Digging your own beach spa, getting your fix of vitamin D, frolicking through the waves, and hiking up a storm. The Coromandel Peninsula is home to some mighty fine adventures… which means you’re going to need some top-tier fuel as a stellar feed is essential.
And because nobody’s got time for sub-par chow, we’ve done the work so you can drop your hard-earned coin at only the crème de la crème according to Urban List. After all, that’s what living the good life is all about. Here are the best cafes and restaurants to wrap your mouth around in The Coromandel.
Peppertree Restaurant And Bar
31 Kapanga Road, Coromandel Town
Located in the heart of Coromandel Township, Peppertree Restaurant and Bar is as historic as it is delicious, and one of the best places to eat in the Coromandel.
Open seven days a week and built around a pepper tree that’s over a century old, this spot’s got a sun-soaked courtyard to kick back in, and a spacious veranda to fit all your mates. Tuck into a plate of fresh oysters, calamari, and fish and chips, then activate your dessert stomach for a round of pear, blackberry and rhubarb crumble.
Lukes Kitchen
20 Black Jack Road, Kūaotunu, Coromandel
Image credit: Lukes Kitchen | Facebook
Stunning sunsets, live music and delectable food... Lukes Kitchen in Kūaotunu has a pretty dreamy set-up. From handmade wood-fired pizzas and olives with whipped feta to jackfruit wraps, nourish bowls, and an enviable ice cream selection, the menu sure packs a punch.
We’re all but dreaming about their Manuka smoked spuds served with a slick of garlic aioli and topped with Napolitana. And don’t get us started on their Pacific Chix pizza, a mouthwatering concoction of chicken simmered in coconut and spiked with Kaffir lime and cheese. Holy Hell.
Cooked
2 Mill Road, Whitianga, Coromandel
Take an unexpected trip to Mexico with a delicious spread at Cooked. Summon yourself a portion of polenta fries with rosemary salt and chipotle aioli, a chicken quesadilla with salsa verde or a veggie burrito. (The latter comes sporting frijoles, cheese, beans, charred corn, tomato rice, sour cream, salsa and a slash of guac.)
This place is perfect for the crew, or anyone who’ll join your valiant quest of downing a huge pitcher of frozen margarita.
KaiZen At Go Vino
19 Captain Cook Road, Cooks Beach, Coromandel
Image credit: KaiZen At Go Vino | Facebook
Built on the Japanese philosophy of “change for the better,” KaiZen At Go Vino is all about engaging with your food without any interruptions. Now that’s something we can get behind.
Honouring the seasons with an ever-changing menu, expect classics like roasted duck with Chinese five spice or prawn with crispy onion and miso ginger, finished with a kimchi spud mash. If you’re feeling adventurous, give their ostrich tataki a go.
Eggsentric Café And Restaurant
1049 Purangi Road, Cooks Beach, Coromandel
Art enthusiasts with a penchant for good music and decadent carrot cake, will happily while away the hours here.
Located at Flaxmill Bay next to Cooks Beach, Eggsentric serves strong coffee and a plethora of sweet and savoury goodies including Thai fish cakes, steak sandwiches, smoked fish pies and chocolate Baileys cheesecake. We’ll say that again: Chocolate Baileys Cheesecake. All this, in colourful, botanical surroundings.
You might also like:
- The Best Things To Do In The Coromandel
- Top Beaches To Visit In The Area
- Where To Go Camping In Coromandel
The Church Bistro
87 Hahei Beach Road, Hahei, Coromandel
Image credit: The Church Bistro | Facebook
This renovated 1900s church-turned-eatery is a must-visit if you find yourself in Hahei. One of the best restaurants in The Coromandel, the European-inspired The Church Bistro is a delightful wine bar and eatery.
We can’t go past the grilled fish with snow peas, roast capsicum sauce and gourmet potatoes, chimichurri, garlic bread and farofa, and the halloumi & quinoa fattoush salad with tomatoes, cucumber and lemon dressing.
Weta Cafe
46 Kapanga Road, Coromandel
Brunch is always a matter of when rather than if, and when that moment strikes you’ll do well to make a beeline for Weta Cafe. Expect Turkish eggs, great coffee, chowder and sandwiches that keep you coming back for more.
