From its ocean, river and estuaries to the fields and bush-clad mountains, this is a region of remarkable abundance, and local eateries take full advantage.
This article was originally published via Stuff.
Don’t let its laid-back beachy vibe fool you; chefs, baristas and brewers in the Eastern Bay of Plenty are serious about innovation and keen to flex their culinary creativity.
From coffee to croissants and bagels and beer, we’ve compiled a round up of some of Eastern Bay’s best cafés, bars and restaurants.
Where to start the day right...
Drift Matatā
This shipping container turned cool shack-style café in Matatā has awesome coffee with a great view of the lagoon.
Drift uses organic coffee beans, gluten-free and vegan options, local produce and has packaged goodies on sale, too. Try the southern cheese rolls – they’re divine!
Owner Nikita Murphy adds, “Our vision was to create a place where everyone could congregate and enjoy a decent coffee.”
Moxi Café
This stylish, upbeat café in the heart of Ōhope has a welcoming beachy vibe.
It’s staunch about supporting local producers including the Whakatāne-brewed Mata Beer for its battered fish and chips dish.
Check out its ridiculously decadent brioche French toast that’s served with fairy floss and pistachio crunch.
Feeling a little hungry?
Fisherman’s Wharf
Enjoy steak and seafood on the deck of this relaxed, beachy restaurant while watching the sunset over Ōhiwa Harbour.
Takeaway fish and chips are available from a handy window outside. Book dinner to coincide with sunset and request a table on the deck for that super romantic date night.
Their catch of the day is literally fresh from the ocean and the menu alters to take advantage of the locally grown goods. Owner Tom Maguire says, “We have the perfect spot to simply stop and hit pause, have a ‘be here now’ moment.”
The Wagon
This gourmet burger bar on The Strand in Whakatāne is known for its massive American-style burgers and friendly staff who refuse to divulge the ingredients of the secret sauce.
Casual dining that has vege and vegan options using jackfruit, mushroom, and falafel. For meat eaters, you can’t go past the “@%#!ing good” with a New Zealand beef patty, smoky cheese, secret sauce, pickles and lettuce.
Cadera
The Eastern Bay's only Mexican restaurant is a firm local favourite for good reason. Wander in from the beach for a quick bite to eat or settle in with a group of friends and round after round of margaritas.
We adore the authentic nachos that are made with freshly fried corn chips and the jalapeño poppers for that spicy kick.
Cigol
A modern fusion Korean restaurant with a Pacific twist.
The rack of lamb and Korean fried chicken are top sellers but for a really great experience (and because sometimes it’s just impossible to choose), we recommend ordering a sharing menu.
Enjoy the Korean barbecue plate, stone sizzling bi bim bap, Chinese pork ribs, Japanese yakitori and much more. Save room for dessert – the mango bing-su is a super sweet treat.
If you're on a seafood diet...
Tio Ōhiwa Oyster Farm
This oyster farm has been popular with locals and visitors since it opened in 1968. Look for the iconic white shed on the main road just a kilometre south of Ōhope.
Sit outside and enjoy a freshly cooked oyster burger right on the shore of Ōhiwa Harbour.
Besides growing all its own oysters, the farm also serves smoked mussels, fresh fish, seafood, burgers and meals.
Gibbo’s on the Wharf
Your go-to local fish and chips spot right on the wharf on Whakatāne Harbour.
A great selection of fresh fish, selection of seafood including shrimp salads, fresh mussels, oysters, kina and raw fish.
Try Gibbo's unique crumbed fish which cleverly seals the fish and steams it from the inside.
When you're thirsty...
Mata Brewery
Whakatāne’s boutique local has been brewing innovative award-winning beer for 16 years.
Order a tasting paddle to try four of the 12 beers and ciders on tap and then grab some tasty pizzas or wedges to enjoy alongside. If beer’s not your taste, cool off with an adult slushy – right now, it’s mojito or vodka cranberry.
Sit inside to watch the brewers work their magic or outside in the sunshine.
The Comm.
Inside one of Whakatāne’s most iconic historic buildings that dates back to 1896, The Comm. is home to Good George beer and cider.
Consider this your go-to for hearty soul food, and if you don’t have time to sit down, you can even buy bottles of beer and cider to take away.
Sit out on the roadside or in the garden bar that has a view up to the waterfall. Try the daily deals, known as ‘rituals’, like ‘ribs and a pint’ and ‘$1 wings’.
