Plenty to devour
The Bay is finally being recognised as a foodie destination for the discerning diner. Stacey Jones discovers how we got here by talking to the best in Tauranga's hospitality industry, and lists six of the most respected eateries in the region.
The Bay is finally being recognised as a foodie destination for the discerning diner. Stacey Jones discovers how we got here by talking to the best in Tauranga's hospitality industry, and lists six of the most respected eateries in the region.
Solera steak.
“I drive to Auckland for a nice meal.”
That was one of the first comments I heard when I arrived in the Bay of Plenty 15 years ago. Back then, finding a great restaurant here was like searching for a white truffle in a field of mushrooms.
Fast forward to 2024, and the Bay of Plenty has blossomed into a vibrant culinary destination. Cuisine Magazine’s Good Food Awards recognised 12 local eateries this year, with two receiving coveted hats. Further proof is the Flavours of Plenty food festival, which won double honours at last year’s New Zealand Event Awards for its collaborative approach and unique food experiences.
From Whakatāne to Waihi Beach, Te Moananui-a-Toi has transformed into a coastline brimming with gastronomic gems in the most unexpected places. Take Cigol, for example – a Korean fusion spot with unforgettable flavours on a backstreet in Whakatāne. Or discover the culinary genius of Israeli cuisine at Malka, hidden away in the Historic Village in Tauranga.
So, what has changed? Over the past 15 years, the population has swelled by a third, further fueled by the great COVID exodus. This wave brought people from all over the globe in search of the metropolitan dining experiences they were accustomed to in the 'big smoke', in turn leading to a surge of new restaurant experiences.
The heroes in this story are the fearless restaurateurs who’ve poured their hearts and souls into redefining the Bay’s dining scene. Noel Cimadom of the Clarence Group, winner of this year’s Outstanding Achievement Award at the Bay of Plenty Hospitality Awards, notes, “We have experienced a great shift in the Bay in the last six years. This shift has seen operators take bold steps away from the usual fare of burgers and fish 'n' chips to offer innovative and exciting dining experiences.”
Alongside traditional restaurants, a vibrant pop-up culture has emerged. Spots like Mexa, Amador, Rika Rika, Kitchen Takeover, and Rose’s Dining Table have added flair to Tauranga's food scene. Private chefs like Madeleine Hughes, trained at Le Cordon Bleu and experienced on superyachts, offer in-home dining experiences, bringing even more sophistication to local tables.
Yet, it’s not all smooth sailing. Nick Potts of Solera, one of the region’s most innovative restaurants, acknowledges the challenges. “The last 18 months have been really tough, and while some restaurants serving lower-quality food at the same price or more are busy, we have struggled,” he says. Noel Cimadom believes the future lies with the diners: “The more people start going out and supporting our local venues, the better the quality and consistency we will achieve.”
Burrata at Alpino.
ALPINO
Alpino, founded by Italian-born restaurateur Noel Cimadom and his wife Kim, offers authentic Italian soul food reminiscent of a warm embrace from Nonna. Their goal was to recreate the simple Italian cuisine with great local products they missed from Europe, and this authenticity shines through in every plate. Noel explains, “Alpino is all about the people, the vibe, the sun, and a good plate of pasta.“ Head chef Scott Rowan brings experience from Melbourne’s Italian restaurants, focusing on simple dishes that highlight the best locally sourced ingredients without unnecessary embellishments. Noel explains, “Scott has a real talent to pull back recipes to only leave on the plate what is really needed. No fancy stuff, garnish, or flowers. Just a slug of the best olive oil giving rise to a menu that is humble, fresh, and seasonal.“
Insider foodie tip: Book ahead as it’s always rammed and ask for a table outside to enjoy the afternoon sun while sipping prosecco.
Picnicka.
PICNICKA
Picnicka, is a bar and grill concept that embodies the essence of a New York steakhouse, offering a menu centred around local produce and seasonal inspirations. The fit out is arguably the Bay’s most glamourous, offering a big-city vibe within Tauranga’s CBD. Executive chef Ryan Allen crafts dishes that highlight the flavours imparted by wood-fire cooking, with most items either grilled over charcoal or served raw to retain the integrity of the food. “The menu is designed for sharing, encouraging a communal dining experience reminiscent of a family gathering,” explains owner Noel Cimadon (can you spot the pattern?). Signature dishes include fish with tamarind, chilli, cucumber, and coriander, and barbecued chicken with lime, guindillas, and yoghurt.
Insider foodie tip: On a budget? Try the $29 worker’s lunch, a two-course steal available Monday-Friday.
Potato Terrine at Solera.
