Opua Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Opua

January 28, 2018 Madelene Haan

Opua is a locality in the Bay of Islands, in the sub-tropical Northland Region of New Zealand. It is notable as the first port for overseas yachts arriving in the country after crossing the Pacific Ocean. In the original 1870s plans for the town, it was named Newport. The town of Paihia is nearby, and the small settlement of Te Haumi is in between.
Things to do in Opua

1. The Gables Restaurant

19 The Strand, Russell 0202, New Zealand Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Wheelchair Accessible, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards Seafood, European, New Zealand, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks HK$71 - HK$181 +64 9-403 7670
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 866 reviews

The Gables Restaurant

New Zealand's oldest operating Restaurant, The Gables offers fine food and wine in a stunning waterfront setting.

Reviewed By Karen C - Auckland, New Zealand

We have been to the gables restaurant now for 18 years and never been disappointed. Great friendly service with excellent food with a stunning view over the water. Book early as you may not get a table.

2. Omata Estate Vineyard

212 Aucks Road | Rd1, Russell 0272, New Zealand Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa European, New Zealand, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Brunch, Drinks HK$78 - HK$141 +64 9-403 8007
Excellent
75%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 116 reviews

Omata Estate Vineyard

Boutique wine growing on a sunny peninsular in Russell. Casual style eatery serving gourmet local produce platters and wood fired pizzas to complement our wines. We also have a cellar door offering wine tastings & sales, panoramic ocean and vineyard views. Vineyard & bush walk on offer if you want to take a stroll after lunch.

Reviewed By Justonetripatatime - Auckland, New Zealand

A great place to eat, drink, relax and enjoy the view.
It is quite a drive down from the main road down an unsealed road to get to the winery and restaurant, but well worth the drive. The location is beautiful - tables overlooking the vines across to the bay beyond. The food was delicious - a lovely selection of gourmet pizzas or tasty platters, and of course the wine was a perfect match.
A great way to spend an afternoon.

3. Only Seafood

40 Marsden Road, Paihia, New Zealand Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Seafood, New Zealand, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +64 9-402 6066
Excellent
49%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
6%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 793 reviews

Only Seafood

Reviewed By markilee - Auckland, New Zealand

We had dinner at this restaurant which is on the main road in Paihia. The setting both outside and inside is wonderful, brilliantly clean, very comfortable. Staff were good. Best of all, the food. We both had fish, cooked differently with a salad and potato accompaniment. The fish was so fresh, almost as though it had just been caught and the potato croquettes were very tasty. I also had a chocolate mousse dessert which melted in my mouth. All were a good size serving, and beautifully presented. Would highly recommend.

4. Pizza Pasta Ruffino

39 Williams Road, Paihia 0200, New Zealand Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Takeout, Reservations, Highchairs Available, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Lunch, Late Night +64 9-402 7964
Excellent
46%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 360 reviews

Pizza Pasta Ruffino

Ruffinos Pizza and Pasta has been located in Paihia for 18 years. We specialise in Homemade Pasta and pizzas, you can also create your own pizza. We are now doing gluten free pizza. We are fully licensed and also BYO wine. Dine in or Takeaway available, we do not deliver

Reviewed By dskid - Overland Park, Kansas

We were looking for a quick dinner near our motel and this place got decent comments. They apparently do mostly takeaway business as we were the only people dining in. We ordered a jumbo pepperoni pizza but only got a medium (that's all we were charged for, however). The crust reminded me of the Pizza Hut thin & crispy pizza - my wife's favorite but not mine. The pizza was fine but nothing special. If you're not looking for a gourmet meal, you will probably find this acceptable. Photos are attached.
Thanks for Reading. If you’ve found this helpful I’ll appreciate a thumbs up below.

5. Provenir

130 Marsden Road, Paihia 0200, New Zealand Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards New Zealand, European, Contemporary, Fusion, International, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$126 - HK$785 +64 9-402 0111
Excellent
77%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 319 reviews

Provenir

Provenir is a modern local restaurant with a seasonally driven menu. The centre of the restaurant is the kitchen where ingredient quality is non-negotiable. Provenir emphasises the age old formula of simple ingredients cooked well, freshness with a sense of energy, a little bit theatrical, true to life with quality and a story. Hand made, artisanal, from farm to chef. We know our farmers, fisherman, wine makers & growers; from Rod McDonald with his Quarter Acre stunning Syrah, to Bill French who raises our Perendale Lamb, they are just a few of our team. Head Chef - Marcus Berndt

Reviewed By keith h - new york

breakfast was great and the wait and kitchen staff really accommodated our requests.. I think dinner would probably be good there but I did not try it

6. sally's restaurant

25 The Strand, Russell 0202, New Zealand Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Cafe, Seafood, European, Soups, New Zealand, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$157 +64 9-403 7652
Excellent
47%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 645 reviews

sally's restaurant

We would like to Thank you for your service over the last 19 years. We are now happy to advize you that we have SOLD. Sally and her team.

