Matakana is a small town, with big character. Located in the lush, rolling hills north of Auckland, this popular getaway destination is a haven for foodies thanks to its magnificent vineyards, boutique eateries, and quality farmer’s markets. If you’re looking for places to eat in Matakana, here are some of the best.
1. Jin Jin
Jin Jin is a modern Asian eatery located in the heart of Matakana. Here, a talented team offers authentic, flavoursome dishes complimented by local wines and beer. Mains include wok-blasted calamari with Chinese sausage on Asian slaw, beef stir-fry with Asian greens, and banana prawns with house sambal. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this friendly restaurant where you don’t need to shout to be heard. Admire the attention to detail with bamboo straws and beautifully presented food. If you’re craving some divine dumplings and a seriously good curry, Jin Jin is worth travelling to Matakana for.
2. Smiths
Think classic kiwi bach in the 60s and old-school blacksmiths; that’s Smiths in Matakana. This industrial yet retro establishment offers a unique and inviting dining experience in the small town. Smiths is one of Matakana’s best restaurants for sharing food with your friends. Each plate is designed for two or more people and boasts bold flavours with an ‘international fusion’ theme. Indulge in the meat lovers platter complete with rump steak, smoked brisket, prosciutto, garlic ciabatta, rocket, parmesan, and truffle mayo. Or delight your taste buds with the chef’s Indian curry. If you can’t decide which meal to choose, mix and match the small plates to combine several flavours from around the globe. Plus, roti Thursdays are officially a thing! Smiths have specials available throughout the week like taco Tuesdays and Fiji Fridays. Live music $12 margaritas are a go on Sundays!
3. Matakana Market Kitchen
Matakana Market Kitchen offers a relaxed dining venue where customers can enjoy fresh, seasonal meals made from quality ingredients. As far as Matakana cafes go, this is one of the more expensive; still, the price tag reflects the fresh, high-quality ingredients delivered to your plate. The Matakana Market Kitchen is among the best places to eat in Matakana when you’re with friends, thanks to the range of dining options. The market table can seat up to 20 people, while the riverside terrace offers a relaxing break; high-top tables are perfect for post-dinner cocktails, and a number of restaurant tables cater to couples and families. Even the fussiest of eaters will find something to enjoy on their extensive menu that serves everything from eye fillet to organic quinoa salad or Sri Lankan prawn curry.
4. Plume Restaurant and Cafe
Enjoy the stunning setting and signature menu that establishes Plume as one of the most exclusive vineyard eateries and the perfect place to host a wedding or special occasion. Onsite villas let you kick back and relax for the evening with a bottle of your favourite. The luxury accommodation allows you to enjoy this tranquil setting for a while longer. Even if you’re not looking for such a grand day out, this is one of the best restaurants in Matakana to enjoy a special evening with your significant other. And the Plume Cafe is perfect for brunching and lunching in a more casual environment.
5. Tramcar Diner
Try dining with a difference in the Tramcar Diner, one of the best cafes in Matakana to enjoy burgers, salads, shakes, and smoothies. Enjoy the quirkiness of the tramcar filled with house-made burgers, fresh sandwiches and an abundance of sweet treats. Feast on burgers named the ‘Hipster’, a quinoa and feta creation, or the ‘Donald’ loaded with aromatic duck. Burgers come in one of three styles; toasted, gluten-free, or as a salad. If you’re after a kiwi classic like Fish and Chips, this is the perfect spot to eat in Matakana! Don’t miss out on the wide range of shakes and smoothies either. Whether it’s takeaway or dine-in, treat yourself to one of these sweet delights.
6. Charlie’s Gelato Garden
Charlie’s is one of the best places in Matakana to find a sweet afternoon treat. Here, you can enjoy a range of award-winning fresh gelato that’s handmade onsite. Only the highest quality ingredients are used to create the best-tasting gelato that crowds flock to Matakana for. There’s something to suit everyone, with more than 40 ice cream flavours to choose from, and the Gelato garden offers the perfect spot to chill out among locals and visitors alike to bask in the relaxed vibes of the area.
7. Rothko at Sculptureum
Voted one of the best restaurants Matakana has to offer, Rothko offers a high-quality dining experience to all of its guests. Led by head chef Josh Hazel, the talented team of cooks craft each menu to incorporate the season’s freshest ingredients. The a la carte menu offers a range of delectable dishes, including Aoraki Mount Cook salmon with coconut broth and bok choy, roasted pork belly, and slow-cooked lamb shoulder with cumin flatbread. You’ll want to set aside an entire day to make the most of this experience, as the Rothko Restaurant is located in Matakana’s Sculptureum. Here, you can wander at your own pace as you admire the range of interesting and eclectic sculptures.
8. Rusty Pelican
The Rusty Pelican is one of the best places to eat in Matakana if you’re looking for a venue that provides quality food without breaking the bank. Enjoy a range of hand-crafted dishes catering to meat eaters, seafood lovers, vegans, and lovers of all things organic. Choose from one of the daily specials including Big Burger Monday and two-for-one pizzas on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The day for a seafood dinner at Rusty Pelicans is Wednesday, and enjoy a tasty steak, chips and salad on Fridays! You can’t go wrong at this classic Matakana institution.
Cover image credit: Smiths Matakana