SOLERA
Established nearly four years ago, Solera offers a unique dining experience inspired by open-fire cooking, delivered by head chef David Bryson. Owner Nick Potts explains, “Coming from Melbourne to the Mount four years ago, my wife and I felt the area was missing a restaurant offering world-class food in a relaxed, casual setting.“ He adds, “The open fireplace, focusing on hearth-style cooking, is the main driving force behind what we do. But we are also keeping in touch with what is happening around the globe and playing around with new flavour combinations.“ The menu is complemented by an outstanding wine list curated by Nick himself, celebrating Aotearoa’s wine makers, many available by the glass so you can meander through.
Insider foodie tip: Book a spot at the bar to watch the chefs in action; it won't disappoint.
Clarence Bistro.
CLARENCE BISTRO
Clarence is a testament to tenacity and perseverance. Situated in the heart of Tauranga, this stunning heritage building – originally an old post office – has undergone numerous foodie transformations over the past seven years and now appears to have found its stride. Clarence’s latest iteration offers an approachable menu that includes shared plates, pizzas, and handmade pasta, all paired with exceptional wines and hospitality. Executive chef Ryan Allen, with experience in Dubai and Auckland, draws inspiration from the Mediterranean, crafting dishes influenced by the cuisines of Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and the Middle East. Signature offerings include cauliflower with ajo blanco and brown butter vinaigrette, raw beef with capsicum, freekeh, and almonds, and cappelletti pasta with leek, macadamia, and pecorino. Arguably the most beautiful restaurant in the Bay, both inside and out, Clarence features a delightful summer terrace perfect for soaking up the sunshine.
Insider foodie tip: Opt for “Our Choice”, a more casual approach to a tasting menu offering. excellent value at just $85pp.
Poco tapas.
POCO TAPAS & WINE
Considering Rotorua is New Zealand’s second-largest tourism destination, restaurants that rise above the ordinary are hard to find. However, Poco Tapas & Wine breaks the mould, offering an intimate, seasonal experience that stands out from the crowd. Drawing inspiration from Spain’s tapas culture – where “poco“ means “a little“ – chef/owner Jeff Slessor opened Poco in February 2023. With over 30 years global culinary experience, Jeff aimed to create a venue that he and his partner and fellow owner, Catherine Rose, would enjoy themselves. Jeff describes the cuisine as “simple, fresh, and unfussy with big flavours.“ The menu is crafted for sharing and evolves with the seasons, featuring contemporary tapas and larger plates made from quality, locally sourced ingredients. Guests are encouraged to embrace communal dining, sampling a variety of dishes alongside a curated selection of wines, New Zealand craft beers, and signature cocktails.
Insider foodie tip: If you’re hungry, opt for the four-course chef’s menu for $75 – it’s an absolute steal and full of the best bits.
Fife Lane.
FIFE LANE
Fife Lane is dedicated to providing the ultimate steak experience and boy does it deliver. Proudly featured in the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants, it ranks 69th globally, making it the only New Zealand restaurant on the list and placing The Bay on the international dining map. Owner Kat Dippie explains, “The menu showcases a blend of locally sourced ingredients, premium meats, and fresh seafood, combined with flavours and techniques inspired by Mediterranean, Asian, and classic European culinary traditions.“ Robbie Webber designs the menus alongside head chef Dylan Burrows, focusing on seasonal produce and delivering simple yet balanced flavours. After five years of playing an A-game with steak, they have recently introduced a Butcher Book, a curated collection of the finest cuts from the Asia-Pacific region, available in limited quantities. “Once it’s gone, it’s gone,“ explains Kat, turning every dining experience into a unique adventure.
Insider foodie tip: Indulge in the Coconut Chilli Margarita, arguably the best cocktail in the Bay.
Plenty under twenty
Craving a night out without breaking the bank? Here’s part one
of Stacey Jones’ guide to the Bay’s tastiest budget bites.
Craving a night out without breaking the bank? Here’s part one
of Stacey Jones’ guide to the Bay’s tastiest budget bites.
WORDS Stacey Jones
Miss Gee's
In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, the thrill of finding a cheap meal for under $20 has never been greater. While supermarket prices soar – $6 for a cucumber, $20 for a block of cheese (the world has clearly gone bananas), this only heightens the joy of discovering a tasty ‘cheap eat’.
Restaurants are able to buy in bulk, support local producers, and, best of all, save you the hassle of washing up.
I took to the local Facebook notice boards for our locals’ top spots and
was met with hundreds of suggestions. Clearly, we’re all feeling the pinch and on the hunt for the same thing… So this month, we are diving into the best budget-friendly meals available in the Bay of Plenty for under $20.
