North Island's West Coast Restaurants

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.

Sort by: 4 Recommendations {{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }} 0 Recommendations
CLEAR ALL Area Search CLEAR ALL
Loading...
  • 1. Arranged Marriage

    $$

    The dosa (a filled, savory pancake) takes pride of place on the menu at this southern-Indian restaurant on New Plymouth's main street. The most traditional (and popular) option is the masala dosa (filled with seasoned potatoes, other vegetables, and mixed spices), but you can also get a number of variations, including one with mozzarella cheese for an "India meets Italy" combo. Other dishes to try include aubergines with roasted coriander and cashews, goat in fresh sliced coconut, and grilled fish with tiger prawns in banana leaf. If you need help, the enthusiastic staff here will be happy to provide explanations. A nice touch is the "peace wall" that displays quotations from famous people along the entire length of the restaurant.

    77 Devon St. E., New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand
    06-215--4488

    Known For

    • Central location on main street
    • Set menus available for two people or more
    • Lentil doughnuts for starters

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 2. Caffe Windsor

    $$

    Wholesome homemade food attracts both Taranaki locals and travelers to this character-filled village café housed in a circa-1878 butcher shop. The menu runs from breakfast through late lunch (i.e., 5 pm), with dinner only on Friday and Saturday nights. Midway between New Plymouth and Stratford, in the town of Inglewood, it’s a welcome spot if you’re on the road, heading to the mountain.

    1 Kelly St., Inglewood, Taranaki, 4330, New Zealand
    06-756–6665

    Known For

    • Best baristas for miles
    • Gourmet burger selection
    • Waffles for breakfast

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Sun.–Wed.
  • 3. Snug Lounge

    $$

    The casual yet stylish setup at this Japanese yakitori grill and cocktail bar is designed to bring people together, and it works. The menu focuses on small plates to share. Quality wines, craft beers, and sake are also available. Located in the heritage-listed White Heart Hotel, the Snug has cozy nooks and crannies plus a sheltered courtyard with a massive gas fire and barbecue. Lunch is served on Friday, but otherwise it's dinner only.

    124 Devon St. W, New Plymouth, Taranaki, 4310, New Zealand
    06-757–9130

    Known For

    • Steamed buns, dumplings with assorted fillings, and spicy meat skewers
    • Deep-fried kusiage delights
    • Alcohol-infused desserts

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Sat.–Thurs.
  • 4. 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, Taranaki, 4311, New Zealand
    06-757–2711

    Known For

    • Sunday roasts
    • Lively late dining (go early if you want quiet)
    • Charcoal-flavored foods all served with chimichurri

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

No Restaurants Results

Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:

There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:

Recommended Fodor’s Video