East Coast and the Volcanic Zone Restaurants

Rotorua has the area's most diverse dining scene. You can order anything from Indian to Japanese fare, or, for true local flavor, try a M?ori h?ngi (a traditional meal cooked in an earth oven or over a steam vent). Hawke's Bay is another hot spot; its winery restaurants emphasize sophisticated preparations and food-and-wine pairings. Around Eastland, which is so laid-back it's nearly horizontal, the choices are simpler, and you'll be treated with the area's characteristic friendliness. One thing you won't find on any menu is fresh trout. Laws prohibit selling this fish, but if you catch a trout, chefs at most lodging establishments will cook it for you.

Dressing up for dinner, or any other meal, is a rarity, expected at only the most high-end lodges and restaurants.

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  • 1. Capers Epicurean

    $$$

    The pleasing scent of spices may entice you into this large, open restaurant, which serves sustaining meals like chicken shiitake linguine (a grilled chicken breast set on pasta tossed in a creamy mushroom sauce, then topped with crispy prosciutto). Half of the space is a delicatessen that sells preserves and specialty foods, such as chutney made from kūmara (a local sweet potato) and a rub made from kawa kawa (a spicy native herb). Afterward, wander to the dessert cabinet and choose from goodies like the chocolate-cherry frangipani tart.

    1181 Eruera St., Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, 3010, New Zealand
    07-348–8818

    Known For

    • <PRO>interesting cuisine with a local kick</PRO>
    • <PRO>tasty breakfasts</PRO>
    • <PRO>varied dessert cabinet</PRO>

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 2. Rose & Shamrock

    $$$

    This lovely old-world pub in the heart of Havelock North has the largest selection of tap beer in Hawke's Bay. The pints mix with reasonably priced pub fare, including Scotch fillet, Irish sausages, and hearty beef-and-Guinness pie. If you like a good pub quiz, then the brain-testing competition it hosts the first Tuesday of each month may be just the ticket with entry fee money going to local charities.

    Napier Rd. and Porter Dr., Havelock North, Hawke's Bay, 4130, New Zealand
    64-06-877–2999

    Known For

    • Friendly atmosphere
    • Good standard pub food
    • Fun trivia night

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Christmas Day
  • 3. The Fat Dog Café and Bar

    $$$

    The eclectic style and fine food here attracts young, old, and everyone in between. The comprehensive menufeatures a mix of old favorites and seasonal additions. On the psychedelic blackboard menu look for beef fillet served on a warm, roasted vegetable salad with red onion marmalade. For dessert, try the caramelized banana waffle with vanilla ice cream. If you are traveling with children, there is a kid's menu, too.

    69 Arawa St., Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, 3010, New Zealand
    07-347–7586

    Known For

    • <PRO>hearty breakfasts</PRO>
    • <PRO>selection of gourmet burgers</PRO>
    • <PRO>relaxing atmosphere</PRO>

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 4. The Rivers

    $$$

    A casual place to hoist a few pints while dining on hearty pub fare, the Rivers is popular with Gisborne locals. Stained-glass partitions separate the dining alcoves, which have brass chandeliers, dark woodwork, and green leather upholstery. Guinness pie with creamy mashed potatoes and chicken calypso topped with a tangy mango sauce are two favorite dishes that are always on the menu. Also on offer are platters and seasonal specials.

    At Reads Quay and Gladstone Rd., Gisborne, Gisborne, 4010, New Zealand
    64-06-863–3733

    Known For

    • Friendly atmosphere
    • Great Irish pub food
    • Central location
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