Let’s kick things off with a standout deal at Astrolab on Tuesdays. For just $12, you can enjoy a delicious burger paired with a beer or a soft drink. Yes, you read that right – $12! The burger is well-seasoned, the salad is fresh, and it’s a steal. Just remember, the more beers you drink, the less sweet the deal becomes. Arrive early to secure a spot, as it gets busy. For more burger deals, check out Palace on Mondays for $10 cheeseburgers, or Central Coast Takeaway with their burger, fries, and soda combo for $17. They have a small amount of seating too so you can eat in or take out.
Miss Gee's
Next up, Hello Bahn Mi offers Vietnamese yumminess for $14.50. Choose from tofu, pork, or chicken, or indulge in their other favourites like pho and summer rolls. For Thai cuisine, Leks Go Thai in Pāpāmoa serves mains under $20, perfect for sharing. This leaves some change for a bottle of wine! Meanwhile, Hawker House in the Mount offers Asian-inspired dishes for just $15 from Monday to Friday, 12-3pm. The beef rendang roti is top of my list.
Bobby's
Crossing the bridge to Matua, Café Istanbul tempts with Turkish flavours. A chicken or lamb iskender is just $17, offering a fresh, healthy meal. Over at Café Istanbul in the Mount, similar dishes, as well as a not very Turkish lasagna, are priced right at $20 and under. LoLo’s offers a Turkish wrap that's more stuffed than the Harbour Bridge at rush hour for $14, making it a true budget buster.
No article on Kiwi budget meals would be complete without mentioning fish and chips. Although prices have risen with the cost of fish, it remains a worthwhile option. Bobby’s in Greerton and Tauranga CBD serves a piece of fish for $6. Just watch out for the seagulls! Bay Fish Packers also promise value, along with Matua Fish and Chips.
For a budget-friendly lunch, head to Miss Gee’s Bar & Eatery with their $15 menu featuring ramen, burgers, hawker rolls, and a green curry salad. Or visit The Barrel Room from 12-4pm for a $15 lunch with salads, burgers, bowls, and pizzas. Speaking of pizza, Basilico got a lot of local votes. The margarita squeaks in at $19.90 and is generously sized – perfect for sharing if you’re not feeling too greedy. For even tighter budgets, Pizza Library offers $10, 10-inch pizzas every Monday.
Next month, we’ll explore Japanese, fried chicken, sandwiches, Indian, and dumplings. In the meantime, visit these budget-friendly spots, support local businesses, and savour every bite.
Wharf Street: Tauranga city’s sparkling new outdoor dining precinct
Come with us as we take a tour of this must-visit destination, where food and drinks, entertainment, art and culture collide, and the only traffic you’ll find is the foot kind.
Come with us as we take a tour of this must-see destination, where food, drinks, and entertainment come together and the only traffic you’ll find is the foot kind.
Wharf Street has been transformed – an exciting development for Tauranga that sees a selection of eateries and bars spill out onto the pavement, creating a bustling atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. Did you go to the precinct’s first Friday Night Live? It was a roaring success and will continue every week from 5:30 to 9pm until the end of April and again next summer. There are also plans for more weekend events, open-air movie nights and outdoor art exhibitions – and the lane will be put to good use during the jazz festival.
Wharf Street is a cosy yet vibrant place to meet, mix and mingle, and breathes new life into the heart of the city, says Sally Cooke of Downtown Tauranga. “This is very much about creating a unique experience, with great diversity in the food and bar offerings, and all kinds of events. People will be able to enjoy it in so many different ways.”
The Barrel Room
Enjoy the finer things in life with plates and plonks to suit all tastes.
Between their mouth-watering dishes and highest-quality beverages, there’s something for everyone to savour at The Barrel Room. You’ll find wine from the best regions in New Zealand and beyond; an exceptional, ever-changing range of craft beers, special Belgian beers and Heineken on tap; and a stellar selection of spirits to sample. The team of chefs have created a menu filled with international flavours, including crowd-pleaser platters, gourmet burgers and traditional-style handmade pizzas. They also offer quick lunch options if you’re short on time.
Get the full Barrel Room experience with Latin Night on Thursdays and live music on Saturdays, along with brewery, distillery and winery tasting events.
The Crown & Badger
British-meets-Kiwi food and hospitality come together at this popular waterfront pub.
The Crown & Badger has held its place as one of Tauranga’s best-loved destinations for 17 years and is thrilled to be part of the Wharf Street transformation. “It’s exciting,” says owner/general manager Jessica Rafferty. “It’s been so cool to see people gravitating towards this new space – it’s just what Tauranga needed.”
With a sell-out quiz every Tuesday, live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and more than 230 drinks behind the bar, it’s a must-visit hotspot both for folks who want a welcoming place to enjoy a classic British meal and revellers ready to dance the night away. The seasonal menu has a Kiwi twist and along with the lunch deals, the Sunday roast is a Crown & Badger fan favourite.
The Hop House
Creativity’s on tap at this boutique craft-beer bar, where you can experience an ever-evolving roster of innovative brews and special occasions.
