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New Zealand

Where to Eat in Hawke's Bay

New Zealand — Hawke's Bay — the best restaurants, must-try dishes, and practical dining tips for your wine trip to Hawke's Bay.

Local Cuisine

The culinary tradition of Hawke's Bay is rooted in New Zealand — Hawke's Bay cooking. Local restaurants pair regional dishes with wines from the surrounding vineyards, making dining an integral part of the wine country experience.

Must-Try Dishes

Napier crayfish (rock lobster)
Hawke's Bay lamb
Stone fruit (peaches, nectarines — summer)
Local cheeses with Chardonnay
Paua (abalone) fritters

Restaurant Recommendations

Fine Dining

Elephant Hill Restaurant

Fine Dining

Stunning clifftop estate restaurant at Elephant Hill winery with Te Awanga coast views

NZ$$$$

Winery Restaurant

Craggy Range — Terrôir

Winery Restaurant

Estate dining at one of NZ's premier wineries, the Terrôir restaurant is a Hawke's Bay landmark

NZ$$$

Bistro

Mister D — Napier

Bistro

Napier's Art Deco city restaurant with innovative NZ cuisine and an outstanding local wine list

NZ$$$

Casual

Hastings Farmers Market

Casual

Sunday morning market in Hastings with local produce, Hawke's Bay honey, artisan breads

NZ$

Dining Etiquette & Tips

Tipping

Not expected. 10% for outstanding service.

Meal Times

Lunch: 12:00–14:00 · Dinner: 18:00–21:30

Reservations

Elephant Hill and Craggy Range are popular — book 1+ week ahead. Summer (Dec–Feb) is busiest.

Vegetarian Options

Good

Tours & Experiences in Hawke's Bay

Book wine tours directly with Viator or GetYourGuide

Hawke's Bay Wine Tasting Tours

Half day – full dayExpert-led cellar tours

Guided tastings at top wineries in Hawke's Bay with an expert sommelier.

Hawke's Bay Food & Wine Experiences

2–4 hoursLocal produce & pairings

Pair local cuisine with regional wines on a food and wine tour of Hawke's Bay.

Hawke's Bay Winery Day Trips

Full daySmall-group, expert guide

Small-group day trips to the most celebrated estates and vineyards in Hawke's Bay.

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