November 15, 2022

Whangārei’s Best Known Tasty Eats

We’ve put together information to help boat crews from around the world make the most of their time here in Whangārei. Find the full list of resources here.

There’s a good selection of places to eat in town including all the usual fast food joints, which you’ll find as you’re travelling around. To help make your search a little easier, we’ve pulled together a list of some local favourites where you’ll find delicious authentic cuisine from around the world, including plenty of amazing vegetarian and vegan options. Get tasty food and real value for your money.

1 | Fat Camel

Fat Camel offers moreish Israeli cuisine and is modelled after a typical Tel-Aviv Café, where the café is the centre of social life. Serving great coffee and generously portioned main plates, this is a real local favourite. On sunny days, sit outside on the cobblestones and people-watch. It’s right in the centre of town on Quality Street.

2 | Biggie Bagels

A favourite for brunch or lunch with sourdough bagels starting from under $10. Keep it simple with the Fresh Prince, with mozzarella, tomato and basil, or sink your teeth into the Beastrami Boys, with pastrami, mustard, gherkin and melted swiss cheese.

3 | Mean’s Vietnamese

Loved by locals for fresh, tasty and healthy options, all based on – you guessed it – Vietnamese food. There’s indoor and outdoor dining, so if the sun’s out we recommend grabbing a table outside and ordering an authentic Vietnamese beer to go with your summer roll. Mean’s is known for its speedy service and always with a smile!

4 | Gopal’s

This is Whangarei’s only 100% vegetarian and vegan restaurant, based on Hare Krishna flavours and principles. With combo meals starting at around $5 it’s super cheap! Stop in and try the vegan sausage roll when you’re next on Vine Street – this food is absolutely delicious.

5 | Turkuaz Cafe

A great spot for a fresh, authentic, tasty meal including all your favourites like Spanacopia, Pita bread, Falafel, fresh salads, meat on fried, grilled plates, delicious vegetarian options and so much more. You’ll find them in Okara Park Shopping Centre, just a short drive from Port Nikau.

6 | Korean Fried Chicken

The menu is super simple, so you better be in the mood for fried chicken. Choose boneless or bone-in and your sauce – easy and so good! This place is takeaway only, tucked away under the railway bridge on Rust Ave.

7 | Hare Krishna Community Cafe

Visit on Saturday morning when the Whangarei Growers’ Market is on and you’ll see lines around the corner for their baked goods and samosas. Well worth a visit for freshly baked banana bread, chickpea fudge, spinach and feta rolls and chocolate croissants so big you’ll need both hands!

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