Eat Your Way Around the World: Hamilton’s Best Global Eats

Food dishes being placed on the table at Saigon 60's.
Hamilton’s food scene is a passport in plate form, a vibrant mix of flavours, traditions, and culinary creativity drawn from every corner of the globe. From the sizzling woks of Malaysia and the street‑food buzz of Vietnam to the spice‑laden kitchens of India, the rooftops of Italy, and the sweet artistry of Asian‑inspired desserts, the city’s eateries are as diverse as the people who call it home.

Neat at Made

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Place Hamilton
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Neat at MADE isn’t your average bottle store or cocktail bar; it’s a beautiful blend of boutique bottle shop, tasting room, and intimate cocktail bar all wrapped...

Wooden Spoon

Food dishes on the table at Wooden Spoon.
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As the Waikato’s only dedicated coeliac-safe café, Wooden Spoon is a welcoming refuge for anyone living without gluten.

Penang Street Food

Building exterior of Penang Street Food.
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Penang Street Food brings to Hamilton’s Victoria Street the sights, smells, and flavours of a Malaysian street market, all captured in a relaxed, modern setting.

Kori Desserts

Matcha dessert and specialty drink on a pink tray at Kori Desserts.
Place Hamilton
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Kori Desserts has carved out a sweet little Hamilton haven for those craving something beyond the ordinary.

Saigon ‘60s

Food vendor cart position outside the front door of Saigon '60s.
Place Hamilton
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Step inside Saigon ’60s and be instantly transported back to the golden era of 1960s Saigon, when French charm and Vietnamese flair intertwined in the city’s...

Volare Grey Street

The cafe counter Volare in Made Hamilton East.
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Volare has been providing the city of Hamilton with delicious baked sourdoughs and pastries since 2009.

Bamboo Sweets

The blue and white exterior of Bamboo Sweets Hamilton.
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Bamboo Sweets is an artisan chocolate shop nestled in Hamilton’s Casabella Lane, dedicated to crafting exceptional chocolates that promise to sweeten your day.

Dot & Winnie's Eatery

The busy interior of Dot and Winnies Hamilton.
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Dot & Winnie's is an owner-operated café situated in the heart of Hamilton, renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and memorable food.

Madam Woo

Plates of food on a table at Madam Woo Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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Madam Woo is a beloved fixture in Hamilton's dining scene, and for several years now, it’s been wooing its customers with far more than just its delicious food.

Grey Roasting Co

The entrance to Grey Roasting Co Hamilton.
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Grey Roasting Co. is Hamilton’s go-to spot for serious coffee lovers and casual sippers alike.

Made Hamilton

People hanging outside Made in Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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Made has quickly become a must-visit destination in Hamilton East, being a hub of bustling retailers, foodies, creators and artisans.

Soul Boul

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Searching for a spot where your goals of health and wellness can be achieved without sacrificing flavour and taste? Soul Boul in Hamilton East’s Made is this place...

Walk This Way: Discover Hamilton's Laneways

Couple strolling down MADE laneway.
Hamilton’s laneways might not shout for attention, but that’s exactly their charm. Tucked between main streets and hidden behind unassuming facades, these pedestrian‑friendly pockets are made for wandering. They’re often blissfully free of traffic, rich with character, and brimming with independent businesses that reward the curious.

Rice Rice Baby

The bright pink and blue interior of Rice Rice Baby in Hamilton.
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When it comes to authentic Vietnamese fare, Rice Rice Baby in Hamilton doesn’t mess around.

The Green

High seats placed around a kitchen and bar area.
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When Chef Karl Martin-Boulton first shared his concept for The Green, people told him Hamilton wasn’t ready for something so innovative.

Hello Rosie

Burgers and thick shakes against a white background.
Place Hamilton
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Tucked away in a corner of Hamilton city is an enchanting little laneway that evokes the charm of Italy, with its pottery and art studios, water fountains, and curated gardens.

Rüdi's Bakehouse

Baked bread on the counter inside a bakery cafe.
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In the heart of Hamilton’s vibrant Riverbank Lane, with its cosmopolitan Melbourne-like ambience, you’ll discover Rüdi’s, a small batch artisan bakery...

One of the Locals: An Insider's Guide to Kirikiriroa Hamilton

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Taking the crown of New Zealand’s fastest growing city, you’d be a fool to underestimate what this town in the mighty Waikato has to offer. While throngs of visitors take the 45-minute trip out of Hamilton to live out their fantasies in The Shire (each to their own), those who stick to the heart of the ‘Tron will discover local treasures that are – in our opinion – just as precious.

