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.

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  • 1. Article Cafe

    $

    The local newspaper used to be produced in this historic building, but the premises now house a friendly café that doubles as a retro clothes and arts store. A large communal wooden table takes pride of place near the streetside windows, so this is a great place to chat with locals or just people-watch while you enjoy a cup of organic, fair-trade coffee. It is also known for its biscuits and cakes; the gluten-free chocolate and prune tart with blackberries is a popular choice.

    21 Drews Ave., Whanganui, Manawatu-Whanganui, New Zealand
    027-752--2472

    Known For

    • Location in Whanganui's emerging arts district
    • Artisan breads
    • Lively atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.--Tues.
  • 2. Momiji Japanese Restaurant and Cafe

    $$

    Traditional Japanese food made with a mix of imported Japanese ingredients and fresh local produce is the star here. There's also a good selection of beer, sake, rice wine, and New Zealand beverages. Momiji is set in an old heritage building, once a post office, in the CBD.

    26 Victoria Ave., Whanganui, Manawatu-Whanganui, 4500, New Zealand
    06-345–0444

    Known For

    • Bento boxes
    • Kirin beer on tap
    • Sashimi and sushi with locally caught fish

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 3. Stellar Restaurant and Bar

    $$

    This relaxed bar–restaurant specializes in pizzas, burgers, light meals, salads, and meaty main courses. It's also a music venue and hosts weekly quiz nights. There's a strong Kiwi character here, with wool presses for bar stands and giant screens for watching sports.

    2 Victoria Ave., Whanganui, Manawatu-Whanganui, 4500, New Zealand
    06-345–7278

    Known For

    • Strong Kiwi vibe
    • Late-night entertainment
    • Nice craft beer selection
  • 4. Yellow House Café

    $$

    Join the locals at this cozy café, spread throughout the veranda, garden, and several intimate rooms of an old, mostly yellow villa. It serves a full breakfast/brunch menu with all the classics as well as wholesome, house-cooked lunches. It's located across the road from the river and a two-minute drive from the city center. The cafe caters well to vegetarians and vegans (try the haloumi stack with roasted kumara, wilted greens, and smoked capsicum [roasted red peppers]) but for meat eaters, one of the best things on the menu is the ginger beer pulled-pork burger.

    17 Pitt St., Whanganui, Manawatu-Whanganui, 4500, New Zealand
    06-345–0083

    Known For

    • Best brunch menu in town
    • Great tea selection
    • Bright and welcoming atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
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