7 Fresh New Finds in Hastings & Havelock North

The more, the merrier – a sentiment that couldn’t be more fitting when it comes to the wave of new independent businesses opening in Hastings and Havelock North. The last couple of years certainly haven’t been without their challenges, but that hasn’t stopped talented locals from diving into exciting new ventures, bringing fresh energy and creativity to the neighbourhood.  Whether you’re after flowers or fashion, croissants or ceviche, here are seven new faces to meet next time you’re in the sunny Hawke’s Bay region.

The Figgery Cafe & Shop

Entrance to Te Mata Figs Cafe and Shop with waiter carrying coffees out to diners sitting at outdoor tables
Place Hastings
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With a Mediterranean climate at your fingertips, it would be a crime not to cultivate one of the world’s most treasured fruits.

Decibel Wines

Rows of Decibel Wines on shelf
Place Hastings
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Decibel Wines is a counter-culture winery. Uh, what does that mean? They create wines that are fine but always fun, adventurous but always approachable.

St Georges Restaurant

Waiter pouring glass of red wine next to a refined plate of food
Place Hastings
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Nestled in the green landscape between Hastings and Havelock North, St Georges Restaurant offers a family-owned culinary experience, grounded in a garden-to-table philosophy.

Ya Bon Table

Two women talking together at a table with plates of pastries and baked goods
Place Hastings
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Apart from those living under a giant rock, every soul in Hawke’s Bay is familiar (and likely obsessed) with the irresistible baked goods from modern French bakery, Ya...

Red Bridge Coffee

The three team members behind Red Bridge Coffee sitting outside coffee trailer with their two dogs
Place Hastings
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A special kind of magic takes over when you exit the main town and enter the Hawke’s Bay countryside, with tree-lined roads winding through rolling hills and vineyards.

Off The Track

Contemporary and plant-filled interior of Off The Track restaurant with the light wooden dining tables and a chef cooking through the open kitchen window
Place Hastings
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Party of two or twenty, there’s a seat for everyone at Off The Track.

Rosina Eatery

Plate of bright milk toast next to a long black coffee on cafe table
Place Hastings
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After your first visit to Rosina, you’ll be digging up every excuse in the book to return on the daily. That was our experience anyway.

OTT in the City

Chef filling banh mi with fresh ingredients in the kitchen
Place Hastings
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Is there anything more satisfying than biting into a herb-loaded bánh mì on a sunny day or warming up with a comforting bowl of phở? When it’s coming...

Mijita

Close up of two bright cocktails in a tall glass with mint and dried fruit garnishes
Place Hastings
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Latin American culture is synonymous with fun and flavour.

The Artisan Cafe

Hands holding a filled sandwich.
Place Hastings
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Follow the enticing aroma of freshly roasted coffee down Queen Street East and through the doors of The Artisan Cafe, a boutique micro roastery adding a great buzz to the...

St Martha

The bright and beautiful counter at St Martha In Havelock North.
Place Hastings
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The Havelock North dining scene continues to trend positively, fuelled by its latest addition, St Martha.

Bambina Pizzeria

A close up of a delicious looking pizza in a blue box.
Place Hastings
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Alessandro Buttazzoni is a name possibly familiar to those from Hawke’s Bay, given that he is the widely experienced creator of the beloved Alessandro’s Pizza e...

Dine off the Beaten Path in Hastings & Havelock North

A container cafe nestled into a green grassy knoll.
If you’re craving a destination with a delicious reward, here are eight of our favourite “off the beaten path” spots to explore with an appetite.

Lot 2

The bright interior of Lot 2 cafe in Havelock North.
Place Hastings
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Havelock North’s Lot 2 is a laid back, unpretentious eatery that starts each day as a café, before transforming into an intimate evening destination.

Tu Meke Don

A birdseye view of boxes of delicious looking sushi.
Place Hastings
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In a happy marriage of Japanese food and Kiwi vibes, Tu Meke Don is a real family-run business, operating out of the lively Tribune precinct in Hastings.

Craggy Range Restaurant

A man and woman sitting at table with beautiful plates of food.
Place Hastings
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Family-owned Craggy Range is situated mere moments from Havelock North, nestled between the Tukituki River and the majestic hillside of Te Mata Peak.

Black Barn Bistro

Two black barns outside in a sunny day.
Place Hastings
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Right from the beginning, it was obvious that the warm, north-facing slopes, the stunning outlook and the close proximity to the village of Havelock North meant that Black...

9 International Food Destinations in Hastings & Havelock North

A woman holding chopsticks.
Here are nine of our favourite local eateries that will take you on a delicious trip around the world. No passport required – but remember to pack your appetite.

13th Stag

A large cafe with the sun streaming in through its glass windows.
Place Hastings
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‘Power to perform’ is the mantra that motivates everything at 13th Stag cafe.

Pipi Pizza Café

A flatly of pizza and wine on a pink table at Pipis Havelock North.
Place Hastings Editor's Pick
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Wandering around Havelock North, it’s hard to miss the bright-fuschia-pink facade of the pizza café and local favourite Pipi.

Pixie Bowls

A flatly of a breakfast bowl on a white table.
Place Hastings Editor's Pick
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Entering Pixie Bowls in Havelock North feels like being transported to the streets of Bondi Beach or Canggu in Bali.

Deliciosa

A staff member working behind a bright lit bar at Deliciosa.
Place Hastings
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A consistent favourite on the Havelock North dining scene since 2007, packing big punchy flavours into shared plates, there is a reason Deliciosa is still at the top of its...

Cupple & Ya Bon

A woman standing at the counter inside Cupple cafe Hastings.
Place Hastings Editor's Pick
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A good cup of coffee and the perfect flaky pastry is worth travelling for.

Mary's

A flat lay of delicious looking plates of food on a table.
Place Hastings
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Looking for a neighbourhood restaurant where the vibe is that perfect mix of casual, approachable, yet effortlessly sophisticated? Mary’s in Havelock North fits...

Workroom

Customers sitting at high black tables inside the cafe.
Place Hastings Editor's Pick
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Hidden down a laneway off Joll Road in Havelock North, you will come across caffeine superstars Workroom.

Piku

Fluorescent light display set against a brick wall.
Place Hastings Editor's Pick
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Down a cute laneway off Joll Road in Havelock North a treasure trove of eateries can be found, including Piku, the only izakaya-style Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar in...

Funbuns

The colourful, Asian-inspired interior of FunBuns in Hastings.
Place Hastings
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What do you get when you combine delicious food + the best cocktails in town + good vibes and atmosphere… it’s Funbuns in the centre of Hastings! 

Spooky’s Pizzeria

A fun looking menu surrounded by illustrated ghosts on a wall at Spooky's Hastings.
Place Hastings
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According to some, pizza has long been one of the best foods in the land.

Cellar 495

The empty restaurant at Cellar 495.
Place Hastings
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Hastings is experiencing a renaissance of sorts, with many pockets around the centre seeing new buildings and renovations come to life.

Giant Brewing

Customers dining inside the large open pace of Giant Brewing in Havelock North.
Place Hastings Editor's Pick
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Giant Brewing in Havelock North is the perfect place to gather with a group of mates, celebrate a family occasion, or simply enjoy some excellent local beers.

A Place in the Sun: Best Al Fresco Dining in Hastings and Havelock North

A couple dining outside a black barn on a sunny day.
Commonly referred to as the ‘fruit bowl of New Zealand,’ Hawke’s Bay is something of a paradise for culinary enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs alike. The region’s temperate climate lends itself to many an outside meal, and with an abundance of charming outdoor spaces on offer, al fresco dining is a concept most locals are more than just a little familiar with.

Common Room

A massive sign that says 'Bar' inside Common Room in Hastings.
Place Hastings
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Common Room on Hastings' Heretaunga Street is the best little bar in the bay, with friendly hospitality and banter, live music, comedy nights, and an atmosphere that makes...

Hastings Distillers

The dark interior of Hastings Distillers with walls painted a deep blue.
Place Hastings Editor's Pick
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On Heretaunga Street East, concealed behind impressive wooden doors, is Hastings Distillers’ tasting room, a place you need to visit without delay.

Hawthorne Coffee Roastery & Espresso Bar

A barista working behind a small hole-in-the-wall window.
Place Hastings
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Morning coffee places don’t get any better than Hawthorne Coffee Roastery & Espresso Bar in Havelock North.

Long Island Delicatessen

The green counter inside Long Island Delicatessen with a backdrop of a flamingo painted on the wall.
Place Hastings
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Need a bite to eat when you’re on the go? Looking to pack a picnic for lunch? Or, searching for somewhere that provides knockout catering? Hastings’ Long Island...

A Wine and Food Lover's Guide to Hastings and Havelock North

Plates of food on a terrazzo table inside Mary's in Havelock North.
Wine and Dine Your Way Around Hastings and Havelock North. Delicious food and a perfect glass of wine all start from the same beginning, using the highest quality ingredients. The wider Hawke’s Bay is home to some of the best produce in the country, making destinations like Hastings and Havelock North a wine and food lover’s dream. From fruit orchards to vineyards to some of the best industry minds working in the region, all come together in harmony to create a stellar hospitality scene.

Brave Brewing Co.

The corner of Brave Brewing which features a shop, kitchen and dining area.
Place Hastings
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Brave Brewing Co.

Oh My Goodness Speciality Breads

The beautiful green and wood counter area inside Oh My Goodness in Hastings.
Place Hastings
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Oh My Goodness is one of those places where you walk through the front doors and instantly sense the care and attention that has gone into creating the business.

Kindred Road

The interior of Kindred Road in Hastings.
Place Hastings
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Exciting developments are happening in Hastings’ inner city, including Tribune, a heritage revival of what was once office buildings and is now a precinct home to...

Sazio

Two chefs working inside the open kitchen at Sazio in Hastings.
Place Hastings
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In the heart of Hastings, neighbourhood pasta bar Sazio is driven by the philosophy of “Eat with the people you love. Eat well. Eat often. Eat pasta.

Smith & Sheth

The beautiful, dimly lit space of Smith and Sheth.
Place Hastings
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Smith & Sheth is the result of the passion and love of wine of renowned New Zealand Master of Wine Steve Smith and Texas investor Brian Sheth.

Birdwoods Gallery & Café

The eclectic interior of Birdwoods Gallery in Hastings.
Place Hastings
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Birdwoods Gallery & Café is a special place in the heart of rural Havelock North.