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Seafood abounds in the north with scallops and oysters farmed throughout the region, though occasional sewerage scares and algae blooms put them off-limits. Snapper and kingfish are available year-round, and marlin and broad-bill swordfish are abundant between January and June.
The region prides itself on its local produce, and with more skillful chefs arriving in the region, the restaurant food has improved.
People eat earlier in Northland than in the cities, with restaurants filling around 7. Dress is casual—jeans are acceptable in all but the most upscale lodges. From May through September, many restaurants close or reduce their opening hours, some to four nights a week. October sees regular hours resume.
The proprietors of this outfit take food, coffee, and hospitality seriously. It's an oasis of superb food and well worth a stop on a trip through the North. The coffee is especially good, as is the big range of egg dishes, salads, and sandwiches. The menu for meals changes frequently and is built around seasonal produce, much of it from local suppliers. The wine list has local and international offerings. Check the website for pop-up food events.
Named after the missionary Samuel Marsden, who planted New Zealand's first grapevines in Kerikeri in 1819, this family-run winery is a popular breakfast and lunch spot and for good reason. The seasonal menu is eclectic and is built around fresh, local produce. On a fine day ask for a table on the terrace. It's also a great place for breakfast, with vegan and gluten-free options available, or a leisurely lunch. The winery offers tastings for $8 (refundable on buying a bottle) and will ship to anywhere in the world.
This eatery draws diners with cuisine that fuses fresh local produce with an international flair. The local love for Tonic is intense, so be prepared to wait for a table.
This busy restaurant is named after Charlotte Badger, one of the first European women to live in New Zealand; legend says she was actually a pirate. It's pricey, but worth it for the delicious Japan-inspired seafood, seasonal vegetables, wood-fired pizza, and also gorgeous views from its location at the end of the wharf.
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