17 Jan Taste New Plymouth: The Best Places to Eat and Drink
One of the best things about visiting somewhere new is the food! So where are all the best places to eat and drink in New Plymouth?
Taranaki’s main city has everything on the list. From cheap, tasty takeaways to delectable dine-in options. With fresh fish caught right from the Tasman Sea and newly plucked vegetables from the farms around the coast, New Plymouth’s cafes and restaurants have some of the best, fresh menus on offer.
If you’re looking for a cool beverage, or something unique, the bars dotted around the city serve up some of the best craft beer, cocktails, and more. With cosy atmospheres, incredible views, and tasty glasses of everything, you’re in for a real treat.
For ease of chasing down the perfect plate, we’re going to break this down by meal! Have a look through our recommendations of the best around town.
Best Coffee Stop
Proof and Stock
Operating out of a stunningly converted garage off a quiet neighbourhood street, Proof and Stock serve up some of the tastiest coffee and little handmade treats. This friendly bunch will make you feel like you’re visiting long-time friends before your stroll down to the beach.
Proof and Stock
40 Cutfield Rd
Bleached Coffee & Company
Tucked in a converted garage in the heart of New Plymouth city sits this hip little coffee shop-slash-surf shop. With plush yellow cushions set out on a pop-up patio, industrial interior design, and a minimalist beachy decor, Bleached is certainly one of the cooler spots to grab your caffeine kick. Plus, their coffee and snacks are just as impressive as their design.
Bleached Coffee & Company
109 Devon St West
Tea House On The Lake
Located in the city’s beloved Pukekura Park, the Tea House is a cute little spot sitting next to the city’s central park main lake and surrounded by gorgeous foliage. The cafe is home to Wisteria Fudge, wonderful Ebony Coffee, tasty Tea Total Teas, and fresh-baked cabinet goodies.
Tea House On The Lake
Main Lake, Pukekura Park
06 758 7205
Best Drinking Hole
Shining Peak Brewing
With delicious beers brewed on site, a large covered patio complete with “yard games”, and thoughtful cuisine crafted by an award-winning chef, Shining Peak is the place to be. They often host live music Sundays and 5% of all beer revenue is donated to local charities and organisations. What’s not to love?
Shining Peak Brewing
59 Gill St
06 927 3133
Koi Lounge
Koi is a modern Indian-Malaysian restaurant serving up authentic Indian and Malaysian inspired cuisine. But what makes this spot worth a visit is their cosy whisky lounge. This snazzy, relaxing environment is a great place to enjoy a drink. The lounge also features whisky lockers available for rent.
Koi Lounge
85 Devon St West
06 758 4444
Mike’s Brewery Bistro
Boasting 28 taps with a diverse range of craft beers and ciders, Mike’s is a funky central place to grab a nice, cold pint. First launching in Urenui in 1989, the oldest craft brewery in New Zealand is a must, with live music every Friday and tons of tasty meals to accompany your beverage.
Mike’s Brewery Bistro
186 Devon St East
027 333 0215
Best Brunch
Monica’s Eatery
Inspired by the life and spirit of Monica Brewster, this central eatery offers an inviting and modern dining experience. Attached to the internationally renowned Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre, Monica’s serves up amazingly decadent dishes. They also offer wonderful coffees and refreshing smoothies to start your day right.
Monica’s Eatery
42 Queen St
06 759 2038
Chaos Cafe
This upbeat, funky CBD cafe offers a range of allergen free and vegan options, a vibrant cabinet and breakfast menu with many ethnic styles and excellent home baking. Chaos is a fun, cosy environment best enjoyed with a few friends keen on a quick, tasty brunch.
Chaos Cafe
86 Brougham St
06 759 8080
Elixir Cafe
Daily made muffins, cakes and biscuits fill this central cafe’s cabinets alongside a mouth-watering menu using a simple combination of fresh ingredients, providing visitors with an experience of “home away from home”. Elixir boasts two central locations – Elixir West and Elixir Cafe (in New Plymouth CBD). Give them both a try!
Elixir Cafe
117 Devon St East
06 769 9020
Best Lunch
Black Sand Pizzeria and Bistro
A short drive to Oakura will take you to this incredible little pizzeria on the beach. What makes Black Sand truly standout, aside from their incredible beach views, is everything goes in a brick oven – everything. The flavours are simply divine and the pizzas are unbeatable.
