutanekai St., Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
On sunny days, you can sit outside on the patio here and enjoy the varied menu. In winter, a large fireplace warms the rustic interior, and candles on the tables enhance the scene. Either way, the service is efficient and friendly. One good choice from the menu is lamb shank on saffron mash with seasonal vegetables and red wine jus; you can cap your meal by ordering the cheesecake of the day. It is very popular with locals, so booking ahead is always recommended.
118 Maraekakoho Rd., Hastings, Hawke's Bay, 4120, New Zealand
With its huge wrought-iron chandelier and candlelit shrine to St. Theresa, this cheery Mexican restaurant is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. The menu includes many shared plates—the spicy pork tostaditas and tortitas de pollo are both recommended. You'll need a cold cerveza (beer) to cool you down.
58 West Quay, Napier, Hawke's Bay, 4110, New Zealand
The name of this 1940s landmark winks at its previous incarnation—a police station. Expect pub fare at its absolute best, with seafood chowder, Kentucky bourbon pork belly, New Zealand lamb salad, and their famous pigtail fries. In summer, finish off your meal with a snooze under the enormous elm tree outside. Large, high-definition TVs in the garden bar make this the perfect place to watch the big game. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, you can catch live music, too.
1182 Tutanekai St., Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, 3010, New Zealand
This lovely old-world pub in the heart of Havelock North has the largest selection of tap beer in Hawke's Bay. The pints mix with reasonably priced pub fare, including Scotch fillet, Irish sausages, and hearty beef-and-Guinness pie. If you like a good pub quiz, then the brain-testing competition it hosts the first Tuesday of each month may be just the ticket with entry fee money going to local charities.
Napier Rd. and Porter Dr., Havelock North, Hawke's Bay, 4130, New Zealand
The eclectic style and fine food here attracts young, old, and everyone in between. The comprehensive menufeatures a mix of old favorites and seasonal additions. On the psychedelic blackboard menu look for beef fillet served on a warm, roasted vegetable salad with red onion marmalade. For dessert, try the caramelized banana waffle with vanilla ice cream. If you are traveling with children, there is a kid's menu, too.
69 Arawa St., Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, 3010, New Zealand
A casual place to hoist a few pints while dining on hearty pub fare, the Rivers is popular with Gisborne locals. Stained-glass partitions separate the dining alcoves, which have brass chandeliers, dark woodwork, and green leather upholstery. Guinness pie with creamy mashed potatoes and chicken calypso topped with a tangy mango sauce are two favorite dishes that are always on the menu. Also on offer are platters and seasonal specials.
At Reads Quay and Gladstone Rd., Gisborne, Gisborne, 4010, New Zealand
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