Best restaurants in Paihia & Russell
We have selected our top picks for the “Best restaurants in Paihia, and Russell.” Frequented by both locals and international visitors alike.
All our recommendations serve high quality food, professional service accompanied by local Northland wines and New Zealand Craft Beers.
Bad Habits - Paihia Mall
We all have bad habits, but this one is a true Bay of Islands icon. You arguably won’t find a bar as cool as this anywhere else in New Zealand. You can pick up a bottle of your favourite tiple, choose some nice juicy steaks to cook at home from the butcher’s counter, sample local cheeses from the deli, or stay for a spectacular meal and perfectly prepared drinks at Bad Habits.
Although there’s a butchery onsite and the perfectly cooked steaks and burgers are the heroes, Bad Habits on Marsden Road in Paihia is vegetarian friendly and has vegan options too. There’s an impressive list of cocktails, a unique gin room, and you can get Guinness and Heineken from the tap.
Tipsy Oyster Marsden Rd
All the best finds are on the main Paihia Waterfront so why not head to Paihia’s most popular tapas and bar, one of the locals favourite spots. With fresh local oysters & fusion tapas, good food & good vibes.
WARNING! Our food will take you on a roller coaster ride of flavours from South East Asia,India, Middle East and beyond. We believe in simple food done right.. fusion of flavours …. colour & good vibes
Greens Indian & Thai
Greens traditional indian & thai cuisine – Our menu offers a wide range of Asian, Indian and Thai specialties such as Chicken Kadai, Lamb Kadai, Beef Curry and many more. You can dine in our restaurant or order online from us by clicking the ORDER ONLINE button and we will deliver our delicious food directly to your front door. We look forward to serving you
Just Fish & Chips
Just Fish & Chips has the simple aim of providing just good, honest fresh fish & chips. Another point of difference are the delicious crunchy chips which are handmade at the restaurant. Produce is sourced locally, so always uses the freshest of ingredients. At JFC’s you can dine in or takeaway and they are fully licensed.
Madly Indian Takeaways
Madly Indian is a Indian Takeaway in Paihia . We offers great tasting Indo Chinese, Salad, Snacks, Chicken, Lamb, Beef, Goat, Seafood, Vegetarian Mains.
You can now order online, all your favourite dishes and many more delicious options, and have them delivered straight to your accommodation in no time at all
Zane Greys & Dock Restaurant
If you are looking for a restaurant in Paihia to experience the views of the Bay of Islands while you enjoy the best that the Bay has to offer, you can’t go past Zane Grey’s. Or just relax on the Dock
Locally sourced ingredients, assembled by our talented chefs and delivered to you by our fantastic front of house team.
Charlotte's
Charlotte’s Kitchen, established in 2015 brings a fresh approach to dining in the Bay of Islands – with the best location and killer view right at the end of the wharf, she can’t be missed if you are visiting these parts. The locals love it!
Charlotte’s Kitchen features a range of exciting menu options – from their signature free range pork knuckle to their delicious pan seared Northland market fish plus a hand crafted pizza selection.
Paihia Fish & Chips
Fresh fish everyday:
Snapper – Gurnard – Hapuka – Bluenose – Hoki – Flounder & Lemonfish
Also offering a range of fresh seafood and asian style dishes to takeaway
Located 39 Willims Road, Paihia
Darryl's Dinner Cruise
For the Bay of Islands’ best night out join Darryl’s Dinner Cruise for an extra special, leisurely 2/12 hour cruise up the Waitangi River to the Haruru Falls. Take in the superb coastal scenery and wildlife and enjoy a stunning 2 course dinner with a distinctive New Zealand flavour, whilst sipping a drink served from our fully licensed bar.
Jimmy Jacks Ribshack
If our subtle charcoal smoked beef burgers don’t make Jimmy Jack’s a favourite, then our healthy range of food will – with our salads, sizzle plates and vegetarian options. We have the most loved desserts, steaks, slow smoked favourites, fresh breads & seafood, right through to the largest selection of Rib boards. Jimmy Jack’s Rib Shack and Craft Bar has your love for great food on a plate…
9 Williams Road, Paihia
Terra Restaurant
‘A central neighbourhood eatery in the heart of Paihia. They look forward to sharing their passion for modern dining, global cooking techniques, food sustainability and the unique ingredients of the stunning Far North of New Zealand. Plus amazing views across the Paihia waterfront, bay of islands’
Grab a Coffee & Savoury
Third Wheel Coffee Co
Third Wheel Vending is a small, cosy cafe tucked away in Paihia serving up specialty coffee and home baked goods. With a focus on delicious brews of Flight Coffee (roasted in Wellington). Third Wheel is fitted out for relaxing and catching up coffee house style. You’ll find it down the lane next to the Swordfish Club, a stone’s throw from the main street of Paihia and the beautiful waterfront.
catch the ferry to Russell
Duke of Marlborough
With two lovely decks overlooking the water, two restaurant spaces and a charming garden bar the Duke restaurant can’t be beaten for location, or for that matter food! Serving up delectable delights for lunch and dinner the Duke of Marlborough restaurant is at the heart of this historical hotel. The menu showcases locally sourced seasonal produce, presenting a new take on classic favorites.
The Gables
The Gables is New Zealand’s oldest operating restaurant, built from pit-sawn Kauri in 1847 on whalebone foundations. Back then, Russell or Kororāreka as it was known was nothing like the charming seaside town of today. Dishes are designed to showcase New Zealand and particularly the Far North’s outstanding produce. Head Chef Stefano Demartini loves using fresh seasonal ingredients, especially local seafood.
Omata Estate winery
A relaxed style eatery with views overlooking the ocean. Rustic charm with a modern touch. We serve gourmet local produce platters and wood-fired pizzas. We strive to source items locally and our menus change often.
Come enjoy our wines with views you could look at all day. Our food has been carefully selected and prepared to complement our wines. We also have local craft beers, coffee, soft drinks, sangria jugs & much more!
Sage - Paroa Bay
In a world where sustainability matters, we’re extremely proud to know that almost every ingredient in our kitchen has come from just down the road — we even picked some of them ourselves. It is the connection between our surroundings and our menu that sets Sage apart — and when the surroundings are one of the most beautiful natural environments on the planet you can taste the difference.
Hone's Garden Bar
Hone’s Garden Bar is set in a courtyard atmosphere serving a range of craft beers on tap along with a selection of both local & new Zealand wines. Complimented with a selection of thin & crispy hand made pizzas from a wood fired oven! Absolutely the best pizzas in Russell. Authentic, proper delicious and well priced.