Waiheke’s cuisine is diverse and seasonal, with a strong focus on local ingredients. Enjoy fresh oysters from Te Matuku Bay, award-winning olive oil, wild honey, the famous local green herb spread, and artisan cheeses – all complemented by wines from the island’s top boutique vineyards. From casual beachside cafés and food trucks to fine dining restaurants and vineyard long lunches, Waiheke offers a wide range of culinary experiences to suit every taste and occasion.
Waiheke has a stunning range of fine dining restaurants. Many are based at local wineries offering a range of culinary styles and remarkable wine pairings in some of the most beautiful destinations on the island.
Below is our guide to our favourite fine dining destinations on Waiheke.
Tantalus Estate has earned international recognition for its estate-grown wines, alongside national awards for architecture, craftsmanship, cuisine, and design.
The restaurant offers a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor spaces that flow seamlessly into the Cellar Door. Guests can enjoy wine tastings or sample craft beer while overlooking the brewery and surrounding vines.
Set in a sheltered valley in Waiheke’s Onetangi wine region, the 5.3-hectare estate includes vineyards, a winery, brewery, and a spacious, light-filled restaurant offering seasonal menus focused on fresh, local produce. With olive groves, macadamia trees, an apiary, kitchen gardens, native bush, and scenic boardwalks, Tantalus Estate is a compelling destination for wine, food, and nature lovers alike.
Visit: www.tantalus.co.nz
Mudbrick is internationally renowned for its award-winning wines, acclaimed restaurant, and as a sought-after venue for weddings and special occasions.
Set against a backdrop of sweeping sea views, French-style potager gardens, and distinctive hand-crafted mud-brick buildings, the estate offers a setting described by many as a “must-see when visiting Auckland.” By day, the views across the Hauraki Gulf are striking; by night, the sunsets and city lights add a touch of magic.
With Bordeaux varieties thriving on Waiheke, the restaurant’s menu leans toward premium red meats, with favourites like rack of lamb and Black Angus eye fillet. The front terrace offers one of the island’s most iconic dining outlooks.
Open daily for lunch and dinner, Mudbrick is a popular choice for both casual visitors and special events — advance bookings are recommended, especially during wedding season.
Visit: www.mudbrick.co.nz
Three Seven Two is distinctly Waiheke — grounded in the local community and guided by a strong sense of place and belonging.
The kitchen champions sustainability and local sourcing, celebrating the island’s growers, fishers, and producers. The menu is almost entirely gluten free and features a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, all crafted with simplicity, seasonality, and bold flavours in mind.
Located just across from Onetangi Beach, the relaxed coastal setting makes it ideal for long lunches, sunset dinners, and casual drinks alike.
Visit: www.threeseventwo.co.nz
A relaxed, modern-rustic take on rural wine shed dining, set among the vines that produce its award-winning reds and overlooking the Onetangi Valley.
Guests can dine indoors or outside in the sun, soaking in the laid-back atmosphere and vineyard views. The menu showcases bold, flavourful dishes made with honesty and care — much of the produce comes straight from the on-site gardens, with the rest sourced locally wherever possible.
It’s an award-winning restaurant that captures the essence of Waiheke: unpretentious, seasonal, and full of character.
Visit: www.theshedwaiheke.co.nz
Poderi Crisci is widely regarded as one of Waiheke’s finest dining experiences, blending traditional Italian cuisine with the charm of a rural vineyard setting.
Dine al fresco year-round while overlooking the picturesque valley — the west-facing restaurant captures the last golden light of the day, making it ideal for long lunches, family celebrations, or romantic evenings.
The menu is rooted in classic Italian traditions, elevated with modern techniques and crafted using the finest local produce. Dishes change daily to reflect what’s fresh from the kitchen garden and local suppliers, including the renowned “Sunday Long Lunch” and seasonal degustation menus.
Visit: www.podericrisci.co.nz
Cable Bay Vineyard offers two distinct dining experiences: the elegant Bistro and the relaxed, contemporary Verandah.
The Verandah features casual Mediterranean-inspired fare — wood-fired pizzas, fresh fish, slow-roasted meats and vibrant salads — all served in a stylish, indoor-outdoor space with panoramic views over the Hauraki Gulf to Auckland.
The award-winning Bistro delivers refined yet approachable dining, with a seasonal menu built around organic kitchen garden produce and local ingredients. Designed for sharing, the dishes are crafted to complement Cable Bay’s wines and reflect the island’s unique terroir.
