Ten amazing places to eat in Northland if you consider yourself a foodie!
Northland’s flourishing foodie scene is waiting to be explored, and if you consider yourself a foodie traveller here are ten of our favourite places to eat and drink to inspire your next trip! Discover fresh seafood, locally grown and sourced ingredients, and unforgettable dining experiences from the Far North to Bream Bay, and the Bay of Islands to the Kauri Coast.
Schnappa Rock Restaurant and Bar
The team at Schnappa Rock on the Tūtūkākā Coast are some of the best in Northland when it comes to creating fresh, local, and delicious food in a vibrant setting. In fact, they even picked up the award for Best Destination Venue at the 2025 Hospitality NZ Awards! Gardeners Tim and James grow spray-free produce which Chef Deano and team pair with line-caught fish, free-range eggs, and other spectacular ingredients sourced from around Te Tai Tokerau. We know it’s hard to choose what to order with such a great menu, but we can safely say, the line-caught, fresh and local fish specials have never let us down! It’s no wonder this place is a firm favourite with visitors and locals alike!
Peekaboo Backyard Eatery
Peekaboo Backyard Eatery in Kaitāia is officially a hidden gem in Taitokerau Northland, but it’s one you should seek out to discover. Crowned Supreme Winner, Sustainability Champion Award winner, and Best Café in the 2025 Hospitality Awards, this eatery has a genuine community feel, great menu, and some pretty epic cabinet eats. The coffee is fantastic too and if you want to get behind their sustainability values, give the edible cups a try!
Terra Restaurant
Terra Restaurant in Paihia is one of those places where you remember every flavour combination, every piece of plated art, and every little service touch. Chef Marcus and the team transform fresh, seasonal ingredients into award-winning dining experiences – so much so that they are one of only two restaurants in Northland to be recognised as a One-Hatted Restaurant in Cuisine’s Good Food Awards. Enjoy ordering from their á la carte menu, or go all in with the full Taste of Terra Chefs Choice six-course menu!
Sage Restaurant at Paroa Bay Winery
The only other restaurant in Northland to be awarded One Hat in the Cuisine Good Food Awards is Sage Restaurant at Paroa Bay Winery. Perched above the Bay of Islands on the outskirts of Russell, the views here are some of the best in the region. An incredible range of fruit and vegetables are grown on-site and the back of the menu includes a map which details the origins of their ingredients right down to olive oil, milk, and eggs! Chef Dan and team thoughtfully match the dishes to wine from their own cellar door, and the service is always top-notch too. This is an essential stop for food and wine lovers in the Bay of Islands.
The Landing
By far the most luxurious foodie experience on offer in Taitokerau Northland is The Landing’s Cellar Door Long Lunch. Starting with a boat transfer aboard The Landing’s private boat, this 4.5hr experience includes a vineyard and historic tour followed by an exceptional two-course wine-matched lunch. A tour of the winery itself is also included, along with tastings of The Landing’s award winning wines. The experience is made all the more appealing with the knowledge that the property is Toitū carbonzero certified, and the vineyard is certified by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand.
The Duke of Marlborough
With the tagline “Refreshing Rascals and Reprobates since 1827”, The Duke of Marlborough is a must-visit for any foodie in Northland. The historic hotel has spectacular waterfront views, particularly at sunset, and the menu is extensive, serving up crowd-pleasers and Māori inspired cuisine alongside an extensive beverage list. We highly recommend starting with Auntie’s House Made Fried Bread, perfect for sharing (or not – we don’t judge ????)
TopSail
The unassuming Onerahi Yacht Club in Whangārei secretly harbours the surprisingly good TopSail restaurant, one of the most underrated eateries in the city. Since 2007 Ian and Debbie have been serving an elegant menu with French influences, in a prime location overlooking the water. This is one place where we dare you to step outside your comfort zone and try something unexpected – the dining experience is impeccable every time!
McLeod’s Pizza Barn and Brewery
It would be remiss to leave McLeod’s Pizza Barn and Brewery in Waipū off this list, and you’ll know why if you’ve been here before. This buzzing destination is a crowd-pleaser, serving hand-rolled pizzas, "slow” fast food, all alongside their award-winning craft beer. The best part is, it’s right off the main highway between Auckland and Whangārei, and family-friendly, so there’s no excuse not to stop!
Aqua Restaurant and Bar
Not only is the location amazing (you’ll find Aqua inside the Hundertwasser Art Centre in the Whangārei Town Basin) but the food here is a delightful mix of crowd-pleasing favourites, Asian-inspired creations, and local ingredient dishes. With a page of vegan menu items, there’s definitely something for every diner, and we highly recommend ordering a side of the Kale Slaw – the menu doesn’t lie when it says this is world-famous in Whangārei!
Matich’s Fish Shop
Last but not least, Matich’s Fish Shop is a reason on its own to travel the west coast of Northland. Located in the heart of Dargaville, this is about as classic as you can get for a fish and chip shop – think red gingham tablecloths, a touch of nostalgia, simple but outstanding battered fish, plus all the other classics you’d expect. One highlight however, is the Kaipara Flounder, locally sourced and amazingly delicious!