Whangārei’s Best Known Tasty Eats
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 vegetarian and vegan options.
Parua Bay Tavern
Looking over the Whangārei Heads Harbour and nestled under Mount Aubrey, Parua Bay Tavern is a local favourite for great food and cold drinks. During warmer months they host regular live music and with a large lawn by the water, they can cater to groups large or small. A jetty is available to tie up to if you are arriving by boat. Book now on Parua Bay Tavern’s website.
Fat Camel Cafe
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.
Biggie Bagels
Biggie Bagels is 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.
Mean’s Vietnamese
Mean’s Vietnamese is 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!
Gopal’s
Gopal’s is Whangārei’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.
Turkuaz Cafe
Turkuaz Cafe is 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.
Korean Fried Chicken
The menu is super simple at Korean Fried Chicken, 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.
Hare Krishna Community Cafe
Visit Hare Krishna Community Cafe 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!