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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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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...

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.
Story Hastings
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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

The People Behind the Places: Meet the Food and Drink Heroes of Hastings

Bottles of beers lined up on a counter at Brave Brewing in Hastings.
Story Hastings
Hastings and the wider Hawke’s Bay region is known for its vineyards, spectacular local produce and talented creators, culminating in an epic food and drink scene in which there are many superstars.   From talented artisan bakers and epic coffee roasters to brewing legends and more, these are our favourite makers; the food and drink heroes of Hastings.

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.

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...