Hamilton – or “the Tron”, is a vibrant river city located in the Waikato. Thanks to its waterside location, many scenic eateries provide a casual and relaxing setting to enjoy lunch. From retro bars to fine dining experiences, Hamilton offers plenty of fantastic eateries. The riverside walks in this city are a great way to round off your afternoon in style.
1. The Bank
Enjoy $13 Hamilton lunch deals every day of the week at The Bank, one of Hamilton’s most iconic bars and restaurants. Located on the corner where Hood Street meets the main road, this bar’s introduction in 1994 effectively created the hospitality precinct at the south end of the central city. There are plenty of options to enjoy on the $13 menu, including burgers, butter chicken, cheese and bacon wedges, pork belly bao, and bacon and mushroom carbonara. If you fancy something sweet to finish your meal, try one of the delicious waffles, which are two for the price of one every Sunday from 10:30am to 2:30pm.
2. Jukebox Diner
Step back to the 50’s and enjoy a unique dining experience at the Jukebox Diner, where every detail encapsulates the feel of the 50’s. Try one of the aptly named menu items such as the “greased lightning burger,” “the hound dog,” and “hit the road jack” – a BBQ pulled jackfruit served in a sesame seed bun with lettuce, guacamole, and aioli. It is the perfect Hamilton cafe for lunch and offers a range of specials from bottomless coffees to 2-for-1 burgers to buy one get one free hotdogs, so make sure you ask for the day’s specials before you order. While you’re here, step next door and enjoy more than 100 vintage cars in the classics museum. Here, you’ll also find a wide range of petrol memorabilia, vintage toys, and vintage scenes of New Zealand.
3. Mexico
Enjoy the flavours of Mexico in this city centre eatery that offers up several dishes, including tacos, burritos, and fajitas. There’s so much to enjoy in this vibrant restaurant, from walls adorned with murals and paintings to mismatched accessories and knick-knacks. No matter your appetite, Mexico will satisfy you, and the tapas menu ensures you can eat as much or as little as you like. Plus, every day until 4 pm, you can enjoy the $22 degustation Hamilton lunch deals, which comes with a taco complete with guacamole and totopos, fried chicken or cauliflower, and a soda.
4. Gothenburg
Set in a stunning riverside location, this Hamilton restaurant offers a delectable tapas menu for lunch and dinner. The food here is sublime, and if you opt for the chef’s special, you can enjoy eight courses or more with prices that start at just $60 per person. If you’re only looking for a light bite, try the arancini filled with mushroom and blue cheese or the beef tataki with miso mayo and crispy shallots – you won’t regret it.
5. The Cock & Bull
This English Pub extends a warm British welcome from the other side of the world. There’s so much memorabilia hanging on the walls that you could enjoy this relaxed setting for an entire afternoon. And the team offer the charming hospitality you’d find in an English local. Enjoy a classic such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. You can even taste a giant Yorkshire pudding complete with roast beef, onion, chips, peas, and gravy! It doesn’t get much more British than that.
6. Garden Place Noodle Bar
If you enjoy the tastes of Asia, check out the Garden Place Noodle Bar, where fresh hand-pulled noodles, dumplings, and steam buns are on the menu. The crew here know their stuff, and every meal is carefully crafted with skill and attention to detail. The location is handy for anyone visiting the city centre. Still, if you’d prefer to eat from home, the shop offers six different delivery options to bring their quality food right to your doorstep. Don’t mistake the Noodle Bar for a simple takeaway, though; if you dine in this venue, you’ll lunch in style surrounded by dark wood interiors and lantern lighting. With so much on offer, you’ll want to sit back and relax as you choose the best food to sample. Once you’ve placed your order, you can see the chef go to work right in front of your eyes as they stretch and thump the noodles into shape.
7. Mr Pickles
Developed by a team of hospitality pros, Mr Pickles has become one of the most prominent Hamilton restaurants and a great place to stop for lunch. With food designed for sharing, you can mix and match from the charcuterie range or pick a plate to enjoy all the food. If you can’t decide what you’d like, go with the chef’s choice and let the experts decide for you. Located in the city centre, this eatery overlooks Victoria on the River, a recent development above the Waikato River that offers luxurious seating in a premium spot. A short path leads down to the waterfront, where there are a few beautiful walking tracks to enjoy.
8. The Furnace
If you’re looking for a lavish lunch setting in Hamilton, it’s hard to look past The Furnace. This place caters to a wide range of tastes, providing high-quality food and a stylish environment. Whether you’re looking to book a romantic lunch for two or a girly get-together for ten, the Furnace caters for all. Enjoy one of the mains like Waratah Farms pork belly or the Thai green curry. Or treat everyone to a charcuterie platter complete with cured meats, artisan cheese, warm bread, dips, and pickles. If you’re looking for a post-lunch excursion, this restaurant is ideally located for a five-minute stroll to the museum and ArtsPost.
