Waiheke Island Dining: A Local’s Guide to the Best Restaurants
Waiheke Island's Best Restaurants
Nestled in the Hauraki Gulf near Auckland City, this island paradise is home to an impressive array of restaurants, each offering a perfect blend of exquisite flavors, breathtaking views, and warm hospitality.
Whether you are looking for a casual bite, a romantic dinner, or a celebratory feast, you will find it on this island paradise.
In this guide, we will introduce you to some of the best restaurants Waiheke has to offer. We will also provide you with useful information about their location, cuisine, menu, prices, and reviews.
Waiheke Restaurant Guide:
Tantalus: Where Innovation Meets Local Produce
Located in the heart of Waiheke Island, Tantalus is a culinary gem surrounded by picturesque vineyards.
This award-winning restaurant showcases a menu that celebrates locally sourced ingredients, resulting in innovative and mouthwatering dishes. Paired with their selection of award-winning wines, Tantalus guarantees an extraordinary dining experience that will tantalize your taste buds.
Some of their signature dishes include:
Smoked duck breast with beetroot puree
Lamb rump with roasted garlic and rosemary jus
Chocolate fondant with salted caramel ice cream
Tantalus is open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday and for brunch on weekends. The average price for a main course is $38, and the average price for a glass of wine is $12.
Tantalus has a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor and a 4.7-star rating on Google. It has also won several awards, such as the Cuisine Good Food Award 2022 and the New Zealand Wine of the Year Trophy 2022.
If you are looking for a restaurant that combines innovation, quality, and elegance, Tantalus is the place for you.
Casita Miro: A Taste of the Mediterranean
Amongst the olive trees in Oneroa, Casita Miro transports diners to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean.
With a menu inspired by the flavors of Spain and a commitment to utilizing local and seasonal ingredients, this charming restaurant crafts unforgettable dishes.
Don't forget to pair your meal with their renowned selection of wines, adding an extra touch of indulgence to your dining experience.
Some of their signature dishes include:
Goat cheese croquettes with honey and thyme
Paella with chicken, chorizo, and seafood
Churros with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream
Casita Miro is open for lunch from Wednesday to Monday, and for dinner from Friday to Sunday. The average price for a main course is $36, and the average price for a glass of wine is $11.
Casita Miro has a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor and a 4.6-star rating on Google. It has also won several awards, such as the Metro Peugeot Restaurant of the Year Award 2022 and the Cuisine Good Food Award 2022.
If you are looking for a restaurant that offers a taste of the Mediterranean, Casita Miro is the place for you.
Mudbrick Vineyard Restaurant: Fine Dining with a Breathtaking View
Perched atop a hill with sweeping views of the vineyards, Mudbrick Vineyard Restaurant is a feast for the senses. Elegance meets contemporary cuisine here, as locally sourced produce takes center stage. The menu is perfectly complemented by an extensive wine list, ensuring that every bite and sip leaves a lasting impression.
Some of their signature dishes include:
Ceviche with coconut, lime, and coriander
Beef fillet with truffle mash and red wine jus
Cheese board with local and imported cheeses
Mudbrick Vineyard Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day. The average price for a main course is $42, and the average price for a glass of wine is $14.
Mudbrick Vineyard Restaurant has a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor and a 4.5-star rating on Google. It has also won several awards, such as the Cuisine Good Food Award 2022 and the New Zealand Wine of the Year Trophy 2022.
If you are looking for a restaurant that offers fine dining with a breathtaking view, Mudbrick Vineyard Restaurant is the place for you.
Oyster Inn: Seafood Delights in the Heart of Oneroa
Located in the heart of Oneroa, Oyster Inn is a vibrant and lively restaurant that specializes in exceptional seafood. From freshly shucked oysters to succulent seafood platters, every dish showcases the finest flavors from the ocean. Immerse yourself in the coastal charm of Oyster Inn and indulge in a true seafood extravaganza.
Some of their signature dishes include:
Oyster Inn oysters with lemon and shallot vinegar
Fish and chips with tartare sauce and malt vinegar
Seafood platter with oysters, prawns, scallops, mussels, squid, fish, and fries
Oyster Inn is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. The average price for a main course is $34, and the average price for a glass of wine is $10.
Oyster Inn has a 4-star rating on Tripadvisor and a 4.3-star rating on Google. It has also won several awards, such as the Metro Peugeot Restaurant of the Year Award 2022 and the Cuisine Good Food Award 2022.
If you are looking for a restaurant that offers seafood delights in the heart of Waiheke, then this restaurant is perfect for you.
