The Fat Farmer

Neighbourhood bistro located in Hokowhitu, The Fat Farmer, is one of Palmerston North’s cosiest and most considered dinner options. This bistro delivers on food, drink, atmosphere and interior, and their signature dish keeps locals coming back, food critics on their toes and has even caught the attention of folks like Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern - we just missed her when we visited!

Dinner at The Fat Farmer is a treat, but also manages to feel like you're dining at a close friend’s home, and it’s an expertly furnished home at that. The interior is warmly lit with exposed timber, booth seating and bar leaners, and porch and patio seating offer even more nooks to enjoy. Most importantly, the friendly staff ensure every guest feels welcome and at ease in the elegant yet rustic space.

The menu celebrates local ingredients on every plate, and dishes are served as they are ready which encourages sharing and grazing at will. Fat Farmer’s signature plate features 1kg ANZCO lamb shoulder that is slow roasted on the bone with honey, roasted pumpkin puree, minted lamb jus and Yorkshire pudding. The fresh punchy flavours perfectly balance the lamb’s richness, and every bite makes the 25 minute wait well worth it.

Other dishes include the likes of AngusPure flatiron steak sliced and served medium rare with oyster mushrooms, ginger soy jus and Gochujang salsa. The bruschetta or pan fried goat cheese with honey, hazelnuts, thyme and toasted bread, make excellent nibbles. Many of The Fat Farmer’s dishes can be made gluten free on request, and vegetarian options are not an afterthought here. Dishes like the roasted cauliflower with cumin butter, Tahini yogurt dressing and toasted pine nuts provide the same expert balance of salty, sweet and sour that this team has perfected.

The drinks list is similarly strong and the beautifully presented cocktails are certainly a highlight. The Rose Bud, for one, is constructed with vanilla vodka, cranberry, pineapple, passionfruit and gold sugar. It’s shimmery and bright, and tart and sweet at the same time.

Come for a drink and a nibble, a special occasion or a family dinner, and leave feeling well looked after and totally satisfied.