2 Best Restaurants in Whitianga, Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty

Poivre & Sel

$$$$
The existence in a small seaside town of such a high-quality French fusion eatery pleasantly surprises many visitors. French chef Samuel Goslin remains true to classical French cuisine, at the same time allowing for the Kiwi taste for less salt and less fat. His wife Severine guides the front of house with a sophisticated yet relaxed ambience, whether inside or out in the cottage garden. Seasonal and local produce features options like Ora King salmon and Coromandel scallops.
2 Mill Rd., Whitianga, Waikato, 3510, New Zealand
07-866--0053
Known For
  • <PRO>French classics like garlic snails</PRO>
  • <PRO>dish presentation that is more like art</PRO>
  • <PRO>two- or three-course degustation menus</PRO>
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.

Salt Restaurant and Bar

$$$

Put a slightly upscale yet still casual restaurant in a popular local hotel, with a waterside location in a vacation town, and you've got this can't-miss dining spot. There is casual pub dining in the bars, but Salt, with its alfresco dining by the palm-edged marina, is the star. The menu changes with the seasons, sometimes offering free-range pork belly with prawn dumplings, lamb backstrap, or grass-fed eye fillet with béarnaise sauce. Bar snacks include lots of fresh seafood such as Coromandel mussels. Reservations are recommended in summer.

1 Blacksmith La., Whitianga, Waikato, 3510, New Zealand
07-866–5818
Known For
  • great raw bar with oysters and ceviche
  • steamed mussels
  • slow-roasted lamb sharing plate
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch