Waiheke is the island paradise just off the shores of Auckland that offers world-class vineyards, restaurants, and diverse eco-tour experiences. This is a must-visit destination when you’re visiting Auckland and is easy to access from the central city. Take a 35-minute passenger ferry from downtown Auckland or drive to Half Moon Bay, where a car ferry will transport you to this tropical island in just 45 minutes. If you want to arrive in style, you can even take a helicopter flight. Here are some of the best places to eat on Waiheke Island.
1. Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant
If you’re looking for one of the best vineyard restaurants on Waiheke Island that exudes class and offers a fine dining experience to all of its guests, look no further than Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant; the must-visit destination that offers spectacular sea views by day and stunning sunsets by night. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily, with some guests choosing to arrive by helicopter. Its menu emphasises red meats such as a rack of lamb and a Black Angus eye filet that perfectly complement the Bordeaux wines that predominate the island. While you’re here, take the opportunity to explore the bespoke hand-picked and harvested wines available at the cellar door and explore the beautiful expanse of vines and gardens surrounding the venue. This romantic destination is perfect for weddings. If you want to stay on the island a little longer, Mudbrick offers luxury accommodation with a 360-degree view of your lush surroundings.
2. Three Seven Two
Named for the first three digits of its phone number, Three Seven Two has won multiple awards, including the ‘Best Destination Restaurant’ and ‘1 Hat Cuisine Food Awards 2021/2022’, cementing its status as one of the best places to eat on Waiheke Island. Located front and centre of Onetangi Beach, Three Seven Two offers panoramic views of the South Pacific Ocean and some of the freshest dishes the island offers. Enjoy a meal in the sprawling and spacious dining room or sip cocktails at the tropical garden bar. Dishes include dry-aged pork chop with creamed spinach and kumara and whole flounder with cafe de Paris butter and pommes allumettes. Or, if you’re looking for the perfect accompaniment to a glass of wine, try the selection of cheeses handcrafted by small-scale New Zealand cheesemakers, complete with crackers, fruits, and nuts.
3. Waiheke Distilling Co.
Located on the ridge above Cowes Bay, the Waiheke Distilling Co. offers stunning views from the ‘other side of Waiheke Island’. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the garden bar as you admire the view of Pakatoa Island, the Coromandel, and beyond. Not only is this venue one of the best Waiheke restaurants; but they’re also one of the most renowned gin producers in the area with a range that includes their signature product, ‘the Spirit of Waiheke’, and the Red Ruby gin set with an infusion of New Zealand cherries. Try a gin or vodka tasting board for only $18.00 and pair your spirits with one of the delectable platters available at this eatery. Options include bread, olives, cured meats, anchovies, and heirloom tomatoes. Think charcuterie and cheese boards and delicious gins.
4. The Courtyard
Enjoy the friendly vibes of The Courtyard Waiheke, Restaurant and Garden Bar, the ‘secret local place to be’, where you can enjoy a gourmet dining experience or a drink in the flourishing garden bar. This Waiheke restaurant in Oneroa offers a menu packed with New Zealand classics and influenced by the flavours of the Mediterranean. Dinner includes pan-roasted clams with chilli and garlic, calamari spaghetti, and eggplant parmigiana with buffalo mozzarella and prosciutto. Cheese and meat platters are also available, and you’ll find something new to try every time you visit, thanks to its weekly rotating menu. Simon Kelly’s carefully curated wine pairing list means you can always find the perfect alcoholic accompaniment to complete your dining experience.
5. Tantalus Estate
The Tantalus Estate offers one of the best Waiheke vineyard restaurants where fine wines and expertly crafted plates combine for the perfect dining experience. Every glass of wine is lovingly crafted through a combination of traditional winemaking practices and cutting-edge innovation. Their winemaker, Alex Perez, is on hand to ensure that every glass delivers just the right amount of flavour and elegance. Your dining options include a two or three-course set menu or the estate tasting menu incorporating snacks and a four-course meal. Mains include Greenstone Creek beef tenderloin, Lumina Farms lamb rack, and crispy ribs. While dessert options offer vanilla bean parfait and ‘textures of strawberry’. You can also choose from entrees, table food, and a cheese course in this luxury dining experience that promises to deliver a taste sensation.
6. Casita Miro
Visit the less travelled side of Waiheke, and you’ll find some of the island’s best-kept secrets. One of these is Casita Miro, which transports you to the vineyards of the Spanish countryside. Here, the cuisine focuses on the flavours of Spain and the Mediterranean, with a range of tapas and sharing plates available. Start with goat’s cheese croqueta, followed by slow-cooked Leeland’s lamb shoulder, complete with babaganoush, harissa, and salted pistachios. Sample the gambas al ajillo complete with pan-seared prawns, garlic, parsley, and lemon, followed by an ‘ensalada’ of Waiheke greens. The venue is open for tastings seven days a week, where you can sample their unique vineyard wines and a range of sherries imported from Andalucia.
7. The Oyster Inn
Fresh Te Matuku oysters and views of the bay; it’s barefoot luxury all the way at the Oyster Inn. This bistro is in the heart of Oneroa Village and is one of the best places to eat on Waiheke Island. Enjoy a wine at the bar or book a long lunch with friends. The Oyster Inn serves up market fish specials, seafood pasta and robust beef cheeks. The oysters are the star of any show, and go down nicely with a local glass of wine. Enjoy nibbles like smoked kahawai mousse with grilled sourdough on the verandah at this beachside Waiheke restaurant. You can even stay the night in one of their boutique hotel rooms so you never have to go home after dinner!
Keep exploring with our list of 7 of the Best Beaches on Waiheke Island here.
8. Ki Māha
This is beachside dining at its best. Book a table at Ki Māha on the edge of Onetangi Beach for a memorable Waiheke Island experience. The high-pitched ceiling and large windows opening the inside to the beach views make this an inviting space to eat in. Feast on oysters, kingfish crudo and crayfish to start. The seafood on this menu is fitting for the location. Head to Ki Māha for a hearty lunch or an afternoon nibble and drink in the sun. A stroll along the water’s edge afterwards completes the experience at one of the best places to eat on Waiheke Island.
Cover image credit: Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant
