Nestled deep within the subtropical embrace of Northland, Kerikeri is more than just a picturesque town dotted with citrus orchards and rich colonial heritage. Its food scene tells a delicious story of innovation rooted in tradition, of rustic charm elevated by fresh produce, and of chefs who treat ingredients like old friends. A journey through Kerikeri’s culinary landscape reveals local treasures that are heartfelt, inventive, and deeply satisfying.
1. Waking Up Right: Breakfast in the Bay
The Black Olive Cafe – Where Morning Starts with Soul
On the outskirts of town, just past a grove of mandarin trees, sits The Black Olive Cafe, a quiet retreat that greets its visitors with the smell of slow-roasted coffee and wood-fired bread. The garden seating invites a long, languid breakfast, accompanied by the chirping of tūī birds.
The menu here celebrates locally grown produce. The Kūmara Hash Stack, layered with free-range poached eggs, grilled halloumi, and a generous splash of avocado salsa, arrives like a painting on a plate. For those with a sweet tooth, the Banana and Macadamia Pancakes—drizzled with mānuka honey and paired with bush berries—make a strong case for lingering longer. The baristas serve Flight Coffee, roasted in Wellington but brewed with reverence.
Bookings can be made through the First Table platform, which often provides early-diner discounts, particularly useful if you’re up with the sun and keen to explore the town before the crowds.
Santeez Cafe – A Local Secret
Inside a converted villa on Cobham Road, Santeez has the worn-in comfort of a place that knows exactly who it is. The locals drop in for takeaway long blacks and leave with pastries tucked under their arms. The Farmhouse Breakfast here is no-nonsense: thick-cut bacon, house-made pork sausage, roasted tomato, mushrooms, and a perfectly seared potato rösti. Gluten-free and vegan options are available without fuss or fanfare.
The cinnamon scrolls, often sold out by 10 a.m., deserve a quiet moment on their own.
2. Midday Morsels: Lunch Spots That Tell a Story
Māha Restaurant – A Garden of Earthly Delights
Tucked within the Rangihoua Estate olive groves lies Māha, a destination unto itself. The restaurant is an ode to New Zealand’s seasonal bounty, curated with Japanese minimalism and Māori reverence for the land. The open-air dining area overlooks rows of native bush and herb gardens from which the kitchen frequently picks its ingredients.
The Miso-Glazed Eggplant Bao, paired with wild rocket and fermented chilli, is a standout, and the Seared Kingfish Tataki, served with yuzu foam and pickled daikon, tastes like it was plucked from the Pacific that very morning.
Reservations are best made via Dish Cult, a reliable platform that includes user reviews and live availability. Given Māha’s popularity with both locals and travelers, booking ahead is wise.
Kerikeri Bakehouse – History with a Side of Savory
Built adjacent to the historic Stone Store, the Kerikeri Bakehouse has been feeding passersby since the days when whalers and missionaries first clashed over baking powder and pies. The interior still has its original wooden beams and stone walls, and the smell of rosemary and garlic bread wafts out the moment the doors open.
The Venison and Portobello Pie is robust and earthy, best enjoyed with a chilled glass of cider from the nearby Kainui Vineyard. Locals swear by the Cheddar and Chive Scones, especially when paired with lashings of salted butter and a pot of Earl Grey.
Walk-ins are common, but during high season, it’s worth checking NowBookIt, especially for large groups.
3. Afternoon Indulgences: Sweets, Sips, and Soft Light
Charlies Gelato – Where Summer Never Ends
Down the road from the Old Packhouse Market lies Charlies Gelato, an institution of sweetness. The rustic Italian-style courtyard is shaded by olive trees and filled with the hum of satisfied visitors. Each batch of gelato is handmade, using fruit sourced from the surrounding farms.
The Feijoa and Lime Sorbet is tart, refreshing, and quintessentially Kiwi. The Salted Caramel with Cracked Almond is rich without being overpowering. A scoop (or three) of Mango Passionfruit under the dappled sunlight has a way of making time slow.
Orders here are spontaneous and casual, but Delivereasy, a local delivery service, includes Charlies on their app during warmer months.
The Honey House Cafe – A Sweet Pause in Time
Steps from the historic Kemp House, the Honey House Cafe celebrates Northland’s most sacred gift: mānuka honey. Every item on the menu features honey in some form, from salad dressings to glazes.
Their Honeycomb Cheesecake is light yet indulgent, with just enough citrus to lift the sweetness. The Smoked Chicken and Mānuka Mustard Sandwich comes on walnut sourdough and is best enjoyed on the shaded deck overlooking the gardens.
4. Dinner: When the Sun Sets and the Kitchen Sparks
Food at Wharepuke – Botanical Dining Under the Stars
Located within a subtropical garden and art park, Food at Wharepuke is as much an experience as it is a restaurant. The walk to the dining room weaves through ferns and sculpture installations. At night, the glow of fairy lights reveals a terrace where diners whisper over candlelit tables.
Here, Thai-inspired fusion takes center stage. The Massaman Lamb Curry, slow-cooked and falling off the bone, is a signature dish. The Green Papaya Salad is served with crispy shallots and peanuts, perfectly balancing texture and flavor.
The wine list is curated from nearby vineyards, including Marsden Estate and Ake Ake. Reservations through ResDiary ensure a table even on busy weekends, and it allows diners to specify dietary preferences in advance.
Lola Restaurant – Contemporary Cuisine with a Rustic Heart
Situated inside a modern barn structure overlooking rolling fields, Lola is bold yet grounded. Its open kitchen layout allows guests to see the choreography of a well-run team in action. Fire is a central element here—grills, embers, and wood-smoked sauces make for primal, unforgettable flavors.
The Charcoal-Roasted Pork Belly with apple cider glaze has a perfect crisp-to-fat ratio. The Charred Cauliflower with Tahini Yogurt and dukkah is a favorite among vegetarians and carnivores alike. Service is attentive without being intrusive.
The Fork App is a convenient way to browse availability, see real-time menus, and request specific seating, whether you’re hoping to dine fireside or under the terrace canopy.
5. After Hours: Nightcaps and Late-Night Bites
The Pear Tree Restaurant & Bar – Colonial Vibes and Craft Brews
Housed in one of Kerikeri’s oldest buildings, The Pear Tree blends heritage with modern hospitality. As the sun sets, the patio fills with locals nursing local brews from PhatHouse Brewery and glasses of Kerikeri-grown syrah.
The Braised Short Rib Sliders are served with pickled red onion and aioli on brioche buns. Kumara Fries with smoked paprika aioli are dangerously addictive. Live music on weekends gives the place a celebratory energy without overwhelming the senses.
While walk-ins are welcome, table reservations can be secured via OpenTable, which also provides loyalty points for frequent diners.
Kainui Road Vineyard & Brewery – For the Connoisseur
A short drive from town, this working vineyard and boutique brewery hosts intimate tastings under a timber pergola. Their craft beers are small-batch, unfiltered, and best paired with their cheese and charcuterie platters.
Standouts include the Summer Saison and the Hazy Pale Ale. On weekends, the outdoor pizza oven is fired up, serving Prosciutto and Rocket Flatbreads on house-made sourdough crust.
Booking is available through TableAgent, which offers real-time updates on tasting sessions and live acoustic nights.
