If you’re lucky enough to found yourself in the Taranaki area on your road trip around New Zealand, you’ll be pleased to hear this region also has some mighty fine eateries in their midst. From hearty brunches and perfectly brewed cups of the good stuff, to fine dining evening meals or burgers on a budget, New Plymouth has got something to fill the belly of every hungry traveler.
Elixir Café 117 Devon Street East
Start the day right with a superfood smoothie from the team at Elixir or perhaps a super house porridge if you need a little warming up. Keen on using fair trade, locally sourced, sustainable and free range products, Elixir knows its stuff when it comes to fresh, tasty food that hasn’t cost the earth. Come back later for the braised beef cheek, crispy pork belly or Thai peanut buddha bowl and while you’re there you may as well pair it all with a beverage from their beer and wine list too.
Chaos Café 36 Brougham Street
All about the love of food, good strong coffee and a high energy atmosphere, Chaos Café is undoubtedly a local favourite in New Plymouth. A big old variety of food choices on the menu and in the cabinet mean there’s plenty of choice for vegans, vegetarians and gluten free eaters. Open for breakfast and lunch, OMG doughnuts with strawberry, raspberry and mascarpone are a sweet way to start the day, or go savoury with the mental lentil on homemade bruschetta.
Social Kitchen 40 Powderham Street
Open midday till late, Social Kitchen is the place to go to, you guessed it, get social. Taking over the former Salvation Army Citadel means there’s plenty of history of people gathering between these walls, and now you can gather with the added bonus of eating delicious food together too. Meals here are made to share, and cooked over charcoal, Social Kitchen is a place for meat eaters who know the glory in a slow cooked fillet.
Frederic’s 34 Egmont Street
With the motto ‘good honest food and cold craft beer’ you know early on you’re in safe hands at Frederic’s. Much loved for their hearty burgers, crispy fries and fresh fish tacos, this is the kind of place you want to be visiting after a big old day in the Taranaki outdoors. Open 11:00am – late each night, there’s plenty of time to enjoy a few cold ones, and put your feet up with a pal.
Monica’s Eatery
Cnr King & Queen Streets
Named for local innovator and creator Monica Brewster, Monica’s Eatery is just as progressive and generous. Aiming to maximise a healthy meal for visitors without compromising on flavour, this restaurant and café uses local free range meat and eggs, and up at dawn with the early birds, you can grab a coffee here from 6:00am onwards every day.
Feeling hungry? Grab a Snap Rentals and get to Taranaki ASAP, your meal is waiting! https://www.snaprentals.co.nz/