The Best 15 Mount Maunganui Restaurants You Need to Try Today
David Sims
| Last Updated: March 2024 Have you ever found yourself so hungry that you could eat a horse? Well, during our last visit to Mount Maunganui, we came pretty close. (Not to worry, no horses were harmed.)
Corny jokes aside, Mount Maunganui has an array of stellar restaurants that can satiate even the hungriest of bellies. We tried them one by one and voted on our favourite restaurants in the area. If you find yourself as hungry as a horse like we were, here are the best restaurants in Mount Maunganui to satiate your hunger!
1. The Barrio Brothers
Address: 105 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Phone: +6475749447
Barrio Brothers is where you go to satisfy all your Mexican cravings. The undisputed star of the show is their Mexican fried chicken. Crispy, golden skin, juicy and kissed with smoky paprika, fiery chillies, and oregano. One bite, and you’ll understand why this dish is raved about.
Moving on to the taco brigade, the beef brisket tacos are some of the best on the taco list. You’ll definitely be tempted to order more than one plate of these.
And the mole poblano chicken enchiladas are a must-try. Each bite takes you straight to Oaxaca.
Pro Tip: You’ve got to give their chimichangas a try. These are deep-fried pockets of heaven, and there is an explosion of crispy goodness in every bite.
2. Alpino Mount Maunganui
Address: 16 Pacific Avenue, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 12 PM to 11 PM
Phone: +6479259769
Alpino promises an escape to northern Italy without leaving New Zealand. The menu is an ode to authentic Italian cuisine, so forget your preconceptions of what Italian food is and isn’t—especially when it comes to Alpino’s lasagne.
The braised lamb gnocchi is also a great choice. The lamb falls apart, and the rosemary-infused sauce takes the gnocchi to the next level.
And then there’s the tartufo pizza—a masterpiece of earthy truffle oil and creamy mozzarella.
Pro Tip: Alpino is popular, so definitely make reservations. But keep in mind their two-hour dining limit.
3. Fife Lane Kitchen & Bar
Address: 512 Maunganui Road, Tauranga 3116, New Zealand
Hours: Saturday & Tuesday to Thursday – 3 PM to 11 PM
Phone: +6475745519
Fife Lane is a haven for gourmands seeking refined flavors. The rolled lamb saddle is an explosion of textures, from the tender lamb to the herbaceous stuffing and earthy parsnip. For a final bite of freshness, the minted peas and salsa do the trick.
Another great option is the Gamesford Lodge duck. This dish features pan-roasted duck complemented by carrot puree and blackberries, and the pinot jus adds the perfect finishing touch.
Pro Tip: For dessert, the citrous cheesecake is a must-try.
4. Solera
Address: 165 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday, Tuesday to Thursday – 4 PM to 10 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 4 PM to 12 AM
Phone: +6475720246
Solera is a restaurant whose contemporary elegance belies a passion for bold dishes. The wagyu rump is grilled to perfection and served with a chimichurri that adds a zesty kick.
For fans of seafood, the kingfish, complemented by salsa verde, sings of the sun-kissed Mediterranean sea. And their oysters take you straight to a Parisian bistro.
Pro Tip: Get the chef’s menu if you’re going with a group of people. It’s enough food to feed the whole table.
5. Rice Rice Baby
Address: 136 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +6475759188
Rice Rice Baby is a portal to the best of South-east Asian cuisine. Start with their fresh summer rolls—cucumber, carrot, succulent prawns, and their sweet tart nuoc cham sauce.
Or, dive into the heart of Vietnamese comfort food with their beef pho. And if you’re craving something a bit creamier, get the creamy chicken curry.
Pro Tip: Order the cold banana sago pudding for dessert.
6. Lolo Authentic Turkish Kitchen
Lolo Authentic Turkish Kitchen
Address: 97B Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 2 AM
Phone: +6475722088
Lolo Kitchen takes your tastebuds to Turkey, Greece, and Morocco. Their Turkish wrap consists of chicken or lamb marinated in fragrant spices, all tucked into a pillowy flatbread with creamy hummus.
Their lamb chops are a must-try. And for those seeking a vegetarian option, the falafel pita pocket is the way to go. Crispy falafel balls with tangy tahini and crisp salad.
Pro Tip: Get the lolo platter for two if you’re dining with a friend (or lover). It consists of your choice of any of their grilled meats, pita bread, hummus, and more.
7. Izakai Bar & Eatery
Address: 19 Girven Road, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday & Tuesday – 5 PM to 8:30 PM
- Wednesday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Phone: +6475720484
Izakai Bar & Eatery transports you to an authentic Japanese izakaya. Most of their menu caters to seafood lovers.
The octopus takoyaki balls are a must-try. Each bite is a burst of umami goodness that keeps you coming back for more. Get an order of their creamed paua & prawn dumplings while you’re there too.
If you’re not a fan of seafood, the horopito-crusted lamb ribs are a great choice.
Pro Tip: For those who want a taste of everything, the Let’s Eat option is the way to go. It consists of the best of Izakai’s dishes. And don’t miss out on their award-winning manuka honey-roasted kumara pie.
8. Meltingpot
Address: 114 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 7 PM
Phone: +6475720666
At Meltingpot, forget your instant noodles – each bowl of ramen here is divine. The start of the show is undoubtedly their teriyaki beef ramyun. One sip, and you’ll be in ramen heaven.
