Food and Accommodation Must Go's in the Bay of Plenty

Loved for its long sandy coastline and popular beaches, the Bay of Plenty has a burgeoning foodie scene with some excellent eateries that will pleasantly surprise you.

It has been a few years since I visited the Bay of Plenty, and on my last long weekend stay in Mount Maunganui, I enjoyed the mix of surf and beach culture with some great cafés. It has a Byron Bay vibe, an airy healthy feel with locals pounding the streets running and hiking to the top of Mauao for a morning endorphin hit and a stunning view. That’s if they’re not in the water surfing.

This time I was treated to a full foodie immersion as a guest of Tourism Bay of Plenty for the Flavours of Plenty Festival – an annual 11-day-long celebration of chefs, restaurants, cafés, bars and food producers around the broader region. There is a lot to celebrate. The soil in the region is, and always has been, incredibly fertile, the sea is abundant with kai moana, and innovative producers have brought truffles, macadamia nuts, craft beer, cideries, honey, chocolate and so much more than the kiwifruit, avocado, kūmara and berries that the region was previously known for.

Which means there’s so much for chefs to work with. They don’t need to look far for the freshest seasonal produce, they all source as local as possible meaning menus revolve around the seasons keeping the offerings deliciously varied and vibrant.

Solera
165 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui

Choose the Chefs’ Pass and you’ll be seated at the bar in full view of the open kitchen where you can watch the chefs prepare the meals. Described as modern hearth cooking, the kitchen features a fire, stoked with oak and manuka wood. Pretty much all the dishes are cooked this way, and the result is varied and delicious. Based on a tapas sharing plates style, using local seasonal produce the menu varies with availability. Highlights included the Creamed Paua in a choux pastry with squid ink, Wagyu beef skewers, Octopus with melon, yuzu, capsicum and pinenuts and finally Aubergine with cherry tomato, pine nuts and spiced carrot. The wine bar interior is modern and moody with an extensive wine list that proudly focuses on New Zealand wines and includes the less familiar grape varieties from smaller wineries like chenin blanc, malbec and viognier and chilled red wine and orange wine (white wine made the same way as red). Owners Nick Potts and wife Chloe Ashman moved back to the Bay after working at some of Melbourne’s best restaurants and wanted to create a place of the same calibre.

Tay Street Beach Kitchen
154a Marine Parade, Mount Maunganui

A crowd favourite, the Eggs benedict features Tay Street Beach Kitchen’s house-smoked bacon and smells and tastes incredible. Situated across the road from the beach, this café is well known as its former iteration of Tay Street Beach Café until the team from Pāpāmoa’s Pearl Kitchen took ownership and transformed it. Choose from an indoor or outdoor table in the sun-drenched dining area and enjoy the gentle sea breeze under the shade of an umbrella. Next door is the equally popular Tay Street Store (different owners) selling coffee and cabinet food as well as a few deli items to take home.

Picnicka
Level 1, 38 Elizabeth Street, Tauranga

A sophisticated spot in the revitalized city centre, Picnicka is the latest concept from the masterminds of Clarence Hotel and Alpino; Kim and Noel Cimadon. Designed to be shared, the plates feature locally sourced produce, and everything is made on-site – the bread, pasta, pastries, sausages and more. Made by local company Authentic Ovens the wood-fired Argentinian-style barbeque adds a unique twist to the dishes. Open for breakfast, lunch or dinner we visited in the middle of the day and joined the throngs of happy diners. It was busy and would only get busier as the day progressed. Not only is the food to fall in love with but the interior fit-out is superb. Not surprisingly it won a Gold in the 2022 Best of Design Awards. Created by Ctrl-Space, who also worked on the Cimadon’s other establishments, the interior is eclectic and luxe featuring a range of lush and intricate textiles and details – natural timber furniture and cabinetry, stone flooring, hand-crafted wicker details, emerald green tiles and recycled brick-clad columns. It’s been designed to work around the demands of the day and has multiple zones to accommodate every kind of diner.

Lantern
20 Domain Road, Pāpāmoa Beach

This Southeast Asian restaurant has a beautiful garden setting with low-hanging lanterns providing a golden glow in a tropical oasis vibe. We went for the Flavours of Plenty Journey Through Southeast Asia event which was a degustation with a cocktail pairing. It did not disappoint. Each plate
was distinctive, from the Northern Thailand Herb and Pork Sausage in lettuce cups, Burmese Salad of Fermented Green Tea with chickpeas and nuts, Vietnamese Green Mango Salad with grilled eggplant sambal and Singaporean Poached Chicken with ginger and chive oil, marinated cucumber and sauteed greens to the standout Sumatran Braised Beef dry curry with pulled roti bread. They are known for their epic prawn toast which I unfortunately didn’t get to try but will definitely go back for.

