Palmerston North – it’s a melting pot of a city where north meets south, country meets city and old-school New Zealand meets international fusion.

This diverse range of influences and cultures is reflected in Palmerston North restaurants, with everything from Japanese Izakaya and Vietnamese to authentic Mexican and South African fare. So whether you are local or planning a visit from out of town, prepare to be well-fed.  

Fresh produce is celebrated in abundance, with the region’s ideal growing conditions offering up plenty of delicious seasonal ingredients to be enjoyed at Palmerston North restaurants, including the best of New Zealand meats and plant-based delights.  

In Palmerston North, the vibes also come a plenty. Step inside a Mexican cantina well worthy of an Instagram shout-out for the décor alone, or cosy up in a family-owned corner bistro with an ambience made to make you feel right at home. As well as tickling your taste buds, restaurants in Palmerston North know how to pour a good tipple. With everything from margaritas, hot sake and the best of New Zealand wines on offer, you can be sure that your meals will be matched well.  

So whether you want a fine-dining experience or something quirky and a little bit different to treat your tastebuds and give you and your fellow diners an experience to remember, Palmerston North restaurants have got you covered. You certainly won’t be going hungry.

Dine your Way Around Palmerston North

A chef making pizza next to a wood fire oven.
When it comes to New Zealand’s foodie destinations, Wellington is almost always top of mind. But just above Wellington, you’ll find Palmerston North situated in the heartland where many of our most prized ingredients originate.

Tony’s Pizza

A blue illustration on a wall inside Tony's Pizza in Palmerston North.
Place Palmerston North
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Pizza and craft beer - is there a more iconic duo? If you’re in Palmerston North, you can find both at Tony’s, a craft beer and pizza bar that brings a slice of...

Little Savanna

The interior of Little Savanna.
Place Palmerston North
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Little Savanna’s expert fit-out gives this South African-inspired restaurant a unique visual identity on the Palmerston North dining scene. With strong food and drink offerings to match, it’s a complete lunch or dinner destination in the heart of the city.

Nero

A cosy nook of the restaurant with blue tile.
Place Palmerston North
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Nero, a family-owned modern bistro, has made a name for themselves in Palmerston North over the last twenty years with consistently great food and service.

The Fat Farmer

The busy restaurant.
Place Palmerston North
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The Fat Farmer is a neighbourhood bistro that’s elegant and extremely well furnished but still manages to feel like your mate’s place.

HARU Japanese Restaurant

The wooden interior of Haru.
Place Palmerston North
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A calming central city spot for top quality Japanese fare. At Haru Japanese Restaurant you’ll be quickly greeted and seated by the friendly staff. Order some warm green or yuzu tea and explore the menu which is varied but not overwhelming.

Saigon Corner

The inside of the restaurant.
Place Palmerston North
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Head to Saigon Corner on Princess Street for a taste of Vietnam. This local spot’s modern Vietnamese cuisine has earned excellence on TripAdvisor for over three years straight, and it doesn’t take long to figure out why.

Amayjen Restaurant

The restaurant interior.
Place Palmerston North
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Amayjen is one of the crown jewels of Feilding’s hospitality scene. Owned and operated by Andrew and Jenni May, this local restaurant earned a Cuisine Good Food Awards ‘hat’ in 2017 and continues to dish up inspired local flavours today.