From hidden gems to hatted restaurants, the Bay of Plenty delivers some of New Zealand’s most memorable dining experiences. Whether you’re soaking in city views, dining beside the beach, or enjoying a meal in a historic building, this region is packed with must-visit spots that elevate any getaway. These are the places that turn good trips into unforgettable ones, where the food, setting and service all leave a lasting impression.
The Bay of Plenty is kiwifruit and avocado country, where you can visit local growers and taste produce straight from the source. The local dining scene reflects this abundance, serving up creative dishes that celebrate the region’s rich produce. Every autumn, the Flavours of Plenty Festival brings this food story to life, celebrating local chefs, producers, and the region’s rich culinary culture with events that invite visitors to taste, learn, and connect.
This is also the perfect part of the country to dine outdoors. From sun-soaked patios to dinners under the stars, alfresco favourites shine in the Bay, especially during spring and summer. Whether you’re chasing the ultimate burger or an award-winning steak, the Bay of Plenty’s bucket-list dining scene will blow you away.
1. Fife Lane Kitchen & Bar
If you’re chasing the best steak in the Bay of Plenty, look no further than Fife Lane Kitchen & Bar. Located in Mount Maunganui, this sleek yet welcoming restaurant delivers a truly unique dining experience, where wholesome Kiwi produce takes centre stage. Inside, the setting is warm and refined, with show-stopping details like a glass-fronted meat locker and wine room that elevate the experience from the moment you arrive.
Start with fresh oysters or beef tartare before selecting a perfectly marbled wagyu from the locker. Cooked over a rare Spanish charcoal grill, the fire and smoke impart incredible flavour to every bite. Ranked #94 in the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants, Fife Lane is a standout for a special lunch or dinner in the Mount, especially for those who love their meals with a side of theatre.
2. Solera
Freshly crowned with two hats, Solera is a must-visit for food and wine lovers in the Bay of Plenty. This is a wine bar that feels like it’s been plucked straight from the laneways of Melbourne and placed in the heart of Mount Maunganui. The space is intimate, elegant, and completely unique, with a wine list that champions small producers and rare varieties you likely haven’t tasted before.
But the food offering more than holds its own. At the heart of the restaurant is an open fire, where chefs cook over manuka wood, infusing each dish with unmistakable depth and flavour. From start to finish, Solera delivers a refined yet relaxed experience; a place to gather, indulge, and be surprised by both the plate and the pour.
3. Clarence
Located inside a grand historic post office, Clarence is a boutique hotel and bucket-list restaurant in the heart of Tauranga. The building alone is worth the visit, beautifully restored, wrapped in lush greenery, and oozing character. But it’s the food that makes this spot unforgettable.
The restaurant offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu with a distinctly Kiwi flair. Think wood-fired pizza, grilled meats, and handmade pasta. Outstanding dishes like the Conchiglie pasta and tender beef cheek pair beautifully with their creative cocktails. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this is a place that invites lingering, especially in their sun-drenched outdoor garden, perfect for alfresco dining. An elegant glasshouse dining space is available for events too. Whether you’re staying the night or just stopping by, Clarence delivers a stylish, flavour-packed experience that blends history with modern dining.
4. Lantern
Pāpāmoa Beach has quickly become one of the Bay of Plenty’s trendiest spots for wining and dining, and Lantern is one of its standouts. This Southeast Asian eatery delivers bold, flavour-packed dishes in a lush garden setting, perfect for long lunches or laid-back dinners under the glow of hanging lanterns.
Famous for their moreish tiger prawn toast and colourful share plates, Lantern invites you to relax, order a cocktail, and let the feast begin. Go for the chef’s selection to enjoy the best of the menu without the hassle of choosing, or gather your crew and fill the table with their vibrant, flavour-loaded dishes. With an atmosphere as good as the food, this is a must-visit spot that perfectly captures the holiday vibe of the Bay.
5. Alpino
Alpino brings a slice of Italy to the heart of Mount Maunganui. This warm and welcoming Italian eatery is all about the simple pleasures – parmesan, olive oil, basil, and garlic, combined with great wine and even better company. Created with love and passion, Alpino is known for its authentic flavours and inviting atmosphere.
Feast on burrata, olives, and handmade pasta, or go all-in with their legendary lasagna. The wood-fired pizzas are a must-try, paired perfectly with a glass of Italian red. Whether you dine inside, surrounded by the rustic-chic interiors, or outside under the olive trees for a classic long lunch alfresco style, this is the kind of place where time slows down. Alpino is a go-to spot for a leisurely lunch or a lively dinner, and the true Italian hospitality makes every visit memorable.
6. Saltwater
For the freshest kaimoana in the Bay of Plenty, Saltwater is the go-to. Set just steps from the sand in the heart of Mount Maunganui, this breezy seafood grill and oyster bar serves up generous helpings of local flavour. With seafood sourced straight from nearby waters, the menu is a celebration of everything oceanic. Think oysters, crayfish bisque and fish and chips, plus octopus, crab, prawns, and mussels in a signature seafood boil-up that’s a feast in every sense.