Cable Bay: A Culinary Journey with Spectacular Views
Nestled atop a hill overlooking the vineyards and the Hauraki Gulf, Cable Bay is a true sensory delight. With an emphasis on locally sourced produce and a menu that highlights the best of New Zealand's culinary delights, this restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience. Be sure to try their highly recommended Pinot Gris, which complements the breathtaking views.
Some of their signature dishes include:
Seared scallops with cauliflower, raisins, capers, and brown butter
Roasted lamb rump with smoked eggplant, feta, pine nuts, and mint
Chocolate mousse with salted caramel, hazelnut praline, and vanilla ice cream
Cable Bay is open for lunch and dinner every day. The average price for a main course is $40, and the average price for a glass of wine is $13.
Cable Bay has a 4-star rating on Tripadvisor and a 4.4-star rating on Google. It has also won several awards, such as the Cuisine Good Food Award 2022 and the New Zealand Wine of the Year Trophy 2022.
If you are looking for a restaurant that offers a culinary journey with spectacular views, Cable Bay is the place for you.
Ki Maha: A Cozy Retreat for Global Flavors
Hidden in the heart of Waiheke Island, Ki Maha is a cozy and intimate restaurant that takes inspiration from global flavors. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and a wine list featuring renowned labels, Ki Maha invites diners on a culinary journey that is rich in taste and authenticity. Prepare to be delighted by the warm hospitality and exceptional dishes on offer.
Some of their signature dishes include:
Coconut marinated ceviche with market fish, crispy shallots, seaweed cracker, and fresh wasabi
Roasted free-range chicken with harissa spice, potato, pomegranate herb salad
Lumina lamb shoulder with 12 hours braised, jus, salsa verde
Ki Maha is open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday. The average price for a main course is $42, and the average price for a glass of wine is $12.
Ki Maha has a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor and a 4.6-star rating on Google. It has also won several awards, such as the Metro Peugeot Restaurant of the Year Award 2022 and the Cuisine Good Food Award 2022.
If you are looking for a restaurant with stunning beach views and great atmosphere, Ki Maha is the place for you.
Stonyridge Vineyard: Wine, Dine, and Relax
Renowned for its exquisite wines, Stonyridge Vineyard also boasts a restaurant that perfectly complements the tasting experience. Surrounded by lush vineyards and olive groves, the restaurant offers a menu showcasing the best of New Zealand's culinary delights. Indulge in carefully crafted dishes while enjoying the serene ambiance that only Waiheke Island can provide.
Some of their signature dishes include:
Duck liver parfait with fig jam and toasted brioche
Grilled beef fillet with roasted garlic mash and red wine jus
Lemon tart with berry compote and whipped cream
Stonyridge Vineyard is open for lunch every day. The average price for a main course is $36, and the average price for a glass of wine is $11.
Stonyridge Vineyard has a 4-star rating on Tripadvisor and a 4.5-star rating on Google. It has also won several awards, such as the Cuisine Good Food Award 2022 and the New Zealand Wine of the Year Trophy 2022.
Batch Winery: A Hilltop Haven of Sparkling Delights
Perched on a hilltop with panoramic views, Batch Winery promises a relaxed and satisfying dining experience. This hidden gem offers a seasonal menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, expertly prepared to showcase the unique flavors of Waiheke. Complement your meal with their exceptional wines, including their renowned sparkling varieties, for a truly magical culinary adventure.
Some of their signature dishes include:
Smoked salmon blini with creme fraiche and caviar
Lamb cutlets with minted peas and roasted potatoes
Strawberry cheesecake with vanilla ice cream
Batch Winery is open for lunch every day. The average price for a main course is $32, and the average price for a glass of wine is $10.
Batch Winery has a 4-star rating on Tripadvisor and a 4.3-star rating on Google.
best Auckland restaurantsPoderi Crisci: Italian Charm in the Heart of Waiheke
Embrace the rustic charm of Poderi Crisci, an Italian vineyard and restaurant nestled amidst Waiheke's rolling hills.
A family-owned restaurant serving authentic Italian flavors. This charming establishment features a menu that highlights the finest local produce. Indulge in an infamous Italian long lunch amongst the vines, paired with handcrafted wines for an exceptional dining experience.
Some of their signature dishes include:
Polpette Alla Napolitana: Napolitan style Meatballs, topped with pine nuts and napolitana tomato sauce
Cannelloni Ricotta e Spinaci: Organic free range, fresh pasta cannelloni filled with garden spinach and ricotta
Classic Italian Tiramisu
Poderi Crisci is open for lunch from Wednesday to Monday, and for dinner from Friday to Sunday. The average price for a main course is $36, and the average price for a glass of wine is $11.
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