Reviewed By TropicSplendor - Savusavu, Fiji

We dined outside along the Strand for lunch and enjoyed our meal and the scenic location. Good dishes and friendly staff.

7. Waterfront Restaurant & Bar

48 Marsden Road, Paihia 0200, New Zealand (Formerly Swiss Cafe & Grill) Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards Seafood, European, New Zealand, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Dinner HK$94 - HK$204 +64 9-402 6701
Excellent
40%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 558 reviews

Waterfront Restaurant & Bar

Waterfront Restaurant & Bar is centrally located in the heart of Paihia. with breathtaking views over Russell & outer Islands. Watch the sun set over the bay with local & award winning New Zealand wines fresh seafood, prime meats, vegetarian & gluten free options

Reviewed By Liz H - Lewes, United Kingdom

We had a great meal here on our first night in the area. Really enjoyed the lamb dish, but would have liked a few more vegetables. Good wine and desserts too. Friendly staff too. Would recommend this restaurant.

8. GREENS

96 Marsden Road, Paihia, New Zealand Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Indian, Asian, Thai, Balti, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$39 - HK$165 +64 9-402 8388
Excellent
61%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 854 reviews

GREENS

We have been one of Paihia’s most popular restaurants since 2006 serving the finest Thai cuisine under the name ‘THAI GARDEN CAFÉ’ now rebranded as ‘GREENS’. Keeping the same Thai chefs, we are proud to announce that we have introduced full Indian meal, which will be served by a new team of highly experienced Indian Chefs.Lovingly prepared, authentic Thai and Indian cuisine, with a few surprisingly Kiwi twists – that’s what we have on menu at GREEN’S. With a wonderful mix of Thai and Indian dishes, you will enjoy the fusion of spice and flavour. From traditional dishes like Pad-Thai to Indian Butter Masala Chicken and new fish dishes which are closely guarded, using the finest quality ingredients is the speciality at GREENS.At GREEN’S, the dining experience is as important as the food itself. Take a seat in our modern and stylish water-front restaurant, and enjoy great service from our waiting staff.Whether here for lunch, dinner or a private function, enjoy an atmosphere that combines the Indo-Thai warmth with the friendliness Paihia is famed for.

Reviewed By Karen D - UK

We visited here twice on the recommendation of our accommodation hosts. Both times delicious food, both Indian and Thai. The owner was very hospitable and prices were very reasonable.

9. Alfresco's Restaurant and Bar

6 Marsden Road, Paihia 0247, New Zealand Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Seafood, European, New Zealand, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$251 +64 9-402 6797
Excellent
51%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1 reviews

Alfresco's Restaurant and Bar

UNLIKE MOST PLACES WE NEVER CHARGE HOLIDAY SURCHARGE Live Music Every Sunday Afternoon 3pm - 6pm. Happy Hour Everyday 3pm - 6pm Alfresco's is a family run business that is open everyday from 8.00Am serving freshly produced food and excellent coffee. We strive to give great service anytime of the day.

Reviewed By colkop - Liverpool, United Kingdom

We had eat here on our first visit to NZ 8 years ago and we had great memories of the place.
We went to eat with another couple and we were not disappointed .
Wide choice of high quality food, excellently prepared and a pleasure to eat!
The French onion soup was outstanding as was the chowder.
The four main courses we had were all good of high quality.
This is a restaurant well worth a visit!

10. Amazing Thai Bar & Restaurant

78-94 Marsden Road, Paihia 0200, New Zealand Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards European, Asian, Thai, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks, Late Night HK$47 - HK$196 +64 9-402 5555
Excellent
45%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 343 reviews

Amazing Thai Bar & Restaurant

This fabulous restaurant in the Bay of Islands has absolute bay views.We offer European breakfast, European and Thai lunches, and Thai dinners. We also cater for those who think they don't like Thai food, offering plainer options. Amazing Thai is fully licenced and can cater for large groups of up to 110 people. The food is very fresh and cooked to order by authentic Thai chefs. . We also have available a limited KIDS ONLY menu for those fussy eaters. Conferencing facilities are available within the restaurant

Reviewed By Helen O - Geelong, Australia

We ordered a variety of food which was all nice but when we ordered medium it was so spicy it was on the verge of being not able to eaten.
Please be careful. I would order mild if I went back again.

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