I should say, a million GREAT places to eat. You be excused for thinking Waiheke was all flash vineyards and not much else, but you’d also be wrong. Lets take a look.
1:: Cafes + restaurants
OYSTER INN || Oneroa
My partner and I can’t agree on this one. I love the Oyster Inn. Him? Not so much. But then I love the seaside slightly glammed-up (to coin a phrase) feel about the place, without having to go to the bother of a vineyard + I’m a big fan of raw oysters on ice. And he’s allergic to shellfish. So I go there with my BFF’s. Which is fine with me. And him.
WAI KITCHEN || Oneroa
Best views on the island. Nice. Excellent range of home baking to complement their cooked cuisine breakfasts. Child and baby friendly. I like the quiet atmosphere.
SPICE || Oneroa
True cafe style for a relaxed breakfast or coffee and newspaper. A real locals hangout. My man’s fav coffee.
DELIGHT || Oneroa
Views, coffee and great menu. Child friendly.
FRENCHOT || Surfdale
The newest little cafe on the island. French (naturally) with great baked goods and french style coffee.
FENICE || Oneroa
First cafe to open in the morning; good for early rises (um, won’t be seeing me there). Great range of Italian style breakfast and coffee. Relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. Fine Italian cuisine. A favourite with locals. Booking advised, particularly in summer and on weekends.
RED CRAB || Oneroa
Lovely, light and tasty Thai. Always great after a day in the sun. Eat in or take-away.
STEFANOS || Surfdale
Pizza for the whole family. Thin crust with a great range of true Italian style toppings. Good for low key large groups and celebrations.
AJADZ || Oneroa
Hankering for Indian? It will hit the spot. Great for the whole family.
CHARLIE FARLIES || Onetangi
Great little local’s pub restaurant. Amazing on a good day cos you feel like you are sitting on the beach. Great kiddies menu too.
2:: Takeaways + fastish type foods:
FISH & CHIPS || Palm beach
Palm beach Fish and Chips are a little greasy for my liking, but very handy if you are at the beach. Eat in or take-away 372 2988
FISH & CHIPS || Little Oneroa
My fav F & C’s on the island. Park the kiddies at the playground and go get dinner. Or grab on the way through to Big Oneroa beach where it’s a little less hectic.
DRAGONFRIED PIZZA || Little Oneroa
These guys have won awards for good reason. Well priced, great food. Something to suit (almost) everyone (my little miss 4 won’t eat pizza or salad or beans – can you imagine!). I can’t recommend these guys highly enough.
NEW GELATO PLACE || Oneroa
Our quite famous Ana has opened a gelato, bagel and coffee place in the main street (just keep walking, you can’t miss it. Seriously!!). Super funky, super awesome. I can’t confess to having eaten from there yet, but next time I’m in town…..hello!!
3:: Other interesting, fun, memorable places that are hard to categorize:
WILD ON WAIHEKE
Achery, clay bird shooting, boutique brewery, fabulous adventure playground. Great for corporate and family groups.
RINGAWERA
Up on Te Whau Drive, go down the drive by the red letter box. AMAZING baked goods and coffee. Paddy is world famous on Waiheke for his Lavash and other mouth watering artisan baking. Only open from 8.30am – 11am.
4:: And lastly (cos we already know they are not least) vineyards:
MUDBRICK
One of Conda Naste Magazine’s top 10 places to get married in the world (Bonjour world!). Magnificent views. World class experience. Do I have to say it? Bookings advised.
STONYRIDGE
Ta da! Winner of numerous wine awards. Relaxed atmosphere in the heart of Waiheke Wine country. Once again, bookings advised.
CASITA MIRO
Food to die for. Every time a donut. Views back over the vineyards and out across Onetangi beach. Booking essential.
PODERI CRISCI
Award winning restaurant, which could have fooled me. I was completely underwhelmed, but I’ve heard so many good reports I’m pretty sure we struck an unusually bad day.
TE WHAU
Set in one of Waiheke’s best spots with a dramatic view back to Auckland. Chopper in (la de da) or take the road.
MAN o’ WAR
Down the other end of the Island, Man o War is a gem of a tasting room. They offer platters for lunch. Fabulous on a nice day. Take the whole family and relax in the beach side setting. Stay for the afternoon and totally unwind.
PASSAGE ROCK
This little darling of a place is out of the way but so worth the effort. Great place to take wee ones if you want a touch of sophistication but no hassle. Great option for a grim day.
THE SHED TE MOTU
I haven’t been there (damn it!) but it’s on the list. Have heard loads of good reports.
Happy eating friends.
Credits: Photo by Pete Rees.
