Get Your Foodie Fix At Hamilton’s Best Healthy Eateries

Person holding healthy bowl of muesli from Frank, Hamilton.

Sink a superfood smoothie or smash back a vegan feast as you eat your way around Hamilton's wholesome food scene.

Words by: Jess Willemse 

Photography by: Neat Places 

Dare we say it; sometimes, you just don’t want a burger. In fact, more often than not these days, we’re wanting to have our (raw, wholefood) cake and eat it too. Put simply, brunching with mates or dinner out shouldn’t have to compromise on how you like to eat. 

Whether you follow a vegetarian, vegan, gluten or dairy-free diet, or just prefer to choose more whole foods, the great thing is, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to Hamilton’s healthy food scene. So we’ve done the hard work and rounded up our favourite eateries dishing out the nutritious goodness around Hamilton. 

Frank

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220 Tristram Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton

The crew at Frank are all about taking your food from origin to plate with as little fuss as possible. Here it’s all about hearty, wholesome eats made by hand. You’ll find filling, nutritious ingredients to nourish your body and soul, with the added benefit of food that tastes downright delicious. Check out the cabinet for a selection of raw treats and wholefood baking, or smash back a seasonal salad or Vietnamese rice paper roll. Top it all off with a cup of Raglan roast coffee or a superfood smoothie—need we say more?

Vegan Buffet

645 Victoria Street, Hamilton

We'll forgive you for not being across this hidden gem, unsuspectingly tucked away among the bustle of Ward Street. But it's about time to show your vegan mates you really care by booking in at Vegan Buffet for your next feed. Like the name says, it's all about the vegan goods here. Oh, and a tonne of flavour—you'll have a hard time choosing just one dish. Whether it's pan-fried veggie dumplings, a roti pancake with kumara or a protein plate with vegan nuggets, you can't go wrong. And we haven't even mentioned their 'comfort food' section, which stars stacked vegan burgers and roti drenched in creamy mushrooms. Drool.

Photo credit: Toa Heftiba

Whole Heart

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2/13 Herbert Road, Queenwood, Hamilton

It goes without saying, Whole Heart is the home of wholesome food in Hamilton. This conscious grocer stocks a slew of organic, local produce as well as pantry staples, self-care items and homewares. BYO container and stock up on dried goods with their bulk-bin section, brimming with nuts, grains and other tasty treats. You’ll also enjoy their rotating selection of fresh bread, from gluten-free numbers to seed-packed loaves. Our advice? Bring a BIG reusable tote bag—you’re going to need it.

Amor

375 Grey Street, Hamilton East

For the best bowls around, Amor over on Grey Street is where it’s at. Their line-up of acai superfood bowls is pretty epic, with more than 14 flavours to choose from. You’ll find more traditional takes like a fresh fruit bowl, and dessert-inspired hits like banoffee, oreo and cherry chocolate. Plus, the toppings game is strong—think roasted nuts, nut butter, granola and even dairy-free ice cream. They also dish up plant protein mylk shakes, superfood smoothies, bagels and a next-level toast bar. Unfortunately, your homemade smoothie and toast will never be the same after a trip to Amor.

Punnet Eatery

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337 Newell Road, Tamahere

To call Punnet just a café is an understatement—‘foodie destination’ would be more appropriate. Part of The Strawberry Farm in Tamahere, this venue offers a plethora of all things delicious. Pick your own strawbs on a hot summer day, indulge in some ice cream or peruse the artisan foodie goods on offer at The Country Providore. Whether it’s brunching, lunching or a special celebration, the eatery has you covered with a crowd-pleasing menu and function rooms too. Plus, you can also take a taste of Punnet home with their handcrafted frozen meals and desserts—sticky date pud, anyone?

Hayes Common

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33 Jellicoe Drive, Hamilton East, Hamilton

Hayes Common is an ode to all things we love about neighbourhood eateries; a down-to-earth vibe, locally-sourced ingredients and simple cooking done damn well. All their eggs and meat are free-range, and they even harvest some of their own produce from their kitchen garden. Top bites from the menu include seafood classics like New Zealand oysters and Kingfish crudo, alongside pork belly bao and dry-aged scotch fillet steaks. Pair this with a brew from Hamilton legends Good George, and you've got yourself the perfect night out.

Neat Hamilton Places

Exscite

Low seating inside Exscite Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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Housed within the Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery is Exscite, an interactive discovery centre offering a vibrant and engaging learning experience.

Ramp Gallery

The outside display window at Ramp Gallery, Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
Galleries and museum key icon.

A gallery under the same roof as Wintec School of Art.

Hayes Common

Framed print on the wall inside Hayes Common in Hamilton.
Place Hamilton Editor's Pick
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This restaurant has large tables to fit the whole family as well as cosy nooks to curl up in with a cup of coffee and a good read.

Le Fleur

Vases on shelves at Le Fleur Florist.
Place Hamilton

Add a touch of beauty to your day with a bouquet delivery from the enchanting Le Fleur florist.