Last Place Bar

Close up of a man holding a burger on a tray at Last Place Bar.
Place Hamilton
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If you picture a 1980s RSA (but cool) merged with an old-school American dive bar, you might land somewhere not too far off the vibe at Last Place.

Lykke - Café and Homewares

A male staff member working behind the salmon coloured counter at Lykke cafe Hamilton.
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The Danish word Lykke (leur-kah) is used to describe the state of absolute happiness. It’s also the name of a café in Frankton owned and run by Malcolm and Juliet.

Weave Eatery

Customers ordering at the counter inside Weave Eatery.
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Bought to you by Tracey & Tracey Kensington (you aren't seeing double!), Weave Eatery is a cafe and catering business providing a central meeting space for the growing...

Scotts Epicurean

Close up of halloumi salad on a table at Scotts Epicurean.
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For a feast full of heart and soul, you’ll want to send Scotts Epicurean to the top of your brunching list.

Cream Eatery

An outstretched arm places a plate of bacon and eggs and hollandaise on the pass at Cream Eatery in Hamilton.
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Cream Eatery flung its doors open in early 2021 and it’s been a hit from day dot, satisfying foodies from all corners of Hamilton.

Sentinel Café

Cafe entrance at Sentinel.
Place Hamilton
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Sentinel Café is everything you'd want from your weekday coffee spot. Offering an expertly crafted menu, calming decor and even executive meeting rooms for hire, it’s the ideal place for a catch-up with colleagues.

Café Kopi

Seating area at Cafe Kopi.
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One thing is for sure—only good things come out of Riverbank Lane. So it’s safe to say when Café Kopi found a home in this community, we were pretty stoked. The vibe of this little caffeine haven is pretty chic, to say the least.

Dumpling House

Red hanging lanterns at Dumpling House.
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For hearty, authentic Chinese food, head straight to Dumpling House, a wholesome eatery serving up friendly vibes and even better dumplings. After operating for 12 years and opening two venues, this family-run establishment has truly made its mark on the Hamilton food scene.

On A Roll

Dumplings in a bowl from On A Roll.
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On A Roll has clocked up a devout following of local foodies from all around Hamilton. The eatery itself is the embodiment of good vibes, whilst the menu will leave you salivating.

Lovegrove Lane

Lovegrove Lane in Hamilton.
Place Hamilton Editor's Pick
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Bring your basket, your yoga mat and positive vibes, and walk away charmed by Lovegrove Lane.

Riverbank Lane

The entrance to Riverbank Lane and Cafe Kopi.
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A place to meet, eat and drink, Riverbank Lane is home to a number of bespoke businesses that together create a charming difference to Hamilton's main street.

Punnet Eatery

The outside of Punnet Eatery surrounded by big green bushes.
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Nestled amongst fruit trees, herb bushes and shrubs, Punnet Eatery is a home away from home for visitors thanks to its homely interior, epic kids' playground and family-run ethos.

A Sweet Tour of Hamilton: Where to Discover the City's Best Sugary Treats

A cheesecake on a plate.
Hamilton’s underrated food scene is brimming with delicious discoveries to be had - on both sides of the river. We’ve rounded up some of Hamilton’s best sugary secrets, so if you’re after something to satisfy that craving, these are the spots you won’t want to miss.

Bootleg Brewery

Two ladies ordering at the wood panelled counter with big festoon lights hanging above them.
Place Hamilton Editor's Pick
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A good ol’ bit of Kiwi ingenuity and a whole lot of hard work has created a watering hole in Matangi, made for locals, by locals. A couple of Hamilton mates came together with a love of home brewing and a bloody good tipple.

The Chilli House

Family sat at a table in the dining area.
Place Hamilton Editor's Pick
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This (not so) hidden gem located in the CBD of Hamilton is somewhere you’ll want to put on your to-do list if you are traveling to Hamilton any time soon.

Casabella Lane

Sills and Co sign in laneway
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Casabella Lane is as enchanting as it sounds - but you’d miss it if you weren’t paying attention. This little lane between Barton and Anglesea Streets is bursting full of treasures, and with 17 locally-owned stores there’ll be something that catches your eye, no matter your interests.

Saigon Noon

Couple sat at a table at Saigon Noon.
Place Hamilton

Located in the bustling city centre Saigon Noon sits amongst unassuming cafes and shops, but it's one spot that's definitely worth the (inevitable) hunt for a...

Meet the Bakers: Ed and Ryan from Volare Bread

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Volare (pronounced vo-la-ree) Bread was founded in 2009 by two school friends, Ed and Ryan, who saw a gap in the Waikato market for artisan baking. With a vintage oven, a worn-out mixer, and an old van, they embarked on a mission to create a bakery that would bring traditional, high-quality baked goods to the region.  What started as a modest dream quickly grew into something much larger. Today, Volare is an award-winning bakery with five thriving stores and a growing wholesale business, capped with the honour of being the chosen bakery at the newly established Made Market precinct.