Visit: www.cablebay.nz
Casita Miro is celebrated for its warm ambiance, fine food, and award-winning hospitality. Specialising in Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, the focus is on shared dining — with tapas and large plates designed for a fun, relaxed, and social experience.
The restaurant has consistently earned accolades, including repeated recognition in Metro’s Top 50 Auckland Restaurants and long-standing success in the Beef + Lamb Excellence Awards. With its hillside setting and welcoming atmosphere, Casita Miro offers a vibrant taste of the Mediterranean on Waiheke.
Visit: www.casitamiro.co.nz
Ki Māha delivers an elevated dining experience that reflects the beauty and bounty of Waiheke. Located on Onetangi Beach, the restaurant blends coastal sophistication with a strong sense of place.
The seasonal menu draws inspiration from Aotearoa’s land and sea, showcasing premium local ingredients in refined, contemporary dishes. With an emphasis on seafood, native flavours, and sustainable sourcing, each plate is designed to honour both tradition and innovation.
Stylish interiors, attentive service, and panoramic sea views make Ki Māha ideal for long lunches, intimate dinners, or special celebrations by the water.
Visit: www.kimaha.nz
The Oyster Inn offers a breezy, coastal dining experience in the heart of Oneroa Village, with sweeping sea views from the veranda and light-filled dining room.
Now under the ownership of renowned chef Josh Emett, the restaurant serves an all-day menu inspired by coastal classics, with a strong focus on fresh, locally sourced seafood and shellfish. Dishes are simple, seasonal, and ingredient-driven, reflecting a commitment to provenance and Waiheke’s rich bounty.
Whether you're after a leisurely lunch, a cocktail at the bar, or a quick bite between beach visits, The Oyster Inn welcomes guests throughout the day. Don’t miss the stylish beach shop on your way out.
Visit: www.theoysterinn.co.nz
Waiheke offers a balance between refined fine dining and relaxed à la carte experiences. While vineyard restaurants and coastal eateries provide elegant, multi-course meals with curated wine pairings, many venues lean into a more casual style — think shared plates, walk-ins, and open-all-day menus. The focus remains on quality and local ingredients, but without the formality, allowing diners to enjoy excellent food in a laid-back island setting.
Oneroa has a wide range of casual restaurants, bars and eateries. From fish and chips, to Thai green curry and everything in between. There is something for every taste and every budget.
Perched above the village with views of the bay, Aperitivo is a relaxed wine and cocktail bar with a distinctly European feel.
Known for its curated wine list and creative small plates, it’s the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink, casual catch-up, or lazy sunset session. The atmosphere is lively yet low-key, with friendly service, live music on occasion, and outdoor seating that catches the last of the evening sun.
Visit: https://www.aperitivo.co.nz/
Casual Indian fare with curries, naans, and group-friendly vibes in the Artworks Centre.
https://www.ajadz.com/
Relaxed bistro above Oneroa, serving European-inspired dishes and local wines overlooking the Gulf.
https://mudbrick.co.nz/book/archive-bistro/
Cozy Italian spot in the heart of the village, serving breakfast to dinner with wood-fired pizza and pasta.
https://www.fenice.co.nz/
Terrace & bistro café blending global flavours for breakfast, brunch, and lunch with sea views.
https://www.nomadswaiheke.com/
Thai dining in Oneroa with fresh, authentic flavours and panoramic bay views. The adjacent bar, One View by the same owners offers a laid-back grill and seafood venue with burgers, steaks, beers and stunning bay views.
https://www.redcrab.co.nz/
A tucked-away gem just off Oneroa’s main strip, The Courtyard offers modern Mediterranean-inspired fare in a sunny, tranquil setting. With handmade pasta, seasonal sharing plates, and a thoughtful wine list.
It’s ideal for relaxed lunches or intimate dinners. The warm, casual atmosphere and shaded outdoor seating make it a favourite with locals and those who stumble upon it.
Kiwi-style fish & chips, burgers, and beachside classics right in the heart of Oneroa.
https://waihekeislandtourism.co.nz/business/the-local-waiheke/
Beloved bistro with Mediterranean flair, extensive wine list, and balcony views over Oneroa Bay.
https://www.vinovino.co.nz/
Light, beachy café for coffee, fresh modern plates, and relaxed all-day brunch.
