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Dine off the Beaten Path in Hastings & Havelock North

A container cafe nestled into a green grassy knoll.
Story Hastings
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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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...

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.

9 International Food Destinations in Hastings & Havelock North

A woman holding chopsticks.
Story Hastings
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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Story Hastings
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.

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! 

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...

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...

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...