The Best Restaurant in North Island's West Coast, New Zealand

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Throughout western North Island, provincial city restaurants and small, tourist-town cafés feature an overall sophistication you might not expect away from major urban centers: think wholesome and hearty fare, local organic produce, good espresso and loose-leaf teas, high-quality New Zealand wines, plus local craft beers. Counter food is generally fresh salads, paninis, filled rolls, sweet or savory pies, and homemade soups.

Dinner menus in the higher-end restaurants include the chef's latest creations using high-quality New Zealand eye fillet of beef (beef tenderloin), fish, lamb racks, pork fillets, and chicken. The best chefs change menus regularly to focus on fresh regional and seasonal ingredients. You will also find Indian, Thai, Malaysian, Japanese, Mexican, Turkish, and Italian restaurants, even in smaller centers. "Smart-casual" is about as formal as attire gets.

Social Kitchen

$$

The name says it all: this is the place to socialize with friends while sharing plates from the open kitchen. The food has been fired up with flavor in the South American--styled Mibrasa charcoal oven or slow-cooked to create delicious 12-hour smoked meats. There’s also a huge selection of tapas-style shellfish, vegetables, charcuterie, and breads. While the food is high-quality, the decor is pretty casual; guests sit at high benches in the sheltered courtyard or the slightly more formal restaurant seating inside.

40 Powderham St., New Plymouth, 4311, New Zealand
06-757–2711
Known For
  • Friendly service
  • Lively late dining (go early if you want quiet)
  • Charcoal-flavored foods
Restaurant Details
No lunch

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