Rata's Kitchen

What do you get when a Thai chef and a French sommelier meet on the beautiful shores of New Zealand? The beginnings of a successful culinary story, and a charming, cosy eatery that keeps locals coming back for more.

Set in Petone’s historic village, Rata’s Kitchen is warm, intimate, and sometimes a little unexpected. Low lighting and good music set the tone, creating an atmosphere that feels more like being welcomed into someone’s home than heading out to dinner. Not quite fine dining, nor cafe, it’s somewhere in between, setting the perfect stage for the fusion delights that await.

Having started with a small food truck in Russell, dynamic duo Rata and Thomas moved to Petone to fully realise their vision: modern fusion food inspired by flavours from across the globe, cooked with curiosity and paired with thoughtful wine selections. Dishes evolve with the seasons and the chefs’ ideas, but a few favourites have earned cult status. The lamb dish changes regularly and is always a standout, as are the French onion dumplings and the savoury beetroot cheesecake, which is completely vegan. The duck fat potatoes are non-negotiable, while house-made chilli oil and hot honey weave through the menu, adding depth and heat. Topping it all off is a fine dessert menu, the pick of the bunch being the Thai tea creme brulee.

Blending seamlessly into the fabric of Petone culture, Rata’s Kitchen is a place where the menu doesn’t tie itself to one cuisine or tradition, and that’s very much the point. Come as you are and be taken on a culinary journey that transcends borders and boundaries.