East Coast and the Volcanic Zone Restaurants

Rotorua has the area's most diverse dining scene. You can order anything from Indian to Japanese fare, or, for true local flavor, try a M?ori h?ngi (a traditional meal cooked in an earth oven or over a steam vent). Hawke's Bay is another hot spot; its winery restaurants emphasize sophisticated preparations and food-and-wine pairings. Around Eastland, which is so laid-back it's nearly horizontal, the choices are simpler, and you'll be treated with the area's characteristic friendliness. One thing you won't find on any menu is fresh trout. Laws prohibit selling this fish, but if you catch a trout, chefs at most lodging establishments will cook it for you.

Dressing up for dinner, or any other meal, is a rarity, expected at only the most high-end lodges and restaurants.

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  • 1. Brantry Restaurant

    $$$$

    The menu is updated seasonally at this converted 1950s town house on a suburban street not far from the shores of Lake Taupo. Owners Prue and Felicity Campbell know what they're doing and use the best local ingredients to make delicious things to satisfy all palates. Wines include those from emerging and boutique vineyards.

    45 Rifle Range Rd., Taupo, Waikato, New Zealand
    64-07-378–0484

    Known For

    • Ever-changing innovative menu
    • High-quality ingredients
    • Unique wines

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Tues.--Thurs., Reservations essential
  • 2. Pacifica Restaurant

    $$$$

    Enter this weathered blue bungalow to experience the innovative cooking and fresh produce Pacifica brings to the New Zealand dining scene. The five-course degustation menus with matched wine change daily and reflect the chef's creativity and commitment to using the finest local products.

    209 Marine Parade, Napier, Hawke's Bay, 4110, New Zealand
    64-06-833–6335

    Known For

    • Fresh seafood and pasta
    • Two excellent (but pricey) tasting menus
    • Great wines

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch
  • 3. Terroir Restaurant

    $$$$

    The massive cedar doors, high circular roof, and open wood fire give this well-regarded restaurant at Craggy Range Winery a rustic character. Although the menu is loosely country French, the "rustic" cuisine here is far from unsophisticated. Start with venison tartare or the twice-baked goat cheese soufflé; then move on to mouthwatering main courses like wood-fired whole fish with fried potatoes and aioli. For a sweet finish, the eclectic dessert menu features a classic vanilla crème brûlée. On warm evenings, you can dine on the terrace with views of Te Mata Peak.

    253 Waimarama Rd., Havelock North, Hawke's Bay, 4294, New Zealand
    64-06-873–0143

    Known For

    • Some of the best wine in the region
    • Twice-baked goat cheese soufflé
    • Gorgeous views from the terrace

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. Apr.–Oct. No dinner Sun.
  • 4. The Bistro

    $$$$

    This joint aims for simple but nice and has fittingly become an impressive but unpretentious eatery. Large cylindrical lamp shades brighten the modern interior, creating a contemporary bistro vibe; the food follows suit, focusing on what’s fresh and seasonal. Try the crackled pork belly with kūmara (sweet potato) and pickled red cabbage or the sweet corn cakes with roasted red-pepper sauce, either of which can be topped off with a selection of house-made sweets.

    17 Tamamutu St., Taupo, Waikato, New Zealand
    64-07-377–3111

    Known For

    • Standard European fare with a local twist
    • Good wine list
    • Excellent pork belly

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 5. The Marina Restaurant & Bar

    $$$$

    Originally the ballroom of a stately home, this high-ceilinged restaurant lives up to its pedigree and brings French flair to Gisborne. Attention to detail from start to finish is the hallmark here. On the menu, look for the steamed fresh fish fillet with crushed new potatoes and bell-pepper confit. The dark chocolate mousse cake with praline crunch and cocoa sorbet is a divine dessert choice.

    Vogel St., Gisborne, Gisborne, 4010, New Zealand
    06-868–5919

    Known For

    • <PRO>modern French fine dining</PRO>
    • <PRO>local ingredients</PRO>
    • <PRO>deck seating with beautiful views</PRO>

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch Tues. and Wed., Credit cards accepted
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  • 6. The Works Café & Winery

    $$$$

    This eatery in the former Gisborne Freezing Works embraces its industrial roots (note the large driveshaft and pulleys on the brick walls). The menu builds on local products and seasonality, from cheeses to fruit, scallops to calamari. The sticky pork ribs served with a rich barbecue sauce, potato wedges, and coleslaw is one popular choice; the panfried fish of the day in white wine sauce is another.

    41 The Esplanade, Gisborne, Gisborne, New Zealand
    64-06-868–9699

    Known For

    • Excellent panfried fish
    • Cool atmosphere
    • Local wine

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