Saucy's Guide of Where to Eat and Drink on Waiheke

Whether you're visiting for a day trip or staying for a week, Waiheke Island has a remarkable dining scene. From vineyard lunches and beachside pubs to hidden local gems and legendary fish burgers, here's our guide to the best places to eat on Waiheke.

The Island Grocer  (Oneroa) Famed cook Miss Polly's Kitchen is a devoted fan of the sandwiches here - and we have to agree. The Island Grocer is a great spot to grab a delicious bite on the go. If you're staying on the island, you can also stock up on organic vegetables, artisan cheese, meat, and a wonderful selection of specialty food products.

The Courtyard (Oneroa) A hidden gem in Waiheke's dining crown, The Courtyard is very much a local's restaurant - but it's far too good not to share. Chef and owner-operator Brent Mills has serious talent. The style is bistro-meets-kiwi: think prawn and snapper agnolotti, crumbed chicken with caper lemon butter, and aged ribeye with truffle butter and broccolini. Dog friendly.

Oyster Inn  (Oneroa) If you can snag a table outside, this is one of the best spots on the island to look out over Oneroa Bay. The view alone is worth the visit on a beautiful day. Dog friendly.

Fenice (Oneroa) A charming Italian restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A roaring fire in the entrance, a brick lined alley down the side, and cozy seating both inside and outside make Fenice worth a visit. Don't leave without trying the mozzarella garlic pizza bread. Dog friendly.

Little Oneroa Takeaways  (Little Oneroa) The fish burger here is exceptional - and at just $7.50, unbelievably good value. Crispy battered fish, a sesame seed bun, crunchy lettuce,juicy tomato, mayo and tomato sauce. Simple to its core, but absolutely nailed. A great spot to pick up fish and chips before parking up at Little Oneroa. 

Palm Beach Store  (Palm Beach) The made-in-store toasties are unbelievably good - you can thank us later. There's also a great vibe, as well as coffee, smoothies, and delicious pastries. 

Allpress Olive Groves (Omiha/Rocky Bay) The newest addition to the Waiheke dining scene had a lot to live up to - and they certainly have delivered. Extra virgin olive oil on the table is already a win in our book, especially when it's this good. As part of an olive grove, the menu is beautifully olive oil-driven, and the food is genuinely delicious. Rotisserie chicken and venison ossobuco sit alongside crowd-pleasers like margherita and spicy salami pizza. The dining room is lovely, but our favourite spot is the gorgeous outdoor seating area - complete with the biggest outdoor fire we've ever seen. Dog friendly.

The Shed at Te Motu  (Onetangi) Te Motu is one of Waiheke's most established vineyards, now in its third generation under the Dunleavy family. If you're lucky, your wine tasting might even be led by a family member. Dine under a generous weatherproof canopy overlooking the vines, and enjoy a seasonal menu driven by the estate's kitchen garden. An old favourite was the kingfish with kaffir lime and soy cream - here's hoping it reappears. Dog friendly.

The Heke  (Oneroa) A laid-back spot that works for everyone - solos, couples, families, or a big group. The menu is pub-style done well: arguably the best smash burger on Waiheke, excellent pizzas, fried chicken, and plenty more. There's also a bouncy pillow for kids, a golf simulator, and a whisky tasting room for good measure. Dog friendly.

Three Seven Two  (Onetangi) Front row seats looking over Onetangi Beach with a glass of wine in hand is a hard position to beat. If the weather turns, the courtyard out the back is lovely too. Long-standing menu staples include creamed paua on fry bread, buttermilk fried chicken, and whole flounder - but honestly, everything here is excellent. Dog friendly.

Charlie Farley's  (Onetangi Beach) A beachside pub that caters to all, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are nightly specials, live sports, live music, and a crowd-pleasing menu. One of Waiheke's most reliably vibey spots. Dog friendly.

Poderi Crisci  (Awaawaroa) If you love a long lunch, Poderi Crisci is simply unmissable. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and staffed by Italian-born team members, it genuinely evokes the Tuscan countryside. Garden-grown vegetables become mouthwatering antipasti; the lasagne is the stuff of dreams; the sirloin is cooked to perfection. One of Waiheke's most special dining experiences. Dog friendly.

Man O' War  (Man O' War Bay) Waiheke on a beautiful day at its very best. Arrive by boat, park up, and walk across the road to one of the island's most spectacular spots. Lounge on the grass, settle in at a picnic table, dine indoors, or find a spot under the wraparound veranda with a glass of Man O' War wine. Remote, beautiful, and utterly worth the drive (or sail). Dog friendly.

Where to pick up groceries

• The Island Butcher (Oneroa)

• The Island Grocer (Oneroa)

• Four Square (Oneroa)

• Raw (Ostend)

• Gulf Foods (Ostend)

• Four Square (Onetangi)

Our favourite walks on Waiheke

• Onetangi Beach for an easy walk on a beautiful stretch of beach

• Whakanewha Regional Park is great when it’s hot in summer. The beautiful bush provides shade when the sun is beating down

• Orapiu to Pearl Bay. Off the beaten track but providing beautiful views along the way on a cliff side walk.

• From Little Palm Beach there is a track that goes up the hill and gives a gorgeous view to Palm Beach and into the Hauraki Gulf. 

• Owhanake Coastal Track is close to Matiatia where the ferry comes in. Start your day with this and then reward yourself with a glass of wine. 

• Stony Batter. You now need a guide to do this but it’s well worth a visit.