Must-go's in the Waikato
Photography by Sarah Tuck.

If you’re in the area, Sarah has rounded up some of the best eating and drinking spots for you to try!
Cream Eatery
14 Garden Place, Hamilton Central
Just a few minutes’ walk from the Novotel Tainui you’ll find Cream Eatery. Light, bright and well-loved by locals, this central city café serves up mouth-watering breakfasts and lunches from Monday to Saturday. Having opened in February 2021, the team have come through the turbulence of Covid with flying colours – as evidenced by their winning Best Business and Best Café in the CBD in their first year of business. One of the favourites on the menu is Luke’s Scrambled Eggs – with a deliciously pleasing spicy kick. Whether you’re after one of their famous Cinni Bunz, a luscious burger or just a great coffee, Cream Eatery is an excellent choice.
Kopi Café
Riverbank Lane, 298 Victoria Street, Hamilton
One absolute gem of a find that we stumbled upon was Kopi Café, serving spectacular locally roasted Rocket Coffee along with a tiny but enticing menu and a small but well-curated cabinet selection. Service from the effervescent owner-operator, Dave Tourelle, is second to none, while the barista’s skills take coffee art to a new level.
The Shack
19 Bow Street, Raglan
Established ten years ago, The Shack has mastered the winning formula for casual, laid-back dining, with a variety of tempting breakfast and lunch options. The décor feels like summer all year round with a beachside theme and the menu constantly evolves to reflect the seasons – while keeping a couple of favourites, like the scrumptious Chilli Crunch Rice with miso-fried brown rice, slaw, lime, peanut and a chilli fried egg.
Orca Eatery
2 Wallis Street, Raglan
A Raglan institution, Orca is situated overlooking the sea with plenty of space to enjoy a sunny afternoon. With an all-day menu encompassing everything from mince on toast for breakfast to slow-roasted lamb shank (sourced from the local butcher) for dinner, Orca is open from 9am daily.
latest issue:
Issue #120
As the days become shorter, and the nights cooler, the latest issue is perfectly timed to deliver delicious autumn dishes. From recipes using fresh seasonal produce such as feijoas and apples, to spectacular soothing soups and super-quick after-work meals in our Food Fast section, we’ve got you covered. With Easter on the horizon, we feature recipes that will see you through breakfast, lunch and dinner over a leisurely weekend holiday, and whip up chocolatey baking treats sure to please. We round up delicious dinners for two and showcase a hot new Korean cookbook before heading south to Dunedin to check out all that’s new in food and dining.The latest issue of dish is on sale NOW at all good bookstores and supermarkets – don’t miss it!