Northland and the Bay of Islands Restaurants

Seafood abounds in the north with scallops and oysters farmed throughout the region, though occasional sewerage scares and algae blooms put them off-limits. Snapper and kingfish are available year-round, and marlin and broad-bill swordfish are abundant between January and June.

The region prides itself on its local produce, and with more skillful chefs arriving in the region, the restaurant food has improved.

People eat earlier in Northland than in the cities, with restaurants filling around 7. Dress is casual—jeans are acceptable in all but the most upscale lodges. From May through September, many restaurants close or reduce their opening hours, some to four nights a week. October sees regular hours resume.

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  • 1. Fishbone Café

    $$$

    The proprietors of this outfit take food, coffee, and hospitality seriously. It's an oasis of superb food and well worth a stop on a trip...Read More

  • 2. Marsden Estate Winery and Restaurant

    $$$$

    Named after the missionary Samuel Marsden, who planted New Zealand's first grapevines in Kerikeri in 1819, this family-run winery is a popular breakfast and lunch...Read More

  • 3. The Gables Restaurant

    $$$$

    One of Russell's oldest buildings (built in 1847) is home to an up-to-the-minute kitchen, serving the finest cuts of meat, fresh fish, and imaginative vegetarian...Read More

  • 4. Tonic

    $$$$

    This eatery draws diners with cuisine that fuses fresh local produce with an international flair. The local love for Tonic is intense, so be prepared...Read More

  • 5. Charlotte's Kitchen

    $$$$

    This busy restaurant is named after Charlotte Badger, one of the first European women to live in New Zealand; legend says she was actually a...Read More

  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. The Wharf

    $$$
    Closed Permanently

    The prime dining spot in Russell, this waterfront restaurant combines subtly prepared yet flavorsome cuisine with arguably the best restaurant view in town—especially if you...Read More

  • 7. à Deco

    $$$$
    Closed Permanently

    In a faithfully restored art deco house, this restaurant maintains a high standard, its reputation built on straightforward flavors and inventive twists using fresh, often...Read More

  • 8. Gannets

    $$$
    Closed Permanently

    German chefs Fabian and René combine classic French cuisine with local flavors. You might find prawns on mashed kūmara, flavored with lime, and served with...Read More

  • 9. Soda

    $
    Closed Permanently

    Loved by locals, this café on the outskirts of town is good for coffee and cake—try the pear-and-ginger or apple-and-walnut. The cabinets are full of...Read More

  • 10. Tahuna Reef Restaurant

    $$$$
    Closed Permanently

    The basic menu here focuses on fish and meat. It's not cheap, but you won't leave hungry, especially with plentiful dessert options. Like many restaurants...Read More

  • 11. The Sugar Boat

    $$$$
    Closed Permanently

    High and dry on the banks of the Waitangi River sits this historic kauri sailing vessel, which once carried sugar to a sugar refinery in...Read More

  • 12. Waikokopu Café

    $$
    Closed Permanently

    Set in the bush and with a view straight out to sea, this pleasant spot has a lot going for it. You can sit on...Read More

  • 13. Waterline Cafe

    $$$
    Closed Permanently

    Enjoy waterfront views next to the Kohukohu Wharf. On fine days, jump off the dock for a swim before having a pizza, fish-and-chips, or a...Read More

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