Transport yourself to a place far away as you indulge in all of the many flavors found on Waiheke Island. You will find many cuisines available on the island including Spanish, Italian, Mediterranean, island style and of course Aotearoa. A lot of the wineries also have restaurants attached as well so you will be prepped for a great dining experience, with both food and beverage options. Let’s have a look at some of the many iconic places to eat and drink on this remarkable island.
Oyster Inn
The Oyster Inn has over 800 reviews on Google which is a testament to the superb quality of food you will find there. Having been around since 2012, the Oyster Inn has set up itself as being one of the must try eateries when it comes to seafood. It is popular with locals and tourists alike. You might know their head chef, Josh Emett as one who once judged on the popular reality show, Masterchef. Josh Emett has a wealth of experience from across many cities, having worked in kitchens as far as London and as close as our neighbors over in Melbourne. The Oyster Inn has also won awards like the Metro Magazine’s Best Destination award. Make sure you try the Oyster Inn’s Te Matuku Oysters, which are just heavenly. This is definitely a Waiheke Restaurant to tick off your list.
Fenice Cafe & Restaurant
If you are looking for some tasty Italian and Mediterranean food then Fenice Cafe & Restaurant could be your eatery of choice! An exciting aspect about Fenice is that their menu is constantly changing, so you will likely get a different experience each time. The food itself is fantastic and there are dishes there to suit all your dietary needs. You will find quite a few plates that are for vegetarians and vegans. Also when they are able to do so, all the produce is sourced locally. Book a table for an event or score a table for a scrumptious date night.
Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant
Get a gorgeous view of the Hauraki Gulf to set the mood nicely for your lunch or dinner at Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant. This place has it all, a splendid restaurant, amazing wines and accommodation all in one place. The restaurant specifically pulls inspiration from all corners of the globe as far as flavors go but ultimately it is very much ‘island inspired’. A truly amazing winery, Waiheke lovers will find a real treat here.
Stonyridge
Stonyridge is famous and it’s no surprise why with its extraordinary wines. As it stands, Stonyridge is said to be ‘One of the Top Ten Must Visit Wineries in the World’ by the Guardian. But you will also find some fantastic dining experiences here also with its charming restaurant on site. Stonyridge presents glimmers of flavors from the Mediterranean, France and Tuscany in its wines. Equally so, the food is also noteworthy.
Batch Winery
There are two wonderful vineyards on this lot of land and it is stretched out on a beautiful hilltop that overlooks Onetangi down below. You will find another ‘island style’ restaurant in true Waiheke fashion here at Batch Winery. Ingredients are locally sourced and dishes are all about the freshness. At the Batch Winery restaurant you will experience new and wonderful flavors with a guarantee to be delighted by whatever ends up on your plate.
Vino Vino Restaurant & Bar
You will find a delicious, eclectic mix of cuisines with Vino Vino Restaurant & Bar. Connie Aldao the head chef has cooked in a whole range of restaurants all over the world including Hong Kong. Up for grabs on the menu is an impressive mouthwatering collection of Argentinian, Italian, Mediterranean and Spanish dishes. Enjoy your meal with the finest wine as you gaze out at the charming beach below you.
Casita Miro
Travel to Spain for a delicious culinary experience with both the food and the wine. It’s a fun dining experience in which you share ‘tapas’. It makes for a very chilled out and effortless place to relax in. It’s worth noting that Casita Miro has won the certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor for over 10 years in a row. This place is definitely one to put on your Waiheke restaurant to-do list! You will also find that Casita Miro is open to wine tasting 7 days a week, which means that you’ll never miss the opportunity to grab a sample and try some good wine.
Ki Māha Restaurant Waiheke Island
Ki Māha Restaurant delivers not just on its exceptional food but also with its unique location. Enjoy a staggering, front seat view to Onetangi Beach, the perfect spot for catching sunsets whilst you enjoy your beverage. All the food is sustainably harvested and ingredients are produced locally where possible. In the words of the managers themselves, The Onetangi Restaurant states that “Our dishes express the very essence of distinctly Aotearoa cuisine.” Come here for a summer flair of flavor and stay awhile. Ki Māha is another fantastic Waiheke restaurant to try.
Three Seven Two
Expect a picture perfect setting after your Onetangi beach walk. That’s exactly what you will find in Three Seven Two, which has scrumptious food prepared by Bronwen Laight, who brings a wonderful flair to the food produced here. This is certainly a Onetangi restaurant to tick off your list.
Charlie Farley’s
For a more relaxed cafe style experience, Charlie Farley’s is said to be one of New Zealand's best beach bars, with some fantastic food as well. Since 1987 this historic Waiheke staple has graced the Onetangi beachside with its yummy flavors and bustling atmosphere.
Waiheke has some marvelous restaurants that pair perfectly with your wine choices. You will find many cuisines available on the island including Spanish, Italian, Mediterranean, Island style and of course Aotearoa. A lot of the wineries also have restaurants attached as well so you will be prepped for a great dining experience, with both food and beverage options. It’s easy to get lost in all the flavors found on this island.