Alongside its fine dining establishments, Onetangi also offers a range of more casual options. From cheeseboards with a glass of wine to Sunday roasts or burgers and chips with ocean views, the area caters to a variety of tastes and budgets. It's a great spot for relaxed, family-friendly dining in a beautiful setting.
Nestled on four acres overlooking Onetangi Road, The Heke is a vibrant, family- and dog-friendly destination that combines a wood-fired restaurant with a brewery and whisky distillery.
Guests can enjoy creative fire-cooked dishes—like wood-fired pizzas, smash burgers, baked fish, and roasted pumpkin—paired with Waiheke Brewing Co. beers or award‑winning Waiheke Whisky, all in relaxed indoor and outdoor garden settings complete with a jumping pillow for kids and tasting flights for the grown-ups!
Visit: https://www.theheke.co.nz
Batch Winery is a destination vineyard featuring a restaurant, cellar door, and 360° views over the Hauraki Gulf. Enjoy share-style lunches and seasonal fare cooked over a Josper charcoal oven.
Visit: https://www.batchwinery.com/
Wild Estate delivers casual vineyard dining in a lively, social setting. With hearty dishes like brisket, pizzas, and platters alongside their wines and craft beers, it’s a fun, easy-going option with activities for families and groups.
Visit: https://www.wildestate.co.nz/
A cherished Onetangi institution since 1987, Charlie Farley’s is a beachfront café-bar offering casual dining, delicious brunches, and an inviting atmosphere right on the sand.
With both indoor and outdoor seating, it’s the perfect place to enjoy coffee at sunrise, beachside lunches, or sunset drinks. The laid-back vibe and consistently great food, combined with ocean views and friendly service, make it a go-to spot for families and travelers alike.
Known for its Bordeaux-style reds, Stonyridge offers a laid-back café and deck nestled among the vines. Open daily from 11am, it’s ideal for long lunches, tastings, and enjoying views over the valley.
https://stonyridge.com/
Tucked beneath Tantalus Estate, The Alibi blends craft beers, cocktails, and wine with a menu of elevated bar food. The speakeasy-style lounge and sunny beer garden make it a great stop for something casual and a little different.
https://alibibrewing.co.nz/
The central part of the island offers a few great options for casual dining, where stunning views and delicious food are matched by a slower-paced, more relaxed atmosphere than you'll find in Oneroa or Onetangi.
Nestled just steps from Palm Beach, Arcadia channels the simplicity of its Greek namesake—unspoiled, welcoming, and focused on life’s simple pleasures. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks, it offers fresh, honest dishes made from quality local ingredients alongside a great selection of craft beers and cocktails.
With indoor seating, a sun-drenched front courtyard, and a lush beer garden out back, it’s perfect for a romantic dinner, casual daytime catch-up, or laid-back group celebration.
Casual and family-friendly, The Middle in Surfdale serves pizzas, burgers, curries, and more in a relaxed garden bar setting.
https://themiddlewaiheke.co.nz/
Overlooking Palm Beach, this hilltop restaurant offers relaxed dining with sea views and a menu of fresh, seasonal favourites.
https://www.waihekeresort.co.nz/facilities/restaurant-bar/
Casual dining in the bottom end of Waiheke offers a more off-the-beaten-track experience, where the journey is part of the charm. Winding roads lead through rolling vineyards and native bush to tucked-away spots with sweeping views over farmland, vines, and the sea. Here, meals are unhurried, settings are rustic and welcoming, and the sense of remoteness adds to the appeal. It’s the kind of place where a long lunch can stretch into the afternoon, surrounded by nature and far from the busier hubs of the island.
Set among Syrah vines with views of the surrounding vineyards, this is a real sun-trap. Passage Rock offers wood-fired pizzas, platters, and seasonal plates in a relaxed weekend setting.
https://passagerock.co.nz/bistro/
Perched at the northeastern tip of Waiheke, Man O’ War Dining offers a memorable food and wine experience in a stunning coastal setting. The stylish restaurant and tasting room overlook vineyards, olive groves, and native bush as they sweep down to the bay. Guests can enjoy seasonally inspired multi-course lunches, elegant nibbles, and wine flights—each matched to the estate’s acclaimed wines. The journey to this tranquil spot feels as rewarding as the dining experience itself.
Overlooking Cowes Bay, this garden bar serves seasonal plates and Mediterranean-style bites alongside craft gin and vodka based cocktails.
https://waihekedistilling.co.nz/pages/menu
