Paihia Food & Drink: Top 5 Spots You Absolutely Must Check Out

If you are planning a trip to the beautiful Bay of Islands, finding some delicious food and refreshing drinks is likely top of mind. Paihia, the hub of the Bay, happens to be brimming with delightful options, which are very capable of satisfying all your cravings. That is to say, from spots dishing out super fresh seafood to cozy bars with some great local brews, there is, in fact, something for pretty much everyone. So, allow us to introduce you to five absolute must-visit spots in Paihia which are basically guaranteed to tickle your taste buds and leave you with really amazing memories. Read our full review: Paihia Food and Drink Full Review and Details

1. Zane Grey’s Restaurant & Bar

Zane Grey’s Restaurant & Bar might be just a little different, as it offers a dining experience with panoramic views that you can see for miles and miles. Very often mentioned for its stellar location, you’ll be treated to not only exceptional cuisine but also seriously jaw-dropping scenery that features pretty expansive views of the Bay of Islands. Very nicely situated right on the waterfront, the place makes a point of specializing in super fresh seafood – the kind of freshness where it seems the fish only very recently left the ocean. I mean, you could start with their seafood chowder, packed with different seafoods, then maybe go for a perfectly cooked fish of the day, you know? As a matter of fact, beyond the food, the bar is, too, well-stocked with local and international drinks. Anyway, this would really be a fantastic spot to relax, grab a fancy cocktail and watch the sunset. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Zane Grey’s Restaurant & Bar)

2. The Gables Restaurant

If we are speaking about history and charm mixed together, then it’s hard not to appreciate The Gables Restaurant. To tell the truth, it’s one of Paihia’s oldest buildings, which just exudes a certain, old-timey ambiance. So, this place tends to have a very inviting vibe, that might be just a little different from all of the restaurants in Paihia, where you can sit on the deck right by the water. I feel that there’s something lovely about watching the tide while eating your dinner, don’t you think? Typically, the Gables menu covers a wide array of classic New Zealand dishes with an emphasis on, guess what, local produce. Actually, many speak highly of the seafood platter as the most requested item, alongside their lamb dishes which seem very tasty and so popular with the diners there. Basically, The Gables is very well known for providing a dining experience that’s great for a pretty romantic evening or that sort of special event where only the finest location is good enough. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (The Gables Restaurant)

3. Alfresco’s Restaurant & Bar

Positioned right in the heart of Paihia, Alfresco’s Restaurant & Bar offers a vibrant atmosphere coupled with what I consider to be a very diverse menu that definitely has a thing or two for pretty much all tastes. It isn’t the seafood that other Paihia restaurants focus on, however. A matter of fact, that sort of sets Alfresco’s Restaurant & Bar aside from most of the other locations in town. In any case, expect a fantastic setting suitable for different occasions. That is, for example, from casual lunches to more special dinner gatherings. Very popular with those eating at Alfresco’s Restaurant & Bar seem to recommend trying the pizzas (often named as the very best ones around!), alongside the pasta dishes, too, which actually have some real flavor. Well, if the atmosphere counts a lot, then do notice that this place, actually, boasts some fantastic people-watching spots from its outside seating area, right? You’ll like it so much that you’ll want to hang around just a little longer. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Alfresco’s Restaurant & Bar)

4. Thirty3

Thirty3 could be described as one of those super stylish destinations for both food and drink. It’s found a tiny bit away from the main drag so, therefore, it tends to be a less chaotic place than most spots. To tell the truth, Thirty3 serves some really innovative and sophisticated meals alongside what they say are really craft cocktails. Like your cocktails strong and delicious? You just might have arrived in Heaven. Anyway, they serve everything from small plates designed, arguably, for sharing, to what I am going to claim is a rather substantial mains course for the person who happens to be really hungry. Just remember to order that before you decide to sip down multiple craft cocktails. Clearly, a large part of Thirty3’s allure is that it’s about creating a truly special experience that I reckon goes way, way beyond simply food on a plate. This really tends to be about great service that’s about making you feel pretty good, amazing drinks, a lively vibe and good people. The restaurant looks good, very! It very clearly brings in an upscale crowd that definitely can make the joint quite busy most nights. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Thirty3)

5. Charlotte’s Kitchen

As you might suspect, Charlotte’s Kitchen has, in recent years, turned out to be another modern place in Paihia with an appealing setup for those wanting a dining spot right on the water. As a matter of fact, it literally is found out on a wharf. So, Charlotte’s Kitchen focuses pretty extensively on shareable plates, also serving entrees. These, too, tend to focus more on fresh, pretty local produce whenever and wherever possible. First, maybe go with small tapas-like plates such as their steamed buns (or bao buns), various wontons or very delectable dumplings. Then follow that up with a big entree, perhaps some type of roast? Of course, many people praise the atmosphere. That’s because Charlotte’s Kitchen, indeed, presents this awesome viewing space of the Bay of Islands from just about every single seat in the house, as well as an upbeat atmosphere where almost all feel really welcome. Arguably, their dedication to using produce when in season means that just about everyone experiences food prepared at peak freshness that just, almost, jumps from the ocean to your plate! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Charlotte’s Kitchen)

Read our full review: Paihia Food and Drink Full Review and Details