Dine off the Beaten Path in Hastings & Havelock North

Its attraction lies in the name. Nestled in between Hastings and Havelock North, Off the Track’s large dining spaces and garden setting adds an extra bit of distance between you and the hustle and bustle. With room to fit over 200 guests, it’s a winning destination for big groups – while still being a charming spot for parties of two or three. The menu is packed with crowd favourites to leave everyone at the table satisfied, including charcuterie boards to share (great with a glass of wine on a summer’s day), fresh pasta made in-house, a perfect plate of steak, and cheeseburgers for the kiddos.

Biting into a fresh fig is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Luckily for Hawke’s Bay locals, there’s an abundance of these sweet delights on their doorstep thanks to Te Mata Figs, a family-owned business providing fresh figs and award-winning products. In 2020, they opened The Figgery Cafe & Shop to celebrate the versatility of figs through a fully gluten-free menu, including cheese boards, pies, salads, cakes, tarts, and ice cream. The cafe also has the full Te Mata Figs range on show, so you can take home everything from fig paste and jam to drunken figs and even fig coffee.

Serving exceptional coffee from a container sitting on a beautiful countryside corner in Tuki Tuki, Red Bridge Coffee is well worth driving (or biking) to. The team have collaborated with Hawthorne Coffee Roasters from Havelock North to create their own delicious custom blend, with a cracking cabinet of sweet baked goods, scones, ridiculously good toasties and more to go alongside. Add in the rolling hills and views of Te Mata Peak, and it’s easy to see why Red Bridge has become a community favourite. Dogs are welcome too.

St Georges Restaurant is a family-run establishment offering a garden-to-table dining experience. Originally a winery, Francky and Kat Godinho transformed the site in 2012, refreshing the interior while also planting large working gardens nearby. The menu features Modern European dishes, beautifully presented with 90% of the ingredients coming straight from the garden and the rest from local suppliers. There’s a mix of settings, from a Tuscan-inspired courtyard to elegant indoor dining spaces, making it the perfect fit for big wedding moments or everyday casual lunches. 

Housed in the historic St. Peter’s Church Hall, Birdwoods Gallery & Café in rural Havelock North feels like a tranquil escape, though it’s a mere five minutes from town. Opened by Zimbabwean couple Louise and Bruce in 2004, it has since become a beloved destination with multiple experiences on offer. Visitors can wander through the serene sculpture garden, enjoy delicious dishes at the rustic café featuring ingredients from their own garden, get a sugar rush at the nostalgic sweet shop, or explore the expansive gallery showcasing both local and African art. You could easily spend a whole morning or afternoon here.

While it’s famed for being an award-winning vineyard, the experience at Black Barn goes far beyond beautiful wines. The bistro is nothing short of phenomenal, with simple and delicious dishes that take quality Hawke’s Bay produce and give them the wood-fired treatment. As well as sampling wines at the cellar door or enjoying a memorable meal, Black Barn plays host to a range of events in their outdoor amphitheatre. If you’re finding it difficult to leave, stay for a few nights (or more) at one of the 17 luxury accommodation retreats surrounded by the natural beauty of Hawke’s Bay.

Nestled in the heart of Hawke’s Bay Sports Park, 13th Stag Cafe is where community and wellness meet over excellent coffee and nutritious, tasty food. Founded by Blair, a former Central Stags and Black Caps cricketer, and his wife Sarah, the cafe embodies their love for healthy living. Named after Blair’s cricket jersey number, the cafe offers a warm, plant-filled interior, with outdoor seating perfect for sunny days. The menu hits a big 6, featuring creative spins on classic breakfast and lunch dishes, alongside health-focused beverages. It’s the go-to spot for locals seeking a feel-good place to connect and unwind.

With two hats and recognition as Cuisine’s ‘Winery Restaurant of the Year’, Craggy Range is a name that needs little introduction. The family-owned winery and restaurant sits at the foot of the dramatic Te Mata Peak hillside, housed in a striking architectural wonder that is as impressive as its natural surroundings. Despite its prestigious reputation, Craggy Range maintains a warm and approachable atmosphere. The menu offers two dining approaches: shared or not shared. Whichever one you opt for, you’ll be treated to a spectacular array of dishes, with many ingredients coming direct from the 800m² on-site garden. Not ones to leave anyone out, there’s even dedicated vegetarian and vegan menus. Oh, and the wine selection? As exceptional as you’d expect.