Where to Eat and Drink in Russell

Russell, in the sunny Bay of Islands is a go-to location for many. On a recent trip north, I ate, drank and photographed my way around the local haunts so I could share the best bits, and bites, with you. 

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel
35 The Strand, Russell 0202 

Beloved by locals and visitors alike, the Duke is a Russell institution. With a tagline of ‘refreshing rascals and reprobates since 1827’, it has a delightfully quirky, idiosyncratic charm. Impossible to miss, the Duke stands proudly along a stretch of waterfront by the dock, with two large decks making the most of the seaside view. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and both bar and restaurant are bustling with cheery punters, particularly in the high season. The menu is varied and extensive with everything from Auntie’s House-made Fried Bread to Sticky Fig Pudding with vanilla mascarpone, banana brûlée and candied walnuts. The day we popped by for lunch, we were lucky enough to sample the Duke’s Seafood Platter, packed with oysters, sashimi, grilled tuatuas, cured Ōra King salmon ‘Tasmanian’ scallops, pāua risotto, smoked mullet pâté AND te ika mata. We also sampled an excellent Pan-fried Yellow Belly Flounder and The Governor’s Burger. As well as being a perfect spot to eat, drink and be merry, the Duke has a range of accommodation available, plus great options for beachfront weddings and conferences.
theduke.co.nz 

Hōne’s Garden 
10 York Street, Russell 0202 

Tucked behind the main drag of the Russell foreshore is Hōne’s Garden, a laid-back eatery perfect for whiling away a few hours over a drink and a tasty bite. Ideal for families and small groups, the garden atmosphere is warm and inviting and the food just right for sharing, with a varied range of wood-fired pizzas, like Salami, Olives, Jalapeños and Soft Cheese, and Fennel Sausage, Buffalo Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil. The tasty sides are just as enticing, with Salt and Pepper Squid with aioli and Kūmara Fries with ketchup or aioli among the favourites.
hones.co.nz 

Omata Estate 
212 Aucks Road, Russell 0272 

Omata Estate on the Kororāreka/Russell peninsular comprises 70 acres with around 8,000 vines made up of syrah, chardonnay and pinot gris grapes. The restaurant and cellar door are beautifully rustic, with an Italian-style charm. The cellar door is open five days a week from 11am-6pm providing tastings and wine (including gift boxes available) to buy. The Omata Kitchen is open the same hours and has plenty of tables inside and out from which to enjoy the view over grapevines and bay. The wood-fired pizza oven is kept busy with a range of pizzas to tempt young and old, from Summer Pear and Prosciutto and Glorious Garlic to the classic Margherita. Another fine option are the two sharing platters, designed for either two or four to enjoy – the Omata Kitchen Platter, featuring a selection of cheese, meat, antipasti, dips, crackers and bread, and the Seafood Platter, abundant with marinated mussels, smoked salmon, smoked fish dip, antipasti, crackers and bread. Also on the property is a private boutique glamping-style accommodation – a fully insulated sleeping cabin with a super- king bed and a window seat to perch up on to read and relax, and an indoor bathroom and kitchenette.
omata.co.nz 

Butterfish 
25 The Strand, Russell 0202 

Butterfish is a bustling waterfront café open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and features indoor and outdoor dining adjacent to the beach. We spent a relaxed morning tasting the popular, perfectly spiced chicken and prawn Nasi Goreng topped with a fried egg, and flavour- packed Turkish Eggs with garlic yoghurt, chilli and dill burnt butter, poached egg and grilled ciabatta. Neither of us quite had the appetite for the Ham Hock Hash with red onion, baby spinach and chipotle but we wished we had! With abundant cabinet food and great coffee also available, Butterfish is a great dining option for the weary sailor or beach-goer.
butterfish.co.nz 

The Gables 
19 The Strand, Russell 0202 

Another Russell institution, The Gables is showcasing a summer pop-up – ‘John’s’. The playlist is a rollicking good time, and the team are so warm and friendly, you are guaranteed a fun experience. I can vouch for the negronis (spectacular) and the Market Fish Ceviche Tostada with avocado, pickled onion and orange, and had I been hungrier on my visit I would definitely also have ordered the Market Fish Tiradito with tiger’s milk, coconut and coriander and the Kūmara and Chocolate Cheesecake...next time! 
thegablesrestaurant.co.nz

Rata’s Kitchen 
5960 Te Araroa Bypass, Russell 0272 

I got the inside word to nip out to Rata’s Kitchen, located at the Orongo Bay Holiday Park, to visit this locally celebrated food truck. Rata knocks out the most incredible Malaysian and Thai street food and is definitely worth adding to your foodie agenda. I tried the Five-spice Chicken and Pork Belly Hawker Rolls and they were utterly delicious – the soft, flaky roti were packed with tasty fillings. Also on the menu: the Thai Beef, Chicken Satay and Soba Salads, Pad Thai and Pad Kee Mao.