The 7 Best Restaurants in Whakatane

If you are planning a road trip from Auckland to the coastal charm of Whakatane, you’ll want to know the best restaurants in Whakatane once you arrive. This Whakatane dining guide highlights the top places to eat in Whakatane, from classic Kiwi pub fare to standout international cuisine that surprises and delights. While Whakatane may be a small town in the Bay of Plenty, its food scene is exactly where you need to be after arriving in town.

Set against the backdrop of Whale Island and White Island, Whakatane offers more than just great fishing and scenic views. Venture over the hill to Ohope for surf spots and swimming wharves, then return to town for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re passing through or staying a while, this guide will help you uncover Whakatane’s tastiest gems.

Where to Find the Best Restaurants in Whakatane

Whakatane might be a small town on the east coast of the north island, but it’s packed full of all the main food choices you could need or want in a small seaside town. From authentic Indian to fun-loving Mexican food in Ohope and all the pub food you could put your hands on. The majority of the Whakatane restaurants are found along The Strand through Whakatane’s main street stretching out towards the headlands. Otherwise there are cafes and sushi bars scattered throughout town and you’ll find some of the best fish and chips shops in Kopeopeo just down the road.

Whakatane Accommodation

If you’re looking for restaurants in Whakatane then it’s likely you’ve already got accommodation sorted, but it doesn’t hurt you give you some good Whakatane accommodation options just in case!
Pacific Coast Motel is a great motel in a convenient location, I’ve stayed here several times and can guarantee that the cleanliness and standard of the motel never slips. The owners are friendly and the rooms are warm and cosy.

Tuscany Villas is another great place to stay although I haven’t been here myself. The location is perfect for anyone who wants to spend their time eating and drinking and doesn’t want to worry about catching a taxi home. I don’t think I need to say much else about Tuscany Villas because the photos on their website speak for themselves!

Whakatane Dining Guide

This Whakatane dining guide will direct you from pretty good Mexican in Ohope to hearty pub meals and seaside fish and chips sitting down at the heads. Whakatane may be a small town in Bay of Plenty but it packs a punch when it comes to dining out, there’s an option for everyone no matter whether you’re the pickiest eater or have dietary requirements.

The Wagon Whakatane – Burgers and Chips

The best burgers in town and one of the newest restaurants in Whakatane, if you’re wanting a simple meal done well then The Wagon is where you need to go. With around 12 burgers with your choice of either beef, chicken, or a variation of vegetarian options and plenty of delicious sides to keep you going. The Wagon is perfect for casual dining or those first dates where you don’t want to pay for an expensive meal. The Wagon is closed on Monday but every other day they are open for lunch and until dinner. So even if you’re feeling a little peckish in the afternoon you can grab yourself a great burger and fries.

Spice Junction – Indian

If you’re looking for a spicy night out or just feel like a curry for comfort food then Spice Junction is the place to be. Either dine in or take out; their red wine selection is pretty good and you can’t go wrong with their lamb saagwala. I’ve never had a bad meal at Spice Junction and is probably one of the best Whakatane restaurants I have been to, and actually just writing this is making me crave a good curry!

Cadera Whakatane – Mexican

Cadera might not technically be a Whakatane restaurant but it’s probably the most popular restaurant that Whakatane locals swarm to; located over the hill in Ohope, Cadera is popular for families wanting to indulge in easy and fun to eat meals; or groups of friends who are preparing for a night out and a frothing for a tequila or two. Cadera usually requires booking at least a couple of days in advance as the tables fill up quick. There is plenty of parking around the back of the restaurant or out the front on the street.

*Please note the above photos were taken from the Cadera website.

Cobb & Co – Family Restaurant

Cobb & Co is a New Zealand institution; been around for longer than I can remember this family fun restaurant is where children can order traffic light drinks that come with a plastic little animal attached to the straw as well as a little umbrella to make you feel that little bit fancy. Adults can order some incredibly cocktails for only $14 or a larger than life slushy cocktail with either an upside down vodka RTD or Sol beer.

The food at Cobb & Co includes any meal you would typically find at a family restaurant; plenty of hearty meat options and a few great vegetarian and fish options. Main meal prices vary between $23 to $42 depending on how hungry you are, and the desserts definitely can’t be missed!

If you’re dining with a big family or have a few picky eaters then Cobb & Co should be one of your first options.

Detour Bar, Lounge and Restaurant – Family Pub Meals

Restaurant by day, nightclub by night. Detour restaurant is popular for their large meals or if you want to stop in for a quick coffee and a cake. Open from 10am-3pm, and then again from 5pm until 9:30pm for the evening rush. Detour restaurant offer a great selections in beer, wines and spirits. And if you’re staying in town then you can hop along for a dance when they turn from a restaurant into a nightclub. They allow for bookings and are a great choice if you have extended family in town, their portions are large and I’m pretty sure I had to undo the button on my pants after finishing my bowl of pasta!

The Craic Irish Pub – Family Pub Meals

The Craic Irish pub is cozy Irish pub that’s great for after work drinks or a hearty pub meal if you’re feeling ravenous. The Craic is where you will usually see groups of people enjoying a pint or two outside on the corner near the main roundabout on The Strand. It makes for the perfect place to sit to enjoy the afternoon sun or get a few friends together and enjoy some live music.

The Craic is open for brunch, lunch and dinner, offering bagels, hearty Irish breakfast and a range of sides. And dinner is of course probably the biggest and heartiest meals in all of Whakatane, with stew pot pie, steak sandwiches and lam shanks on offer. If you’ve got a couple of hungry people in your group then the Craic might just be your place for dinner.

The Comm – Family Pub Meals

The Comm is another great place to either grab a drink or a meal and enjoying the company of friends or family. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner they have a menu suited for everyone; from small bites and snacks, to pizza and burgers or larger meals like their pork belly or lamb rump. A meal at The Comm can’t be missed if you’re in town. And if you’re planning on taking the party elsewhere, you can grab a pack of Good George beer from their fridge to take away with you.

Fish and Chips

If you are visiting New Zealand from another country then you can not come here and not try our staple family meal of fish and chips. And because it is such a popular Friday night takeaway option for the classic kiwi household I will give you all of the possible options you can find in Whakatane.

Gibbos Fresh Fish Whakatane

Gibbos Fresh Fish is probably the most popular fish and chip shop in Whakatane, sitting on the corner of King street and Victoria Ave you’ll often find a queue of hungry families leading out the door every weekend. So I’d suggest ringing and ordering first so you aren’t left waiting outside for too long!

Fred Fish and Chips is another great option just up the road from Gibbos at 64 King Street. They don’t have a website but their Goggle reviews are glowing.

Gibbos on the Wharf

Gibbos on the Wharf is a great option if you want to try Gibbos fresh fish, but with the choice of enjoying the sunset at the same time. Based on the wharf near the Whakatane headlands, Gibbos on the Wharf is an easy option if you’re staying in town and want an uncomplicated dinner. Take a stroll along the boardwalk and make your way towards the heads to have a romantic meal by the water.