Best Places to Dine on Te Tai Rāwhiti – East Coast

If you’ve been following our journey, you’ll know that Toni and I love our kai (food). Two of our favourite stops on the road are always a good bakery for a pie and a fresh

fish’n’chip shop. And of course, anything seafood. Te Tai Rāwhiti is full of both but there are a few standouts that deserve a special mention.

Dining along the East Coast of Te Tai Rāwhiti is a journey in itself. This coastline is famous for its fresh seafood, from fish and chips wrapped in paper to classic pub meals and café favourites. You’ll find pāua pies, oysters, and the daily catch on many menus, often served just minutes from where they were pulled from the sea. Whether you’re after a quick bite, a hearty feed or a glass of local wine with a view, the Best Places to Dine on Te Tai Rāwhiti – East Coast showcase the region’s flavours in unforgettable ways.

🥧 Café 35 – East Coast Favourite

Café 35 may look like a small-town bakery from the outside, but inside it’s a foodie stop you won’t forget. Known far and wide for its pāua pies, this little café has become a must-visit for travellers driving the East Coast. Alongside its famous pies, you’ll find a cabinet full of homemade baking, hot meals and great coffee, all served with the warmth that makes Tokomaru Bay so memorable. It’s the perfect place to fuel up before walking the beach or exploring the bay.

And you know your pies are good when they’ve been immortalised in song — State Highway 35 (musician Rob Ruha). That kind of recognition says it all: this is more than just a café, it’s an East Coast legend.

✨ Highlights of the Experience

• Famous pauā pies
• Homemade baking and hearty meals
• A true local gem in Tolaga Bay

🐟 The Wharf Café – Gisborne

Right on Gisborne’s harbourfront, The Wharf Café combines stunning views with fresh seafood and bistro-style dining. Locals love it for its relaxed setting, where you can enjoy a plate of fish and chips while watching boats come and go. The café has a menu that leans into the daily catch and seasonal produce, making it a go-to for travellers wanting both quality and atmosphere. It’s especially popular at sunset, when the light turns the harbour golden.

✨ Highlights of the Experience

• Fresh catch of the day meals
• Relaxed harbourfront views
• Perfect for lunch or sunset dining

🍷 Crawford Road Kitchen – Gisborne

Set inside Gisborne’s historic harbour building, Crawford Road Kitchen delivers a stylish yet welcoming dining experience. Known for its focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, the menu changes often but always highlights the best of the East Coast. The restaurant also boasts a strong wine list, showcasing regional varieties that pair beautifully with each dish. Whether you’re dining inside the modern bistro or outside overlooking the river, it’s a spot that blends urban polish with coastal charm.

✨ Highlights of the Experience

• Seasonal menus with local ingredients
• Wide selection of regional wines
• Stylish yet relaxed atmosphere

🍴 Te Puka Tavern – Tokomaru Bay

At the heart of Tokomaru Bay, the Te Puka Tavern is a true East Coast icon. This pub and bistro serve up classic Kiwi meals with generous portions, from fresh fish to hearty roasts. Its beachfront location means you can enjoy your dinner with the sound of waves just metres away. The tavern isn’t just about food — it’s also a gathering place for locals, giving visitors a real taste of the community spirit that makes this region so welcoming.

✨ Highlights of the Experience

• Classic Kiwi pub meals
• Beachfront dining with sea views
• A favourite of locals and travellers

🎣 The Fish Shop – Tokomaru Bay Classic

No East Coast road trip is complete without a stop for fish and chips and The Fish Shop in Tokomaru Bay is a local favourite. Sitting just off State Highway 35, it serves up the classics — crispy battered fish, golden chips, juicy burgers and ice cream cones perfect for a sunny day. The portions are generous, the batter is light and the prices are fair, making it a must-stop for travellers hungry after exploring the beach or nearby wharf.

There’s nothing fancy here — just good, honest Kiwi kai served with a smile. Grab your order, find a spot on the beach and enjoy fish and chips the way they’re meant to be: by the sea, with sand between your toes.

✨ Highlights of the Experience

• Classic fish and chips done well
• Light batter and generous portions
• Perfect for beach picnics in Tokomaru Bay

✨ Closing Thought

Dining along the East Coast of Te Tai Rāwhiti is all about freshness, flavour and connection. Whether it’s a pauā pie in Tolaga Bay, seafood on the harbour in Gisborne, or a hearty meal high above Hicks Bay, every stop adds to the journey. These are the Best Places to Dine on Te Tai Rāwhiti – East Coast, where the food is matched only by the views and the warm East Coast welcome.