For those who want a crispy crunch, the chicken katsu udon is a must-try. Don’t forget the pickled ginger and shichimi togarashi (the Japanese seven-spice blend).
And for curry connoisseurs, the pork katsu curry rice is an absolute must.
Pro Tip: Try their bubble tea! Their matcha milk tea is a great choice if you want a little caffeine.
9. The Freeport with Cleaver & Co
The Freeport with Cleaver & Co
Address: Shop 0704, Bayfair Shopping Centre 19 Girven Road, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Tuesday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +6475720340
Cleaver & Co created wood-fired masterpiece pizzas that burst with flavour and innovation. Their chilli prawn pizza is a party in your mouth, a sweet-and-spicy tango that leaves you reaching for another slice.
The smoked lamb pizza isn’t a bad choice either. Tender lamb nestled on a bed of creamy ricotta, roasted pumpkin, and a drizzle of mint pesto adds a refreshing touch.
And don’t knock their pineapple express pizza until you try it. Pineapple, pulled pork, caramelised onions, and a smoky gouda challenge everything you know about pizza.
Pro Tip: Their surf, turf, and smoke monsieur is NZ’s best toastie! Smoked prawns, monsieur lamb pastrami, smoked cheddar, toasted pickles, and that sourdough—deliciousness at its finest.
10. EazyGo Thai
Address: 277 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday & Tuesday – 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday – 12:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Phone: +6475748500
EazyGo Thai is the place to go for anyone seeking the comforting familiarity of Thai food. The menu is full of all the Thai classics most know and love, like pad thai, pad see ew, etc.
If you want to really delve into Thai food, though, give their Panang curry a go. The rich, creamy coconut broth is perfect to drizzle over your jasmine rice.
The tom kha soup is also a great choice. The lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves make the broth a little sour, but the veggies and the chicken balance it out.
Pro Tip: Get an order of chicken satay if you want something smokey and sweet.
11. Hello Banh Mi
Address: 92 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 8 PM
Phone: +6475722230
Hello Banh Mi is definitely a top contender for the best banh mi in the area. Their lemongrass chicken and classic pork belly are top sellers.
But beyond their delicious sandwiches, you should give their bo kho a try. This slow-cooked beef stew consists of beef brisket simmered in a rich broth and loaded with veggies.
Don’t forget to order some spring rolls to go along with your banh mi or your bo kho.
Pro Tip: Give their pho a try if you’re feeling a little under the weather!
12. Latitude 37
Address: 181 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand
Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Thursday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 12 PM to 1 AM
Phone: +6475723037
Latitude 37 elevates the humble noodle to an art form with their hand-cut pappardelle. Melt-in-your-mouth past with a rich ragu, slow-braised lamb, and earthy porcini mushrooms.
Or take a trip to the seaside with their timeless seafood and potato chowder. Plump mussels, prawns, and flaky fish come together along with roasted potatoes in this warm bowl of comfort.
If you want something a little more on the hearty side, get the sticky beef bowl. It’s a dish that will leave you wanting to lick the bowl clean—and maybe order another one for good measure.
Pro Tip: Grab your friends and head to Latitude 37 on a Thursday for their all-day specials on bottles of prosecco and buckets of heineken.
13. Master Kong
Address: 217 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +6475720698
Master Kong blends traditional Asian cuisine with contemporary flair. Start off with their bao buns with fillings like char siu pork or crispy tofu. They’re Instagram-worthy, too.
For those seeking bold, unami-rich flavours, get the Korean beef short ribs. They are slow-cooked in a fiery gochujang marinade, and each bite is spicy, sweet, and leaves you wanting more.
Their pork belly mee goreng is another good choice if you want a taste of South-east Asian paradise.
Pro Tip: Get their legendary monkey magic. Caramelized bananas and pineapple in a cinnamon-infused rum inferno, served with creamy ice cream and a gooey coconut caramel sauce. Talk about a showstopper.
14. The Rising Tide
Address: 107 Newton Street, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand
Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 11 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 11 PM to 9 PM
Phone: +6475752739
The Rising Tide takes you on a global expedition, with each dish a passport to a new flavorful land. Use your chopsticks for their loaded, Korean-inspired dumplings. Pillowy dumplings bursting with kimchi, pork, and gochujang—it’s like eating at a Seoul night market dumpling stand.
Want something heartier? The pork and vegetable dumplings melt in your mouth. And for the ginger lovers, get the beef and ginger.
Pro Tip: On Wednesdays to Fridays, from 3 PM to 6 PM, save money with their 8 NZD happy hour. Beers, house wines, and bar bites are all at a budget-friendly price.
15. Palace Tavern
Address: 1c/217 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday – 4 PM to 11 PM
- Tuesday & Wednesday – 12 PM to 1 AM
- Thursday – 12 PM to 11:30 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 12 PM to 12:30 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 10:30 PM
Phone: +6475721550
At Palace Tavern, the southern buffalo burger reigns supreme. It’s juicy, slathered in buffalo sauce, and crowned with onion rings. The gravy fries are an extra messy, glorious indulgence.
And for a vegetarian twist, the shroomy is a must-try. It’s a hearty portobello mushroom burger that won’t leave you hungry.
Pro Tip: Tuesday nights are quiz nights! Gather your friends, test your trivia knowledge, and of course, eat some delicious grub.