Special Mention Café
399 Oceanbeach Road, Mount Maunganui

A neighbourhood café with a cool vibe ‘serving up the best of times’, great coffee plus satisfying dishes for breakfast and lunch. There’s everything from the classics; bacon and eggs to the special; think Slow- cooked Organic Cajun Spiced Beef on labneh with poached eggs, tomatillo salsa verde and flatbread, or House Crumpets with cherry basil mousse, raspberry biscuit crump and lime drizzle. They are famous for their smash burger, which owner Lex says he has perfected over the years fine-tuning the technique and ingredients. It features a mouthwatering organic beef patty with dill pickles, onion and ATK sauce on a toasted bun, the perfect option if you’ve indulged in a few too many drinks the night before. Cosy up in this stylish interior – with a warm yet fresh colour scheme that combines mustard yellow, terracotta, and navy.

Sailor Galley & Rum Bar
107 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui

One of the newer restaurants on the main strip, Sailor Galley and Rum Bar opened last August and is the latest culinary gem from Kimberley and Matt Hayward who also own Mount Maunganui’s Brew Co and Hide Thirst and Hunger. Well-known executive chef Perrin Yates created the menu which, unlike the name suggests, is not all seafood fare but is rather a considered selection of Kiwi favourites with a twist like the Coal-roasted venison striploin with eggplant, choy sum, mandarin and caramelized soy butter or the Dry-aged beef tenderloin, potato terrine, smoked leek and peppercorn jus. Think super yacht food, not a pirate ship. These dishes, alongside the BBQ fish and crayfish bisque with courgette and cannellini beans or Tuna carpaccio, make for a truly delightful culinary experience. The sophisticated interior includes brass accents, moss-green finger tiles behind the bar, oiled cedar wall panelling and dark hardwood floors, think sophisticated yacht on the beach. The Haywards originally wanted to do a wine bar however the allure of the amber liquor pulled them into crafting something unique for the Mount. The rum-inspired cocktail list features some absolute gems but also includes other tipples, plus the wine list has over 50 options. You can simply perch and have a wine and nibble or stay for a full meal.

Alma Eatery
4 The Esplanade, Ōmokoroa

In a very unassuming site, perched above a dairy looking out at the Ōmokoroa harbour is the award-winning Italian eatery by Polish-born Ewelina Large and her business partner Marko Velickovic, both of whom have been in the industry for years. Locally Ewelina was at The General and Marko
at Alpino. The food at Alma is made from scratch and Italian-inspired - hand-stretched Roman-style pizza topped with Italian meats; parma ham, pancetta, gorgonzola and fresh New Zealand cheese like Stracciatella, burrata and ricotta. Their pasta is incredible and a highlight from the week. At the table next to me sat an Italian family and while I couldn’t make out their conversation, it was clear they were well impressed with their meals. Alma is next to the reserve and there’s a big playground where kids go and play after devouring their junior menu meaning Mum and Dad can sit back and relax.

Clarence Hotel
51 Willow St, Tauranga

This boutique hotel has ten luxurious rooms, a bar and bistro and a conference room in Tauranga’s grand historic post office. It’s
a stunning building that stands out in the heart of Tauranga, just a short walk to the city centre and waterfront. Owners Noel and Kim Cimadom’s passion for Italian wine and food, fine dining and European travel experiences culminated into a setting that is both modern and plays into its historic character. It has a sense of luxury and comfort and a unique charm that makes you feel wrapped up and welcomed.

We visited on a Friday afternoon and sat at the bar amongst locals catching up with colleagues and friends for an after-work tipple. The menu features bar snacks, small plates, handmade pasta, pizza and grilled dishes – a combination of Mediterranean and New Zealand cuisine – the Kiwi part coming from the fresh local ingredients that they use seasonally. As we were only having a drink before heading on for dinner, we stuck to the bar snacks and delighted in olives; burrata and homemade bread which was a sensational start. Diners around us had shared plates of pasta or steak accompanied by seasonal vegetables and fries, which looked delicious and worth going back for.

Sugo
19 Wharf St, Tauranga

Sugo is unmistakably Italian and stands out in the newly developed Wharf St dining location. The exterior façade has glorious green walls, red umbrellas and shelter tables topped with terracotta plant pots, with white pendant lights hanging above. British-born co-owner Ian Harrison is an industry stalwart, with a 20-year-plus career at the helm of many restaurants around the world. His passion is fresh seasonal food made from scratch, and he preserves and ferments as well. There’s hand-pulled pizza dough, freshly made pasta and plenty of sauces as the name suggests. There’s also
a plant-based menu and plenty of gluten- free options. We couldn’t go past the Truffle and Parmesan Arancini, Spicy Pork and Capsicum Pesto Ragu and Clevedon Buffalo Ricotta tortellini.

Sandbank
561 Pāpāmoa Beach Road, Pāpāmoa Beach

This cute seaside café is not what you’d expect. On sunny days you’ll find Sandbank situated at the Pāpāmoa Beach reserve serving coffee, smoothie bowls and scones out of a purpose-built 1986 Bedford van. They won’t be there when it’s too windy, which is a shame as their offering is great. It’s the perfect stop after walking along the beach and is a magnet for the community to connect and share a laugh before heading off to work or out for a surf.

Fife Lane Kitchen and Bar
512 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui

The sleek interior of Fife Lane transports you to a cosmopolitan city far from the Central Parade locale in Mount Maunganui. This is hands down, one of the best dining experiences in the region. But far from being lofty and exclusive, the owners, Ryan and Kat Dippie are incredibly inclusive. I’m told by locals that they are happily encouraged to pop in for a drink and a nibble even when they’re in walking gear.

The thing is, you’ll want to have more than just a nibble. Meat is their specialty and as such is celebrated in a central bespoke glass display, like a meat locker reminiscent of traditional butcher shops. It’s no wonder then, that some of the meat choices are exceptional from pasture-fed, grain-finished Wagyu eye fillet, sirloin or rump options to aged cuts and ribeye on the bone. They also offer vegetarian, seafood and chicken dishes. We tried the chicken liver parfait as a starter, which is a local favourite and for the sides golden beer-battered onion rings and broccoli, carrot and cauliflower mornay to match our melt-in-the-mouth meat. While we couldn’t fault the drinks, food or service the absolute highlight was the steak knife box. Being offered a selection of steak knives to dine with that night was the perfect way to have us considering how to improve the quality of the ones we have at home.

Gather
552 Pāpāmoa Beach Road, Pāpāmoa Beach

Across the road from the reserve, surf club and Tasman Bay Holiday Park Pāpāmoa Beach, Gather is a great coffee spot serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week. There’s a great selection of cabinet food, pastries, muffins and scones however the menu has some fantastic toasted sandwiches

like the BBQ pulled pork toastie or the Green Toast including edamame smashed avocado with whipped feta on sourdough topped with turmeric dukkah and microgreens.

Breadhead
2a Saint John Street, Tauranga

The former owners of Love Rosie Bakery have focused entirely on bread and pastries creating at least ten different types of sourdough loaves including Olive walnut, Miso tahini and Ancient grain porridge. They sell out. We visited on a Saturday morning and it was busy with locals stocking up on their favourite loaves while catching up over coffee and pastry.

Tauranga Farmers’ Market
31 Fifth Avenue, Tauranga Primary School

It’s not surprising that this is a fantastic place to do your weekly vegetable shop – as so many locals seem to do. There’s table after table of leafy greens, fresh seasonal produce as well as artisan products. Worth a visit.

Te Puna Deli
17b Minden Road, Te Puna

With meat hanging over the counter, a carefully curated selection of artisan products and plenty of spectacular cheese, this deli has just what you need to replenish your pantry. They make their own pastries and the coffee is great.

The Cider Factorie
50 Oikimoke Road, Te Puna

In the middle of nowhere is this fantastic spot serving icy cold award-winning cider, fresh fries and a variety of small sharing plates. It’s popular and has varying opening hours depending on the season so check ahead. Cider drinkers will enjoy the tasting paddle.

PLACES TO STAY

Quest Mount Maunganui
2 Rata Street, Mount Maunganui

Built in 2023, this new offering is modern and well-appointed with a range of studios, and one to two-bedroom serviced apartments. Located in the heart of Mount Maunganui on Rata St it is within walking distance to the thriving hub along main street of cafés, bars and restaurants. It’s also within easy walking distance to the Maunga and beach.

Tasman Holiday Parks
Pāpāmoa Beach

Formerly known as one of the Top 10 Holiday Parks the new owners have done a huge amount of work updating the common areas and building new villas and cabins. The result is stunning. Select a beachfront villa and you won’t be disappointed with an uninterrupted view of the sea, one of the only places you can stay on the beach in the region. Whether you’re travelling alone, as a couple or with a family, these well-appointed accommodation offerings provide everything you need for however long you plan to stay. There are, of course, tent and caravan/ motorhome sites too. The newly built pool area is superb and even in autumn is enjoyed by young and old.

Trinity Wharf Hotel
51 Dive Crescent, Tauranga

Perched above the water, this family-owned hotel, conference centre and restaurant is built on three piers that sit above the sea. There’s even an infinity pool overlooking the water. There’s a calming element to being right on the water and it’s pleasant to sit and watch boats and marine life glide past. It’s just an easy stroll along the waterfront to the city centre with all the shops, restaurants and bars.