Come Hungry: Dining Out in Palmerston North

At Amayjen Restaurant, the food is refined but not fussy: crisp starters, spot-on seafood, beautifully cooked beef and lamb, clean sauces and sharp plating. Come for breakfast, lunch or dinner; bigger groups can lock in a three-course set that still feels personal. The wine list is carefully curated too, with plenty from here in Aotearoa as well as favourites from further afield. The perfect place for a special occasion or anniversary.

HARU is a calm central-city spot for beautifully made Japanese food. The menu skims from crisp tempura and karaage to sashimi, nigiri and comforting bowls, with generous platters that make choosing easy if you’re sharing. Vegetarian and vegan options are properly considered, not an afterthought. Order warm green or yuzu tea, add a couple of small plates, then work your way to signatures, teriyaki, agedashi tofu, takoyaki or the crowd-pleasing mixed platter when you feel like trying a bit of everything.

Libre brings regional Mexican flavours to the table with real care: house-made salsas, slow-cooked birria, flame-kissed meats and tacos that hit the spot, plus a bar that takes tequila and mezcal seriously (and trust us, they know their way around a margarita). It’s lively, colourful and built for sharing: perfect for group dinners, date nights and anything in between. Come hungry and let the team steer you towards something new alongside the classics.

South African braai spirit meets top-notch NZ produce at flame-grilled favourite Little Savanna. Generous in all the right ways: big flavours, hearty plates. Don’t miss the mouthwatering seafood and steaks, but if vegetarian or gluten-free is more your speed, everyone is catered to. Nab a spot in the buzzing dining room, the bar, and when the weather’s nice, out in the courtyard.

Set in a 1918 villa with leafy grounds, Nero is Palmy hospitality with polish. Owners Scott and Yvette Kennedy run a tight ship: the kitchen cooks with what’s best that day, sourced from trusted growers and markets, with signatures like Coastal Spring Lamb and Taupō Angus Beef. Think well-handled steak and seafood, as well as crowd-pleasing sides and desserts that don’t overcomplicate things. For business dinners, birthdays or a proper date night, this one’s an easy yes.

A lively corner spot, The Fat Farmer is known for shareable plates and a fun, European-leaning vibe. Known for their modern takes on old favourites, an eclectic wine list, NZ craft beers and classic cocktails done well. The layout swings from open-plan buzz to intimate nooks, so you can bring a group of friends or keep it cosy.

Part brewery, part restaurant, local haunt Brew Union Brewing Co. pours its own beers alongside rotating guest taps and pairs them with woodfired pizzas, crowd-pleasing mains and snacks designed for sharing. Reminiscent of Pacific Northwest brewpubs: warm, communal and unpretentious, with sustainability woven into the operation. Always a good choice for a casual dinner or a post-work pint.

Chef Mark Harman brings broad international chops to Global Kitchen's menu that’s big on bold flavour and feel-good eating. Expect globally inspired dishes built on seasonal, nourishing ingredients, presented with polish. The kitchen’s as happy cooking for varied diets as it is turning out something rich and celebratory, which makes it a smart choice for mixed groups, and anyone who likes to be surprised by a menu.

A beloved local for Vietnamese done the honest way. Pho Nem - Hanoi Home Cooking's rich, fragrant broths, generous steaming noodle soups, fresh rolls and crunchy sides have kept locals coming back for years. Friendly and simple, the service is warm, and there’s always a steady hum of regulars. If you’re after a fresh, soul-warming bowl, a proper hit of herbs, or a Vietnamese coffee to finish, this is the spot locals recommend first.