The Smoking Barrel
MondayClosed.
TuesdayClosed.
WednesdayClosed.
Thursday9:00 am – 10:00 pm.
Friday9:00 am – 10:00 pm.
Saturday9:00 am – 10:00 pm.
Sunday9:00 am – 10:00 pm.
The Smoking Barrel is a bit of a Motueka institution. The family-owned and operated restaurant specialises in low & slow American style BBQ, statement burgers, and gourmet donuts. The atmosphere inside is friendly and cosy, with plenty of greenery and various private nooks to settle into. Out the back, a lush garden basks in the afternoon sun and provides a handful of outdoor tables.
Everything at The Smoking Barrel is made in-house wherever possible. Meats are flavoured and slow-cooked overnight in a smoker with a capacity of 120kg of meat at one time. The restaurant runs a brunch menu in the morning (expect to find café classics with a bbq twist) and switches gears to dinner from late afternoon. For serious carnivores the sharing BBQ platter offers a taste of multiple different meats, such as brisket, ribs, and pulled pork; and if meat is not your thing, you’ll find a few meatless options to choose from, too.
Oh, and as for those famous donuts – they are made from scratch in the small on-site bakery. The flavours of these bad boys change weekly and while the busy baker pumps out some 400 pieces a day, you still need to get in early to wrap your mitts around one of them!
Words by Petra Nyman & Photography by Nancy Zhou
Information not correct? Report an error
Location
105 High Street, Motueka
Similar Places
The Dangerous Kitchen
Despite its moniker, the only thing truly dangerous about The Dangerous Kitchen in Tākaka, is how tasty its food is.
Java Hut
Keen to find that secret local’s coffee spot in Māpua? Make a stop at Java Hut on the main road into town.
The Wholemeal Café
Arguably the town’s most recognisable eatery, The Wholemeal Café, is housed in the former Takaka Theatre that dates back to 1910.