Saltwater goes beyond the sea, with incredible surf and turf options, offering premium land-based fare like wagyu, Peking duck, and dry-aged scotch. Whether you’re after a laid-back lunch or sunset dinner, Saltwater’s setting makes it the ultimate place to soak up the Mount vibes while enjoying unforgettable kai. Grab a cocktail, people-watch, and settle into the flavours of the Bay.
7. The Cider Factorie
Nestled in the charming countryside of Te Puna, just a short drive from Tauranga, The Cider Factorie is a relaxed alfresco gem. This award-winning cidery produces small-batch drops using apples, pears, feijoas and more, all crafted with care and bursting with Bay of Plenty freshness.
Grab a tasting paddle to sample their range of crisp, fruity ciders, then settle in for a long, lazy lunch overlooking the lush green surrounds. Their outdoor dining area is made for sunshine-soaked afternoons, and the menu offers the perfect match. Cider-battered fish and chips, burgers, small plates, and more. With friendly vibes and a local flavour you’ll want to take home, The Cider Factorie is a must-visit for those who love good company, good food and great drinks in the open air.
8. Flatwhite
Set right on the sands of Waihī Beach, Flatwhite is a must-visit cafe that captures the very essence of the Bay of Plenty lifestyle – great coffee, fresh food, and unbeatable beach views. Hugely popular with locals and visitors alike, it’s a dream spot for brunch lovers, long lunchers, and dinner diners.
Relax in the laid-back beachside setting, where large windows let you daydream and watch the waves roll in, or stay for the sunset, when the sky lights up in spectacular colour. Flatwhite’s seafood chowder is legendary, their pizzas are served until late, and the dinner menu makes this a perfect evening destination. Whether you’re popping in for a morning coffee, winding down with a drink, or settling in for a hearty meal, Flatwhite delivers one of the most iconic beachfront dining experiences in the Bay.
9. Izakai Bar & Eatery
Located in the heart of Bayfair Shopping Centre, Izakai Bar & Eatery delivers one of the Bay of Plenty’s most exciting and unique dining experiences. This innovative eatery fuses Māori and Japanese flavours in ways you’ve never tasted before. Think pāua gyoza and kawakawa pork gyoza. Each dish tells a story, grounded in tradition but reimagined with flair.
The hāngī-style pork belly and watercress ramen is a must-try, as is a cold cocktail or beer, designed to complement the bold and delicious food menu. Izakai’s commitment to showcasing native ingredients in fresh, modern ways makes it a cultural and culinary gem that deserves a spot on your foodie bucket list. Whether you’re popping in for a laid-back lunch or planning a flavour-filled dinner, Izakai offers an unforgettable journey through taste, culture, and creativity.
10. Palace Tavern
For burger lovers, Palace Tavern on Maunganui Road in the Mount is a must-visit. This laid-back bar and eatery brings big energy and even bigger flavour, delivering some of the best burgers in the Bay of Plenty with a US dive bar vibe. Whether you’re fresh off the Mauao Summit Walk or salty from the surf, a Palace Burger is the ultimate reward. Burgers here are anything but ordinary. We’re talking burgers with smash patties, onion rings, jalapeno jam, BBQ and chipotle mayo stacked into every satisfying bite. Don’t skip the Southern fried chicken wings either, a local favourite.
Vegetarians are well looked after too, with standouts like the southern fried cauliflower steak burger, topped with chipotle mayo, cheese, pickles, and jalapeno corn slaw. It’s the kind of meal that sticks with you in the best way. Unfussy, delicious, and full of personality.
11. Picnicka
A social hub in the heart of Tauranga, Picnicka is the kind of place that seamlessly fits into any part of your day. Whether you’re stopping in for a long brunch, a casual lunch, or winding down with an evening cocktail, Picnicka is the place to be. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s a true all-day destination and a favourite among locals and visitors.
The kitchen revolves around open-flame cooking, which imparts a distinctive, smoky char that keeps you going back for more. From fresh oysters to BBQ dishes and premium cuts from the butcher’s block, the menu delivers bold flavours with finesse. It’s the ideal spot to settle in with friends and enjoy a long, relaxed meal that lingers into the night. With its sleek dining room, buzzing bar scene, and beautifully crafted cocktails, Picnicka offers a complete experience. If you’re dining in Tauranga, this is one of the Bay of Plenty’s must-visit gems.
12. The Trading Post
Just 10 minutes from Te Puke, The Trading Post is a family-owned gem that brings the warmth and flavour of Italy to the Bay of Plenty. This rustic osteria is known for its beautifully crafted dishes, from antipasti and creamy risottos to hand-filled pastas and stuffed, rolled tuna loin. Every dish draws you in, and the daily dessert special is the perfect way to end your meal.
It’s not just an evening affair either. Mornings are just as special here. Freshly baked in-house pastries fill the air with buttery aromas, and when paired with a Trading Post coffee, it’s hands down one of the best morning tea spots in the Bay. Whether you’re indulging in a brunch panini in the sun or settling in for a long dinner filled with vino and Italian classics, The Trading Post delivers an authentic, heartwarming experience that’s worth the detour.
This article was created in paid partnership with Bay of Plenty.
