Food at Wharepuke

Eating delicate, sensually-spiced kai in a lush tropical garden is my idea of paradise. Wharepuke is my go-to when I want to impress someone. I took my partner there for his birthday lunch and he was wowed by the lemony, tender snapper only to be topped by the double-decker carrot cake that was oh so decadent. Prices are a wee bit higher than a cheap eat (like $20-something for a main) but it’s well worth it when you’ve got a special occasion to celebrate.

The creative use of flavours continues right through to dessert at Wharepuke - evidenced in the award-winning lime and lemongrass pannacotta, or pear and ginger pudding with salted caramel icecream. And how about a Frangelico coffee to finish? Nom.

Widely regarded among the best café/restaurants in the Far North, try an entrée of warm Hawkes’ Bay lamb salad with peanut dressing, followed by aged Angus eye fillet on potato mash and greens. If you’re making a trip of it you can even stay on-site in one of five cottages, and enjoy the art gallery and gardens too.

Always consistently good food in a tropical garden setting if you’re outside in the summer.