Things to do

7 places to eat and drink on Waiheke Island, Auckland

Monday, February 27, 2023

Things to do
7 places to eat and drink on Waiheke Island, Auckland
Updated on:
Feb 8, 2025 12:30 AM

What do you look for when spending well-deserved days off at a couples getaway, anniversary, or honeymoon destination? Luxurious accommodation, memorable experiences and amazing food. In this article, we'll talk about where to eat and drink on Waiheke Island.

Tag along and prepare yourself to make reservations at the top restaurants in this Pacific paradise off the coast of Auckland, New Zealand!

What to eat and drink in Waiheke?

There are many reasons to visit Waiheke and one of them is the amazing food the island has to offer. Waiheke is one of the hot spots for local and international cuisine. New Zealand is a top destination for visitors worldwide, including US, European, and Asia Pacific travellers. This means that no matter where you come from, you can feel at home and experience new tastes.

An aerial view of Waiheke Island

The island is also famous for its award-winning wine, gin and beer, which you can discover in well-known as well as bespoke tastings, such as the experience Omana offers in partnership with Te Rere Vineyard.

Top 7 places to eat and drink in Waiheke

All year round, there’s something for you to try out, but of course, you should always check the opening times on each recommendation’s website. For a summer vacation or a winter retreat, our focus here will be a list of restaurants on Waiheke Island that are a must for any food lover. 

As you will notice, most options merge the wonders of food and alcoholic beverages. If you don’t feel like drinking, pair this culinary journey with a luxury vehicle rental, one of the exclusive services we offer our cherished guests.

Without further ado, let’s check some of the best places to eat and drink on Waiheke Island.

1. The HEKE

The HEKE is a summer hit that gathers VIP guests, such as singer Rita Ora (who stayed at Omana with her husband, film director Taika Waititi). The reasons begin with the ambience: a wide open space with a lot of green, perfect for a relaxed meal shared with friends and a loved one.

This great restaurant on Waiheke Island has an inside and an outside kitchen, so you can see your local fresh food being prepared in front of your eyes. There is a big sharing menu for those with time only for a single bite and also a wood-fired grill and an Italian wood-fired pizza oven.

At the HEKE, you can also taste beer from Waiheke Brewing Co. and award-winning Waiheke Whisky. For your convenience, Omana guests can hire a private driver, so you won’t have to worry about driving and missing out on such an experience.

A selection of drinks from The HEKE
  • Distance from Omana: 10-minute drive

2. Casita Miro

Another place to eat and drink in Waiheke is Casita Miro. The restaurant name might have given this away, but it is worth mentioning that it specialised in Spain and wider Mediterranean cuisines. Muy sabroso!

A toast at Casita Miro, restaurant on Waiheke Island

Casita Miro is a great choice for long lunches and has a special fiesta menu from Thursday through to Monday, with dinner only on Saturday evenings.Also from Thursday to Monday, weather permitting, their Cellar Door and Terrace is open for outdoor wine tastings, drinks and sharing boards on a walk-in casual basis.

  • Distance from Omana: 13-minute drive

3. Fenice

Of course, Fenice gives its name away! This amazing Italian restaurant would never miss the list. Who wouldn't enjoy a delicious pizza and other dishes prepared with the best fresh seasonal products, right?

Fenice is loved by locals and visitors for breakfast, lunch, drinks and dinner. Their menu changes regularly to accommodate new exciting discoveries, also including vegan and vegetarian dishes, as well as gluten and dairy-free options.

The restaurant is also a fine choice for special functions such as birthday celebrations and others and has a private dining room that can host up to 14 guests that can be booked for an event – fancy an intimate Waiheke wedding celebration?!

  • Distance from Omana: 16-minute drive

4. Oyster Inn

The Oyster Inn is an award-winning bistro by chef and owner Josh Emett, who serves uncomplicated yet delicious dishes for lunch or dinner. You can also take a seat at the bar to enjoy a crisp glass of wine and relax.

Chef Josh rather uses sustainable and organic ingredients from local producers and the oysters are delivered daily, harvested from the island’s very own Te Matuku farm.

Having oysters is a must-do on Waiheke Island

Do you still need another reason to go? You can book a table on their verandah and perhaps watch a few dolphins go by while you enjoy your meal. This is our personal recommendation, as you can see below!

Omana's founders and friends at The Oyster Inn
  • Distance from Omana: 16-minute drive

5. Ki Maha

To begin with, Ki Maha has stunning sea views and a modern layout, but that is definitely not all. Their food expresses the essence of Aotearoa cuisine, which is great for those who want to savour local dishes.

Their menu combines sustainably harvested seafood and ethically farmed meats, and they also choose seasonal fruit and vegetables from local producers.And as this is a place to eat and drink in Waiheke, it is worth noting that they also cherish the Aotearoa winemaking craft.

  • Distance from Omana: 12-minute drive

6. Tantalus Estate

There are many tasteful vineyards in Waiheke and one of them is Tantalus Estate, which also has a restaurant and a cellar door.

Dining at Tantalus Estate is a memorable Waiheke experience

You can choose how to experience this place and everything it has to offer. But if you don't mind a suggestion, go with the "trust the chef menu", on selected nights. It is amazing!

This special menu offers guests a Six Course Set created by Gideon Landman and his talented culinary team. And if you have any food restrictions, you can notice them in advance for possible adjustments.

  • Distance from Omana: 10-minute drive

7. Poderi Crisci

Last but not least, on this list of where to eat and drink in Waiheke is another Italian restaurant you won’t regret visiting. Poderi Crisci is a family-owned vineyard and restaurant that is perfect for long lunches on the weekend.

A beautiful Omana guest at Poderi Crisci restaurant

In Italy, lunch is the most important meal of the day, and the Italian long lunch is a tradition that involves eating well, being with family and celebrating life. Poderi Crisci brought this to Waiheke with a menu that changes every week. Always promising delicious food that matches fantastic wine.

  • Distance from Omana: 25-minute drive

Bonus: Omana in-villa dining delights

As much as we love to explore the culinary world of Waiheke, we also cherish the cosiness and the convenience of a dine-in experience. This is where our exclusive menu comes in, not only to save your energy but also to nurture your soul. Stay relaxed in the comfort of your villa and choose from:

  • Charcuterie board
  • Picnic deluxe
  • Caviar Imperial Oscietra
  • Set course menu (starter + main course + dessert)
A couple toasts with an ocean view as their backdrop

Add your chosen delights when making your booking at the best Oceania boutique hotel, or contact us to make all arrangements.

Rest after a day of amusementsAfter enjoying food and beverages at the best restaurants on Waiheke Island, you need the best place to rest and relax. 

A couple rests on the bed and marvels at the ocean view

Omana's luxurious villas provide a peaceful stay and exclusive services to elevate your time on the island.

Book your memorable stay with us!

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