Black Sand Pizzeria and Bistro
1 Tasman Parade
06 752 7806
#antsnacks the lunch bar
#antsnacks the lunch bar
41 Devon St East
027 293 8697
The Vineyard Bistro at Okurukuru
The Vineyard Bistro at Okurukuru
738 South Rd
06 751 0787
Best Dinner
Arborio Restaurant, Cafe & Terrace Bar
Situated within the Puke Ariki museum and known for its stunning architecture and outstanding sea views, Arborio offers genuine service and tasty, generous fare. They use fresh, seasonal produce and serve authentic pizzas, pastas and risottos.
Arborio Restaurant, Cafe & Terrace Bar
65 St Aubyn St
06 759 1241
Social Kitchen
This cosy bistro is a characteristic little spot with décor imitating that of a butchery. Authentic flavours served in a shared plate style with an impressive cocktail and wine list, Social Kitchen is best enjoyed with others.
Snug Lounge
124 Devon St West
06 757 9130
Snug Lounge
Located within the heart of New Plymouth city and set in an atrium covered tropical courtyard, Snug Lounge is perfect for that casual drink and social dining. Their menu, designed for sharing, is a take on contemporary Japanese cuisine. Their indoor space is super cosy and comfy while the shared covered courtyard offers access to neighbouring craft beers and pizza.
Snug Lounge
124 Devon St West
06 757 9130
Best Vegan/Vegetarian + Allergen Options
Cafe Green Door
Cafe Green Door
17 Brougham St
06 759 9399
Three Pillars Cafe
Specifically catering for vegan diets, this cafe serves 100% meat and dairy free food. Three Pillars Cafe is a plant-based cafe in central New Plymouth serving coffee, house-made mock meat pies, sausage-less rolls, and a selection of freshly made salads. They also offer raw smoothies, fresh juices, soy smoothies and raw slices.
Three Pillars Cafe
178 Devon St East
06 759 0447
Bach On Breakwater
With IncaFé Organic Coffee, an extensive cabinet food selection, and a well-thought-out menu offering excellent gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options, Bach On Breakwater is one of the best spots to grab a bite to eat, and only a short stroll from our holiday park. The food here is imaginative, healthy, and varied. Everyone will find a dish they can’t pass up!
Bach On Breakwater
Oceanview Parade
06 769 6967
Best Takeaways
Catch & Co
For an affordable takeaway at the doorstep of your cabin, unit or campsite sits the popular fish and chip shop, Catch & Co. This extra special shop sources the freshest seafood every morning. Plus they are eco-friendly, serving up in bio-degradable containers! They have gluten free options and a kids’ menu, making this a great spot for the whole family.
Catch & Co.
41 Oceanview Parade
06 758 0280
‘Food Truck Hall’
Okay this one is not really the location name, and sort of cheating.. but there is a cool little “food truck hall” in the city where three of the tastiest takeaway shops reside – Gamma Ray’s, Kahakai Poke Bowls & Viet Nom Nom! Here you can sink your teeth into a juicy science-themed burger, refreshing Hawaiian bowl of poke, or authentically-spiced Vietnamese cuisine. You can’t go wrong!
‘Food Truck Hall’
21 Liardet St
Best Sweets & Desserts
Deluxe Diner
A cute 50’s American-themed diner with some of the most incredibly over-the-top desserts. Grab a milkshake topped with crushed a donut, a sundae with chocolate bars and crushed biscuits, a boozy drinkable dessert, or a slice of sweet pie (key lime, pumpkin, cheesecake, and apple!).
Deluxe Diner
36 Leach St
06 757 5300
The Bake Shop on Govett
The Bake Shop on Govett specialises in keto and gluten free goodies and they always have some sort of new sweet treat to offer. They have something for everyone – gingerbread and cookies, traditional cream horns and lamingtons, and plenty of slices and pies for everyone in between. But the donuts are a firm favourite.
The Bake Shop on Govett
62 Govett Ave
06 753 9110
Emmalou Macaron and Coffee House
This central little cafe serves up the tastiest little bites: traditional French macarons! Handmade in the region NZ, Emmalou has perfected their macaron recipe – not too sweet, crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. And best of all, they are gluten free. Grab a cuppa and enjoy.
Emmalou Macaron and Coffee House
61-69 Devon St East
06 757 5972
Enjoy!
There are countless options around the region. Our list is just the tip of the iceberg! We hope you enjoy your stay and eat your way around Taranaki. We love to support local, so be sure to take photos and tag yourselves at our local eateries! They would sure love your support too.