Oh, and brekkie burgers loaded with hash browns and onion rings. It’s no surprise that this spot is one of the best cafes in the Coromandel, popular with locals and tourists alike.
Mino's Mussel Kitchen
The 309 Road, Preece Point, Coromandel
We’ve never met a saganaki prawn we didn’t like and if that’s got you drawing a blank, let us introduce you: prawns baked in tomato salsa feta slathered on crusty bread. You want this. Need this, even.
Wash it down with a glass of chilled white wine or a craft beer then sit back and enjoy some live tunes. The open lawn seating and cute picnic tables make Mino’s Mussel Kitchen the perfect place to finish up after a lazy day at the beach.
The Hive
450 Purangi Road, Cooks Beach, Coromandel
Image credit: The Hive | Facebook
Slingin’ perhaps the best-named pizza around—Hot ‘N’ Prawny—The Hive is all about fiery carbs, rice noodle salads, crispy pork belly burgers, and classic tiramisu. And with a beautiful garden setting, wooden tables, and wine a-flowing, we think you’ll be very happy here indeed.
Circling back to that saucy ‘za, order it up for layers of prawns, garlic, chilli, mozzarella, artichoke, parsley, and lemon, on a punchy tomato base. Chase with a well-deserved nap.
Coromandel Bakehouse
92 Wharf Road, Coromandel
With good meat pies, coffee to wake the dead, and doughnuts to sate even the most gnawing hunger, Coromandel Bakehouse deserves a visit.
This humble bakery is a local fave and a great call at any point in the trip but if you happen to swing by on your way out be sure to stack your boot full of pies to stave off any hunger pangs with a mid-trip feast. Pies not your thing? (who are you though?), order yourself a pot of their mussel chowder, stat.
Mercury Bay Estate Winery And Restaurant
761a Purangi Road, Cooks Beach, Whitianga, Coromandel
Gourmet vineyard platters, woodfired pizzas, and estate-grown wines are all on offer at Mercury Bay Estate Winery and Restaurant. We’re pretty sure there’s no better way to enjoy a sunset than with a gorgeous Italian antipasti platter.
Think salami, prosciutto and coppa cured meats, local and imported cheeses, cheese-stuffed peppers, artichokes, olives and gourmet bread. Cheers to that.
The Espy Cafe
10 The Esplanade, Whitianga, Coromandel
Image credit: The Epsy Cafe | Facebook
Grab award-winning milkshakes, great coffee and a one helluva all-day breakfast spread at The Espy Cafe. This friendly neighbourhood eatery is known for its relaxed vibe, good service, and top-notch meals worth every penny.
Snag a classic bacon and egg brekkie, a sweetcorn ricotta fritter stack, or a plate of smashed avo on toast and enjoy the sun-drenched views of the estuary. One of the best eateries on the Coromandel Peninsula? Absolutely.
UMU Restaurant And Cafe
22 Wharf Road, Coromandel Town
Another of the best eateries in the Coromandel is UMU Restaurant, where zesty craft beers, delicate wines and even a cup of hot chocolate await you. Pair your beverage of choice with smoked salmon, a hearty chowder or a slice (or three) of cheesecake.
Their menu is vegetarian-friendly with many vegan and gluten-free options, too, so nobody’s missing out. Grab a haul of their freshly baked scones for the road—they’re nothing short of legendary.
Blue Ginger
1/10 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga, Coromandel
Image credit: Blue Ginger | Instagram
Decked out with pretty lanterns and souvenirs from the team’s travels, Blue Ginger brings the buzzy, fresh flavours of Southeast Asia to the Coromandel.
This eclectic eatery whips up prawn dumplings, Vietnamese Pho Ga soup, vegan Buddha bowls, Sri Lankan duck curry, and more. Do make use of their ginger beer on tap—this spot’s alcohol-free but you won’t miss the booze for a second.
Looking for more regional content? Check out:
- The Best Accommodation Options In Raglan
- Where To Camp In Tauranga
- The Top Luxury Hotels In New Zealand
Main image credit: KaiZen At Go Vino | Facebook
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.