Porirua is a laid-back beach city just north of Wellington, offering fantastic natural beauty and touristy cultural experiences. It’s perfect for outdoor sports with beautiful beaches and parks such as Aotea Lagoon and tranquil Porirua Harbour. Rich in Māori heritage – some of which are showcased at the Pataka Art + Museum – the city also offers vibrant shopping and dining in the bustling town centre. Many people visit Porirua yearly to enjoy its nature and outdoor activities. Also, the restaurants in Porirua offer a fusion of delicious Western and traditional food.
Gourmet Delights: Best Restaurants In Porirua
One word describes the dining out scene in Porirua: eclectic. Foodies will enjoy the scope offered by the city. From hole-in-the-wall cafés to fine dining, restaurants abound in the city, offering the richness of New Zealand flavours and a variety of cuisines from around the world. Be it a quick snacking session or leisurely meals, the restaurants of Porirua offer varied delicacies in a friendly atmosphere.
1. Peppermill Delicatessen & Pantry
Peppermill Delicatessen & Pantry: This small outlet in Porirua brings warmth into the traditional deli and offers modern dining. It offers fresh salads, hearty main courses, delicious desserts, and a full range of delicatessens stocked with artisan cheeses and house-made preserves. Its outdoor seating is perfect for casual, relaxed brunches. This little cosy deli restaurant is favoured by locals and visitors alike.
Timings: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday to Saturday), 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Sunday)
Speciality: Seasonal dishes emphasising fresh and local ingredients and gourmet deli items.
Cost for Two: NZD 50-70
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2. Tuk Tuk Thai
At Tuk Tuk Thai, located in Porirua, enjoy authentic Thai cuisine that reminds one of Thailand. This restaurant’s small-scale, intimate atmosphere and aromas fill its rooms, giving you an authentic Thai gastronomic experience. Friendly service and rapid preparation make this place suitable for a complete meal.
Timings: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Daily)
Specialty: Traditional Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Green Curry, Tom Yum
Cost for two: NZD 40-60
3. Plimmerton Fish Supply
Plimmerton Fish Supply is a popular spot for classic fish and chips in Porirua. It’s by the seaside and generally serves fresh, locally sourced fish cooked to perfection. The casual, no-frills setting and generous portions make it a favourite place to grab a quick but delicious meal by the beach.
Timings: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday), Closed on Monday
Specialty: Classic fish and chips with locally sourced seafood
Cost for Two: NZD 25-40
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4. Topor Bistro
Topor Bistro offers a unique experience to diners in Porirua, offering a taste of Eastern Europe. Within this restaurant’s warm, rustic confines, one could have pierogi and schnitzel in style; hence, it is an outstanding venue to appreciate varied food traditions. The restaurant also boasts an impressive selection of vodkas that go along with such heavy meals.
Timings: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Tuesday to Saturday), Closed on Sunday and Monday
Speciality: Eastern European cuisine, including pierogi, schnitzel, and borscht.
Cost for Two: NZD 60-80
5. Sandbar Mana
Sandbar Mana is a waterfront cafe in Porirua known for its fresh seafood and relaxed atmosphere. It offers exceptional views of Mana Island and is a good lunch or casual dinner spot. The menu features an assortment of seafood dishes, burgers, and salads, while seating on the outdoor patio lets you enjoy the breathtaking coastal scenery.
Timings: 11:00 AM – Late (Monday to Saturday), 10:00 AM – Late (Sunday)
Specialty: Seafood dishes with stunning coastal views
Cost for Two: NZD 50-80
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6. Backyard Café
Situated in a garden, Porirua’s Backyard Café creates homestyle dishes to be enjoyed in its relaxed atmosphere: hearty breakfasts, light lunches, and a selection of tasty baking features on the menu. The outside courtyard is designed as an oasis-just the place to enjoy a quiet coffee or meal.
Timings: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM (Daily)
Speciality: Homestyle, focusing on fresh and local produce
Cost for two: NZD 40-60
7. Aotea Lagoon Café
Aotea Lagoon Café is located within the Aotea Lagoon Park, allowing people to eat serenely while looking out onto the water. The cafe has light meals, snacks, and coffee, making it an excellent place to stop on a walk around the lagoon. It is family-friendly and offers indoor and outdoor seating.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Daily)
Speciality: Light meals and snacks with views over Aotea Lagoon
Cost for Two: NZD 30-50
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8. Supply Room
Supply Room is a lively bar and restaurant situated on the waterfront in Porirua. It proudly serves a distinctive menu of modern New Zealand cuisine. Everything from gourmet burgers to fresh seafood is prepared using locally sourced ingredients. The outdoor deck has fantastic views across the harbour and is famous for casual meals or special occasions.
Timings: 11:00 AM – Late (Monday to Saturday), 10:00 AM – Late (Sunday)
Specialty: Modern New Zealand cuisine along with a waterfront view
Cost for Two: NZD 60-90
9. BurgerFuel Porirua
BurgerFuel Porirua is part of a prestigious New Zealand chain of premium gourmet burgers. It serves beef, chicken, and vegetarian burgers with fresh, local ingredients. The lively atmosphere and industrial-chic décor make it an excellent spot for a quick and satisfying meal.
Timings: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Daily)
Specialty: Gourmet burgers in robust flavours with fresh ingredients
Cost for Two: NZD 30-50
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10. The Big Salami
Popular with locals, The Big Salami in Plimmerton is most definitely a pizzeria that makes pizzas from a genuine wood-fired oven. Thin and crispy bases are topped with anything from traditional to creative to satisfy all tastes. Its casual, family-friendly atmosphere and quirky décor should make this an absolute must-visit destination for pizza lovers in Porirua.
Timings: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Wednesday to Sunday), Closed on Monday and Tuesday
Speciality: Wood-fired pizzas with fresh, high-quality ingredients
Cost for Two: NZD 40-60
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Porirua is a vibrant place for dining that can satisfy every palate and taste. Restaurants in Porirua vary from casual, like Plimmerton Fish Supply serving fish and chips, to fine dining at Topor Bistro and more homely international flavours at Tuk Tuk Thai. Each restaurant epitomises the real meaning of cultural richness in the city, with an added oomph factor of natural beauty. The variation moves from bakeries to restaurants in Porirua, inviting guests to taste their flavours. So book a trip to New Zealand and visit one of the restaurants to enjoy the food and atmosphere.
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Cover Image Credit: Phillip Capper for Wikipedia
Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurants In Porirua
What type of food do I have in Porirua?
Porirua represents a food scene that can vary from Kiwi to Thai, Eastern European, seafood, and even gourmet burgers for those of different tastes.
Does it have waterfront restaurants?
Indeed, restaurants such as Sandbar Mana and Supply Room sell stunning waterfront views and have been made hot spots to situate oneself while dining.
Are there any good fish and chip spots in Porirua?
Plimmerton Fish Supply is highly regarded for having freshly caught fish and nicely cooked chips; it's a favorite among locals.
Is there vegetarian or vegan food available in Porirua?
Yes, most restaurants do have vegetarian and vegan-friendly food options such as Peppermill Delicatessen & Pantry and BurgerFuel Porirua.
What are the average dining costs?
Diner costs range from casual meals, which cost NZD 30-50 for two people, up to the more superior dining experiences that go up to NZD 60-90 for two people.
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