Frank

Plant life outside the front entrance at Frank.
Place Hamilton
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Clean, polished and contemporary, there’s no doubt that plenty of thought has been put into the swish design of Frank.

Zealong Tea Estate

Hand holding tea leaves at Zealong Tea Estate, Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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A tea estate worth its weight in gold.

The Lost Boys

Tables and chairs outside The Lost Boys.
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A café tucked away in the back streets of Frankton that uses plenty of fresh, local and organic ingredients in its goods.

Mr. Pickles

Close up of a bartender garnishing a cocktail.
Place Hamilton Editor's Pick
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A fancy yet cheeky bar and restaurant all in one, come here for your after work drinks.

Manuka Brothers

Man puts coffee on table at Manuka Brothers, Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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A family business and cafe selling coffee beans roasted over mānuka wood.

Garden Place Noodle Bar

Two customers at a table in Garden Place Noodle Bar, Hamilton.
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A cheap, cheerful place to grab a bowl of dumplings, steam buns and noodles all made by hand in the kitchen.

Banh Mi Caphe

Two of the Banh Mi cocktails, one in a tall tumbler and one in a coupe glass.
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A visit to Banh Mi Caphe is going to transport you straight to the streets of South East Asia.

Brewaucracy

The outside of Brewaucracy, Hamilton.
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The headquarters for Hamilton brewers Brewaucracy. Come in to fill up a flagon or try their latest brews.

Space Cadet

Wall art and curiosities on the shelf on the bright blue wall at Space Cadet, Hamilton.
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A thriving cafe that feels like a retro holiday.

Gothenburg

Outdoor seating on the patio at Gothenburg.
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Escape the city, come to the riverside and enjoy the best of Waikato cuisine at Gothenburg.

Nivara Lounge

Red light decorations shines on drinks.
Place Hamilton
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Well regarded as the ‘place’ to listen to live music in Hamilton.

Hayes Common

Framed print on the wall inside Hayes Common in Hamilton.
Place Hamilton Editor's Pick
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This restaurant has large tables to fit the whole family as well as cosy nooks to curl up in with a cup of coffee and a good read.

Neat in the Neighbourhood: Hamilton East

Hamilton East is a suburb brimming with a unique charm that effortlessly blends the old with the new. With its tree-lined streets and a palpable sense of community, this historic quarter offers a more laid-back vibe than the city centre while still pulsing with vibrant, youthful energy.

Grey Street Kitchen

Barista is making a pourover coffee at Grey St Kitchen.
Place Hamilton
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An East Hamilton community favourite.

Anne Fern Coffee Shop

Flat white on the table.
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An unassuming, simple and stylish cafe.

Volare Bread

Signage on the building's exterior at Volare Bread.
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Bread worth trekking over town for.

Whole Heart

Plants and food on display.
Place Hamilton
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Visit Whole Heart for organic vegetables and eco-friendly cleaning products, or simply to connect with other like-minded individuals striving to live a healthy life.

Hayes Common's Lisa Quarrie on the Future of Hospitality and Adaption

A woman in her cafe posing for the camera.
One of our favourite cafés in Aotearoa is Hayes Common. Occupying a prevalent corner site alongside a river pathway, Hayes Common in Hamilton Kirikiriroa optimises everything you want in a local neighbourhood spot; an inspiring fit-out with multiple rooms, outstanding food and coffee made with care, a well-curated and changing drinks list, appealing events, such as their Meet the Maker series, plus super lovely staff and owners who work their tails off.

Wonder Horse

Cocktail in the making at Wonder Horse, Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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The place for good chats, group hangs or after dinner drinks.

Gather Food House

Sweet treats on display at Gather Foodhouse, Hamilton.
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Presentation is key to the ethos at Gather.

Chim Choo Ree

Front entrance to Chim Choo Ree, Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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An award-winning restaurant with a proud name for utterly delicious cuisine.

Duck Island

Shop assistant placing ice cream cones on the counter at Duck Island.
Place Hamilton Editor's Pick
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Offering a staggering range of ice creams, from popcorn to condensed milk and toasted marshmallows, this is the place to go to satisfy your next sweet treat craving.

Rocket Coffee Roasters

Entrance to Rocket Coffee Roasters.
Place Hamilton Editor's Pick
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A café and roastery that plays by it's own rules, Rocket Coffee really isn't like anything else.

Good George Dining Hall

Bartender behind the bar at Good George Dining Hall, Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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With a large outdoor area amongst the brewing tanks, Good George is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of beer in the sunshine.