Whether you’re a long-time brew aficionado or a recent craft convert, you’ll find your hoppy place on Wharf Street. The Hop House is a craft-beer bar dedicated to local and national boutique beverages, with in-the-know staff who offer service that goes above and beyond. They work with innovative brewers; run creative events, including stand-up comedy nights and a Thursday quiz night that gives back to the community; host monthly tasting events and weekly live music performances; and have a function space that seats 50.
Owner-operator David Stanaway says he’s stoked about what Wharf Street brings to our city. “It’s been game-changing. It really makes Tauranga a destination.”
Enjoy a delicious burger or pizza at The Hop House, or choose food from nearby restaurants to enjoy with their beaut beverages.
Sugo
This forward-thinking Italian-inspired eatery lets local ingredients shine in a polished yet relaxed atmosphere.
Take a stroll down Wharf Street and Sugo will stop you in your tracks. If the deep green facade, twinkling lights, and peeps of red and white get your attention, the menu will make you want to stay. Co-owner/chef Ian Harrison focuses on fresh, local ingredients to create dishes that are constantly being reworked to suit the season. Sugo’s ever-popular chicken saltimbocca has just been given a new twist for autumn, with creamed leeks and lemon verbena, and they’ve devised four different but equally delectable versions of their risotto since their opening in November.
Ian says he and his crew are looking forward to making the most of their new surroundings. “We now have this beautiful outdoor area and it’s a really important part of Tauranga growing up. It brings life back to the city.”
The Chook Nook
Serving Korean-style fried chicken in a quirky setting, the newest restaurant on this block brings an irresistible crispy crunch.
A taste of Korea in downtown Tauranga, The Chook Nook has something for all ages. It only opened in March but has already proven a hit with young and older, thanks to its succinct menu focused firmly on fried chicken. The team hope to extend it as the restaurant grows, but for now, you can choose from crispy fried chicken, sweet and spicy, and soy and garlic, or get a platter of the lot.
Co-owners Paul Kwon and Yd Kim say their style of chicken is incredibly popular with foreigners in Korea, so they wanted to bring it to Tauranga to share the flavours of their home country. The Chook Nook’s fit-out is comfortable and cool, but because it’s part of the Wharf Street development, you’re also welcome to order your chicken to go, then munch on it at any of the precinct’s other establishments that take your fancy. The choice is yours!
I want to Hide
To find Hide, you'll need to shimmy down the alleyway by the Prince Street roundabout on The Mount Mainstreet. It opens out into a courtyard that feels like someone's exceptionally well-appointed backyard.
WORDS JENNY RUDD PHOTOS TRACIE HEASMAN
Hide. What a great name for a boozer. To find Hide, you'll need to shimmy down the alleyway by the Prince Street roundabout on The Mount Mainstreet. It opens out into a courtyard that feels like someone's exceptionally well-appointed backyard. Walled in on every side, a roaring fire is the centrepiece. There are built-in wooden booths for big groups to gather, family barbeque under a lush green living wall, a sunny strip of seating tucked behind the fire (perfect for a hot date), and a cosy nook inside overlooking the courtyard.
This place has been home to many things over the years: Lynx hairdressing salon, an outlet store for Sisters&Co, and two restaurants: Mundo Mexicano and more recently, Mr Miyagi. It is now completely unrecognisable. In a good way.
Owners Matt and Kimberly Hayward are hospo royalty in Tauranga, bringing with them the experience of running Winnies in Queenstown in the early 2000s, and owning Da Bierhaus, which they turned into La Mexica on The Strand in Tauranga. The couple and their two girls, Mila and Liv, are now firmly rooted the other side of the bridge with Hide and Mount Brew Co, which is like the cheeky younger sister to Hide's rough and tumble older brother.
"Kimbers' role is to make sure everyone's well fed. She grew up with foodies and fantastic cooks as her parents owned restaurants. It's my job to make sure everyone has a good time." Nice job descriptions. They do it well, too. The opening night had a feeling of goodwill and excitement that you just can't buy. UNO. HQ is a dangerously short walk to the green oasis. Our team went over on a Sunday afternoon for a pre-deadline, morale boosting break. We chose a couple of cold Moas and some plates to share: standouts were tender lamb ribs with sharp salsa verde. Halloumi fries were perfectly crisp out the outside with a creamy horopito dip. And we shared a flounder with fennel mash which was fresh, lemony, buttery and light. Smooth beats from the deck with resident Sunday afternoon DJ, Sarah Bronte, and we really were transported a long way from the demands of the office.
Matt says, "I want people to treat this like their own backyard. You can invite your mates round, light the fire, eat like you're at a barbeque, listen to music, and have a few beers." Even better, no clearing up, and the service is way better than at my house.