Taranaki Destinations

Fork n Knife

Tucked behind their Arizona burger joint, this boutique eatery is owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Jeremy and Brittany Webling. Fork is famous for its smoked meat feats, as much as its set menus. Even the ordinary gets elevated here.

Monica’s Eatery

The Monica’s moniker (inspired by Monica Brewster – founding benefactor of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery next door) asserts a fresh, generous menu. Breakfast, brunch or lunch, it adds an extra edge. Those fluffiest of omelettes are pretty as … a picture.

Shining Peak Brewing

An incredible, award-winning array of small-batch beers is impressively partnered with creative kitchen dishes, courtesy of executive chef Freddie Ponder. We think the smoked eel toastie is a big winner. Do not depart without trying the fresh house-made beer ice cream.

Social Kitchen

Taxidermy animal heads point to a largely meaty offering here. This informal, warm and welcoming space is one made for sharing: of crowd-pleasing meals. Firecracker chicken sparked our interest; the house-made gnocchi with blue cheese and black pepper is a perennial fave.

Table Restaurant

Located in the Nice Hotel, this is a quality find in New Plymouth’s oldest wooden building. Grab a seat inside the plush, classical dining room or settle out on the terrace and choose from an ever-changing menu of sharing, small or large plates. A great option for special occasions.

The Hour Glass

Killer cocktails, serious tapas and craft beers take this venue through early evening drinks to late-night schmoozing. Put on your glad rags and join the locals at a private party where the food puts you in the mood and the martinis are as smooth as James Bond. Now is the hour.

The Ōkato Trencherman Chop House

“Comforting traditional chop house provisions” they say. We say: “Aah, nostalgia in rural surrounds.” They only use the best-quality meat and seafood – sustainably caught and local if possible. The menu has a hip city touch, with an added touch of country cosset.

Toret Cucina

The minimal menu at this Italian restaurant is big on good taste, the flavours condensed by the focus. Technical skill meets creative panache in a culinary journey that is authentic but original. The wine list mixes choices from the old country with New Zealand drops and a meal at this destination restaurant is well worth the drive along the coast.

We’d love to know about your favourite spots.
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